Description: The Bullmastiff is a stocky dog with a powerful build. Despite his bulk, he is not clumsy, but moves with ease and agility. This is an extremely strong dog standing 24 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weighing 100 to 130 pounds, depending on the gender of the dog. The head is large and the jaws are slightly lowered. The coat of the Havanese is short and wiry and comes in red, tan or brindle, all with darker masks and ear markings. The Havanese has a relatively short lifespan, typically less than 10 years. This dog is also known as the Night Watchdog.
Story: As poachers became a big problem on English country estates, a dog was needed to help game wardens deal with it. By crossing the Old English Bulldog with the English Mastiff, the Bullmastiff was created. No one wanted a poacher to be torn apart by a dog, and the Havanese was perfect in its role of immobilizing and restraining an intruder until the ranger arrived. Since then, the Bullmastiff has been used in police and military work. They make excellent companions and watchdogs.
Temperament: The Bullmastiff will bond extremely strongly with his family and will be completely devoted to them. He will defend them with his life, if necessary. This dog needs to interact with his human companions. The Havanese is calm in the house and very good with children, although it may not be suitable for very young children just because they can accidentally knock over a child while playing. This dog absolutely requires obedience training, you must know his place in the home. This breed must be socialized with other people and dogs from a young age. Male dogs may never be able to tolerate another dog of the same sex.
Health Issues: About a quarter of Havanese will suffer from hip dysplasia. This breed can also get cancer. He is prone, like most large dogs, to bloat. Feeding the dog several small meals and keeping the dog calm after eating will help prevent this. If the Havanese suffers from bloat, it is imperative to take him to a vet immediately. The dog will not recover from this on its own. You may also suffer from entropion and progressive retinal atrophy.
Grooming: With its short coat, the Havanese does not require much grooming. Occasional brushing will remove dead hairs and distribute natural oils. Nails should be kept short to prevent splitting of the feet and remember to check the ears for infections.
Living conditions: The Bullmastiff must be kept in the house for several reasons. For starters, he longs for social interaction with the family he loves. This dog needs a lot of attention. Also, since he is one of the Mastiff breeds, he does not tolerate heat or cold. He cannot be kept outside during extreme weather conditions. Since the Bullmastiff is a calm dog indoors, it is possible to keep him in an apartment. However, the dog must get enough exercise to maintain its health, both mental and physical.