I’ve fed entire litters and groups of adult Bullmastiffs for decades, and one thing I’ve learned the hard way is that mealtime can either be calm and efficient or the spark that ignites resource guarding and fights. In this post I’ll share the mealtime setups, timing strategies and safe...
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Training
I once had a visitor freeze in my doorway while my Bullmastiff, Hektor, let out...
Health
I’ve spent decades living with and caring for Bullmastiffs, and one hard...
Health
I’ve treated and rehabilitated a fair number of Bullmastiffs with cruciate...
Health
Hot days make me extra mindful of my Bullmastiffs — their size, thick heads...
I’ve treated and rehabilitated a fair number of Bullmastiffs with cruciate ligament injuries over the years, both dogs I’ve bred and those I’ve taken in through rescue. It’s one of those injuries that can be confusing and frightening for...
Hot days make me extra mindful of my Bullmastiffs — their size, thick heads and short muzzles mean they can overheat faster than many people expect. Over the years at Shadowguard, I’ve tested and adapted a range of cooling strategies that work...
I check my dogs' mouths almost every day. Not because they enjoy it, but because with Bullmastiffs — powerful, stoic, and prone to specific dental issues — early detection makes all the difference. Over the years I’ve learned how small changes...
Bringing a newborn into a home with a Bullmastiff is one of those life events that fills you with awe and a fair bit of nervous energy. Over the years I’ve guided many families through this transition, and every time I’m reminded that...
I’ve spent decades watching Bullmastiffs move through life — from bounding, goofy youngsters to the dignified, sometimes creaky seniors who’ve taught me the most about joint care. Picking the right joint supplement isn’t just about buying...
I often meet owners who are worried because their Bullmastiff has crept past a healthy weight. I’ve been there myself—one of my own dogs came back from a rehoming with a noticeable “softness” around the ribs and hips. Over the years I’ve...
When you're looking for a Bullmastiff puppy, finding a responsible breeder is the single most important step you can take to protect the health and temperament of the dog you bring into your home. Over decades of breeding, training and rescue work...
I still remember the day ShadowGuard — a pale-fawn Bullmastiff with tired eyes and a body that had clearly known neglect — arrived at my door. He wasn’t the first dog I’d taken in for rehabilitation, but his condition and his guarded...
As a breeder and lifelong caretaker of Bullmastiffs, I’ve seen hips that move like well-oiled gates and hips that complain at the slightest provocation. Hip issues are common in our breed, and while genetics and veterinary care are central, a...
As someone who has raised and rehabilitated many Bullmastiffs, I know firsthand how much some of them dread baths and nail trims. These are large, powerful dogs with sensitive skin and often a history of negative experiences that make grooming a...