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The Bullmastiff German Shepherd mix is a big and energetic dog that is always eager to please its owner. For this reason, they are very attractive among fur parents who are keen to have a large, gentle dog.
Like other crossbreeds, Bullmastiff German Shepherd dogs vary in color and appearance as they can take on the physical features of either or both of their parents.
If your personality matches the qualities of a Bullmastiff German Shepherd mix, keep reading as we tell you everything you need to know about their appearance, size, behavior, and health!
What Is a Bullmastiff German Shepherd Mix?
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The Bullmastiff German Shepherd mix is a cross between two popular canines — the protective and loyal Bullmastiff and the intelligent and active German Shepherd. This hybrid dog is great for most pet owners, even families with young children. This dog is affectionate as much as they are protective.
Both of its parents are large breeds, so it’s no surprise that the Bullmastiff German Shepherd mix is just as big. Although, its appearance varies and has physical features from either of the parents.
This mix, sometimes also called the German Bullmastiff, is a designer hybrid that is very rare among dog owners. This could be the reason why they are not yet recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC).
Bullmastiff German Shepherd Mix Origin and History
It is uncertain when the Bullmastiff German Shepherd mix was first produced. Nevertheless, you can take a look at the history of its parents to know more about this mix.
The first German Shepherd is named Horand von Grafrath. It was developed by a German cavalry officer, Von Stephanitz, for military use in 1899. To this day, the German Shepherd is popular for being a police dog.
Aside from being a service and war dog, Horand also served extensively as a stud, and it is believed that his genes are present in every German Shepherd today.
On the other hand, developed in 1860, the Bullmastiff is a cross between the English Bulldog and the English Mastiff.
They were bred to serve as estate guard dogs and proved to be fast and ferocious in tracking thieves.
Due to their parent breeds’ origins, the Bullmastiff German Shepherd mix proves to have a dependable nature and protective instincts.
Bullmastiff German Shepherd Mix Appearance
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The Bullmastiff German Shepherd has an unpredictable appearance. Its physical features may either strongly resemble one of its parents or a good mix of both.
In terms of body type, they either have a muscular and large body like their Bullmastiff parent or a slender, lean, and athletic body like the German Shepherd.
In terms of their face, they can have large heads and differently-sized muzzles. These can be short, long, or average and are typically black. For this breed, their eyes are commonly brown.
The texture and color of their coat also vary. If they inherit the smooth and short Bullmastiff coat, they will likely have fawn or red fur that is either brindle or solid-colored.
If they inherit the German Shepherd’s coat, they will have a double coat that can be in sable, black, tan, brown, or gray color.
Bullmastiff German Shepherd Mix Size and Weight
Based on the size and weight of their Basset Hound and GSD parents, an adult Bullmastiff Shepherd mix stands around 23 to 27 inches tall and weighs 80 to 120 pounds.
Still, their final size can still vary due to their genetics, especially if they have a giant or dwarf GSD parent.
They reach their full-grown size when they are around 18 to 20 months, similar to their parents.
However, overweight and obese German Bullmastiffs may reach up to 200 pounds, so it’s crucial to control their food intake.
Bullmastiff German Shepherd Mix Temperament and Personality
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While each dog is unique, practically all Bullmastiff German Shepherd crossbreeds share a few personality features. In general, the German Bullmastiff is a stubborn gentle giant.
Despite coming from a powerful; lineage, German Bullmastiffs are calm and well-behaved due to the laid-back personality of the Mastiff and the loyalty of the German Shepherd parent.
Families with children will have no problem having this dog around. They won’t display aggressive behavior unless provoked.
As early as possible, German Bullmastiff owners are encouraged to socialize their pets. This is to ensure that the kind and gentle side of their personality becomes dominant.
Bullmastiff German Shepherd Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
Hybrids are generally healthier than purebreds, but their exact lifespan can be quite difficult to determine. Based on the average lifespan of its parents, the lifespan of the Bullmastiff Shepherd ranges between 8 and 13 years.
Although, like other large dogs, the Bullmastiff German Shepherd mix also experiences some health issues, such as the ones below:
Osteochondrosis: This condition causes the development of immature cartilage among German Bullmastiffs when they grow very quickly, causing pain and inflammation. Osteochondrosis can be treated through surgery.
Bloat: Bloat occurs when dogs like the Bullmastiff German Shepherd mix eat too fast, causing stomach enlargement. This condition may progress into a more concerning problem called gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV).
Obesity: In the United States, 56% of dogs are either overweight or obese. This becomes problematic for large breeds like Bullmastiff German Shepherd mixes that are predisposed to joint problems.
Thankfully, there are ways to avoid these issues. Proper feeding habits, a healthy diet, and regular exercise are the easiest way to maintain a healthy German Bullmastiff.
How to Take Care of Your German Shepherd Bullmastiff Mix
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Having a unique dog breed entails meeting its equally unique needs. A proper diet, adequate physical activity, and a grooming routine are key to keeping your dog happy and healthy.
Here we highlighted the most important tips for taking care of your Bullmastiff Shepherd mix.
Food and Diet
In general, large breed Bullmastiff cross German Shepherd dogs must be fed a low-fat and high-protein diet. Their food must also be high in energy since they are energetic but just enough to avoid unnecessary weight gain.
In terms of their daily food quantity requirement, a puppy between 2 and 3 months may need 1 to 1.5 cups of food, while for adults, it could be 3 to 4 cups of food a day, similar to its German Shepherd parent.
Choosing the best dog food from the vast selection of options on store shelves can be challenging.
To ensure that your dog is eating high-quality food, look for products marked with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) seal of approval.
Cleaning and Grooming
In terms of grooming, their needs vary depending on their coat and daily activities. So, the best hygiene routine for your German Bullmastiff is the one that is specific to its needs.
For short and medium-coated Bullmastiff Shepherds, brushing every 3 to 7 days avoids matting and reduces shedding, which is typical for Shepherd hybrids. A monthly bath is also sufficient to keep them clean.
For long-coated Bullmastiff Shepherds, they need daily brushing. Perhaps, you also need to visit the dog salon at least thrice a year to remove their undercoat, depending on how fast it grows.
Other dog care routines, such as nail trimming and ear cleaning, should not exceed once every two months, while their teeth need to be brushed three times a week.
Training and Exercise
It’s always a good idea to train your German Bullmastiff puppy while they are clever and still responsive to your commands. Once they grow older, they can be really stubborn.
While training, expose your dog to sensations like noise, smell, and touch. Also, introduce them to other animals and young children. This trains the territorial German Bullmastiff to be gentle and not see them as threats.
For large German Shepherd mixes, a 60-minute exercise is needed daily to reduce their pent-up energy.
Some activities you can enjoy together include running, walking, or playing fetch at the dog park. When they get older and start suffering from joint pain, exercise is actually a great way to prevent some discomfort.
How Much Does a German Shepherd Bullmastiff Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
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If you want a German Shepherd Bullmastiff mix for yourself, puppies cost between $350 and $1,100. Aside from this, you also need to prepare for the initial expenses of owning a large-breed puppy.
On top of the price of the puppy itself, you also need to consider other expenses. These include food, treats, beds, toys, and vet fees.
Here are the initial expenses associated with owning a German Shepherd Bullmastiff mix below:
The biggest expenses of owning a dog are medical-related such as neutering or spaying. Frequent visits with the vet, especially during check-ups when your dog has a health condition, can incur a hefty sum.
For any fur parent of a large dog, it is wise to prepare financially to meet their needs. Getting pet insurance is helpful in ensuring that your pet receives the best medical care.
Places to Find Bullmastiff German Shepherd Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
The German Shepherd Bullmastiff mix is a relatively new dog, so it could be difficult to find them in the market. Fortunately, we have listed some of the best places to find them.
Check out these sources if you are looking to buy a German Shepherd Bullmastiff mix:
Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies is an online advertising website where you can easily search for your desired breed. They feature hundreds of pets, and it’s not impossible to find a German Bullmastiff on their user-friendly platform.
Lancaster Puppies – This platform is a leading pet advertising site in the United States, hosting thousands of puppies for sale. You can visit Lancaster Puppies’ website to find a reputable German Shepherd Bullmastiff mix breeder near you.
Keystone Puppies – This is another dog advertising website that may have German Shepherd Bullmastiff mixes for sale. They provide health guarantees and health checks, so you’re sure to get a healthy pup from a reputable breeder.
Our list of reputable German Shepherd and Bullmastiff breeders can also offer this mixed breed.
While you’re on it, check out this puppy-buying guide to learn the ins and outs of buying puppies online. Aside from buying puppies, you can always look for dogs from rescues or adoption sites.
Here are some of the best rescues and places where you can find Bullmastiff German Shepherd mix for adoption:
Petango – Petango is a pet search site partnered with more than 1,800 animal welfare groups across North America, making it a reliable site where you can find your own German Bullmastiff.
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) – ASPCA is based in New York and is one of the largest humane societies in the world. Check their database for adoptable dogs in the United States to find yourself a German Bullmastiff.
Adopt-a-Pet – This online pet database has thousands of adoptable dogs of various breeds across the United States. You might be able to find a German Bullmastiff needing a new home on this pet adoption site.
We also have a list of the best German Shepherd rescues where you can check for German Shepherd Bullmastiff mixes. Meanwhile, our adoption guide will answer any questions you have about adopting a dog.
Pros and Cons of Owning a German Shepherd Bullmastiff Mix
To further help you in deciding if this dog is a great match for you, this section contains a summary of the pros and cons of owning a German Shepherd Bullmastiff mix.
That said, here are the benefits of having a German Bullmastiff:
Great for any pet owner: The only intimidating quality of this hybrid is its size. These gentle giants are loving creatures and provide warmth and comfort to any family, even those with children.
Intelligent and dependable: This breed comes from a family of hard-working and fighting dogs. Despite being stubborn now and then, their skills remain unmatched as they are highly trainable.
Rare hybrid: Having a unique and rare hybrid can be quite interesting. It can be advantageous to pet owners so they don’t miss their pet in a crowd of dogs playing at the park.
These qualities are some of the reasons why the German Bullmastiff makes great companions. As with any other breed, they also have characteristics that are incompatible with some dog owners.
Here are some of the cons of having a German Bullmastiff:
Requires an active lifestyle: Since large canines can quickly gain weight and are prone to joint problems, they need regular exercise to maintain a healthy body. If you are a busy parent, your Bullmastiff Shepherd will miss a lot of fun times walking and running in the park.
Not hypoallergenic: Although they shed moderate amounts of fur, they are still not hypoallergenic. Therefore, a German Shepherd Bullmastiff is not recommended for people with pet allergies.
Not recognized by the AKC or ACHC: Having a dog that is registered in the AKC or ACHC lets you know the accurate ancestry of your dog. Since they are not recognized by any major clubs, you won’t have official documents to know the pedigree of your German Shepherd Bullmastiff mix.
As you can see, the disadvantages of owning a Bullmastiff Shepherd mix are not rooted in their personalities. This is because nothing bad can be said about their warm characters.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are Bullmastiff German Shepherd Mixes Good Dogs?
While it is common to assume that giant dogs such as the Bullmastiff German Shepherd are aggressive, they are actually very good dogs.
Although this large hybrid can instantly become hostile towards anything it regards as a threat, they are affectionate and gentle when socialized early on. When cared for properly, they are very loving and loyal.
You can rely on them to look after and protect your children from danger. The very rare chance of a highly ferocious Bullmastiff Shepherd mix only happens when they are exposed to abusive families.
Do Bullmastiff German Shepherd Mixes Shed?
The Bullmastiff German Shepherd sheds moderate amounts of hair. In fact, its parents, the German Shepherd and the Bullmastiff, shed year-round.
Similarly, this hybrid will shed all year round, but you should expect them to shed more during spring and fall.
Are Bullmastiff German Shepherd Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Since this breed is a shedder, they are not hypoallergenic. Their fibrous hairs can be irritating and cause sneezing in people with allergies.
If you have allergies, one way to manage your dog’s shedding is by brushing them regularly. To avoid irritation, it helps to brush them in a well-ventilated area like the outdoors while wearing a face mask.
Are Bullmastiff German Shepherd Mixes Aggressive?
No, the Bullmastiff German Shepherds are not aggressive. In fact, they are very loving of their human parents and family.
Their natural instinct of being territorial and hostile to other dogs or animals can be corrected through socialization training.
Final Thoughts: Is a German Shepherd Bullmastiff Mix the Right Dog for You?
Overall, the Bullmastiff German Shepherd mix is a big dog with an enormous personality. They would make excellent dogs for most families, especially those with an active lifestyle.
However, since the Bullmastiff German Shepherd mix can be a little stubborn sometimes, it needs a firm and patient trainer. You must invest enough time to train and socialize this pooch should you decide to get one.
Their bold appearance may be intimidating to some, but this is not indicative of their character. The German Shepherd Bullmastiff mix is calm, loyal, and a well-mannered dog when treated properly.
Will you be bringing home this mixed-breed dog soon? Share your thoughts about the German Shepherd Bullmastiff mix in the comments below!
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