“The Gameskeeper’s Night Dog” is the moniker the Bullmastiff has enjoyed since his beginnings in England when he was created to be the ultimate man-stopping guard dog. Devised from Britain’s two most impressive and accomplished canines—the Bulldog and the Mastiff—the Bullmastiff, weighing in over 100 pounds, is a first-class option for families seeking companionship, protection, and a giant dose of silly bully fun! The Bullmastiff is an engaging, people-oriented working breed that is as gentle and reliable as it is courageous and powerful. Author Juliette Cunliffe discusses the breed’s origins in Britain and how the breed came to world fame as well as its many unique characteristics prized today by fanciers around the world.
New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are illustrated with photographs of handsome adults and puppies. In all, there are over 135 full-color photographs in this useful and reliable volume. The author’s advice on obedience training will help the reader better mold and train into the most well-mannered dog in the neighborhood. The extensive and lavishly illustrated chapter on healthcare provides up-to-date detailed information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, preventing and dealing with parasites, infectious diseases, and more. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as historical dogs, breeders, or kennels, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.