We anticipate a litter of Bullmastiff Puppies :
January 2009
 

Bullmastiff females become sexually an adult between 8 months to 14 months. This is called a heat or "in season".  Although, in my opinion this is to young to breed the female. Some breeders will. The female will be in heat for 3 weeks to 6 weeks, being different for every female. Female Bullmastiffs are not structurally mature to have a litter till around 2 at least (in my opinion), this is because we have discovered that a puppy is STILL a puppy till 2 years old. A litter of puppies is carried 59-63 days. Some females require a cesarean to deliver. This is when a good vet on call comes into play. Every breeder prays for a free whelp. The average size of a litter is 8. They have been known to have up to 15.

Colostrum is the first thing a puppy will get. Colostrum also known as first milk or immune milk. It contains anti-bodies for the immune system. It is also high in protein, carbohydrates. Good for bones immunities and digestive systems. Colostrum can last for a couple of days, then the milk comes down. Milk will be main diet for 6 weeks. Eyes open 10-14 days.

Bullmastiff puppies are the cutest little bundles there ever was. These irresistible bundles are covered in wrinkles, and the sweetest little kissable faces. Bullmastiff puppies colors are fawn, red, brindle. Brindle was the original color for night work. Puppies can be 1 lb at birth. Bullmastiffs can have large litters which may be a litter hard for mom so some may be hand fed. Puppies need to be kept very warm as they don't hold body heat until they start moving around. Mom takes care of them cleaning and feeding for 3-4 weeks. By this time they should be walking, wobbling. A soft mush food is then introduced and slowly changed to kibbles. Some will catch on right away others will follow soon after. Weaning happens between 4-6 weeks when the Mom only feeds periodically 6-8 weeks. Puppies should be eating and drinking on there own by 6 weeks. Then the fun begins.

The day has finally arrived when you can bring home that cute bundle of eight-ten week old BallyRock puppy.  A nice square head, broad muzzle and under jaw, good stop, dark mask, slight wrinkle, well arched feet, tail reaching to the hocks, a good bite, bluish/grey eyes and those lovely correct ears, are all the qualities of a good Bullmastiff puppy.

Puppies have grey/blue eyes till 8-10 weeks. Then they change in to dark brown or hazel. Bullmastiffs gain about 10 pounds a month.  Take a lot of pictures. You will only get one chance. Red and fawn will have darker markings down there back, tail and on the chest. This will fade as the puppy gets older.

Suddenly things begin to change. 10-12 weeks old teething begins. Those ears that were sitting beautiful are now flying or folding back. This happens because of the teething pain. You will need to tape the ears to get the correct head appearance. The cartilage will set flyaway ears if you don't tape them. Some ears will take longer than others.

In the mean time your puppy is getting longer legs, head is looking a little thinner than it was. No you don't have a ugly dog. You have a growing Bullmastiff. They change and change a lot. The growth period can last for months, even a couple of years. Never try to hurry the growing process by feeding more or supplementing. This can cause irreversible damage to your pups bones. Your pup will be a beautiful well balanced dog in his/her own time.  Puppy food should never be given after 4 months. Large breed puppy food is not recommended by BallyRock either. These foods have a lot of fat, and to much calcium. It will make your puppy grow to fast. We feed Canidae all life stages with some plain yogurt or cooked chicken. A little canned Canidae is a special treat too. Your puppy should be fed ideally 3-4 times daily until 4 months. Adult dogs should be fed twice daily. Never allow your puppy/dog to become over weight at all costs keep them lean .

Toys can be dangerous. If it small enough to swallow, its a given that it will be. Stuffed animals will be robbed of the stuffing. Real bones will be crushed and splintered. Anything lying around will be picked up, carried around and swallowed. All these fun things can cost a lot of money at the Vets. I give Kong toys,  X-large NylaBones, and really big balls. Puppies should be supervised at all times. If you cant watch him, put him in his crate. He will be safe there. Bullmastiffs are very trainable. They catch on fast to what ever you teach them.

Bullmastiff puppies grow into a fantastic part of the family. They are loyal guardians that watch over you even while you sleep. All they ask for is good food, a warm place to sleep. Regular vet check-ups to keep them healthy. Hugs and kisses. Lots of Love!!!