Hi, First I'd say good for you for taking into consideration all of the people and animals who are (or will possibly be) a permanent part of your family/life. You mention that this is your girlfriend but it sounds more like 'partner/wife' or you would not be as serious about the need to integrate the dog with her dogs and son.

OK, so that said, if you start with a puppy or young dog you will have much more control over the outcome of the bond between them all. If you have an older dog - you'll want to do what you have already stated and be sure that your dog has the correct temperament to be with kids and other (smaller) dogs.

Is your girlfriend open to the idea of the larger breed? Are her dogs well socialized and able to 'make friends' with new dogs. Is her son polite with his dogs? If all these are yes then I'd suggest that you can proceed. If you are sure that you will be the responsible dog owner that you describe in your question by attending obedience classes (bullmastiff or any other breed for that matter) then go for it.

(My 2c)
Source(s):
I am a dog owner, and have rescued/adopted both pure bred and mixed breed dogs, most recently rescued a retired racing greyhound.


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