Description: Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a large, powerful, and protective breed originally developed in England as a guard dog to protect estates from poachers. Known for their loyal, gentle nature with family members, Bullmastiffs are particularly affectionate with children and usually very calm indoors. They have an imposing appearance, with strong, muscular bodies and short, easy-to-care-for coats. Despite their size, Bullmastiffs are not overly energetic and require only moderate daily exercise, making them suitable for families or owners with less active lifestyles. They are robust watchdogs, naturally suspicious of strangers but rarely aggressive without cause. Early training and socialization are important due to their size and strength, but their intelligence and eagerness to please typically make them responsive to positive, consistent instruction. They shed little, don’t bark excessively, and are relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming.
Bullmastiff ratings
Properties
The Bullmastiff is a large, powerful, and loyal dog breed that was originally developed in England during the 19th century. This breed was created by crossing the Old English Bulldog with the English Mastiff, aiming to combine the aggressiveness and bravery of the bulldog with the size, strength, and guardian instincts of the mastiff. Bullmastiffs were primarily used by gamekeepers to guard estates and catch poachers without mauling them, which shaped their unique temperament and skills.
The Bullmastiff is a muscular and solidly built dog, with males typically standing between 25 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 110 to 130 pounds, while females tend to be slightly smaller. Their short, dense coat is easy to groom and usually comes in fawn, red, or brindle patterns, often with a black mask on the face.
This breed is renowned for its loyal and protective nature. Bullmastiffs are calm and confident, affectionate with their families, and good with children. However, they are natural guardians, always alert and ready to protect their home, but not overly aggressive. They tend to be reserved around strangers, making them excellent watchdogs. Because of their size and strength, early socialization and consistent, positive training are essential.
Bullmastiffs are moderately active, requiring regular walks and playtime, but they are not as high-energy as some other breeds. They do well in both houses with yards and larger apartments if they receive sufficient exercise. It's important to monitor their exercise, especially when young, to avoid joint problems.
Due to their protective nature and intelligence, Bullmastiffs respond well to training but can sometimes be stubborn. Positive reinforcement, patience, and consistency yield the best results. This breed generally gets along with other pets if raised together but may show dominance toward unfamiliar dogs.
Bullmastiffs require relatively little grooming, but owners should clean their facial wrinkles and check their ears to prevent infections. They have a lifespan of 7 to 10 years and may be prone to health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and certain digestive problems.
Overall, the Bullmastiff is a noble, loving, and protective companion, best suited to experienced dog owners who can provide proper training, socialization, and care.
Appearance
The Bullmastiff is a large and powerful breed, known for its impressive physical presence and strong, yet symmetrical build. This breed was originally developed by crossing the English Mastiff with the Old English Bulldog, resulting in a dog that displays the strength, size, and muscular characteristics of both parent breeds. One of the most distinctive features of the Bullmastiff is its broad, wrinkled head, which is set on a short, slightly arched neck. The face typically has a pronounced stop between the forehead and the muzzle, giving it a squared-off appearance. The muzzle itself is broad and deep, with a slight flews (pendulous upper lips), and the nose is large and black, ensuring an impressive sense of smell.
The Bullmastiff’s eyes are dark and medium-sized, set wide apart, projecting an expression of intelligence and alertness. The ears are V-shaped, set high and wide, and typically fall flat against the cheeks, giving a noble, attentive look. The jaw is strong and level, which further enhances the breed's imposing appearance.
When it comes to body structure, the Bullmastiff possesses a deep chest, broad shoulders, and a straight, level back that reveals its power. The legs are straight, well-boned, and muscular, supporting the breed’s significant weight without appearing clumsy. The tail is set high and carried low, thick at the base and tapering to a point, usually reaching to the hock. The coat of the Bullmastiff is short, dense, and weather-resistant, lying flat against the body. The most common coat colors are fawn, red, and brindle, often with a black mask and occasionally some slight white markings on the chest.
This breed stands between 24 and 27 inches (61-69 cm) at the shoulder, with males typically on the higher end of the scale. Adult males generally weigh between 110 and 130 pounds (50-59 kg), while females are slightly smaller. Despite their size and power, Bullmastiffs move with a smooth, effortless gait, demonstrating agility as well as strength, which is essential in a breed originally developed for guarding estates. Their overall appearance exudes confidence, alertness, and a certain noble dignity, making them both intimidating guard dogs and loyal family companions.
History
The Bullmastiff is a relatively modern breed whose origins date back to the mid-to-late 19th century in England. Developed primarily by English gamekeepers, the Bullmastiff was created to address the persistent problem of poaching on large estates. The core aim was to produce a large, strong, and courageous dog that was capable of silently tracking and restraining poachers without mauling them.
The Bullmastiff is the result of a purposeful cross between the Old English Bulldog and the English Mastiff, with an approximate ratio of 60 percent Mastiff to 40 percent Bulldog. This mix capitalized on the best qualities of both breeds: the size, strength, and intimidating presence of the Mastiff, and the courage, tenacity, and speed of the Bulldog. The end result was a dog that was not only robust and powerful enough to take down humans but also disciplined enough to do so without causing serious harm on command.
Early Bullmastiffs were often referred to as the "Gamekeeper's Night Dog." Their coat was typically brindle, which provided effective camouflage at night. Gamekeepers valued the breed not just for its size and ability, but for its intelligence and loyal temperament, ensuring the Bullmastiff would take commands and work closely with its handler.
By the 1920s, the Bullmastiff was recognized as a distinct breed in England. The Kennel Club (UK) gave official recognition in 1924, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) followed suit in 1934. Over the years, the breed has been refined for both working and companion roles, leading to the slightly more docile and sociable Bullmastiff seen today. Despite these changes, the breed has maintained its impressive guarding instincts and protective nature.
Historically, Bullmastiffs have played roles outside estates, including work as police dogs and even in military service due to their strength, intelligence, and trainability. Today, the Bullmastiff enjoys popularity as both a loyal family companion and an effective guardian, with a legacy that reflects its unique origins and capabilities.