Bullmastiff Dog Breed Information

General Information:

Height: 24-27 in
Weight: 100-130 lbs
Life Span: 8-10 yrs
Coloring: Brindle, fawn, red, frequently with black markings
Area of Origin: United Kingdom
Similar Breeds: English Bulldog, French Mastiff, English Mastiff

History and Origin:

A cross between the Old English Bulldog and the English Mastiff, the Bullmastiff was first used to guard the large country estates of gamekeepers and nobility against poachers. Existing breeds were used for this task, but were found to be unsuitable; while the English Mastiff was slow and largely indifferent to intruders, the Old English Bulldog was overly vicious, and would tear into its prey. A balance of these qualities was needed, one that was accomplished in the Bullmastiff. The early Bullmastiff was typically dark in coloring as camouflage during nighttime patrols, but as its guarding abilities were needed less and less, a lighter, fawn tone was bred into the breed, and is a favorite coat color today.

Personality and Temperament:

Tenacious yet devoted, the Bullmastiff is a calm and lovable family dog. It can be fearless and extremely protective of its loved ones, and is fantastic with children. As a breed that can be stubborn at times, the Bullmastiff needs a firm and confident owner to ensure it knows its status in the family. It can be very strong-willed if not raised properly, and, while it typically accepts those its owner is friendly to, it can become aggressive toward strangers and other dogs. The Bullmastiff requires strong socialization in order for it to develop into a well-adjusted, cherished companion.

Exercise & Training:

Although it is historically a working dog, the Bullmastiff does not require intense exercise. A daily walk will suffice, along with some playtime. It is important to ensure the dog is being obedient when exercised, as its strength can easily overpower the average person. While intelligent, it is an independent breed, and requires strong, consistent, but fair training. The Bullmastiff responds well to authoritative commands, but it can be sensitive and will not tolerate harshness. It can be a challenging breed for the first time or nervous owner, as it requires strong leadership and a commitment to proper training and socializing. Despite its size, its low energy makes it appropriate for an apartment, given proper exercise.

Grooming:

As a short-haired breed, the Bullmastiff is easy to keep; it needs occasional grooming, and bathing only when necessary. It tends to shed less than the average Mastiff, however it is an avid drooler, and can be quite messy with its food and water.

Similar Breeds:

A mix between the Old English Bulldog and the English Mastiff, a Bullmastiff possesses the best qualities of both breeds. Through both ancestries, it is related to Pitbull-types and other Mastiff breeds, such as the Dogue de Bordeaux (from France), and the Tibetan Mastiff – the dog thought to be ancestor to all Mastiff and “Bully” breeds.

Interesting Facts about the Bullmastiff:

1. A breeder in the early twentieth century would bet others that they could not escape from his muzzled Bullmastiff, “Thorneywood Terror”, even if given a ten minute head start. The dog never failed to catch its target, and demonstrated the breed’s tackling power without ever using its mouth.

2. Called the “Gamekeepers’ Night Dog” because of its exceptional tracking skills at night.

3. An intuitive breed, the Bullmastiff depends greatly on its owner’s body language to determine how to treat a stranger.