
The Bullmastiff is a majestic breed with a rich history. They originated in England in the 19th century as a cross between a Bulldog and a Mastiff.
These gentle giants were bred to guard estates and game reserves, and their unique characteristics made them perfect for this task. Their short coats require minimal grooming.
Bullmastiffs are known for their loyalty and protective nature, which makes them excellent companions for families. They are also relatively slow-maturing, taking up to three years to reach full physical maturity.
Bullmastiff Characteristics
Bullmastiffs generally have a gentle and easygoing temperament, making them excellent companions to children.
They are extremely loyal and love to snuggle up to their owners for attention and affection.
Bullmastiffs will warn households of approaching strangers but will rarely attack, and they can be intimidating to trespassers and outsiders.
This breed thrives in both hot and cold weather, and they don't require a lot of space to live and exercise.
Skull and Facial Features
The Bullmastiff's skull and facial features are quite unique. Most Bullmastiffs exhibit the bulldog "squashed" features with a large square head and short snout.
Facial features can vary among Bullmastiffs, with some having a more elongated head and narrow snout. Both looks are common and acceptable among the breed.
Temperament
Bullmastiffs are generally gentle and easygoing, making them excellent companions to children.
They are intimidating to trespassers and outsiders, but will rarely attack, instead warning households of approaching strangers.
Bullmastiffs are extremely loyal and love to snuggle up to their owners for attention and affection.
They don't need structured play times or obedience classes, which is a relief for busy owners.
Bullmastiffs thrive in both hot and cold weather, so you don't have to worry about their comfort in different climates.
They need relatively little space to live and exercise, making them a great choice for city dwellers or those with small yards.
Coat and Markings
Bullmastiffs come in a variety of coat colors and markings, including brindle, red, fawn, and brindle with white markings.
The most common markings on a Bullmastiff are white hair sprinkled throughout their coat or a white marking on their chest, which can vary in size and shape.
Red-colored Bullmastiffs look especially striking with white markings on their chest. For fawn-colored Bullmastiffs, the white marking on the chest may blend into the rest of the dog's light-colored coat.
Black masks with white markings are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), but not considered a standard marking for the Bullmastiff.
Black markings on the face are common on Bullmastiffs, but they usually don't have any white colors on their coats.
Broaden your view: Bullmastiff Red Brindle
Patterns and Markings
Bullmastiffs can have various markings and patterns aside from the brindle that is commonly seen in the breed. This makes each dog unique and interesting.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes white markings on Bullmastiffs, including white hair sprinkled throughout their coats or a white marking on their chest. The size and shape of these markings can vary.
Red-colored Bullmastiffs look particularly striking with white markings on their chest. For fawn-colored Bullmastiffs, the white marking on the chest may blend into the rest of the dog's light-colored coat.
The brindle pattern on a Bullmastiff is usually categorized as dark brown or black hair and looks striking when combined with a Bullmastiff's main colors. This means that all of the Bullmastiff's common solid colors can be brindled.
Bullmastiffs can have a combination of black markings (the facial mask), and white markings on their chests.
Here's an interesting read: Black Bull Mastiff
Frequently Asked Questions
What two breeds make a Bullmastiff?
Bullmastiffs are a cross between Bulldog and Mastiff breeds. This unique mix creates a large and impressive dog.
What is the friendliest Mastiff breed?
The Spanish Mastiff is known for its kind and affectionate nature, making it an excellent family dog. Its calm and gentle demeanor makes it a great choice for families seeking a friendly Mastiff breed.
What is the biggest type of Mastiff?
The English Mastiff is the largest type of Mastiff, standing at 35 inches tall and weighing up to 230 lbs. This gentle giant was originally bred as a war dog, but now thrives as a loving companion.
Sources
Featured Images: pexels.com