English Mastiff Bullmastiff: Understanding Their Needs and History

The English Mastiff and Bullmastiff breeds have a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. They were both developed in England to serve as guard dogs for estates and properties.

One of the key characteristics of both breeds is their large size, with English Mastiffs weighing up to 230 pounds and standing as tall as 30 inches at the shoulder. Bullmastiffs, on the other hand, typically weigh between 110 and 130 pounds and stand around 24 inches tall.

Both breeds are known for their loyalty and protective nature, making them excellent companions for families who are willing to provide the necessary care and attention. They are also generally quiet and not prone to excessive barking, which makes them a good choice for families who live in apartments or have noise restrictions.

As with any large breed, both English Mastiffs and Bullmastiffs require regular exercise and a balanced diet to maintain their health and well-being.

Expand your knowledge: English Mastiff Large

A bullmastiff's sturdy legs support a deep chest, broad shoulders, and sloping hindquarters. His square, muscled body is inherited from his mastiff ancestor.

Males typically weigh between 110–130 pounds, while females range from 100–120 pounds. A bullmastiff stands 27 inches at the withers, which is pretty common for this large working dog breed.

Their sleek, dense, and short coat is usually fawn or red, with accents of black encircling their eyes and inking their V-shaped ears. The breed's bulldog lineage appears in the wrinkles on their forehead and the folds across their shortened muzzle.

The Irish Wolfhound and Great Dane can be more than six inches taller, but they are not nearly as robust as a bullmastiff. The body is large with great depth and breadth, especially between the forelegs.

The AKC standard height for a male bullmastiff is 30 inches at the shoulder, while a typical male can weigh 150–250 pounds. A typical female can weigh 120–200 pounds, with very large individuals reaching 300 pounds or more.

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Bullmastiffs are possessive, territorial, loyal dogs with an innate sense of who does and who doesn’t belong on one’s property.

They can pick up new behaviors quickly, so consistent repetition in training is key to avoid confusion. If they get it right in a couple of tries, they don’t understand the need to keep repeating that exercise.

Bullmastiffs are highly territorial and will stop intruders, but they are also willing to accept those people accepted by their masters. They form strong bonds with their families and need to live indoors with them.

A Bullmastiff's temperament is unique, but they typically want to be in the same room with you and crave your company. They are peaceful cuddle bugs who become their best selves with proper no-fear and positive reinforcement training.

Mastiffs, on the other hand, tend to be more laid-back and slower than Bullmastiffs. They do best with relaxed sports like Rally, where they can be talked to and communicated with.

For more insights, see: Bullmastiff Training

Here are some key personality traits of Bullmastiffs and Mastiffs:

Both breeds are natural guard dogs and form strong bonds with their families. They need early socialization and obedience training to be well-rounded family members.

Bullmastiffs need a secured, fenced area to exercise, and shouldn't be taken off-leash except in their home environment.

They can do well as apartment dwellers if taken outside for a stroll and sniff a few times a day, but be aware of how much exercise they're getting, as they can work out too much, especially when young and still growing.

Nice, long walks will suit them just fine, but they shouldn't be marathon partners - repetitive, stressful strain on the joints isn't good for them.

Bullmastiffs aren't fond of hot and humid conditions, so have a cool place for them to rest, and choose cool mornings or evenings for walks.

They shouldn't overexert themselves during exercise, especially in peak summer heat.

With proper supervision and socialization from an early age, bullmastiffs should do well around canine friends, despite their high prey drives.

They weren't bred to be aggressive toward other dogs, but poor socialization can lead to discomfort around other dogs.

A bullmastiff won't need a lot of grooming, but they do slobber a lot and have flatulence issues.

They'll shed a little bit, especially during spring and fall, but a quick brushing through the week will keep them neat and tidy.

If they smell less-than-fresh, give them a bath, and a frequent routine of dental care, nail trimming, and ear checks keeps them looking spiffy.

It's essential to keep their deep wrinkle folds clean, multiple times a day, to prevent ingrown hairs, cysts, and infections.

Saggy eyelids can cause vision problems, such as cherry eye, so be sure to check them regularly.

Mastiffs require a lot of mental stimulation and training, and they thrive with early socialization and exposure to a variety of situations.

They're more likely to be wary and defensive around people and things outside their definition of home and family, so introduce them to new situations early on.

Mastiffs are truly large lovebugs, but they're best suited for families with older children, as they can be clumsy and accidentally knock over toddlers.

English Mastiffs and Bullmastiffs are both large breeds that require careful attention to their health. They have an average lifespan of 7-10 years, with some living up to 9 years.

Both breeds are prone to joint issues, such as hip dysplasia, and obesity, which can significantly decrease their lifespan. It's essential to monitor their weight and ensure they get regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight.

Their slow growth rate means they reach skeletal maturity slowly, over two years, making them more susceptible to joint problems. They also require a correct diet and regular exercise to prevent various health issues.

Their history dates back to ancient times, with the Mastiff being first pictured on a bas relief in 2,700 B.C. They were bred for size, loyalty, and intelligence, and were tasked with various jobs, including guarding estates and taking down big game.

Intriguing read: English Mastiff Health Concerns

Bullmastiffs and Mastiffs are large breeds that can live for 7-10 years on average. They're prone to health issues due to their size.

Bloat is a major concern for these dogs, and it's often deadly. It requires emergency surgery to untwist the stomach.

Regular exercise is crucial for these breeds to prevent slothful behavior and health problems. However, excessive running can damage their growth plates in the first 2 years of life.

Large breeds like Bullmastiffs and Mastiffs are also prone to elbow and hip dysplasia, a painful and degenerative joint condition that's usually hereditary.

To prevent bloat, some veterinarians recommend tacking their dogs' stomachs as a preventative measure. It's essential to know the signs of bloat and jump on it immediately.

Feeding these breeds requires careful consideration. They may need to be fed two or three times a day to prevent gastric torsion, and it's crucial to monitor their weight to prevent obesity.

Obesity can decrease a Mastiff's life expectancy by 2-6 years, so it's essential to avoid overfeeding. You should be able to feel their ribs and backbone to ensure they're not overweight.

Giant dogs like Bullmastiffs and Mastiffs often come with giant veterinary expenses, so it's essential to consult a veterinarian about the costs of keeping them healthy.

The bullmastiff breed originated in England in the mid-1880s as a result of breeding mastiffs and bulldogs together to create a dog that could track and apprehend poachers.

This new breed was developed to be quick and assertive, but also even-tempered, to avoid harming the poachers. The goal was to create a dog that could track with stealth, run fast, and then pin down a trespasser until the gamekeeper arrived.

The bullmastiff breed was first recognized by the Kennel Club in 1924, and it quickly gained popularity in the British competition circuit.

Bullmastiffs were imported to the U.S. in the 1920s by oil magnate John D. Rockefeller, who wanted them to roam the grounds of his country estate in New York.

The bullmastiff is distinct from the English mastiff in terms of size, with English mastiffs being about 100 pounds heavier.

The English mastiff also has a more rectangular body shape compared to the bullmastiff, which is more "square" in its body.

The English Mastiff and Bullmastiff are two breeds that may look similar at first glance, but they have some key differences. The English Mastiff is the heaviest breed in the AKC, with males weighing as much as 240 pounds.

One of the most notable differences between the two breeds is their weight. The Bullmastiff breed standard sets the weight for males at 110 to 130 pounds, a far cry from the English Mastiff's maximum weight of 240 pounds. The English Mastiff's massive size is due to their rectangular profile, heavy bone, prominent breastbone, and great depth of body.

The Bullmastiff, on the other hand, has a nearly square body appearance and is described as symmetrical, showing great strength, endurance, and alertness. This is in contrast to the English Mastiff's massive, imposing appearance, which is characterized by their quiet and dignified demeanor.

A unique perspective: Weight of Bullmastiff