Purebred Bullmastiff: Complete Guide to the Breed

The Bullmastiff is a massive dog breed that originated in England in the 19th century. They were bred to guard estates and are known for their loyalty and protective instincts.

The Bullmastiff's size is one of its most distinctive features. Males can weigh up to 130 pounds and stand as tall as 27 inches at the shoulder.

Bullmastiffs are also known for their short coats, which require minimal grooming. Their short coats come in a variety of colors, including red, fawn, and brindle.

Bullmastiffs are a relatively healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are two common problems that can affect the breed.

Discover more: Mixed Breed Dogs vs Purebred

The Bullmastiff is a relatively new breed that originated in England in 1860. They were bred to be capable yet disciplined guardians to attack and fend off poachers on sprawling estates.

Bullmastiffs are a mix of 60% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog, making them quick, powerful, and stealthy. This unique combination of traits made them highly effective in their work as gamekeepers' helpers.

They're a great choice for families with older children, as they're loyal, intelligent, and trainable. However, they can be stubborn at times, so consistency and patience are key.

The Bullmastiff is a relatively new breed that originated in England in 1860.

Their history dates back to when gamekeepers on English estates needed a capable yet disciplined helper to protect their grounds from poachers.

The breed was created by breeding English Mastiffs with Bulldogs to achieve a mix that was quick, powerful, and stealthy.

With careful breeding, the Bullmastiff became a perfect guardian against shrewd thieves.

Bullmastiffs are highly valued for their intelligence, trainability, bravery, and ability to work independently.

They are also known for their loyal, intelligent, courageous, confident, alert, docile, and wary nature.

Their trainability makes them a great choice for families with older children, while their loyalty makes them a wonderful guardian dog.

The Bullmastiff's history is a fascinating story that dates back to the 19th century in England. Gamekeepers needed a large working dog with the speed to catch poachers, and that's exactly what they got.

The Bullmastiff was created by crossing the English Mastiff and the Old English Bulldog, resulting in a breed that was strong, sizeable, and quick. This cross-breed was in widespread use by the beginning of the 20th century as an aid to gamekeepers in controlling poaching.

The Bullmastiff was recognized as a breed by The Kennel Club in 1924, with dogs needing to have a minimum of four generations of descent from Bullmastiff stock without input from either Bulldog or Mastiff. Cross-bred animals couldn't be registered.

The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1934, and it was definitively accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1955.

The Bullmastiff is a large dog, with bitches standing between 61-66 cm at the withers, and weighing between 41-50 kg.

On average, males stand about 3 cm taller and weigh 9 kg more than females.

The coat of a Bullmastiff can be a variety of colors, including fawn, red, and brindle, in any shade, with some limited white marking on the chest allowed.

The muzzle of a Bullmastiff is black, becoming paler towards the eyes.

Despite being brachycephalic, or flat-faced, and short-muzzled, the Bullmastiff's breathing is not affected by this characteristic.

Bullmastiffs are affectionate and happy-go-lucky dogs who form deep bonds with their humans. They are faithful companions and love to be around their family members.

They are not naturally big barkers, having been bred to be quiet and stealthy in their pursuit of poachers. This trait makes them perfect for families who live in residential areas.

Bullmastiffs are not aggressive and are unlikely to bite, even with their powerful bite force. They are confident and self-assured, but can be wary of strangers, so early socialization is key.

They can be a bit clumsy around small children, cats, and smaller dogs due to their large size and gentle nature. It's essential to supervise interactions between Bullmastiffs and smaller pets or children.

Bullmastiffs are intelligent and eager to please, making training relatively easy. However, they can be stubborn if they don't receive consistent training and leadership.

They are natural guard dogs and will immediately jump into action if they sense a threat, but they rarely get unreasonably aggressive. This makes them great protectors of their families.

Bullmastiffs are delightful family dogs, with a calm and gentle demeanor around children. They are highly tolerant of their often clumsy handling, but do grow quickly and may cause concerns due to their massive frames.

Consider reading: Bullmastiff Training

Bullmastiffs have a short, dense coat that sheds year-round, so regular brushing is a must to keep it healthy and shiny.

You'll want to brush your Bullmastiff's coat every week, using a bristle brush, grooming glove, or rubber curry brush to minimize shedding. In the spring and fall, when they shed more frequently, you may need to brush them several times a week or even daily.

Their ears are prone to debris and redness, so be sure to check them regularly while brushing their coat, and consult your vet if you notice any issues.

Bullmastiffs don't need frequent baths, but when they do, use a mild shampoo and avoid over-bathing, which can strip their coat of natural oils.

Teeth brushing is essential for your Bullmastiff's health, so start brushing their teeth a few times a week and work up to daily brushing. Schedule a professional cleaning with your vet every year.

You'll also need to trim your Bullmastiff's nails about once a month to prevent overgrowth and clicking on the floor.

Their moderate energy levels mean they only need about 30 to 45 minutes of exercise per day, but a daily walk and playtime in a fenced-in yard will help prevent obesity and boredom.

Bullmastiffs are sensitive to hot weather, so plan outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day.

In terms of environment, they thrive in larger homes and backyards, but can adapt to city apartments with daily walks and attention.

To keep them happy and engaged, make sure to spend time with them and consider enrolling them in doggy daycare or hiring a dog sitter if you're away often.

Bullmastiffs are prone to a number of health issues, but with the right care and attention, they can live happy and long lives.

Their lifespan is typically between 7 to 9 years, but some have been known to live up to 10.2 years, according to a 2024 UK study.

Hip and elbow dysplasia is a common problem in large-breed dogs like the Bullmastiff. This condition occurs when the joint doesn't fit properly, and can often be managed with a healthy weight, regular exercise, and joint supplements.

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat, is a life-threatening condition that can occur when the stomach twists and twists on itself. Feeding your pup two or three smaller meals throughout the day and using a slow feeder bowl can help prevent this.

Cancer is also a concern, with lymphoma and mast cell tumors being the most common types. Regular check-ups with your vet can help catch any new lumps or bumps early on.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Bullmastiffs:

Dilated cardiomyopathy, a common heart disease in large breed dogs, can be genetic and may require daily medication. Regular health testing before choosing a puppy from a breeder is essential to identify any potential issues.

Owning a Bullmastiff requires patience and attention, especially from a young age to minimize situations demanding correction.

Bullmastiffs are a sensitive breed that thrives on a gentle, positive approach from their owners.

Their enormous bodies mean everything from food and exercise requirements to training needs centers on their size.

Socializing and training are crucial for Bullmastiff puppies, and instilling good habits must begin early to prevent them from becoming challenging to manage when they weigh over 100 pounds.

Fortunately, they tend to be obedient with the proper attention, and training and frequent exposure to various people and animals will help them develop into even-tempered, well-behaved adults.

Owning a Bullmastiff requires careful consideration of their size and strength. Bullmastiffs are powerfully built dogs that may not always know their strength, so it's essential to teach them to control their impulses.

Their size is also a consideration when purchasing supplies, as everything from food and exercise requirements to training needs centers on their enormous bodies. You'll need to find a crate or bed that can accommodate their size.

Socialization and training are crucial for Bullmastiffs from an early age. Instilling good habits like staying off the furniture and not jumping on people must begin early, as they can be more challenging to manage when they weigh over 100 pounds.

To prevent mishaps, it's essential to teach your Bullmastiff basic commands like "sit", "stay", and "come" from an early age. They're intelligent and quick learners, so they'll pick up these commands right away.

Here are some essential commands to teach your Bullmastiff:

To teach your Bullmastiff the "place" command, start by holding a treat over their bed and saying "place." Give them the treat and praise when they sit in the spot. Gradually increase the distance between you and the spot, so they learn to associate the word "place" with the spot.

Remember, Bullmastiffs need firm, consistent training. Consider attending a group training class or hiring a trainer who uses positive reinforcement methods to keep your dog motivated and engaged.

Bullmastiffs are known for their calm nature, which extends to other pets in the home. They were bred as guardians, protecting animals, and this trait has stayed with them.

Early introductions and consistent socialization from a young age can make a big difference in how they get along with other animals. This is especially important for dogs of the same sex, as some owners have mentioned issues getting along.

A calm home environment can help reduce stress and promote harmony among pets. This is a big plus for families with multiple pets.