Bullmastiff: Your Complete Guide

The bullmastiff is a large, powerful dog that originated in England in the mid-19th century. It was originally a guard dog that was a result of cross-breeding between the English mastiff and the Old English bulldog (the latter of which is now extinct).

Bullmastiffs are known for being incredibly strong and courageous. They’re also fast and agile, which makes them great for their traditional role as watchdogs. 

In this article, we are going to look at the bullmastiff’s personality traits and explain how to care for it, along with many other things.

Quick Look at the Bullmastiff

Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs. 

Weight/Height	24 to 27 inches, 90-130 pounds
Coat Type	Short, straight, and dense
Grooming Needs
Shedding
Temperament	Protective, loyal, gentle, affectionate, and devoted
Good With Kids
Good With Other Animals
Intelligence
Easy to Train
Energy Level
Barking Habits
Lifespan	7 to 9 years

What Is the History of Bullmastiffs?

Bullmastiffs were bred by gamekeepers to protect their large estates from poachers in 19th-century England. It was selectively bred by crossing the powerful (albeit slower) English mastiff with the more assertive Old English bulldog. The latter went extinct after bull baiting became illegal in England around 1835. 

Nevertheless, this combination led to the creation of the bullmastiff, a large dog that was strong enough to protect large estates from intruders and was also fast enough to run after them if the need arose.

Unlike many other watchdogs, bullmastiffs are very quiet dogs and don’t bark when they see someone try to enter their house. They have the strength and capabilities to quietly apprehend intruders. This makes it very easy for them to surprise intruders without giving away their position.

Due to its popularity among gamekeepers in the 20th century, it is known as the Gamekeeper’s Night Dog.

The Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1924, and the American Kennel Club officially recognized it in 1934. 

What Do Bullmastiffs Look Like?

Bullmastiffs have a muscular build. One look at them is all it takes to know that they are very powerful dogs. They have a large and square-shaped head, a well-proportioned body, a broad, deep chest, and a straight, sturdy back. 

These dogs are considered brachycephalic, which means they are short-muzzled and flat-faced. Brachycephalic dogs are prone to various health issues, such as breathing problems and dental anomalies.

Bullmastiffs have a short and dense coat that’s weather-resistant. It comes in three different colors: fawn, red, or brindle (streaks or stripes of dark color like black or brown against a lighter color like fawn or red). The muzzle is always black, and it’s typically paler towards the eyes. Some dogs may have white markings on their chest.

What Size Is a Bullmastiff?

Bullmastiffs are large dogs. Males typically stand between 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 110 to 130 pounds. Females are slightly shorter, ranging from 24 to 26 inches, and weigh between 90 to 110 pounds.

What Is a Bullmastiff’s Coat Type and Length?

A bullmastiff’s coat is short and dense. Owing to its short length, it lies close to their body and keeps them safe from various weather conditions. 

What Is a Bullmastiff’s Temperament? 

Like many other large dogs, bullmastiffs are known for being gentle and affectionate. Their size does not stop them from trying to cuddle with their owners. Once they’re attached to you, they will do anything to protect you and keep you safe. 

They’re incredibly loyal and devoted dogs. However, they can act a bit aloof around strangers, but if you socialize them from an early age, they can become more accepting and friendly with unfamiliar faces. They’re already very confident, but socializing them can boost their confidence to new levels, which helps with being around new people and animals.

Due to their history as watchdogs, they are always very alert and vigilant. If they sense any threat, they’ll immediately alert their owner to it. 

Are Bullmastiffs Good With Kids?

Bullmastiffs are generally very good with kids. It doesn’t matter how big or small a person is; as long as the dog knows who they are, they’ll generally get along really well with them. However, bullmastiffs are large dogs, so they could accidentally knock kids over or unintentionally hurt them while playing. 

It goes without saying that you should always keep an eye on your dog and your kids when they’re playing together. Supervise their interactions until you feel your child is old enough to understand how to behave around a large, powerful dog.

Bullmastiffs will think of your kids as family, so they’ll do anything to protect them from harm. Regardless of whether you need to supervise their behavior around your kids or not, socializing the dog from an early age is very important. 

Are Bullmastiffs Good With Other Animals?

Bullmastiffs generally behave well around other animals, but they’re always very wary of strangers, whether they’re humans or animals. This is because they were bred to run after and hold down intruders.

However, if you start socializing your bullmastiff when they’re a puppy and continue to expose them to other animals and people, they’ll never have any problem being around them.

Are Bullmastiffs Aggressive?

No, bullmastiffs are not aggressive animals, especially if they have been socialized during the early stages of their lives. The only time these dogs get aggressive is when someone or something tries to bother them. 

For example, if another dog tries to attack a bullmastiff, there’s a good chance it’ll retaliate with force. Similarly, if someone tries to enter your house and the dog has no idea who it is, then it will run after the person and hold them down. 

Do Bullmastiffs Bark?

Yes, but bullmastiffs are not excessive barkers like many other large breeds. Their bark can be very deep and intimidating, and they may use it against intruders to let them know of their presence. 

However, in most cases, they tend to stay quiet and use their size and presence as a deterrent. They only tend to bark when they feel it is necessary. For example, if someone tries to enter your house, they’ll run after them without barking. Once they’ve got a hold of them, they’ll start barking to let you, the owner, know.

Are Bullmastiffs Affectionate?

Yes, bullmastiffs are known for their affectionate nature. They love being around their owner and their family. You’ll have to spend a lot of time with them in order to keep them happy because they love to cuddle on the couch and go on walks. 

These dogs are known for their laid-back and easy-going nature, which makes them perfect for people who want a powerful dog that also loves to snuggle up.

Are Bullmastiffs Intelligent?

Bullmastiffs are very intelligent dogs who are quick at solving problems and learning new commands and tricks. They’re also very smart when it comes to reading people’s emotions. As a watchdog, they have to be intelligent, otherwise they would not be able to assess threats accurately and react accordingly.

Are Bullmastiffs Energetic?

Bullmastiffs aren’t very energetic and require only about 60 minutes of daily exercise. As mentioned above, they’re laid-back most of the time, so they’re less demanding in terms of activity than many other breeds. 

As long as you take them on their daily walks and spend lots of time with them, they’re generally content and satisfied. 

Are Bullmastiffs Easy to Train?

Bullmastiffs are intelligent dogs, but they can be stubborn sometimes, which can make it challenging to train them. It depends on a lot of factors, though, such as individual temperament, how consistent you are with the training, and the nature of the person who’s training them. 

That being said, they are quick learners, so once you establish trust and consistency in your training, it should be very easy to teach them new tricks and commands. 

Are Bullmastiffs Good Watchdogs?

Yes, bullmastiffs make excellent watchdogs because that’s what they were bred for historically. They are naturally alert and protective of their territory in addition to the people and animals they are attached to. They have a strong instinct to protect their home and family. 

While they don’t bark as much as most other watchdogs, they are very good at catching intruders and not letting them get away. Once they have caught an intruder, they will hold them and bark until the owner arrives.

In most cases, their intimidating presence can be enough to deter intruders. Their courageous attitude means they are not afraid to use their strength to defend their home.

Are Bullmastiffs Good Service Dogs?

Bullmastiffs are not commonly used as service dogs, but they could be trained to help people with PTSD and mobility issues. They can be trained to assist with tasks such as retrieving items, pulling wheelchairs, or offering comfort to people coping with mental health conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

Again, however, they are usually not people’s first choice for service dog roles because of their large size and protective instincts. 

They could be used as emotional support animals (ESA) because of their loyal and affectionate nature. Keep in mind that there’s no training required for ESAs, and any animal can be one as long as you feel better by having them around.

How to Care for a Bullmastiff?

Begin training your bullmastiff as soon as you bring your puppy home. Teach it basic commands like sit, stay, and come. You have to be firm when training bullmastiffs because they like to be independent and stubborn, which can make training hard. 

Make sure to use positive reinforcement and stay consistent with training. Socializing from an early age will make sure that your bullmastiff grows up to be a well-mannered dog. If you’ve never owned a dog before, then it can be very hard to train a bullmastiff, so you may have to hire a professional trainer. 

Apart from training, you have to make sure that you provide your dog with the right food and take them out for their daily walks. Bullmastiffs aren’t energetic, so 60 minutes of walking should be enough. Don’t over-exercise a bullmastiff puppy, though. Stick to shorter, more frequent walks and play sessions to make sure they don’t injure their joints and muscles.

Bullmastiffs are low-maintenance dogs. You’ll have to keep their nails trimmed, ears cleaned, and teeth brushed. They have a short coat, so they don’t shed much.

These dogs tend to drool quite a bit, but it’s usually not a big issue. Just make sure they have enough water, and it shouldn’t cause any problems.

Do You Need to Groom a Bullmastiff?

You’ll have to brush your bullmastiff at least once a week to prevent matting. There’s no need to bathe your dog regularly, as it can lead to dryness and irritation. Once a month or so should be more than enough.

Keep in mind that bathing a bullmastiff can be very hard due to its large size, so we recommend taking it to a professional groomer for it. 

Do Bullmastiffs Shed?

Yes, but they don’t shed as much as other breeds. They have short coats, which usually only shed heavily during spring and fall, but it’s fairly easy to clean shed hair up because of the small length of the hair.

Brushing them once a week should be enough to keep the loose hair away and the shedding at bay.

What Health Problems Do Bullmastiffs Have?

Here are 5 of the most common health problems that bullmastiffs face:

1. 1. Hip Dysplasia: This is a genetic condition that affects the hip joints in dogs. It can lead to laziness, discomfort, and difficulty in running or walking. If left untreated, it can lead to arthritis.
      
   2. Torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL): The ACL is a ligament in the knee joint that provides stability during movement. Bullmastiffs are prone to ACL injuries, and a torn ACL can make it difficult for them to walk. It’s more common in older bullmastiffs, but over-exercising also exposes your dog to a higher risk of injury. Treatment usually includes physical therapy, surgery, and anti-inflammatory medications.
      

• Entropion: Entropion is an abnormality of the eyelid that causes it to roll backward, which makes it rub against the surface of the eye. It can damage the cornea if left untreated. Signs include tearing, redness, and inflammation of the eye. It can be fixed with surgery.
  

• Elbow Dysplasia: Elbow dysplasia affects the elbow joint in dogs. It’s common in large dogs and can lead to arthritis. Treatment usually includes surgery.
  

• Lymphoma: Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is responsible for maintaining the body’s immune response. It usually only affects the lymph nodes, but it can affect other organs, such as the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, laziness, diarrhea, and weight loss.  

How Long Do Bullmastiffs Live?

On average, Bullmastiffs typically have a lifespan of 7 to 9 years. Genetics, health issues, and your care of your dog can all play a part in extending their lifespan.

What Should a Bullmastiff Eat?

Feed your bullmastiff a high-nutritious diet that contains balanced protein and low-fat content. Always make sure they have access to fresh water so they can stay hydrated.

Make sure you use a bowl holder to elevate their food bowl to an appropriate height. This will prevent the dog from bending or leaning down to eat.

Is a Bullmastiff the Right Dog for Me?

Bullmastiff is an amazing dog that’s great for people who want a gentle, laid-back, and affectionate furry companion. It’s a powerful breed that’s not afraid to use its strength to keep your house safe from intruders. It’s large in size, so it may not be a good idea to allow your kids to play with it, especially when you’re not around.

That being said, however, they’re very gentle around people and animals they know. You do have to socialize them from an early age to make sure they’re comfortable and well-behaved in unfamiliar surroundings. Another thing to keep in mind is that training a bullmastiff can be challenging if you have never worked with a large dog before. 

Having a large dog can be a great experience because not only do they provide love and affection, but they also keep you and your loved ones safe. However, always keep in mind that owning one requires a lot of time, patience, and effort.