Bullmastiff - Origins, Temperament, Traits, and Complete Profile

Bullmastiff is a large dog and it belongs to the working dogs’ group. These dogs are a cross between a bulldog and a Mastiff. These canines are alert, loyal, and very intelligent. They are naturally protective and they make excellent family companion dogs.

Other than this, there are a number of other dog breeds that make excellent emotional support dogs for everyone who is looking for protection and support.

History of Bullmastiff - How Did the Breed Originate?

Where did the Bullmastiff originate?’ The dog has an interesting origin story. They were developed in the mid 19th century, probably around 1860, and are also known as ‘The Gamekeeper’s Night Dog’. During those times, the English game preserves and expensive country estates were high targets of the poachers.

To prevent and control it, strict penalties were enacted, but to no avail. The poaching continued and things were pretty much out of the gamekeepers’ control.

To tackle the situation, the gamekeepers needed a dog that is active, fierce, active, and powerful enough to hold the poacher down. They experimented with different dogs and succeeded with a cross between a Mastiff and a Bulldog. The acquired breed was a perfect mix of the qualities that the gamekeepers needed.

The dog was large and strong like a Mastiff and aggressive, alert, and brave like a Bulldog, a perfect mix. The dog is 60 percent Mastiff and 40 percent Bulldog. It was smart and alert and trainable enough to hold the poacher down till the gamekeeper came. Moreover, the dog’s dark brindle color is considered as a camouflage that helps the dog in chasing and pining an intruder down in the dark of night.

Famously, the dog was imported to South Africa for the purpose of guarding the De Beers diamond mines. The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1933.

General Appearance of a Bullmastiff

What does a Bullmastiff look like? A Bullmastiff is powerfully built with the breeding foundation of 60 percent Mastiff and 40 percent Bulldog. These dogs were originally bred to protect against poaching and are now recognized as one of the best dogs to guard the homes and live with families.

They have a large bone structure and with a fierce look, they could make the intruders think twice before crossing paths with them.

Following is the AKC’s official standard of appearance for the Bullmastiff breed.

• Head - The dog has a keen, alert, and intelligent expression with dark and medium-sized eyes. The ears are V-shaped, drooped down, and closer to the cheeks. They are at the same level as the occiput and give the head a square shape. They are somewhat darker in color and are medium in size.

  The skull is large and wide and the cheeks are well developed. The head has a large amount of wrinkles when the dog is alert. The forehead is flat and medium. The muzzle is comparatively broader and deeper while the nostrils on top of the muzzle are like that of a Bulldog.

  The nose is black in color with large nostrils. The canine teeth are widely set and are quite large.

• Body - The dog is large and the males stand about 25 to 27 inches while the females stand around 24 to 26 inches tall. The neck is slightly arched, thick, strong, and medium in length. The topline is in a straight line, between the loins and withers.

  The body is strong and compact with a wide and deep chest. The ribs are well set between the forelegs. The back is flat, straight, about loin width apart, muscular, strong, and with a slight arch. Moreover, the flank is also deep.

  The tail is strongly built and set high. The tail could either be curved or straight.

• Forequarters - The shoulders are strong and well-muscled and have a slight slope. The forelegs are straight, widely set, and have well-structured bones. The elbows are straight, neither turned inwards or outwards. The pasterns are straight and without any curve or arch.

  The feet are medium in size and have rounded toes, thick pads, and black nails.

• Hindquarters - The hindquarters are well-muscled and broad with a second thigh but not heavily loaded with muscles or weight. The angulation is medium.
• Coat - The coat is rather short in size and being dense in quality, it gives good protection from harsh weather. It also sheds less, making it an ideal dog for people with allergies.
• Coat Color and Variation - The dog comes in red, fawn, and brindle colors. Some dogs may have a white spot on their chest. If the spot is very small then it is negligible otherwise a white spot or mark is considered a fault.
• Gait - The gait is smooth, powerful, and free. When walking, the back of the dog remains straight and leveled and the dog moves in a straight line. When running, the feet converge but without any crossing over and the joints do not twist in the process.

What is the Price of a Bullmastiff Puppy?

How much are Bullmastiff puppies? The price depends on a number of factors like its heritage, the kind of breeding, and the reputation of the breeder. On average, a Bullmastiff puppy is sold for $1,500 to $4,000 and upward.

To get the puppy with breeding rights or with papers will come at a premium cost. The price could be anywhere between $2,400 to $6,500 and even more for puppies with high pedigree and breed lines.

How much does a Bullmastiff cost? The price of an adult dog will be almost the same as that of the puppies but we suggest that you adopt or buy a puppy instead of a grown dog.

What is the Lifespan of a Bullmastiff?

Since it is a big dog, a Bullmastiff has an average life expectancy of 8 to 10 years. Large dogs have shorter lifespans than medium and small-sized dogs. However, how long your dog lives depends on a number of factors like the overall health of the dog, medical conditions, and a number of environmental factors.

Bullmastiff Speed - How Fast can a Bullmastiff Run?

These dogs were bred to catch intruders and they are known for the right combination of strength, aggression, intelligence, and speed to stop an intruder in his tracks. On average, they could run with a speed of 15-25 mph.

The speed may not be that impressive when compared with other superfast dogs but it is enough to apprehend the thieves and intruders.

Other Names and Variations of Mastiff Dogs

Other than the Bullmastiff, there are a number of other dogs that belong to the Mastiff group. This is usually because the origins of the dogs remain the same while they are known by different names in different countries. Some of such variations are given below.

• American Bullmastiff
• Italian Bullmastiff (Cane Corso)
• French Bullmastiff
• South African Mastiff (Boerboel)
• Neapolitan Mastiff

Other than these Mastiff dog variations, fancy breeders have crossed the Bullmastiff with other breeds.

Bullmastiff Mix Breeds - What Breed Combinations are Available?

A Bullmastiff is crossbred but there are a number of breeds that are a result of crossing a Bullmastiff with other purebred dogs. Here are some of such breeds.

What is the Temperament of a Bullmastiff?

Bullmastiffs are fearless and strong dogs that are gentle and docile when they are not on guard and with their family members. The dog is a perfect combination of intelligence, reliability, and a tendency to please their human family.

They are very loyal and they make excellent protectors and companions.

Since they were bred to protect and safeguard the property, they have a natural tendency to protect and guard their family and family members. They were bred as quiet and docile watch dogs, due to which they have a relatively low tendency to bark.

However, like other dogs, Bullmastiffs also need ample and early training and socialization. By exposing your puppy to different people, sounds, experiences, and sights, you will help your puppy to grow into a well-rounded and well-trained dog. You can socialize your canine in a number of ways.

Take him to a puppy kindergarten or invite some friends over to spend time with you and your Bullmastiff puppy. Besides, take him to pet supermarkets and places where they allow dogs and on daily walks to acquaint him with the neighbors and strangers.

These gentle giants are slow to anger but could be very dangerous when provoked and threatened.

Bullmastiff with Children - Safe to Have Around Kids and other Pets?

Are Bullmastiffs good with kids? Yes, they are. Despite their size, these dogs are docile and gentle with kids and other family members. They are calm and easy-going and they make excellent family dogs that have adequately behaved kids.

They are great with kids and other pets but those must be raised with them.

Though they are friendly, they could be skeptical about other dogs, and especially the male Bullmastiffs, they could not tolerate other male dogs.

These dogs are large and have a reputation of being immensely loyal, many people adopt or bring them home without proper research and thought. As a result, many of such dogs end up in rescue homes and other dog rescue organizations.

If you are thinking of bringing one home then do not forget to check with some rescue organizations like

• The American Bullmastiff Association
• Bullmastiff Rescue Resource Centre
• Pacific Northwest Mastiff Fanciers

and other organizations.

Check with them for the available dogs and further documentation.

Bullmastiff Health Issues - Overall Health and Concerns

Generally, Bullmastiffs are healthy dogs but like other canines, they could be prone to a number of health issues. This does not mean that all the Bullmastiffs will develop these or some of these diseases but it is better that you know about them.

Some dogs do not exhibit any symptoms of the disease until they are fully grown. Therefore, medical clearance is not issued to dogs that are younger than two years. Some of the common health problems and diseases that a Bullmastiff may suffer from are given below.

To make sure that the acquired litter is healthy, avoid breeding the dogs having genetic disorders like hip and elbow dysplasia.

Bullmastiff Care and Training - How to Take Care of your Dog?

The Bullmastiffs are low-energy dogs that are happy to stay at home and with their family members. However, given their size, they are better in a house that has a fenced yard. This will keep them protected and inside the territory of the house.

This is also important because animals like dogs mark their territories and if left unattended, your Bullmastiff can cause harm and disturbance to others. This is why it is important to give yard training to your dog.

Learn more about how to train your dog to stay in the yard and teach your canine to stay inside and safe.

Since these dogs have a short muzzle, they could get overheated and exhausted. The best way of preventing it is to keep them indoors when it is a hot day. Make sure that they have access to fresh water and shade whenever they are outdoors.

It is a strong and independent thinker and he could be stubborn and hard to train. This is why this breed is not good for first-time dog owners as they need a firm and experienced handler.

When to Start Training a Bullmastiff Puppy?

Since these dogs are fairly large and independent, it is better that you start training them at an early stage. Start the training as soon as you bring them home and you can do it in a number of ways. Some of the common ways are given below.

• Enroll him in a puppy kindergarten class
• Begin his socialization and obedience training
• Train him yourself by taking him to parks, outdoor malls, and places where the dog could interact with new people

Once the dog grows to its maximum size, it will be nearly impossible for you to control and manage it. So, begin early.

Training Tips for Bullmastiff Puppies

How to train a Bullmastiff? Start early and here are some Bullmastiff training tips that will help you train your dog at home.

• Start early and typically when the dog is still a puppy and easy to handle and control
• Be consistent and repeat the same actions each day till your puppy gets a hold of it
• Use simple commands and gestures to make him understand your command and use a collar or leash for the training
• Get a martingale collar to handle and train your dog better
• Reward him when it picks the command correctly and behaves well
• Be firm when you are reprimanding him and use a firm tone
• Discourage the habits and behaviors like tearing the furniture and bedsheets, relieving himself in the garden or indoors, nibbling the shoes, and others that you do not want it to develop
• Take him to gardens and outdoors to acquaint with the neighbors and learn socialization skills
• Manage his weight by keeping his diet balanced such as low protein dog food and with regular exercise

All of these tips will help you in instilling good behavior in your dog. However, since these are powerful and ‘thinking’ dogs, it could be difficult for many to train them. In such a case, it is better to appoint a professional dog trainer to help you.

They are bred to be fierce protectors and this quality helps them to be great guard dogs. Though there are a number of other guard dog breeds that can protect your house, a Bullmastiff is a quiet watchdog, making him better than many other breeds.

Feeding a Bullmastiff - How much should You Feed your Dog?

How much does a Bullmastiff eat? The recommended amount of food that an adult Bullmastiff needs is 3 1/8 to 4 1/8 cups of dog food daily and two times a day. These dogs need a rich and balanced food and for puppies, the food must contain 25% - 27% protein and 12%-15% fat. For adults, the ratio should be 18% - 25% protein and 10% fat.

The amount of food depends on the size of your dog but the adult dog’s diet will be different from that of a puppy’s.

How much should a Bullmastiff puppy eat? Generally, a puppy should be given three meals per day till it is six months old. The ratio could be between ¾ to 1 cup of dry dog food each time.

After the puppy is six months old, cut back to two meals a day. However, do not give him one large meal a day, thinking that it will do him good.

This will only cause bloating and stomach torsion. Giving him two meals a day will help him stay at an ideal body weight while preventing bloating and gastric dilatation-volvulus. Help your dog to eat slowly so that the food is digested properly and give him ample but moderate level exercise to keep him fit.

Choose high-quality dry and canned dog food for your dog. The best way to know that you are giving top-quality food to your dog is to talk to your dog’s veterinarian and start a vet recommended dog food. The vet knows what is good for your dog and will guide you better.

What is the best dog food for Bullmastiffs? Below is a table showing the best dog food for puppy, adult, and senior Bullmastiff dogs.

Grooming Needs of a Bullmastiff

A Bullmastiff needs medium or minimal grooming. Since they have short and dense coats, they shed less and you can keep the coat clean easily. Moreover, you will not need to bathe him every week, daily brushing is enough to keep them happy and healthy. Bathe him when needed only.

Check the ears and make sure that they are clean and do not have a foul smell. Clean them with a special and vet-approved solution. If you notice anything unusual then take your dog to the veterinarian.

Check and trim the nails once or twice a month, or as needed. If they get too long, they could hinder your canine’s movements and become spread out. Once spread out, they will not be able to support your dog. Get a good-quality nail clipper to trim your dog’s nails easily.

Check the best dog nail clippers that are available online and would help you to groom your dog.

Brush and clean your dog’s teeth at least two to three times a week to prevent tartar and plaque buildup, and other dental diseases.

Make sure that the eyes are healthy and free from any discharge or redness.

Bullmastiff Vs. English Mastiff - What are the Differences?

Since both of these dogs look a lot like each other, people are often confused between them. The following breed comparison chart will highlight the main differences between the two breeds.

The dogs may look similar but there are some key differences between them.

Bullmastiff vs. Rottweiler - Which Dog is Better for a Household?

Both the Bullmastiff and Rottweiler are large and powerful dogs and both of them need a large space to play and exercise peacefully. However, both of these dogs have some distinct qualities. Based on those qualities and characteristics, you can choose which one would be better for you.

Both the dogs make great companions and family dogs and choosing any of them is a matter of choice and preference only.

Bullmastiffs are incredible watchdogs and since they are very affectionate, they make great ESAs also. They are especially good for the people who live alone and need an ESA-cum-protector for themselves.

To get your ESA letter, contact RealESALetter.com or fill our questionnaire to see if you qualify.