Bullmastiff Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, Traits & More

Breed Overview: Bullmastiff
Height: 24-27 inches (male), 23-26 inches (female)
Weight: 110-130 pounds (male), 100-120 pounds (female)
Lifespan: 7-9 years
Breed Group: Working Group

History and Origins of the Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff was developed in England in the mid-1800s to serve as an estate guardian dog. Gamekeepers needed a large, brave dog that could track down and immobilize poachers without mauling them. They crossed English Mastiffs, known for their great size and strength, with extinct old English Bulldogs, prized for their tenacity and courage. The result was a dog with the size and power of a Mastiff but the boldness and determination of a Bulldog.

From these humble beginnings serving gamekeeper-breeders, the Bullmastiff soon became popular among England‘s wealthy elite as an imposing yet devoted family guardian. British dog authority S.E. Moseley described the ideal Bullmastiff temperament as "a silent watchdog…philosophic and cautious, but fearless and confident." Bullmastiffs made their first appearance at a dog show in England in 1924 and soon captured the interest of American fanciers.

In 1933, the Bullmastiff was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. Their popularity grew slowly yet steadily in the mid-20th century. Over the past decade, the Bullmastiff has ranked in the 50-60 range of the 200 most popular dog breeds in the United States. While their numbers may be relatively small, Bullmastiff enthusiasts are deeply devoted to this majestic yet gentle giant of the dog world.

Physical Characteristics of the Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is classified as a giant dog breed. Males stand 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 110 to 130 pounds at maturity. Females are slightly smaller, with heights of 24 to 26 inches and weights of 100 to 120 pounds. Their large, powerful frames are covered in a short, dense coat that comes in fawn, red, and brindle shades, with a black muzzle and ears. Some Bullmastiffs may have a small white marking on the chest.

The Bullmastiff‘s body is compact and muscular, with a deep, broad chest and thick, strong neck. The head is large and square, with a short, wide muzzle and dark, intelligent eyes. Bullmastiffs have an alert, confident expression that conveys their courageous yet calm demeanor. Their gait is powerful yet agile, allowing them to cover ground quickly when they need to. Overall, the Bullmastiff has an impressive, commanding presence that earns them respect and admiration.

Personality Traits and Temperament of Bullmastiffs
Bullmastiffs are known for being loyal, loving, and confident dogs. They bond deeply with their family and are naturally protective of them without being aggressive. Bullmastiffs are calm and laidback dogs who don‘t need a lot of exercise, content to relax at home with their humans. They have a low prey drive and are usually gentle with other dogs, cats, and kids when raised with them. Bullmastiffs also tend to be quiet dogs, only barking when they feel it‘s absolutely necessary.

However, Bullmastiffs can also be aloof or wary around strangers. They need early and ongoing socialization to be friendly and accepting of new people. Bullmastiffs are intelligent dogs but they can also be a bit stubborn and independent. They‘re eager to please but may push back if they feel their strong will is being challenged. Training should be firm yet positive, with lots of praise and rewards.

Bullmastiffs have a sensitive side that may surprise people unfamiliar with the breed. They are in tune with their owners‘ feelings and dislike being scolded or left alone for long periods. Bullmastiffs do best with consistent companionship, guidance, and affection from their family.

Exercise and Grooming Needs of the Bullmastiff
Despite their large size, Bullmastiffs have moderate exercise needs. A few short walks and some outdoor playtime each day are usually sufficient to keep them fit. They don‘t have a lot of endurance so avoid overexerting them, especially in hot weather. Bullmastiffs are prone to heat exhaustion and should be kept mainly as indoor companions. Access to a securely fenced yard is ideal for letting them stretch their legs.

Bullmastiffs also aren‘t the most agile or athletic dogs due to their bulk and build. Go easy on high-impact activities that put a lot of strain on their joints, such as jumping or running on hard surfaces for extended periods. Bullmastiffs can be prone to elbow and hip dysplasia – have them screened to catch any issues early. Limit exercise after meals to reduce the risk of gastric torsion, aka bloat, an emergency condition.

Thankfully, the Bullmastiff‘s short, close-lying coat is pretty low maintenance. Brush them a couple times a week with a rubber curry brush or hound glove to remove loose fur and distribute skin oils. They shed an average amount, with heavier shedding in the spring and fall as their coat adapts to the changing seasons. Only bathe as needed so as not to dry out their skin.

However, Bullmastiffs do drool quite a bit, especially after eating and drinking. Keep a hand towel or wipes nearby to tidy up their faces and wipe down walls and furniture as needed. Other grooming needs include regular nail trims, ear cleanings, and dental care.

Training and Socialization Tips for Bullmastiff Puppies and Adults
Bullmastiffs need a confident, consistent owner who will establish kind yet firm leadership. Start training your Bullmastiff puppy as soon as you bring them home at 8 weeks old. Enroll in a positive puppy kindergarten class to learn basic obedience commands and get your Bullmastiff used to being around other dogs and people.

Work on crate training, potty training, leash walking, and household boundaries like not jumping on people or furniture. Keep training sessions short and fun, ending on a positive note. Be very generous with praise and tasty, meaty treats to encourage them to obey. Bullmastiffs can get bored with repetition so keep them engaged by mixing up your routine and reinforcing learning through games.

Socialization is equally important for Bullmastiffs to grow into well-mannered adults. Expose them to a variety of people, places, sights, sounds, and textures to build their confidence. Let them meet friendly strangers and other calm, vaccinated dogs. Take them to the groomer, pet store, and around town. Make it fun and not overwhelming, never forcing interactions.

Bullmastiffs need gentle guidance to learn what‘s expected of them but harsh corrections will only make them shut down. If they‘re getting overly excited, distracted, or making a mistake, redirect them with a toy or treat and model the right behavior. Patience, consistency, and understanding their natural instincts are key to bringing out the best in your Bullmastiff.

Potential Health Issues in Bullmastiffs
Unfortunately, Bullmastiffs are predisposed to several serious health problems due to their breed type as a giant, brachycephalic (short-muzzled), deep-chested dog. The average lifespan for a Bullmastiff is only around 7 to 9 years. Ethical breeders will health test their breeding stock for the following conditions and provide documentation to puppy buyers:

Hip and elbow dysplasia
Eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy, cherry eye, and entropion
Cardiac issues like cardiomyopathy and subaortic stenosis
Thyroid disorders
Skin problems like allergies and demodectic mange
Orthopedic issues like cruciate ligament tears and panosteitis
Cancer, especially lymphoma and osteosarcoma
Gastric torsion/bloat
Arthritis

Keeping your Bullmastiff at a lean, healthy weight and not over-exercising them can help prevent or delay some of these issues. Having pet insurance or a dedicated savings account for vet care is highly recommended when getting a Bullmastiff puppy.

Famous Bullmastiffs and Pop Culture Appearances
Bullmastiffs may not be as well-known as other giant breeds like Great Danes or Mastiffs but they have still made their mark on pop culture. Here are some famous examples:

Sylvester Stallone‘s Bullmastiff Butkus starred alongside him in the first two Rocky movies
Adam Sandler‘s Bullmastiff Matzoball and Babu have appeared on his Instagram
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson had a beloved Bullmastiff named Brutus
Celebrity Bullmastiff owners have included Bob Dylan, Christina Aguilera, Jon Bon Jovi, Michael Bay, and Marlon Brando
The Cleveland Browns have a live Bullmastiff mascot named Swagger
Bullmastiffs have appeared in TV shows like Kevin Can Wait, Lucifer, The Blacklist, and Billions
Kinta the Bullmastiff dog won Best in Show at the 2023 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

Final Thoughts on the Big, Beautiful Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a powerful yet sensitive dog that makes a dedicated guardian and loving companion. Their imposing size belies the sweet, affectionate nature underneath. With early training and socialization, Bullmastiffs can be trusted family dogs that are gentle with kids and accepting of strangers. They are calm, laidback dogs content to relax at home while still being alert and protective when needed.

Bullmastiffs are best suited for households familiar with large breeds and their physical, financial, and time commitments. Adopting an adult Bullmastiff from a rescue can be very rewarding if you can meet their needs but aren‘t up for raising a giant breed puppy. With proper care, training, and love, Bullmastiffs will develop an incredibly deep bond with their humans that is unmatched.

Sadly, Bullmastiffs have relatively short lifespans and are prone to various health problems. Choosing a responsible breeder who invests in health testing or rescuing a Bullmastiff in need can help you enjoy as many happy, healthy years together as possible. No matter how long they are with us, Bullmastiffs leave a huge imprint on our hearts and homes with their steady, silent courage and unwavering loyalty.