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Breed Characteristics
1 paw - breed exhibits the least amount of this characteristic
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Bullmastiff
| Country of Origin | Great Britain |
| Weight | Males: 110–130 lbs. (50–59 kg) Females: 100–120 lbs. (45–54 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | Males: 25–27 in. (64–69 cm) Females: 24–26 in. (61–66 cm) |
| Coat | Short, dense, slightly rough coat |
| Colour | Bullmastiff's coat may appear in fawn, red, or brindle. These are the only acceptable colours in the AKC standard. The fawn can range from a very light brown to a reddish brown. Red can range from a light red-fawn to a dark rich red. Brindles are a striped overlay of the fawn or red. A bullmastiff should have no white markings, except for on the chest where a little white is allowed. |
| Litter Size | 4 - 13 puppies |
| Life Span | 8 - 10 years |
| Origin & History | Bred by English gamekeepers in the 19th century to assist English wardens or gamekeepers guard estates and capture poachers. As a result the Bullmastiff is known as the Gamekeeper's Night Dog. The preferred colour, by gamekeepers, was brindle as this colour works as a more effective camouflage, especially at night. The Bullmastiff was a cross of 40% Old English Bulldog (not the short, chubby Bulldog of today) and 60% English Mastiff for its size, strength and loyalty. They bark much less often than other breeds; however, they will bark on alarm. The Bullmastiff was recognized as a pure-bred dog in 1924 by the English Kennel Club. In 1934 the American Kennel Club recognized the bullmastiff. The first standard for the breed was approved in 1935. The standard has undergone several revisions since then. The most current version is available on the AKC Web site. |
| Personality | The Bullmastiff is a devoted, alert guard dog, with a good-natured temperament. Docile and affectionate, but fearless if provoked. Although unlikely to attack, it will catch an intruder, knock him down and hold him. At the same time, it is tolerant of children. Intelligent, even-tempered, calm and loyal, these dogs crave human leadership. The Bullmastiff is extremely powerful and needs a firm master who is confident and consistent with the rules set upon the dog. They should be thoroughly obedience trained, and should be taught not to pull on the leash. When going in and out gateways or doorways the dog should allow the humans to enter and exit first out of pack respect, because in the dog's mind, the leader goes first. The dog must heel beside or behind the human. This is most important, as not only do dogs have migration instincts and need to walk daily, but instinct tells a dog the pack leader goes first. Be sure to socialize extensively with both people and other dogs at an early age. They can be okay with other pets, depending on how well the owners communicate with the dog. The Bullmastiff is a more dominant breed than the Mastiff. He tends to drool, slobber and snore. Puppies may seem uncoordinated. These dogs are very sensitive to the tone of your voice and need someone to speak with an air of assertiveness, but not harshness. It is not a difficult dog but does require a handler who can assert his authority. The Bullmastiff should never be banished to a kennel. Meek or passive owners will find it hard to control this dog. It will appear willful, possibly aggressive with other dogs and reserved with strangers if owners do not take the time to socialize, and know how to properly communicate what is expected in a meaningful manner. |
Care Requirements
| Health | A UK survey puts the median lifespan of the bullmastiff at 7 to 8 years old. A bullmastiff will not stop growing until it is about three and a half years of age. Bullmastiffs are prone to certain hereditary diseases including; Hip dysplasia, affecting 24.5% of individuals Elbow dysplasia, affecting 13.8% of individuals Entropion, hypothyroidism affecting 2.8% of individuals, Lymphoma cancer Progressive retinal atrophy is a particular problem, since the trait is an autosomal dominant one. (This has recently been called into question by another other medical team and has been proven there are bullmastiffs with Autosomal Recessive PRA Genes. In America, this is being investigated by the American Bullmastiff Health and Research Committee and the DNA Optigen test only works for dominant genes, so it's considered inadequate at this time.) Arthritis Bloat Cosmetic genetic problems include longhairs and "Dudleys". Both are recessives and not common. The Dudley, named after a notable Bulldog breeder of the 19th century, the Earl of Dudley, is a lack of pigment in the mask. It can be liver colored or simply not present. |
| Grooming | The shorthaired, slightly rough coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and shampoo only when necessary. There is little shedding with this breed. Check the feet regularly because they carry a lot of weight, and trim the nails. |
| Exercise | Bullmastiffs need to be taken on a daily walk to fulfill their primal canine instinct to migrate. Those individuals who do not get this need met are more likely to have behavior issues. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Teach them to enter and exit all door and gateways after the human. |
| Other Considerations | Bullmastiffs will do okay in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and a small yard will do. They cannot tolerate extremes of temperatures. Famous bullmastiffs; Rocky — Roloff family dog (Little People Big World) Swagger — The live mascot of the Cleveland Browns Mudge — Henry and Mudge (Children's books) |
