Bullmastiff
also known as Bullie, Bully
History
The Bullmastiff is a large and powerful breed of dog that has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. The breed was developed in England as a cross between the Old English Bulldog and the Old English Mastiff. The goal of breeding these two breeds together was to create a dog that had the strength and determination of the Mastiff, combined with the courage and tenacity of the Bulldog. The result was a powerful and fearless dog that was well-suited to the task of guarding estates and derivatives' property.
The Bullmastiff was primarily used for this purpose as a gamekeeper's dog, and was highly valued for its ability to deter poachers and protect the property from intruders. The breed's protective nature and fearless attitude made it an ideal guard dog, and it quickly gained a reputation for being a fierce and reliable guardian.
The origin of the name "Bullmastiff" is derived from the breeds that were used to create the breed (Bulldog and Mastiff). The breed was officially recognized by the Kennel Club (UK) in 1924, and by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1933. The recognition by the kennel clubs helped to establish the breed standard and promote it to a wider audience.
Breed Information
Is Bullmastiff a purebred?
Purebred
What were Bullmastiffs originally used for?
gameskeepers dogs, guarding
How Long Do Bullmastiffs Live? What is average life expectancy for a Bullmastiff? How long can Bullmastiffs live?
8-10 years
The average Bullmastiff lifespan is somewhere between 8-10 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.
Bullmastiff Height & Weight
How big is a full grown Bullmastiff?
| Height | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 6 months | 12 months | 18 months | |
| Male | 25-27 inches (63.5 - 68.6 cm) | 20.5 inches (52.1 cm) | 22.5 inches (57.2 cm) | 26.0 inches (66 cm) |
| Female | 24-26 inches (61 - 66 cm) | 19.5 inches (49.5 cm) | 20.5 inches (52.1 cm) | 25.0 inches (63.5 cm) |
| Weight | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 6 months | 12 months | 18 months | |
| Male | 110-133 pounds (50 - 60 kg) | 75.5 pounds (34 kg) | 79.0 pounds (36 kg) | 117.5 pounds (53 kg) |
| Female | 100-120 pounds (45 - 54 kg) | 65.5 pounds (30 kg) | 72.5 pounds (33 kg) | 107.5 pounds (49 kg) |
Do Bullmastiffs get fat easily?
They are known for having a strong tendency to become overweight. It is important to find a balance between providing enough exercise and controlling their food intake. To maintain a healthy weight, it is recommended to increase the frequency and duration of daily walks and to engage in more playtime with the Bullmastiff.
Are Bullmastiffs Hypoallergenic?
No
Unfortunately, the Bullmastiff is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.
What is a Bullmastiff personality? What are Bullmastiff dogs best known for?
Alert
Courageous
Docile
Loyal
Reliable
Calm
Devoted
Powerful
Protective
Are Bullmastiffs heavy shedders? How Much Does a Bullmastiff Shed?
Bullmastiff dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Bullmastiff. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.
What is the watchdog ability of a Bullmastiff dog?
The Bullmastiff dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.
Breed History
Where do Bullmastiffs come from?
England
What are Bullmastiffs descended from?
mastiff, bulldogs
What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Bullmastiff breed?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
When were Bullmastiffs first bred? How old is the Bullmastiff breed?
1800s
What Breed Group is a Bullmastiff?
Working (AKC:1934)
Guardian Dogs (UKC)
Bullmastiff Appearance
What color are Bullmastiff eyes?
Hazel
What color can Bullmastiff nose be naturally?
Black
What color can Bullmastiff coat be naturally?
Red
Fawn
Brindle
How long is a Bullmastiffs coat?
Bullmastiffs are known for their short coat.
How Dense Is The Bullmastiff Coat?
What is the texture of the hair of a Bullmastiff?
Straight
How many puppies can a Bullmastiff have in a litter? How many puppies can a Bullmastiff have in her first litter?
8-10 puppies per pregnancy
A Bullmastiff can have a litter of 8-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.
Bullmastiff dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.
Bullmastiff Health Issues
Do Bullmastiffs have a lot of health problems?
The Bullmastiff is a very healthy breed, with little need for frequent vet visits. However, it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.
What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Bullmastiff?
Gastric Torsion
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Bullmastiffs?
Entropion
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
What are the occasional tests recommended for Bullmastiff breed?
Hip
Elbow
Blood Test
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Bullmastiff Needs and Activities
Do Bullmastiffs have a lot of energy?
Bullmastiffs may be a good breed for those who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle. They tend to have a lower energy level than other breeds of dogs.
Do Bullmastiffs need socialization? How social are Bullmastiffs?
Bullmastiffs have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.
How much exercise should Bullmastiffs get?
The Bullmastiffs a breed that requires only a small amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people with busy lifestyles, elderly people or those who have limited mobility. They also make great pets for those who live in small apartments or have limited outdoor space.
How much sleep should a Bullmastiff have? Do Bullmastiffs sleep a lot?
The Bullmastiff breed is known for their relaxed and calm nature and tendency to sleep for long periods of time.
Does a Bullmastiff drool a lot?
The Bullmastiff is a breed known for excessive drooling which can cause a lot of drool to be left on clothes. If this is unappealing to you, it may be best to consider a different breed of dog.
How much does it bark?
Bullmastiffs are known to bark very little or not at all. They tend to be very quiet and do not bark excessively. They may only bark in specific situations, such as when they need to alert their owner to something important or when they are in distress.
Do Bullmastiffs exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?
These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.
Are Bullmastiffs mouthy?
What is the likelihood of a Bullmastiff running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?
Do Bullmastiff dogs have a high prey drive?
What do Bullmastiffs enjoy doing? How do I keep my Bullmastiff busy?
Walking, Catch treats, Train, Jumping, Fetch, Walk, Run, Playing, Chasing, Greeting, Belly rubs, Running, Sniff, Nap, Snuggle, Eating Snacks, Sniffing, Swim, Water, Nose work, Play, Go to Beach, Go to Park, Frisbee, Go Camping, Groom, Hike, Fish, Chase, Bath time
What is the energy level of a Bullmastiff? How much energy does a Bullmastiff have?
Medium
Bullmastiffs are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.
How far should a Bullmastiff walk each week? How many miles should a Bullmastiff walk every week?
7 miles / week
There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Bullmastiff, it's at least 7 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.
How much a Bullmastiff should exercise a day? How much activity does a Bullmastiff need?
40 minutes
In general most Bullmastiffs usually need at least 40 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.
What level of grooming should be provided for a Bullmastiff?
The Bullmastiff is a breed of dog that is known for its low grooming needs.
How often should you brush a Bullmastiff?
Daily
Ideally, Bullmastiff should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.
What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Bullmastiffs?
Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper
Costs
How many cups of food does a Bullmastiff eat?
3 cups
For an average 110-133 pound (50 - 60 kg) Bullmastiff feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.
How Much Does a Bullmastiff Cost Daily?
$2.10 - $2.70 / day
The average cost of a Bullmastiff is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.
How Much Does a Bullmastiff Cost Per Month?
$56 - $84 / month
The average per month expenses of a Bullmastiff is between $56 - $84. This makes an average of $672 - $1008 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.
Bullmastiff Characteristic
How intelligent is a Bullmastiff?
The Bullmastiff have below the average degree of obedience intelligence among other breeds. However, calling them “dumb dogs” is unfair. Where Bullmastiffs lack in obedience & working intelligence, they make up for it with their keen ability to understand human emotions.
How sensitive is a Bullmastiff dog?
This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.
Are Bullmastiff dogs affectionate?
Do Bullmastiff do well in apartments? Are Bullmastiffs good indoor dogs?
Bullmastiffs are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.
Are Bullmastiffs good with kids? Are Bullmastiffs good around children?
Bullmastiffs are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.
Are Bullmastiffs good for elderly?
Are Bullmastiffs good with cats? How friendly Bullmastiffs are toward cats?
Bullmastiffs are not cat friendly dogs.
Do Bullmastiff dogs get along with other dogs? Are Bullmastiffs OK with other dogs?
Bullmastiffs are not dog friendly dogs.
How do Bullmastiff dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?
Are Bullmastiffs friendly with strangers?
Bullmastiffs are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.
Do Bullmastiffs like to play? Are Bullmastiffs playful?
Bullmastiffs are not the most playful dog breed.
Are Bullmastiff easily trained?
Bullmastiff dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good natured
Bullmastiffs are known for their good natured temperament and make great family pets. - Quiet
If you're looking for a quieter dog, the Bullmastiff breed could be a good option as they are known for being relatively peaceful. - Therapy Dog
This breed is well-suited for therapy dog work. - Good with children
Bullmastiffs are typically good with children and make good family pets. - Natural protectors
Bullmastiffs are natural protectors and will defend their families if necessary.
Cons
- Not suitable for office environment
Bullmastiffs are not typically recommended for office environments. - Odor
The Bullmastiff's risk of having an offensive odor is high. - Not cat-friendly
Having a cat in the household may not be compatible with having a Bullmastiff. - Tendency to gain weight
Bullmastiffs have a strong likelihood of becoming overweight. - Not Hypoallergenic
People with allergies should be cautious when considering a Bullmastiff, as they may cause allergic reactions. - Not suitable for apartment living
Bullmastiffs are large dogs that require plenty of space, so they are not well-suited to apartment living.