Information About Bull Mastiffs

For more than a century, dog owners have been drawn to the large, docile bullmastiff. This dog is bred to keep quiet watch over a home and has proven an excellent addition to American families in both urban and rural settings. For the right owner, and with proper care and exercise, the bullmastiff can thrive in either setting.

  1. History

    • English breeders developed the bullmastiff in the 1860s, mating the bulldog and mastiff breeds. Their hope was to engineer a canine that would patrol large hunting grounds and estates, protecting the game from poachers and other unwanted visitors. It was necessary that the bullmastiff be a stealthy, quiet tracking dog that could move fast and suss out invaders but not attack them.

    Appearance

    • Male bullmastiffs measure 25 to 27 inches long from shoulders to tail. They typically weigh between 110 and 130 pounds. Female bullmastiffs are slightly smaller, measuring 24 to 26 inches long and weighing 100 to 120 pounds. Bullmastiffs have large heads and lots of skin on their faces, giving them characteristic wrinkles. Their ears are V-shaped and hang flat along their cheeks. Most bullmastiffs are dark red or brindle in color, with a dense, short coat. Some have a white marking on their chest, which is considered undesirable in show dogs.

    Temperament

    • The bullmastiff retains its legacy as a guard dog and will patrol his home with full attention. Eager to please, the breed is seldom aggressive toward humans, although if provoked or faced with an unfamiliar face in its home, the dog might knock down and pin the "intruder" to the floor. Bullmastiffs require strong, assertive leadership from their owners because they are large and can be intimidating.

    Health Concerns

    • Bullmastiffs have a typical life expectancy of 10 years. Because of their wrinkles, eyelid problems and sores on the mouth are common issues. As they reach middle age, cancer, hip dysplasia and tumors can become concerns. Bullmastiffs gain weight easily and will overeat given the opportunity. This requires that they exercise regularly.