How to Identify a Bullmastiff

Note the size of the Bullmastiff. Males are 25 to 27 inches at the withers and females are 24 to 26 inches. The males should weigh 110 to 130 pounds, while the females should weigh 100 to 120 pounds. This breed has an almost square appearance, as the length from the tip of the breastbone to the rear of the thigh should be just a tad longer than the height at the withers.

Examine the dark, medium sized eyes. The Bullmastiff should promote a keen, intelligent expression that shows how alert this breed is. The ears are v-shaped and are carried close to the cheeks. They are wide apart and set high on the skull, giving the head its square appearance. The ears are darker than the rest of the body and are medium-sized. The large skull has a good amount of wrinkle when the dog is alert. The muzzle is broad and deep and about 1/3 the length of the head. The nose is large and broad and should be black.

Look at the body of the Bullmastiff. The slightly arched neck is of moderate length and is very muscular. It is almost equal in circumference with the skull. The wide chest runs deep and the ribs set down between the forelegs. The breed has a short back and a wide, muscular loin. The tail is set high on the body and tapers to the hocks. It can be carried straight or curved, but should never be carried in hound fashion. The shoulders are muscular and slope slightly. The well-boned forelegs are straight and set well apart. The toes are well-arched and the pads should be thick. The nails are black. The broad hindquarters are muscular and have a well-developed second thigh that denotes power. This breed should not have cow hocks or splayed feet.

Feel the short, dense coat that gives this breed weather protection. The coat may be fawn, brindle or red. There should be no white markings, except for a small white spot on the chest.