Bullmastiff: characteristics, training and care

The Bullmastiff is an imposing, loyal and protective dog that was originally bred as a guard dog for gamekeepers in 19th-century England. By combining the strength of the English Mastiff with the agility and caution of the Old English Bulldog, a breed was created that is known for its courage, devotion and intelligence. This breed is now popular as a family and guard dog, but has specific care, training and socialisation needs.

History of the Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff was developed in England in the 19th century with the primary aim of protecting estates from poachers. By combining 60% English Mastiff with 40% Old English Bulldog, a dog was created that was powerful, fast and intimidating, yet not aggressive enough to cause unnecessary injury.

Origin and Purpose

• Bred as a ‘Gamekeeper’s Night Dog’ to deter poachers on estates.
• It deterred intruders without seriously injuring them.
• The dark coat aided in inconspicuous night-time surveillance.

Evolution and recognition

• 1924: Official recognition by the Kennel Club (UK).
• 1934: Officially recognised by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
• Its role changed from working dog to companion dog and guard dog.

Character and temperament

A Bullmastiff is intelligent, loyal and protective, but can also be headstrong. Their instinct to guard and protect makes them excellent family dogs, provided they are properly socialised and trained.

Key characteristics

• Loyal and watchful: Protects its family without being unnecessarily aggressive.
• Intelligent but stubborn: Requires consistent training and a confident owner.
• Calm and patient: Good with older children, provided they are well-behaved.

Behaviour towards other animals and people

• Reserved towards strangers: Early socialisation is essential.
• Can be dominant towards other dogs, especially those of the same sex.
• Protective without being overly aggressive, provided they are properly trained.

Physical characteristics

The Bullmastiff is a large, muscular dog with a broad head and a powerful build.

Height and weight

Gender	Height (cm)	Weight (kg)
Male	63–68	50–59
Female	61–66	41–50

Head and body

• Large, square head with broad jaw.
• Short, broad muzzle, slightly wrinkled.
• Muscular body, broad chest and strong back.

Coat and colour

• Short, dense coat that requires little maintenance.
• Colours:
  • Fawn (light brown), red, brindle
  • Black mask around the muzzle.

Care and hygiene

Thanks to their short, thick coat, Bullmastiffs require little care.

Coat care

• Brush once a week: Removes loose hair and dirt.
• Monthly bath with a moisturising dog shampoo.

Hygiene

• Ears: Clean every 2 to 3 weeks to prevent infections.
• Teeth: Brush at least 2–3 times a week.
• Nails: Trim regularly to prevent discomfort.

Socialisation and training

Bullmastiffs can be dominant and require early socialisation to prevent aggression or anxiety.

Socialisation tips

1. Start early (3–14 weeks) with supervised interactions.
2. Ensure positive encounters with other dogs.
3. Introduce new situations gradually to minimise stress.

Training tips

• Start early: Socialisation and obedience training reduce problem behaviour.
• Use positive reinforcement: Reward good behaviour with treats or praise.
• Keep training sessions short and consistent: Bullmastiffs get bored easily.

Ideal living environment

• Suitable for homes with a fenced garden.
• Can live in a flat, provided they are walked regularly.
• Not suitable for kennel life, as they need company.

Exercise

• 30–60 minutes of daily exercise.
• No intensive exercise due to susceptibility to joint problems.

Health issues

Bullmastiffs have an average life expectancy of 8–10 years and are prone to various health issues, several of which have been directly linked to the breed in veterinary research.

Common conditions

1. Joint problems: Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, both reduced but not eliminated by decades of genetic screening in large breeds [1].
2. Heart conditions: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), aortic stenosis, more common in giant breeds than the general dog population [2].
3. Stomach problems: Gastric torsion (life-threatening), a risk that rises sharply in large, deep-chested breeds [3].
4. Cancer: Lymphoma, osteosarcoma, mast cell tumours. Bullmastiffs carry a documented genetic predisposition to lymphoma, often diagnosed before age 6 [4].
5. Eye problems: Entropion, ectropion (eyelid abnormalities), more frequent in molosser-type breeds with loose facial skin [5].

Cost of a Bullmastiff

The purchase price and upkeep of a Bullmastiff can be considerable.

Cost items

Cost item	Price range (€)
Puppy	1,000 - 2,500
Nutrition (monthly)	70 - 150
Veterinarian (annual)	500–1,500
Lifetime costs	15,000–20,000

Nutrition

A Bullmastiff needs a high-quality diet rich in protein and fats.

Essential nutrients

• Protein: Beef, chicken, fish, duck.
• Healthy fats: Omega-3 and omega-6.
• Daily portion: 600–1000 g of dry food divided over 2 meals.

Names for a Bullmastiff

Male names

• Bruno, Zeus, Titan, Rocky, Duke.

Female names

• Scarlett, Daisy, Luna, Nala, Zelda.

Famous Bullmastiffs

• "Butkus": Sylvester Stallone’s dog.
• "Pete": From the film Homeward Bound.

Conclusion

The Bullmastiff is an impressive and loyal guard dog with a balanced temperament. Thanks to its intelligence, protective instinct and devotion to its family, it makes an excellent companion dog for experienced owners. Although the breed requires relatively little care, it does need consistent training, early socialisation and plenty of exercise to remain both physically and mentally healthy. Prospective owners should be aware of the health risks and costs associated with owning a large dog. With the right care and training, a Bullmastiff can be a loyal and loving companion who will protect and love his family for many years to come.