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The Bullmastiff breed is a compact, powerful, muscular dog with a large, square head. The coat is short, hard and weather-proof so it doesn’t require too much effort to keep it clean. They are fearless protectors, loving and loyal, but not overly keen on too much exercise. So, make sure you save them a spot on the sofa.
Bullmastiffs are a brachycephalic breed; problems associated with this condition include;
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome: a condition in brachycephalic breeds (those with a short nose and squashed face) where breathing is obstructed and can lead to reduced ability to exercise, or even severe respiratory distress.
- Skin inflammation/infection: brachycephalic breeds have a short nose and a normal amount of facial tissue. This means there is often excess skin around their face which leads to skin folds. The skin inside these folds can become sore and infections are prone to develop.
- Eye ulcers: ulcers are painful erosions on the surface of the eye. They are more common in brachycephalic breeds due to their conformation, as their eyes tend to be more bulbous.
As with many breeds, Bullmastiffs can suffer from:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Entropion and/or ectropion which are painful conditions where the eyelids turn inwards or outwards.
- Persistent pupillary membrane which is where embryonic membranes do not regress as they normally would.
- Lymphoma which is a cancer in some of the cells that make up immune system.
- Cruciate disease¹ which is where the ligaments in the knee become diseased and damaged which can lead to pain and limping.
Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
- Hip dysplasia screening scheme
Bullmastiffs are devoted to their owner and their family. However, they will guard and protect them which is why a Bullmastiff dog has to be socialised from an early age and this natural behaviour managed throughout the dog’s life. The Bullmastiff will often only accept strangers if they are introduced to them by someone they trust. Other visitors will usually be greeted with suspicion bordering on distinct unfriendliness. It is not usually a breed for the novice owner, due to its strength, stubbornness and over-protective nature - and its tendency to try and be a lapdog!
| Family-friendly: | 5/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 3/5 |
| Easy to train: | 3/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 2/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 4/5 |
| Energy level: | 2/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 4/5 |
| Shedding: | 1/5 |
The Bullmastiff dog breed was originally called the 'Gamekeeper's Night Dog' as they were used to catch poachers. They take their name from their original ancestors, the Bulldog and the Mastiff.
Bullmastiffs were created in the 1800s with one purpose and that was to catch human intruders - poachers. At this time the large country estates were being constantly raided by poachers trying to feed their families. The penalty for poaching was death and so if caught, it was well worth putting up a fight in order to escape the gallows. The gamekeepers needed back-up and the Bullmastiff was it.
They were smaller than the traditional Mastiff and so were agile enough to chase and catch intruders but once caught the Bullmastiff would overpower them, pull them to the ground and then sit on them subduing all struggles with their strength and determination until the gamekeeper arrived.
As the large estates began to diminish, the Bullmastiff would have found themselves out of a job if it wasn’t for their friendly docile natures with people they know. They make fantastic family companions.
A strong sense of humour and patience – the Bullmastiff believes themselves to be a lapdog and that exercise is to be avoided. Motivational skills are required to get them out exercising and keep them trim particularly if you’re pinned to the sofa underneath one on a rainy day! You’ll need to enjoy training and socialisation to ensure the Bullmastiff is safe around strangers, as they are inclined to be suspicious of unknown people or dogs.
A Bullmastiff’s exercise should be carefully controlled until at least 12 months old. Too much exercise too young - or jumping and stairs - can lead to bone and joint problems in later life. They do enjoy dog exercise and games with the family. An hour of exercise daily and a chance to mooch around in the garden will keep an adult Bullmastiff content.
As is to be expected from a dog who worked in large country estates, the Bullmastiff needs a large house and a securely fenced garden. Access to the front door for visitors and deliveries should be considered if this dog is to be allowed free access to the garden.
Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs. The Bullmastiff is prone to bloating and stomach problems which is why a good dog feeding tip in their case is smaller, more frequent meals to help minimise this risk.
Grooming the Bullmastiff is relatively easy, as the coat is short and low-maintenance. A grooming mitt is all that is required to remove any dead and loose hair. If you want to find out more about grooming a dog, check out our easy guide.
Bullmastiffs are never going to be traditionally obedient but they should be trained to walk on a lead and harness as such a powerful dog needs to walk politely for the safety of all concerned. Dog socialisation is important but their natural tendency to guard should never be forgotten no matter how well socialised.
While the Bullmastiff is a friendly dog with their own families, their protective nature, suspicion of strangers and occasional misunderstandings when it comes to rough games involving ‘their family’, means they are not an ideal dog for families with anything other than dog-aware older teenagers.
While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with each other for everyone’s safety. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.
The most famous Bullmastiff was probably Sylvestor Stallone’s dog Butkus. He adopted him when he was a six-week old puppy and used him in the film Rocky as he couldn’t afford a trained stunt dog. At one point, Sylvester Stallone was so down on his luck, he had to sell Butkus. But as soon as he had the money he went and begged to have him back.
