Otherwise referred to as the 'Gamekeeper's Night Dog,' the Bullmastiff dates back as early as 1795 when it was selectively cross-bred from an English Mastiff and Bulldog. Primarily bred for the purpose of chasing poachers intruding on the gamekeeper's land, the Bullmastiff possesses both the stature of the Mastiff and the aggression of the early Bulldog. Besides its fierce ability to chase, the breed is adept at hunting, tracking and makes a brilliant companion dog for the devoted sole owner or family. Falling within the 'working breed' group, alongside the Great Dane, Boxer and St. Bernard.
Easily identified for its Bulldog-like facial appearance, the Bullmastiff is a large-sized, powerfully built breed possessing a proportioned head, body and limbs, a strong tail, broad muzzle and long, muscular legs. Its coat is short and easy to maintain, common in colour variations of brindle, red or fawn. Unsurprisingly, having been bred to track scent and sound, the Bullmastiff boasts keen senses, particularly hearing and smell. Due to its impressive size, stature and intimidating appearance, the Bullmastiff of today is widely utilised in policing and military work, and as a dependable guard dog is various settings. Despite being athletically built, the Bullmastiff requires little exercise.
Highly trainable, the breed needs consistent obedience training from an early age. Once trained, the Bullmastiff will be amongst the most loyal, obedient and docile of breeds, exhibiting affection and complete devotion towards its owners. Notoriously unsuited to cohabiting with other dogs or cats. The average Bullmastiff weighs 45-60 kg depending on its gender and has a life expectancy of roughly 10 years.
Although generally a healthy and resilient breed, the Bullmastiff is susceptible to certain ailments, including hip dysplasia and associated structural issues, as well as eyelid problems. Additionally prone to cancer and mast-cell tumours, as well as various cardiac diseases such as pulmonic stenosis.
![[REDACTED] [REDACTED]'s Bullmastiff - Bear](http://static1.viovet.co.uk/opt/s=kr/petphotos/476_599122b6eda6b90aa21776f79be486d0.jpg)
![[REDACTED] [REDACTED]'s Bullmastiff - Johnjo](http://static2.viovet.co.uk/opt/s=kr/petphotos/16336_e405a598945bef3df900e1ec9b0ae11c.jpg)
![[REDACTED] [REDACTED]'s Bullmastiff - Rocky](http://static2.viovet.co.uk/opt/s=kr/petphotos/3434_edb739b07638bb64fa1c9491aeef9061.jpg)
From Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
Nellie is a big softy and loves anybody she comes into contact with, she adores attention and her food,like most bull mastiffs she sleeps a lot. Does not need much exercise quite happy with a plod round a park.
From Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom
Riley is such a fuss pot,he still thinks he's a puppy I'm sure,he's actually a cross mastiff,he loves attention and lots of cuddles,he's 12 years old now so he's a old boy,but he's a beautiful big plodder
From Leicestershire, United Kingdom
Teddy is the best dog! Stubborn at times, lazy very often, but also so loving and patient. He really is a big teddy near!
From Lancashire, United Kingdom
Amy is a much-loved family member who gets on great with our 3 year old daughter. she is loving and loyal and loves a cuddle! She is a softie although she is protective of us and is a fantastic guard dog. she is 6 and quite lazy these days, although she loves a good run and is happy with half an hour to an hour a day. We would recommend a good healthy diet and a joint supplement as larger dogs are prone to develop arthritis. She loves meat and turns her nose up at kibble! Make great family pets
From Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom
Crash is a big gentle giant, very laid back, wants to be everyone's friend. Happy to have slow plod or longer walk when he is in the mood. Fabulous breed! My handsome big boy.
From Leicestershire, United Kingdom
Bullmastiffs are great with children and a natural protector and thinks itself a true family member and if trained correctly a great pub dog and their behavior and manner when in public does them credit beyond belief, However they can suffer with separation crisis so if you both work forget it, Stubborn and idle be expensive due to health issues, they take over the sofa and your lap
From United Kingdom
A rescued Bullmastiff/DDB cross, Big Ted came to us at 6 months old. He is 7 this year. He's the best dog I've ever owned & the love of my life. He's gentle & loving, stubborn as a goat & utterly bone idle. He adores women & small children in particular & has no issues with other dogs of all sizes. He is one of 4 dogs at home & sometimes attends daycare. His main problem is timidity which started when he was neutered at 12 months old. It was too young for a mastiff which, we discovered, mature late. As owner of such a powerful beast you have to be responsible. Proper training isn't an optional extra. Once roused, they can cover the ground at breakneck speed.They have an independent mind & droll sense of mischief that could in the wrong hands be an issue. These dogs PLAN! Ted tosses bones at my bare feet with unerring accuracy, usually when my attention is diverted. Deliberate? Of course! The wildly rotating tail & gleeful body wiggle when I yelp tells me I'm his favourite squeaky toy. But I wouldn't have missed this time with him for the world. At night the gentle, comforting rumble from this incredible creature next to me makes me smile. By day I am humbled by the sombre amber eyes which seem to contain the wisdom of the world. He has given me so much love, so much joy. Sadly I am getting old & he will be my one & only but if I were younger these gentle giants would be top of my list every time.
From Sir Gaerfyrddin, United Kingdom
I have had Bullmastiffs for the last 18yrs. They're addictive. Once you've had 1 you will always have another. Amazing family dogs, needs socialising as pups. I also rescue this breed. Every single 1 has different charicter but all have 1 thing in common and that is they're all loving and loves being around family. Amazing dogs x
From United Kingdom
Sadly my beloved Big Ted died suddenly at Christmas 2021 age 9 (ruptured heart tumour) He did not, as I believed then, prove to be my last. As someone else says these amazing dogs are addictive! Six weeks after he died we adopted Luca, an abused & abandoned year old Bullmastiff pup. Despite being maltreated Luca is so very gentle & he shares Ted's sense of mischief. He too has no problem living with other dogs of all sizes, even a tiny toy breed. We are back into the round of training & socialisation. He is still learning what it means to be loved & happy. I don't want to imagine a life without these special dogs.