Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff was developed in 19th-century England by gamekeepers who needed a dog large and strong enough to knock down and pin poachers without mauling them — the Mastiff was too slow and the Bulldog too small, so the cross produced the "Gamekeeper's Night Dog.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United Kingdom
Lifespan
7–9 years
Weight
41–59 kg (90–130 lbs)
Height
61–69 cm (24–27 in)
Exercise
30 to 45 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality giant breed food. Giant breed puppy food essential. Controlled portions — prone to obesity.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Bullmastiff was developed in 19th-century England by gamekeepers who needed a dog large and strong enough to knock down and pin poachers without mauling them — the Mastiff was too slow and the Bulldog too small, so the cross produced the "Gamekeeper's Night Dog." The standard is 60% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog. The breed was officially recognised by the KC in 1924. The Bullmastiff is a reliable, calm guard dog — it uses its body weight to pin intruders rather than attacking. It is calmer and less intense than many guard breeds but requires experienced ownership due to its size and independence.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A large, powerful, compact dog with a broad, wrinkled head and a dark mask. The muzzle is shorter than the Mastiff but not as flat as the Bulldog. Dense, short coat in fawn, red, or brindle. The overall impression is of controlled power.
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Brushing
1x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-6-8-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Loyal, calm, and protective — the Bullmastiff guards its territory and family quietly and reliably. Affectionate with family including children. Not typically aggressive without cause. Independent and not easily obedience-trained.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
3/5Attention Need
3/5Friendliness
4/5Playfulness
3/5Protectiveness
5/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Small-Garden
Daily Exercise
30 to 45 min/day
Ideal Weather
5°C to 28°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
30%
Attention
30%
Playfulness
30%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
guarding, stiffening, drooling increase, barking, blocking behaviour
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •1–1.5 hours moderate exercise daily. Low grooming. Giant breed puppy food and restricted exercise during growth. Prophylactic gastropexy recommended. Early socialisation and training essential.
Nutrition Notes
Giant breed formula. Bloat risk. Cancer rates high (lymphoma, mast cell tumours). Anti-inflammatory diet recommended.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Cancer (lymphoma, mast cell tumours, hemangiosarcoma) — leading cause of death. Hip and elbow dysplasia. Bloat. Entropion. Hypothyroidism. "The Gamekeeper's Night Dog" — 60% Mastiff, 40% Bulldog. Bred to silently pin poachers without mauling. 7-9 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
1800 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
1400 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Hip and elbow dysplasia. Bloat (GDV) — high risk. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Entropion. Cancer — elevated in the breed. Hypothyroidism. One of the shorter-lived large breeds.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Cancer is the primary concern. "Gamekeeper's Night Dog." India: moderate demand, heat sensitivity moderate.
Purchase Price
$1,000 to $2,500
Adoption Fee
$100 to $500
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Bullmastiff was used by South African diamond mining company De Beers to guard their diamond mines — the breed's ability to track and pin intruders without barking (which would alert them) made it ideal for covert security work.
The AKC's first Champion Bullmastiff was registered in 1934 — just ten years after the KC recognised the breed, reflecting the rapid spread of the breed's reputation as a reliable working guard dog.
