Dog breed · Working / Guardian
Bullmastiff
A massive but generally calm guardian bred by nineteenth-century English gamekeepers to silently pursue and pin poachers without mauling them. At home Bullmastiffs are famously placid and devoted.
Giant7–9 yearsEnglandNeeds more space
Breed characteristics
- Group
- Working / Guardian
- Origin
- England
- Size
- Giant
- Weight
- 41–59 kg (90–130 lb)
- Height
- 61–69 cm
- Lifespan
- 7–9 years
- Coat
- Short, dense, weather-resistant coat
- Temperament
- CalmProtectiveLoyalDocile at home
History
Developed around 1860 by crossing Mastiffs with Bulldogs to create a fast, powerful but controllable gamekeeper's dog.
Appearance
A broad-headed, heavily built dog with a short muzzle and a dense fawn, red or brindle coat.
Exercise and activity
Moderate — 30–45 minutes of walking daily; too much high-impact exercise as a puppy can stress developing joints in such a large breed.
Care and grooming
Wipe facial wrinkles and manage drool; the size and strength mean early lead training matters even though the breed is not naturally hyperactive.
Health considerations
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
- Certain cancers, including lymphoma and mast cell tumours
- Entropion
- Hypothyroidism