A natural and even-tempered guardian of the home, the Bullmastiff is the 47th most popular breed registered with the AKC in the United States. Despite its tough-guy good looks, this pet is very sweet, patient, protective and loving with its family. The properly socialized and obedience trained Bullmastiff is generally very well suited to kids, and is unlikely to react negatively to a pulled tail or stepped-upon paw.

History and Origin

A mix between a mastiff and a bulldog, the Bullmastiff was bred in the 1920s to help gamekeepers on large English estates protect their game from poachers. The dogs were trained to track poachers quietly, knock them to the ground and hold them down without mauling them. Today, the Bullmastiff is primarily a family pet that exhibits those same excellent watchdog abilities - it will catch an intruder, knock him down and hold him without attack.Over the past century the Bullmastiff has been employed as a hunting dog and guard dog, as well as a valuable aid in army and police work.

General Information

Fearless and confident, the Bullmastiff is very protective of its family; you’ll regularly find your dog patrolling the house at night checking that everything is safe. Don’t be surprised if your Bullmastiff wants to sleep in your bed, though, or at least nearby. Day or night, this docile and loving dog is always happiest by your side. Best suited for indoor living, this great big dog can do surprisingly well in an apartment if exercised sufficiently. A long daily walk is all that’s required, with additional moderately strenuous play and exercise sessions thrown in on a regular basis. Restrict your Bullmastiff’s exercise activities in hot weather, however, and watch for signs of overheating; the dog’s shortened muzzle restricts its breathing ability in extreme heat.

A more aggressive breed than the Mastiff, owning a Bullmastiff is a big responsibility. This intelligent dog is a strong-willed and powerful animal, and it needs a dominant and confident master. While not a difficult dog by any means, the Bullmastiff requires a handler who isn’t afraid to show the dog who’s boss.Remember that overall, this dog is eager to please you; this sensitive pet will react negatively to harsh training methods, so for best results apply consistent and calm commands in a kind and gentle voice. It’s imperative to socialize and obedience train your Bullmastiff well from puppyhood onward – you can’t allow this formidable dog to raise itself. A properly socialized Bullmastiff can be trained not to chase cats, but it can be counted on to show aggression towards other dogs.

The Bullmastiff’s short-haired coat is easy to groom: comb and brush it with a firm bristle brush as needed, and shampoo only when necessary.

Health Ailments

The Bullmastiff is subject to various health problems, including skin boils, cancer, tumors, hip and elbow dysplasia, thyroid problems, subaortic stenosis and entropian. This dog is also prone to bloat; it’s best to feed two or three small meals a day instead of one large meal.

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