Origin: Great Britain

Description: Although the mastiff is one of Britain's oldest breeds, its immediate descendant, the bullmastiff, is probably a fairly recent development. It is true that occasional references to the bullmastiff, or crosses of the mastiff and bulldog, can be found as early as 1791; however, no evidence exists that these strains were bred on. The documented history of the bullmastiff begins near the end of the 19th century, when poaching game from the large estates had become such a problem that the gamekeepers' lives were endangered. They needed a tough courageous dog that could wait silently as a poacher approached, attack on command and subdue but not maul the poacher. The mastiff was not fast enough, and the bulldog was not large enough, so they crossed the breeds in an attempt to create their perfect dog; the aptly named "gamekeeper's night dog." The preferred color was dark brindle, as it faded into the night. As the breed's reputation grew, however, many estate owners chose the dogs as estate sentries and preferred the lighter fawns, especially those with black masks, a coloration reminiscent of their mastiff ancestry. Breeders began to aim for a pure-breeding strain rather than relying upon repeating crosses between the mastiff and bulldog. They worked for an ideal animal that appeared to be 60 percent mastiff and 40 percent bulldog. By 1924, the breed was deemed to be pure and was recognized by the English Kennel Club. AKC recognition followed in 1933.

This nearly square breed should be powerful and active — a combination of strength, endurance and alertness. It should appear to be 60 percent mastiff and 40 percent bulldog. Its gait is smooth and powerful, but its angulation is moderate. Its coat is short and dense, and its expression keen and alert. These attributes allowed the bullmastiff to both overtake and over-power intruders.

The Bullmastiff was obtained by crossing 60% Mastiffs with 40% Bulldogs in the country of England. Mastiff Bulldog types can be found in records as early back as 1795. In 1924 Bullmastiffs began to be judged. Three generations of breeding of Bullmastiffs was required for Bullmastiffs to be registered as purebreds. The Bullmastiff was used as a gamekeeper's dog to track down, tackle and hold poachers. The dogs were fierce and threatening, but were trained not to bite the intruders. When the need for gamekeeper's dogs decreased, the dark brindle dogs so good for night camouflage gave way in popularity to the lighter fawn coloration. It has been prized as a hunting guard, as an aid in army and police work, and is used as a watchdog by the Diamond Society of South Africa. Today's Bullmastiff is a reliable family companion and guardian. It enjoys living with the family, with whom it comforts itself well.

The Bullmastiff is very powerfully built, but not cumbersome, with a broad wrinkled head and fairly short, square, dark muzzle (about 1/3 the length of the whole head). The nose is black with large nostrils. The dark hazel, medium-sized eyes should have an alert, intelligent expression. The v-shaped wide-set ears are pendant and dark colored. The teeth should meet in a level or slightly undershot bite. The short back is straight and level between the withers and the loin. The tapering tail is set high and reaches to the hocks. The short, slightly rough coat comes in brindle, fawn, or red, often with black markings on the head.

Utilization: Watch-dog.

Behavior/Temperament: The bullmastiff is gentle and quiet, a devoted companion and guardian. It is not easily roused, but once threatened it is fearless. It is stubborn and cannot easily be goaded into action against its will. Some can be aggressive toward strange dogs, but it is generally good with other household dogs and pets. It is good with children, but it may not be playful enough to satisfy some children. The bullmastiff needs a firm but loving home. It is not for fragile or timid owners. Powerful; enduring, active and reliable. High spirited, alert and faithful.

The Bullmastiff is a devoted, alert guard dog, with a good-natured temperament, though he tends to be willful. Docile unless provoked, he is fearless and protective, yet affectionate. Although unlikely to attack, it will catch an intruder, knock him down and hold him. At the same time, it is tolerant of children. Intelligent, even-tempered, calm and loyal. These dogs crave human attention. The Bullmastiff is an extremely powerful dog and needs a firm master. They should be thoroughly obedience trained for safety, and should be taught not to pull on the leash. Be sure to socialize extensively with both people and other dogs at an early age. Bullmastiffs can be aggressive with other dogs and are reserved with strangers. They may be okay with other pets if raised with them from puppyhood. The Bullmastiff is a more aggressive breed than the Mastiff. He tends to drool and snore. Puppies may seem uncoordinated. These dogs are very sensitive to the tone of your voice. It is not a difficult dog but does require a handler who can assert his authority. The Bullmastiff should never be banished to a kennel. This breed tends to drool and slobber.

Coat: Short and hard, weather resistant, lying flat to body. Long, silky or woolly coats highly undesirable.

Colour: Any shade of brindle, fawn or red; colour to be pure and clear.  A slight white marking on chest permissible.  Other white markings undesirable.  Black muzzle essential, toning off towards eyes, with dark markings around eyes contributing to expression.

Height: Dogs 63,5-68,5 cm (25-27 ins). Bitches          61  - 66   cm (24-26 ins).
Weight: Dogs   49,9 -59 kg   (110-130 lbs). Bitches   41 -49,9 kg    ( 90-110 lbs).

Health: Prone to cancer. Beware of hip dysplasia, tumors, and some eyelid problems. They are also prone to boils on the lips and PRA (eyes). These dogs tend to bloat. It is a good idea to feed them two or three small meals a day instead of one large meal.

Life Expectancy:  Under 10 years

Grooming: The short-haired, slightly rough coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and shampoo only when necessary. There is little shedding with this breed. Check the feet regularly because they carry a lot of weight, and trim the nails.

Good with children:
Good with dogs: no
Good with other pets: no