Photo credit: @hilmanjatyynenhuoletontaelamaa on Instagram.
Bullmastiff
A complete breed guide for Bullmastiff dogs
This article is written by Pet Circle veterinarian,
The intimidating size and appearance of the Bullmastiff reflects their original role as a guard dog. These gentle giants are often described as 'fearless at work and docile at home' and can be loyal and devoted family members if they are trained appropriately from a young age. Bullmastiffs are not recommended for first time dog owners as they can be stubborn and independent.
Contents:
1. Bullmastiff Facts
2. History
3. Personality
4. Diet
5. Health Issues
6. Related Breeds
Bullmastiff Facts
| Breed size: | Place of origin: | Other names: |
| Giant | England | Mastiff |
| Breed group: | Energy level: | Weight range: |
| Utility | Low to moderate | Males 50-59kg, Females 41-50kg |
| Life expectancy: | Tendency to bark: | Height range: |
| 7-10 years | Low | Males 64-69cm, Females 61-66cm at shoulder |
| Drool factor: | Coat length: | Colours: |
| High | Short | Any shade of brindle, fawn or red Black muzzle essential. |
| Shedding factor: | Overall grooming needs: | Social needs: |
| Low | Low | Highly intelligent and happiest when with their family |
How big do Bullmastiffs get?Adult female Bullmastiffs can weigh between 41-50kg and grow to 61-66cm at the shoulders. Adult male Bullmastiffs have an average weight between 50-59kg and stand 64 - 69cm at the shoulders. |
Do Bullmastiffs shed?Bullmastiffs are considered low shedders as they have a short, dense coat. It is recommended to brush them twice a week and bath them every 5-7 weeks, and of course feed a high quality diet to keep their fur silky and smooth. |
How much does a Bullmastiff cost?Purebred Bullmastiff puppies vary considerably in price, depending on the quality of the parents. You can expect to pay up to $3,000+ for a healthy, sound puppy from parents who have been tested for several different diseases and conformation problems, such as hip dysplasia. Mastiff and Mastiff crosses are often available at animal shelters, so it is always worth checking your local rescue centres first - not only will this likely be cheaper than purchasing a dog from a breeder, but you will be saving a life! We recommend contacting Bullmastiff Rescue Australia if you are interested in rescuing. |
Are Bullmastiffs good pets?Bullmastiffs are very social dogs who crave attention from humans that they know. This calm, easy going nature is rarely shown to strangers however, making them excellent guard dogs. Bullmastiffs do not like to share their family with cats and other dogs and are not recommended if you already have pets. The other factor to consider is that Bullmastiffs are world champion droolers! You need to have a ready supply of drool towels at hand if you are going to welcome one of the drooly giants into your home. |
How long do Bullmastiffs live?The average life expectancy of Bullmastiff is between 7-10 years. As with any breed, they will live much longer if you feed them a premium quality diet, never let them become overweight, and keep their teeth in top condition! |
Do Bullmastiffs bark a lot?Bullmastiffs make excellent watch dogs and will bark at strangers, however their overall tendency to bark is low. To reduce your Bullmastiff's barking, ensure you train with positive reinforcement from a young age and reduce problem behaviours before they begin! |
How do I choose a Bullmastiff breeder?When looking for a Bullmastiff, your options are to: a) adopt from a rescue such as Bullmastiff Rescue Australia (this is our top recommendation!) b) buy from an or online marketplace or pet store (NOT recommended!), or c) Research a reputable breeder. Never purchase a puppy without inspecting the breeder's premises and asking the 10 Breeder Checklist Questions first. Good breeders socialise their animals, house them humanely, allow you to inspect their premises, and selectively breed healthy traits and good temperaments. Read our Guide to Finding a Good Breeder for more tips. |
Are Bullmastiffs good with kids?Bullmastiffs are gentle, protective and affectionate with children, provided the children are well behaved and have been taught how to respect dogs. They tend to walk away if they've had enough, so it's important your child gives them space when needed. However, the Bullmastiff's laid-back personality with family members is likely to change when faced with a stranger, as they tend to be rather suspicious of people outside the family. |
Bullmastiff History
Left to right: an early Bullmastiff, section of "Patio de caballos de la antigua plaza de Madrid, antes de la corrida" depicting a Bullfighting scene by Manuel Castellano in 1854, photo of Bullmastiffs at a show in 1956. (sources: Canine Chronical, Castro Castalia, and JaneDogs).
The Bullmastiff was developed in England during the mid-1800s by gamekeepers on large country estates. They needed a powerful yet fast dog to chase poachers short distances, knock them down and hold them until they arrived. This was achieved by crossing the now extinct Old English Bulldog with the English Mastiff with the result being a dog that was often known as "The Gamekeeper's Night Dog".
Bullmastiff Personality
Photo credits: @almathebullmastiff and @lily.lotus.bullmastiff on Instagram
Bullmastiffs are extremely loyal and will form a lifelong bond with their human family and protect them from danger at all costs. They are very docile and laid back when in the company of people they know, however, they are suspicious of new people which makes them excellent guard dogs.
Bullmastiffs must have early socialisation and training with the critical window for socialisation being between 8 to 16 weeks. This breed is not recommended for inexperienced dog owners as their stubborn and independent nature can make them difficult to train. Bullmastiffs' lives revolve around their humans and this can make them prone to separation anxiety. Providing plenty of long lasting chews and interactive toys when you leave your Bullmastiff alone will help guard against them becoming destructive.
Top toy recommendations for Bullmastiffs
Bullmastiffs have powerful jaws, so choose large to extra-large sized toys to suit. For more tips, check out Heavy duty toys for power chewers.
Can't decide? Why not let us choose for you with Curious Box? Each Curious Box contains a selection of the most popular and top-rated products on the market, so you can be sure this box will please even the most fussy pets! Even better, the theme changes every 6 weeks, making it the perfect way to keep your dog's supply of toys and treats fresh, fun, and varied!
Bullmastiff Diet and Nutrition
Bullmastiff Puppies
Bullmastiff puppies require a diet that is less energy dense than a standard puppy food, because overfeeding and an overweight body condition are significant risk factors for the development of orthopaedic disease. Diets formulated for large and giant breed puppies contain an appropriate amount of calcium and phosphorus with a lower overall calcium content than a regular growth diet. Puppy diets should be fed in controlled amounts to promote a slow rate of growth and a lean body condition score.
Bullmastiff puppies need plenty of training when they are young so training treats are a must to have on hand for obedience training, toilet training, crate training and clicker training.
For more information, check out our New Puppy Guide, 10 Frequently Asked Puppy Questions and Common Mistakes Puppy Owners Make.
Raw diets for Bullmastiffs? Raw diets are not suitable or safe for Bullmastiff puppies due to the risk of bacterial contamination, which can lead to food poisoning and upset their sensitive tummies. Plus, an unbalanced diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Read more about Raw Diets: The Risks and Benefits.
When should you transition a Bullmastiff from puppy to adult food? As a general guide, Bullmastiffs can usually be transitioned from a 'puppy' food to an 'adult' food at around 18 months of age. This does, however, vary depending on your dog's body condition score - if your pup is underweight, they may require a puppy food for a little longer. Likewise, if they're starting to show a bit of 'pudge', it may be time for a lower-in-calories 'Adult' diet.
Best food for Bullmastiff Puppies
Our Vets recommend the following premium foods to ensure your Bullmastiff puppy not only grows appropriately, but thrives as well.
This premium dry food is fortified with nutrients to support bone and joint health, as well as an adapted energy content to prevent excess weight gain in giant breed puppies up to 8 months of age.
From 8 months to 24 months of age, this premium dry food is tailor made to support the healthy development of your giant breed puppy. It is fortified with nutrients to support bone and joint health, as well as an adapted protein content and l-carnitine for healthy muscle development.
An Australian made diet to support the unique nutritional requirements of large breed puppies. Added green lipped mussel to support joint health.
Hills Science Diet
Large Breed Puppy
Contains optimal levels of calcium, phosphorus and energy for controlled bone growth and to minimise the risk of developmental bone and joint problems.
Want to know more? Check out our article:Â What is the best puppy food?
Photo credits: @lily.lotus.bullmastiff and @bullmastiff_nsk from Instagram.
What to feed an Adult Bullmastiff?
It's important to feed your adult Bullmastiff a complete and balanced diet, and veterinarians particularly recommend feeding one that has been formulated for large breed dogs.
Although there are no specific feeding requirements for a Bullmastiff, their diet needs to be age-appropriate and meet all of their daily nutritional and energy demands. Also, it is very important that you do not overfeed or immediately exercise your Bullmastiff after a meal due to their increased risk of getting GDV and Bloat. Most Large or Giant Breed Adult Food from premium brands including Hills Science Diet, Royal Canin, or Advance are suitable for Bullmastiffs. These scientifically-formulated diets also contain balanced levels of protein, fat and carbohydrate plus vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for health and wellbeing.
We recommend the following diets for your adult Bullmastiff because they contain adapted calorie levels to help prevent weight gain and beneficial ingredients to support bone and joint health.
This high quality, grain free dry food contains functional ingredients like pumpkin seeds and blueberries to promote immunity, and chicory root for natural sources of prebiotic fibre to support gut health.
Instinctive Bite
Large Breed Chicken and Brown Rice
With feeding such a large dog, many owners need to seek out the best value food they can! Instinctive Bite is great value without compromising on quality.
This premium dry dog food is fortified with nutrients to support bone and joint health, as well as taurine and omega 3 fatty acids to help maintain healthy cardiac function.
This high quality Australian made food contains functional ingredients from nature to promote skin, coat, and joint health.
Bullmastiff Health Concerns
Health concerns affecting the Bullmastiff are those that also affect giant breed dogs in general, the most common of which are orthopaedic diseases and gastric dilation and volvulus.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM):
Like many giant breed dogs, Bullmastiffs are especially prone to a life-threatening heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy or DCM. This is an inherited disease in which the heart muscle is weak and the heart becomes enlarged with thin walls. Dogs affected by DCM usually show signs of heart disease between 1 and 8 years of age and these range from mild exercise intolerance to sudden death or congestive heart failure. A symptom of DCM is difficulty breathing, so if you notice your dog struggling to breathe, you should seek a veterinary consultation immediately. If you're planning on getting a purebred puppy, speak to the breeder about the history of heart disease in the kennel's line.
Want to know more? Read our guide to Heart Disease in Dogs.
GDV or "Bloat" - Gastric Dilation and Volvulus
Bloat is a life-threatening condition whereby the stomach stretches many times its normal size and in many cases twists and rotates, cutting off its own blood supply. The spleen is usually an innocent bystander that gets pulled into the rotation, also compromising its blood supply. This condition is common in deep-chested breeds like the Bullmastiff. The main signs to look out for are sudden onset of abdominal distension, distress, anxiety, pain (such as panting, guarding the belly), drooling and multiple unproductive attempts to vomit. What should you do in this situation? Transport them to a veterinary hospital or emergency clinic immediately where urgent treatment and surgery is required. Do not attempt to give anything by mouth.
In breeds with a high risk of bloat, a preventative surgery called a prophylactic gastropexy can be performed at the same time as desexing. The surgery involves securing the stomach to the inside of the abdomen to prevent it rotating. For more information about bloat and preventative surgery, we recommend speaking with your regular veterinarian.
Find out more about this deadly condition in our guide to GDV And Bloat in Dogs
Hip dysplasia:
The term 'dysplasia' means abnormal growth, therefore 'hip dysplasia' means abnormal growth or development of the hips. The condition is primarily genetic in origin. The degree of hip dysplasia will vary between dogs due to a combination of factors such as body weight, nutrition, hormonal factors and other environmental considerations such as exercise. It's important to note that the inheritance of the gene is not simple, and breeding dogs with 'normal' hips can give rise to offspring with dysplastic hips and vice versa.
How to prevent hip dysplasia? Responsible breeders will ensure their breeding stock is tested prior to breeding. Since 2016, the Australian National Kennel Council Ltd (ANKC) have been responsible for the Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Scheme (CHEDS) which is weighted towards secondary joint changes associated with hip dysplasia.
Read more about the condition, prevention, and treatment in our article: Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Entropion and Ectropion
Like most dogs with lots of droopy facial skin, Bullmastiffs are prone to developing disorders of the eyelids. When an eyelid rolls inward, this is called Entropion. This inward rolling causes the eyelashes to rub against the cornea which leads to eye ulcers. The opposite condition in which the lower eyelids roll outwards is called Ectropion. Ectropion exposes the conjunctiva that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and covers the eyeball. Over time, the conjunctiva dries out leaving it prone to infection ie conjunctivitis. The cornea may also dry out resulting in keratitis (corneal inflammation) and which damages the cornea and can lead to impaired vision. Treatment for both these conditions involves surgery to restore the normal shape of the eyelid.
Top health and supplement recommendations for Bullmastiffs:
Glyde is a joint supplement containing New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel which is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals to help reduce joint inflammation. Palatable and safe to give long term.
Contains Epiitalis, a unique plant oil extract combined with marine concentrates including green lipped mussel, shark cartilage and abalone to target joint inflammation. Palatable and safe to give long term.
The Fun Feeder keeps your dog engaged for up to 10 times longer when eating, which improves digestion and common issues such as bloat, regurgitation and over-eating.
Made out of non toxic materials, this mat promotes healthy digestion by slowing down eating with its 4 unique slow feeder patterns.
Related Breeds to the Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is part of the Working breed dog group. Over centuries, Working dogs were selectively bred to be guards and rescue dogs. The Working breed group consists of some of the most heroic canines in the world, including the Mastiff, Boxer, Great Dane, Rottweiler, Husky, Samoyed, Dobermann, and St. Bernard. This group consists of the real 'specialists' in their field, each dog excelling in their line of work.
Credit: @treasonx
English Mastiff
One of the two breeds that was crossed to develop the Bullmastiff, the English Mastiff is considered to be the world's heaviest breed of dog. The Guinness Book of Records record is held by a dog named Zorba who was recorded as weighing 149.7 kg. Zorba stood 94 cm at the shoulder and was 251 cm from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail. Distinguished by its enormous size, massive head, always displaying a black mask, the English Mastiff is noted for its gentle and loving nature.
Credit: @lisamcintire9416
British Bulldog
The British Bulldog can be thought of as a refined version of the Old English Bulldog - the second of the Bullmastiff's forebears. This breed is unmistakable with its stocky, well-muscled body, flat face and abundance of wrinkles. The British Bulldog is a medium size breed that weighs around 24 kg with a height range of 35 to 40cm. Despite their somewhat fearsome appearance, British Bulldogs are very people oriented and make wonderful family pets. They are a dependable and gentle dog that is an excellent companion for children.
@dtk_boerboels
Boerboel
The name Boerboel derives from the Afrikaans words 'boer' (farmer) and 'boel', a shortening of boelhond, which means bulldog. These fearless mastiffs were developed to protect the farms of the early Boer settlers in South Africa. Boerboels are one of the most agile members of the mastiff family despite their large size. An average Boerboel will weigh between 70 and 90 kgs and stand between 64 and 70cm at the shoulder.
Further Reading
Complete Beginner's Guide To Puppy Care
Which Flea and Worming Product Does YOUR Dog Need?
Want to know more? Check out our Discover Page for more tips from our expert vets on keeping your pets happy and healthy.