Breed purpose

      Originally Bullmastiffs were a combination of 40% English Bulldog and 60% English Mastiff.  They were bred to accompany gamekeepers on their rounds due to their ability to track well and having the size and strength to tackle, overpower and hold poachers.

        By 1924 the Mastiff-Bulldog cross had been stabilized and, the Bullmastiff was officially recognized in Britain and was accepted  for registration by the American Kennel Club in 1933.

       In addition to patrolling estates, the Bullmastiff has been used as police, guard and army dogs.

Breed Characteristics

     A Bullmastiff presents an aristocratic, attentive and intelligent look. He is distinguished from the English Mastiff by his smaller size and more compact face.

    They have been described as intelligent, loyal, laid back, family oriented, and even tempered.

    Bullmastiffs rarely bark unless there is a reason. there is a minimal amount of slobbering associated with a Bullmastiff, usually after eating or drinking.

    They are a dog that requires consistent and fair training. unique breed characteristics need to be taken into consideration. Though playful enough as a puppy, the Bullmastiff often takes a rather serious, somber attitude toward training as he matures. He likes to work and concentrates hard on a new exercise for a given interval. Once he has learned it, he can quickly become bored and lethargic if the exercise is not applied in a variety of practical and rewarding ways.

     The Bullmastiff seems very easy going and as such tends to interact well with most other dogs. But as with any breed, you should start socialization early. As far as the Bullmastiff's relationship to other animals (other than dogs), size rather than aggressiveness is often more of an issue.  Often Bullmastiffs don't realize their size and might hurt a smaller dog, or cat while trying to play.

     In relationship to people, Bullmastiffs tend to be a one family dog. They bond extremely close with "their" people and can be suspicious of strangers. Early puppy interaction with lots of different people is important to avoid potential problems of over protection. Bullmastiffs can be quite cuddly and demonstrative. They need to be integrated as a member of the family. They are not the best dog to keep as a full time outdoor dog, they need their time with the family in order to bond.

     Bullmastiffs are more tolerant to children than many other breeds. their easy going nature and calmness, tend to make them able to tolerate the energy of younger kids. but due to their size, constant parental supervision is required.

    They are naturally protective dogs. They have a suspicious nature in regards to strangers and "size" people up. sufficient socialization is very important due to this trait. They will also naturally guard their family members.

     Bullmastiffs are constantly attentive and curious about their surroundings and will be alarmed if any danger is perceived to their pack. Many people who see a Bullmastiff playing with children or other friendly person, cannot believe that this breed can be any thing but friendly, however if the need arises the Bullmastiff can quickly take on a 180 degree change in personality and can change from a friendly clown into to the most determined guard dog imaginable.

Exercise Requirements

     The Bullmastiff is not a high energy dog. One lengthy walk a day should take care of required exercise.  Play sessions , trips to exciting places and other highlights should be incorporated as they will otherwise tend to get bored.

Suitability for Working People 

     The Bullmastiff seems to tolerate being left alone well, and would fit into a family where both parties are working. Although it should be noted that any puppy will require someone coming home during the afternoon.

Grooming Requirements

     Bullmastiffs are a short haired dog which have minimal shedding. The brushes that work the best are rubber palm brushes used in a circular motion to lift out dead hair and bring the oil to the surface followed by a slicker brush to trap the hair. a grooming session at least once a week would be sufficient.

Guard dog Instinct

A lot of breeds of dogs require certain training to become a good guard dog. The Bullmastiff is NOT one of these breeds. The Bullmastiff was developed to be a guard dog, it is a built in instinct. a Bullmastiff was required to move silently through marshy scrub and, his silent ability was required to be able to spring on unsuspecting poachers. The Bullmastiff is not a breed that will chase for hours on end, but is quite capable of running down a man at great speed on a short spurt.

     Bullmastiffs are a very good judge of character and good with children. Their focused density vision they can read facial expressions, a Bullmastiff can use his senses and recognize ill intent in humans. Vision is also of great importance to be able to read body language. The Bullmastiff can read your mood very quickly, if you are grumpy they will stay clear, if you are upset they will be their quickly rubbing against your leg for comfort, if you are happy they will be right to try to play. It has a lot to do with your facial expression, the way you move and the different tone of your voice make a big difference.

     Some people think that a non socialized dog would make a better guard dog, that is extremely false. The Bullmastiff is a great guard dog by instinct and will protect his pack, if you never socialize it to your family (his pack) than he will have nothing but him self to protect.