Bullmastiff

Created in late 19th-century England by crossing Mastiffs with Bulldogs (roughly 60/40), the Bullmastiff was the gamekeeper’s night dog, bred to track quietly, rush, and pin poachers without mauling. Selective breeding fixed a powerful build, a dark mask, and a steady, reliable temperament. Recognized across major registries, today’s Bullmastiff remains a superb property guardian and loving companion when well trained and socialized.

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A large, solid, rectangular Molosser with a broad head and black mask.

• Weight: Males ~110–130 lb (50–59 kg); females ~90–120 lb (41–54 kg)
• Height: Males ~25–27 in (64–69 cm); females ~24–26 in (61–66 cm)
• Coat Type: Short, dense, weather-resistant single coat
• Coat Colors: Fawn, red, or brindle, all with black mask; small white on chest permitted
• Distinctive Physical Traits: Broad skull, strong muzzle, deep chest, heavy bone, straight back, thick tapering tail, deliberate ground-covering gait

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Low coat maintenance; routine skin and drool care.

• Brushing: 1–2×/week (rubber curry/bristle brush)
• Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks or as needed; dry thoroughly (armpits/neck)
• Face/Drool: Wipe lips and muzzle after meals/water; keep chin/neck dry
• Ears/Teeth/Nails: Clean ears weekly; brush teeth 2–3×/week; trim nails every 2–4 weeks
• Shedding: Light to moderate; seasonal uptick in spring/fall

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Moderate, joint-friendly exercise; avoid heat and pounding.

• Daily Duration: 45–60 minutes total (split calm walks + training/enrichment)
• Ideal Activities: Power walking, hiking on soft surfaces, controlled fetch, obedience/rally, scent/nose work
• Puppies/Adolescents: Protect growing joints—limit stairs, jumping, repetitive running
• Climate Notes: Heat-sensitive; exercise in cool hours and provide shade/water

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Steady, intelligent, and independent—calm consistency is key.

• Approach: Positive reinforcement; short, clear sessions; avoid harsh corrections
• Focus Areas: Loose-leash walking (they’re strong), impulse control (doors/visitors), reliable recall, polite greetings, place/settle
• Socialization: Early, broad exposure to people, dogs, surfaces, and handling
• Cooperative Care: Muzzle training, nail work, vet/grooming handling—start early

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Grow slow and keep lean for joint and heart health.

• Food Type: Large/giant-breed formula or balanced fresh diet tailored to giants
• Daily Quantity: ~4–7 cups/day total, split into two meals (varies by dog/food)
• Puppies: Giant-breed puppy nutrition with controlled calcium/phosphorus
• Add-Ons: Omega-3s (EPA/DHA) for joints/skin; joint supplements as advised
• Bloat Safety: Avoid heavy exercise 60–90 min before/after meals; consider slow feeders; discuss prophylactic gastropexy with your vet

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Temperament, health screening, and lifelong support matter.

• Breeders: Choose CKC-affiliated preservation breeders who provide orthopedic/eye/heart/thyroid results, stable guardian temperaments, and lifetime take-back
• Adoption: Mastiff/guardian rescues; breed clubs may rehome adults—ask about health/temperament records
• Canadian Resources: CKC breeder directory; Bullmastiff Fanciers of Canada; provincial working/obedience clubs (ON/BC/QC/AB) for training support

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A robust guardian with size- and breed-linked risks—select for health-tested lines.

• Orthopedic: Hip and elbow dysplasia, cruciate tears
• Cardiac: Subaortic stenosis (SAS) and other heart disease in some lines—screening recommended
• Oncology: Cancers can occur in giants (e.g., osteosarcoma/hemangiosarcoma in some families)
• Eyes/Skin: Entropion/ectropion; hot spots/pyoderma if damp; allergies in some
• Endocrine: Hypothyroidism (some lines)
• GI: Gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat/GDV) risk
• Life Expectancy: 7–10 years
• Recommended Testing (breeders): Hips/elbows (OFA/FCI), cardiac evaluation (ideally echocardiogram), ophthalmologist (CAER), thyroid panel; discuss bloat prevention and cancer history

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Are Bullmastiffs good family dogs?
Yes—loyal and gentle in experienced homes with early socialization, training, and supervision due to size.

Do Bullmastiffs drool?
Yes—often after eating, drinking, or exercise. Keep towels handy.

Do Bullmastiffs shed a lot?
Light to moderate. Weekly brushing controls hair/dander.

Are Bullmastiffs hypoallergenic?
No.

How much exercise does a Bullmastiff need?
About 45–60 minutes daily of low-impact walks plus training/enrichment.

Are Bullmastiffs good apartment dogs?
Possible for committed owners with strong routines, space planning, and daily outdoor time; easier with a fenced yard.

Bullmastiff vs English Mastiff—what’s different?
Bullmastiffs are smaller, more agile, and more guardian-focused (bred to apprehend); English Mastiffs are larger, typically mellower, and more laid-back giants.

What health tests should breeders do?
Hips/elbows, cardiac (echo), CAER eyes, and thyroid; discuss bloat prevention and family cancer history.

How do I manage heat safety?
Walk at cool times, provide shade/water, avoid mid-day exertion, and monitor for heavy panting—never overheat a guardian breed.

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