Bullmastiffs are known for their loyalty, strength, and gentle disposition, but can they be an excellent fit for your home? In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about them. 

Before adopting a dog, it’s essential to understand their temperament, personality, and everyday grooming and training needs. This will help you know better if Bullmastiffs is a match for you or not!

Overview

Height 25-27 inches
Weight110-130 lbs
Life span8-10 years
Exercise needs1-2 hours daily
TemperamentProtective, Introvert, Loyal
GroomingLow maintenance
HypoallergenicNo
OriginEngland

Origin of the Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff dog breed is believed to have its roots in 1860 England. These dogs were developed through a deliberate breeding program where Bulldogs were crossed with Mastiffs. The primary goal was to create a breed that has the agility and tenacity of a Bulldog combined with the strength and courage of the Mastiff. And well, it would be an understatement to say that the mission was successful in creating such a majestic dog breed. It is no surprise that Bullmastiffs are one of the best guard dogs you can bring home!

Moreover, even though the popularity of these dogs primarily begins as guard dogs who are tough and never give up, it gradually takes place in the hearts of common folk. Today, dog enthusiasts enjoy and appreciate this breed not only for their skill set but also for their ability to be a loyal companion to human families. 

Appearance of the Bullmastiff

Below is all you need to know about the physical characteristics and attributes of the Bullmastiff dog breed:

1. Size and body

The Bullmastiff dog breed is a large-sized dog breed that is 25-27 inches tall and weighs about 110-130 pounds. Generally, just like in the case of other dog breeds, females are slightly smaller than males. 

2. Coat

You would be glad to know that these dogs have an easy-to-maintain short, dense coat that won’t be a hassle to groom. Their coat comes in various shades of brindle, fawn, or red, which makes them look unique in their own way. 

3. Other features

Besides their size and coat, Bullmastiffs have a distinctively wrinkled forehead that one cannot take their eyes off of. Their whole persona, agility, muscular build, and expressions make them look intimidating at first glance. 

Personality and Temperament

Before adopting any breed, knowing their temperament and personality traits is essential. In the case of Bullmastiffs, this is what you must know:

1. Loyal and protective

The Bullmastiff dog breed is an incredibly loyal breed that is deeply devoted to its families. Because of their primary roles as guard dogs, these dogs are so protective towards their owners and kids in the family. 

2. Gentle dogs

Despite their imposing and intimidating size, these dogs are known for their gentle nature. Especially if you have children at home, these dogs can bring a calm and patient demeanor to the home environment. 

3. Courageous

The Bullmastiff dog breed has a courageous spirit that truly sets them apart from other dog breeds. Stemming from their history has guardians and protectors, these dogs do not step away from confronting threats or dangers. 

4. Introverts

You would be surprised to know these dogs are reserved and typically introverted. You will often find them sitting aloof around strangers, and this is because they try to access unfamiliar territory or people before being comfortable around them. 

Fact
Don’t blame us for not telling you, but if you are adopting Bullmastiffs for their guarding skills, then you should know they are “silent watchdogs” and probably not bark at the intruder!
a Bullmastiff in the garden

Grooming Needs of the Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff dog breed is a low-maintenance breed that has these grooming needs:

1. Brushing

Imagine this: you run your hands through your dog’s hair, and oops—tangles! If you don’t want this to happen, then you should brush your Bullmastiff at least once a week with a rubber curry brush. This will help you not only reduce shedding but also keep the Bullmastiff’s coat tangle-free. 

2. Bathing

Another grooming essential is to bathe your dog once every 2-3 months or if they look exceptionally dirty. But don’t just use any shampoo to clean them! Human products can cause harm to dog’s skin, which is why you should stick to dog-friendly supplies and products. 

3. Overall hygiene

In addition, you must not forget that dogs also need overall good hygiene that goes beyond brushing and bathing. For example, to keep your dog away from such infections, you should focus on cleaning areas like eyes, paws, ears, underbelly, groin, etc. 

Exercise and Training Needs

You will need to give these dogs 1-2 hours of training every day, and you can include exercises such as:

1. Early socialization

We are sure you don’t want your dog to grow into an under-confident, scared, and defensive dog who does not know not to show manners in public. This is why you should give Bullmastiffs early socialization training by taking them on dog dates, social events, gatherings, etc, so they can learn to adapt. 

2. Physical and mental stimulation

We already know how important it is to give physical stimulation to dogs, but we often forget about their mental health. So, when it comes to the Bullmastiff dog breed, you should be very particular about the games, puzzles, and agility courses for the holistic growth of dogs. 

3. Discipline and commands

For a dog like Bullmastiff, it’s essential to note that their independent demeanor can manifest into stubbornness. So, if you don’t want to deal with excessive dog swings and stubborn streaks—it’s time to set clear boundaries. And this is only possible with proper obedience and positive reinforcement. 

Final Thoughts

Wrapping up, it’s clear that the Bullmastiff dog breed can be a great addition to active families who already have experience with dogs. These dogs are pretty fun to be around but can exhibit overprotective behavior, which may not be suitable for first-time dog owners. AND! We cannot stress enough the importance of training, socialization, and providing a loving environment for this dog breed. So, if you are planning on bringing these dogs in, you are in for a ride!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Bullmastiffs aggressive?

The Bullmastiff dog breed is not considered to be an aggressive breed. However, their territorial and guarding instincts can manifest into aggressive behavior if they are not given proper socialization or behavioral training. 

Is Bullmastiff a good family dog?

Yes! The Bullmastiffs are known for their loyalty and affection towards family members. This quality makes them excellent family pets, but you will need to supervise them around kids due to their size. 

Why do Bullmastiffs not bark?

Despite being a guarding dog, the Bullmastiff dog breed is not known for excessive barking. It is because they were trained and bred to silently apprehend intruders instead of barking at them. 

Are Bullmastiffs good for first-time owners?

Unfortunately, we do not recommend Bullmastiffs for first-time dog owners. This is because of their large size, training needs, and stubborn nature, which can be challenging to manage.

Are Bullmastiffs easy to train?

As Bullmastiff dogs are intelligent and eager to learn, they are easy to train if the right techniques are used. These dogs thrive on good leadership and consistency, to be able to grow better mentally and physically.

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