Bullmastiff Dog Breed Guide
📍 Origin: England
The Bullmastiff is a large, powerful working breed developed in 19th-century England by crossing Bulldogs with Mastiffs to create an alert and fearless estate guardian. Despite their imposing size, Bullmastiffs are devoted family companions known for their calm demeanor and deep loyalty to their people.
| Breed | Bullmastiff |
| Size | Large (110–130 lbs) |
| Height | 25–27 inches |
| Lifespan | 7–9 years |
| Temperament | Loyal, Courageous, Affectionate |
| Energy Level | Moderate●●●○○ |
| Good With Kids | ✅ Yes |
| Grooming | Low Maintenance |
| Training | Good |
| Shedding | Moderate |
| Best For | Experienced Owners |
🐕 Bullmastiff Overview
The Bullmastiff combines the strength of the Mastiff with the tenacity of the Bulldog, resulting in a confident and reliable guardian breed. They are gentle and affectionate with family members but naturally suspicious of strangers, making early socialization essential. Their moderate energy level means they enjoy daily walks and playtime but are equally content relaxing indoors with their family.
📜 History & Origin
The Bullmastiff was developed in England during the 1860s by gamekeepers who needed a dog capable of tracking and subduing poachers on large estates without mauling them. Breeders crossed the English Mastiff with the Old English Bulldog in roughly a 60/40 ratio to produce a dog with the size and power of the Mastiff combined with the agility and tenacity of the Bulldog. The AKC officially recognized the Bullmastiff in 1933, and the breed has since transitioned from working guardian to beloved family companion and show dog.
👀 Size & Appearance
🐶 Male
- Weight: 110–130 lbs (50–59 kg)
- Height: 25–27 inches (64–69 cm)
🐕 Female
- Weight: 100–120 lbs
- Height: 24–26 inches
Coat type: Short, dense, weather-resistant
🧠 Temperament & Behaviour
With Children
Bullmastiffs are generally excellent with children. Their patient, gentle nature makes them reliable family companions. Always supervise interactions with very young children.
With Other Dogs & Pets
Can show aggression toward other dogs or animals. Early socialisation is important, but this breed may need careful management in multi-pet households.
🏃 Exercise Needs
Bullmastiffs have moderate exercise requirements — around 60 minutes of daily activity is sufficient. Two daily walks plus some playtime keeps most individuals happy and healthy.
⚠️ Apartment living: Not ideal. A house with a garden is strongly preferred.
🍗 Food & Diet Guide
🐶 Puppy (8 weeks – 12 months)
- Feed a large/medium breed puppy formula
- 3–4 small meals per day up to 6 months
- Reduce to 2–3 meals from 6 months onward
- Look for AAFCO "complete and balanced for growth" statement
- Avoid overfeeding — controlled growth prevents joint issues
🐕 Adult (Bullmastiff)
- Daily amount: 7 to 9 cups of high-quality dry kibble split into two meals of quality dry kibble
- Split into 2 meals per day
- Choose AAFCO-compliant food for adult maintenance
- Monitor weight monthly — adjust portions as needed
- ⚠️ High obesity risk — measure portions carefully
Always consult your veterinarian for a feeding plan specific to your dog's age, weight, and health status.
🏅 Training Guide
Basic Commands
Start sit, stay, come, and leave it from day one. Positive reinforcement with treats works best. Keep sessions to 5–10 minutes.
Toilet Training
Take puppy outside every 2 hours and immediately after meals, play, and sleep. Reward immediately after they go outside.
Leash Training
Start with a flat collar and short sessions. Reward loose-leash walking. A front-clip harness helps dogs that pull.
Socialisation
Expose to different people, sounds, and environments between 8–16 weeks. This is the critical window for confident adult behaviour.
✂️ Grooming
Brushing
Weekly brush is usually sufficient.
Bathing
Bath every 4–6 weeks or when dirty. Over-bathing strips natural coat oils.
Nail Trimming
Trim nails every 3–4 weeks. If you hear clicking on hard floors, they are too long.
Ear Cleaning
Check ears weekly for redness, odour, or discharge. Clean gently with a vet-approved ear cleaner.
🩺 Health Problems
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Preventive Health Tips
- Annual vet checkups (twice yearly for dogs over 7)
- Keep vaccinations and deworming up to date
- Maintain a healthy weight — obesity worsens most conditions
- Ask your breeder for OFA/PennHIP health clearances on parents
⏱ Lifespan
The average Bullmastiff lifespan is 7–9 years. Larger breeds tend to have shorter lifespans than smaller breeds. Individual lifespan depends heavily on genetics, diet, exercise, and veterinary care.
Tips for a Longer, Healthier Life
- Feed a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for age and size
- Maintain a healthy weight throughout life
- Regular exercise matched to age and health status
- Annual vet visits for early detection of health issues
- Dental care — dental disease affects overall health significantly
💷 Puppy Price
United States
Pedigree AKC-registered puppy from health-tested parents
Europe
Pedigree FCI-registered puppy from health-tested parents
United Kingdom
Pedigree KC-registered puppy from health-tested parents
Estimated Monthly Cost (UK)
Prices vary by breeder, location, and pedigree quality. Always buy from a health-tested, reputable breeder — never from puppy farms.
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Experienced dog owners
- Families with older children
- Homeowners with a yard
- Excellent with children
❌ Cons
- First-time dog owners
- Apartment dwellers
- Owners with limited time for socialization and training
- Prone to obesity — portion control essential
🆚 Bullmastiff vs Other Breeds
✅ Bullmastiff wins at
The Bullmastiff is more agile and slightly easier to manage due to its smaller overall size and more active temperament.
✅ Mastiff wins at
The Mastiff is generally more docile and tolerant around other dogs and strangers, requiring less intensive socialization.
✅ Bullmastiff wins at
The Bullmastiff is calmer indoors and less prone to excessive vocalization, making it a quieter household companion.
✅ Rottweiler wins at
The Rottweiler is more trainable, more versatile in working roles, and typically easier for experienced owners to handle.
🏠 Who Should Own a Bullmastiff?
✅ Great Choice If You Are:
- Experienced dog owners
- Families with older children
- Homeowners with a yard
- A family with children
❌ Consider Another Breed If:
- First-time dog owners
- Apartment dwellers
- Owners with limited time for socialization and training
- You live in a small apartment without outdoor access
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bullmastiff good for families?
Bullmastiffs are loving and loyal family dogs that form strong bonds with their household members, including children. They are best suited for families with older children who understand how to interact respectfully with a large, powerful dog. Early socialization and consistent training are important to ensure the dog grows up well-mannered and confident around visitors.
How much does a Bullmastiff puppy cost?
In the United Kingdom, a Bullmastiff puppy from a reputable KC-registered breeder typically costs between 1,200 and 2,500 GBP. In Pakistan, prices generally range from around 80,000 to 200,000 PKR depending on lineage and the breeder's reputation. In India, expect to pay approximately 40,000 to 90,000 INR from a responsible breeder, with show-quality lines commanding the higher end of that range.
Is Bullmastiff easy to train?
Bullmastiffs are intelligent but can be stubborn and independent, which makes them a moderate challenge to train. They respond best to firm, consistent, positive reinforcement methods started during puppyhood when they are still manageable in size. This breed is not recommended for first-time owners because their strength and strong will require a handler who can provide clear boundaries and confident leadership.
What food is best for a Bullmastiff?
A large-breed, high-quality dry kibble with named meat as the first ingredient is the foundation of a healthy Bullmastiff diet. Adults typically require 7 to 9 cups of kibble per day divided into two meals to reduce the risk of bloat, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition in deep-chested breeds. Avoid feeding immediately before or after vigorous exercise, and monitor weight closely since Bullmastiffs are prone to obesity.
Does Bullmastiff bark a lot?
Bullmastiffs are not excessive barkers and tend to be quiet, watchful dogs that alert their owners only when they perceive a genuine threat. Their natural guarding instinct means they are more likely to use their imposing presence than their voice to deter intruders.
Can a Bullmastiff live in an apartment?
A Bullmastiff is not well suited to apartment living due to its large size, need for daily outdoor exercise, and the space required for it to move comfortably. They thrive best in a home with a securely fenced yard where they can patrol and stretch without being cramped.
🏆 Final Verdict
The Bullmastiff is best suited to experienced dog owners who understand the breed's specific needs. With a lifespan of 7–9 years, moderate activity needs, and low maintenance grooming requirements, the Bullmastiff is a wonderful family dog.
If you can meet their exercise, training, and care needs, the Bullmastiff will reward you with years of loyal companionship.