Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff originated in England, bred for guarding. The Bullmastiff comes from England, typically weighs Males, and has a short and weather resistant coat. Individual Bullmastiffs vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- England
- Weight
- Males
- Height
- Males
- Coat
- Short and weather resistant
About the Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff originated in England, bred for guarding. Males typically weigh 110-130 pounds and stand 24-27 inches tall.
Overview
The Bullmastiff is an English breed of dog of mastiff type and large size, with a solid build and a short muzzle. It was developed as a guard dog in the nineteenth century by cross-breeding the English Mastiff with the now-extinct Old English Bulldog . It was recognised as a breed by The Kennel Club in 1924.
Health
A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 10.2 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds . Health concerns within the breed include hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, bloat, and cancer, with a relatively high incidence of lymphoma and mast cell tumours. Bullmastiffs are prone to certain hereditary diseases, including: An autosomal dominant form of progressive retinal atrophy is common in the breed. A mutation to the RHO gene is responsible. Bullmastiffs also are prone to ear infections.
History
The origins of the Bullmastiff are unclear. In the 18th century, in some regions of England, the English Mastiff and Old English Bulldog were commonly inter-bred to produce dogs suitable for guarding people and their property. By the beginning of the 20th century, this cross-breed was in widespread use as an aid to gamekeepers in the control of poaching . They were bred for strength, size and speed using a cross of the tough, heavy and aggressive 19th century bulldog with the large, strong, less aggressive mastiff. As a result, the Bullmastiff is known as the Gamekeeper''s Night Dog. The Bullmastiff was recognised as a breed by The Kennel Club in 1924. Dogs had to have a minimum of four generations of descent from Bullmastiff stock without input from either Bulldog or Mastiff; cross-bred animals could not be registered. The American Kennel Club recognised it in 1934. It was definitively accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1955. In 1928, the De Beers diamond mining company imported Bullmastiffs to South Africa to guard the mines.
Appearance
The Bullmastiff is a large dog. Bitches stand some 61–66 cm at the withers , and usually weigh 41–50 kg ; on average, dogs stand about 3 cm taller and weigh 9 kg more. The coat may be fawn, red, or brindle, in any shade; some limited white marking on the chest is allowed. The muzzle is black, becoming paler towards the eyes. The Bullmastiff is brachycephalic , flat-faced and short-muzzled, but this does not affect its breathing. [ failed verification ]
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Bullmastiff?
The Bullmastiff is a large, solid-built dog with a short muzzle. It is of mastiff type and was developed as a guard dog. The breed is known for its loyalty and protective nature. They typically weigh between 110-130 pounds and stand 24-27 inches tall at the shoulder.
Is the Bullmastiff a good family dog?
Bullmastiffs can make good family dogs for experienced owners who provide proper training and socialization. However, they can be wary of strangers and may be protective of their family, which can make them challenging for inexperienced owners. They require regular exercise and attention to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
What health problems do Bullmastiffs have?
Bullmastiffs are prone to various health issues, including hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, bloat, and cancer. They are also at risk for lymphoma and mast cell tumours. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential health problems early on.
How much does a Bullmastiff puppy cost?
The cost of a Bullmastiff puppy can vary depending on factors such as bloodline, breeder reputation, and location. On average, a Bullmastiff puppy can cost between £1,500 to £3,000. It's essential to research reputable breeders and consider the long-term costs of owning a Bullmastiff, including food, veterinary care, and training.
Where do Bullmastiffs come from?
The Bullmastiff comes from England. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Bullmastiff, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.