The Bullmastiff is a large-sized breed of domestic dog, with a solid build and a short muzzle. The Bullmastiff is a mastiff-type dog and was originally developed by 19th-century gamekeepers to guard estates. The breed was created by crossing the English Mastiff with the now-extinct Old English Bulldog. It was recognized as a purebred dog by the English Kennel Club in 1924.

Appearance

Size

Bullmastiff males should stand 25–27 inches (64–69 cm) tall AKC standard at the withers and weigh 110–130 pounds (50–59 kg). Females should be 24–26 inches (61–66 cm) at the withers, and 100–120 pounds (45–54 kg). Exceeding these dimensions is discouraged by breeders.

Color

A Bullmastiff’s coat may appear in fawn, red, or brindle. These are the only acceptable colors in the AKC standard. The fawn can range from a very light brown to a reddish-brown. Red can range from a light red-fawn to a dark, rich red. Brindles are a striped overlay of the fawn or red. A Bullmastiff should have no white markings, except for on the chest where a little white is allowed.

Head

The Bullmastiff is a brachycephalic breed. The term describes a flat-faced, shortened muzzled dog. The Bullmastiff head is not as extreme as some other breeds, such as the pug, however, and it is not common for the Bullmastiff to have any breathing issues like some other flatter faced breeds. A black mask is required and is a hallmark of the breed.

History

Bullmastiffs are a large working breed originating in Britain in the mid-1800s as estate guardians to ward off poachers. They were bred by gamekeepers for strength, size, and speed using a cross of the tough, heavy, and aggressive Bulldog of the 19th century with the large, strong, less aggressive Mastiff. As a result, the Bullmastiff is known as the Gamekeeper’s Night Dog. The preferred color, by gamekeepers, was brindle, as this color works as a more effective camouflage, especially at night.

The Bullmastiff breed was deemed pure by the English Kennel Club in 1924, with a genetic background of approximately 60% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog. In 1934, the AKC recognized the Bullmastiff. The first standard for the breed was approved in 1935. The standard has undergone several revisions since then; the most current version is available on the AKC website.

In 1928, the diamond mining company De Beers imported Bullmastiffs to South Africa to guard the mines.

The Bullmastiff breed was bred to tackle and pin a poacher that comes on their land. An issue people have with the breed is that the dog may jump onto an unfamiliar person and tackle them until told to stop. This is why Bullmastiff owners must greet newcomers to the dog at their first interaction.