Short History of the BreedThe Bullmastiff breed is a combination of the Mastiff and the Bulldog. It was created in England in the mid-1800s and is the only guard breed to originate in England. The Bullmastiffs were bred to help game keepers of large estates catch poachers. The dog could track a person in the forest at night; work quietly; and, when they were close they charged and knocked the man down and held him there until the gamekeeper arrived. This was not easy since the poachers used every trick and tool they could to escape, knowing that they faced hanging. The Bullmastiff had to be very brave and tenacious and more than one suffered death at the hands of a desperate criminal. But, the breed was exactly what the gamekeeper needed and they did their job well.

Physical Description and Size

Bullmastiffs are a large breed. The AKC Standard of the breed calls for males to be between 25 and 27 inches at the withers and 110 and 130 lbs. Females to be between 24 and 26 inches at the withers and 100 to 120 lbs. Many rescue dogs are small compared to the Standard. Colors are fawn, red and brindle; all having a black mask which covers the muzzle and extends up over the eyes. Brindle is black striping over a base color of fawn or red. Their coat is short and smooth.

Temperament

Mellow, easy going, intelligent, quiet, loyal, protective and sensitive

Dog Care

(exercise, grooming, diet)

Health Issues and Life Expectancy

About 8 to 10 years, some health problems are hip dysplasia; elbow dysplasia; interdigital cysts; entropian and ectropian (eye problems); and early death from cancer.