Bullmastiff Breed Information

  Learn about this dog breed including behavior, physical characteristics, origins, history and more.

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Bullmastiff Breed Information

Bullmastiff

Learn all about Bullmastiff dogs, read about the Bullmastiff breed information, find out about the Bullmastiff Breed Standard, Bullmastiff behavior and more.

The Bullmastiff Dog Breed Introduction

The Bullmastiff is a powerful-looking, relatively large dog. The Bullmastiff breed is said to have originated when a Mastiff and a Bulldog were interbred. Though there are many breeds of hunting dogs, the Bullmastiff dog breed is unique: it was bred to hunt humans. Specifically, it attacked and immobilized poachers. Today, Bullmastiffs are mostly kept as family pets. In the late 1990s, there was a media furor around Bullmastiffs in Canada, which were supposedly dangerous to children. There was even a failed proposal to ban the breed from the country.

Here are the characteristics of the Bullmastiff dog breed as determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.

The Bullmastiff's Behavior

Recommended for: Family pets, guard dogs

The Bullmastiff is described as fearless yet docile, reliable and eager to please. Yet is important to remember that Bullmastiffs were bred to hunt humans, and so they need to be trained carefully. In particular, Bullmastiffs, like many guard dog breeds, can be a bit overprotective and aggressive toward strangers.

Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

Bullmastiff's Physical Characteristics

  • Size: males: 25-27 inches, 110 to 130 pounds; females: 24-26 inches, 100 to 120 pounds
  • Coat: Short and dense
  • Color: Red, fawn, or brindle
  • Eyes: medium-sized, dark
  • Ears: V-shaped, wide and high-set
  • Skull: Large, broad
  • Muzzle: Broad and deep
  • Nose: Black, with large, broad nostrils
  • Tail: high-set and tapered

Bullmastiff's Origins and History

Country/Region of Origin: United Kingdom

Name: the name "Mastiff" is of uncertain origin. There are wall carvings of Mastiffs in ancient Ninevah dating back to 640 BC.

Original purpose: attack dog to catch (but not maul) poachers, according to Wikipedia

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