The bullmastiff originated in England in the 1860's to assist gamekeepers in guarding off poachers. The foundation stock of this breed was created with a mixture of 60% Old English Mastiff, for its courage and size, and 40% Old English Bulldog, for its strength and agility. These dogs were bred to act as the gamekeeper's assistant with the ability to chase and immobilize poachers on the estates. Their speed, strength and endurance enabled them to overtake and capture intruders without mauling or killing them. Dogs of dark brindle color were preferred for the work at night. They were referred to as the "Night Dog" or "The Gamekeepers Night Dog." The Bullmastiff was acknowledged by English Kennel Club as a purebred dog in 1924. It was not until October of 1933 that they were recognized by the American Kennel Club.Bullmastiff Standards
Size: Males, 25 to 27 inches at the withers, and 110 to 130 pounds weight. Females, 24 to 26 inches at the withers, and 90 to 120 pounds weight.
Proportion: The length from tip of breastbone to rear of thigh exceeds the height from withers to ground only slightly, resulting in a nearly square appearance.
Colors: Shades of brindle, fawn, red fawn or red with black muzzle. Slight white markings on the chest permissible, however, except for a very small white spot on the chest, white marking is considered a fault.
Coat: Short hard hair, weather resistant, smooth, and dense, lying flat to body. Their short coat needs little grooming and is good weather protection
Head and Skull: Keen, alert, and intelligent expression. Eyes dark or hazel, set apart the width of muzzle. Muzzle short and square should be one third of length of skull. V-shaped ears that are carried close to the cheeks, darker in color than the body and medium in size. Skull large and square with fair amount of wrinkles when alert. Nose black & broad with widely spreading nostrils; flat, neither pointed nor turned up in profile. Flews not too pendulous, never hanging below level of lower jaws.
Bite: Preferably level or slightly undershoot. Canine teeth large and set wide apart -bottom teeth should not show when mouth is closed
Neck: Well arched, moderate in length very muscular and almost equal to skull in circumference.
Topline: Straight and level between withers and loin.
Body: Compact. Chest wide and deep, with ribs well sprung and well set down between the forelegs.
Back: Short, giving the impression of a well balanced dog.
Hindquarters: Hind legs strong, and muscular; with well developed second thighs, denoting power and activity, not cumbersome. Hocks moderately bent. Cow hocks highly undesirable. Dark toenails desirable. Splay feet highly undesirable.
Tail: Set high, strong at root and tapering, reaching to hocks, carried straight or curved, but never like a hound.
Gait: Free, smooth, and powerful. When viewed from the side, reach and drive indicate maximum use of the dog's moderate angulation. Back remains level and firm. Coming and going, the dog moves in a straight line. Feet tend to converge under the body, without crossing over, as speed increases. There is no twisting in or out at the joints.
Temperament: Attentive, loyal, gentle and loving. Fearless and confident, yet docile. The dog combines the reliability, intelligence, and willingness to please required in a dependable family companion and protector
With Children: Yes, will tolerate children.
With Other Pets: If properly socialized, the Bullmastiff can get along with other pets. This breed will tend to dominate their own kind.
Special Skills: Guard Dog and Family Pet
Watch-dog: Very high
Guard-dog: Very High, excellent body guard, natural guard-dog to family and home.
Care and Exercise: Nails should be kept short. Minimal brushing of coat is required. Diet and daily exercise need to be balanced for good health. Bullmastiffs need daily walks or a large yard to run in.
Training: Being obedience training at a young age. Bullmastiffs can be a stubborn breed, resistant to obedience training and can be overly protective of their human families. They must be properly socialized to strangers and other dogs.
Learning Rate: High, Obedience - Very High, Problem Solving – High
Activity: Outdoors - High, Indoors – Low
Living Environment: A large fenced backyard or the country is preferred. An owner of a Bullmastiff must be a strong, easygoing, confident leader.
Health Issues: Gastric torsion and sometimes cancer, Hip dysplasia.
Litter Size: 5 – 8
Country of Origin: Great Britain
AKC Group: Working
Class: Working
Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 2), KC (GB), UKC.