Bullmastiff Facts for Kids

The Bullmastiff is a large, strong type of dog that first appeared in England during the 1800s. It was created by mixing two other dog breeds: the Bulldog and the Mastiff. Bullmastiffs usually have a short coat that can be tan, reddish-brown, or striped (called brindle). They often have a black face and black ears.

Appearance
- Size
- Color
History
Trainability
Health
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Appearance

Size

Male Bullmastiffs are usually about 25–27 inches (64–69 cm) tall at their shoulder (called the withers). They weigh between 110–130 pounds (50–59 kg). Female Bullmastiffs are a bit smaller, standing about 24–26 inches (61–66 cm) tall and weighing 100–120 pounds (45–54 kg). Breeders prefer dogs that stay within these sizes.

Color

A Bullmastiff's coat can be fawn, red, or brindle. These are the only colors allowed by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Fawn can be a very light brown or a reddish-brown. Red can range from a light red to a deep, rich red. Brindle means the dog has stripes over a fawn or red base color. Bullmastiffs should not have white markings, except for a small patch on their chest.

History

Bullmastiffs were first bred in Britain in the mid-1800s. Their job was to guard large estates and stop poachers (people who illegally hunt animals). Gamekeepers (people who manage wildlife on an estate) wanted a dog that was strong, big, and fast. They crossed the tough, strong, and sometimes aggressive Bulldog of that time with the large, powerful, but calmer Mastiff. Because of this, the Bullmastiff became known as the "Gamekeeper's Night Dog." Gamekeepers often preferred brindle-colored dogs because the stripes helped them blend in, especially at night.

The English Kennel Club officially recognized the Bullmastiff as a pure breed in 1924. Its background was thought to be about 60% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog. In 1934, the AKC also recognized the Bullmastiff. The first official rules for the breed were approved in 1935. These rules have been updated several times since then.

Trainability

Bullmastiffs are strong and powerful dogs, but they are also sensitive. To help a Bullmastiff become a well-behaved family pet, you need to be consistent with their training. Training and helping them meet new people and places (socialization) are very important. This breed can be quite independent.

Bullmastiffs are natural protectors of their home and family. They don't need special guard training to protect their loved ones if they sense danger. When training a Bullmastiff, you need a special approach. They don't like to repeat the same actions over and over again. Bullmastiffs often enjoy activities like obedience training, agility courses, tracking scents, and carting (pulling a small cart).

Health

A study in the UK found that Bullmastiffs live for about 7.5 years on average. A Bullmastiff continues to grow until it is around three and a half years old.

Some health concerns for the breed include problems with their hips and elbows (dysplasia), an eye condition called progressive retinal atrophy, a stomach problem called bloat, and certain types of cancer. Bullmastiffs can get some inherited diseases, such as:

Hip dysplasia: This affects their hip joints.
Elbow dysplasia: This affects their elbow joints.
Entropion: A condition where the eyelid rolls inward.
Hypothyroidism: A problem with their thyroid gland.
Lymphoma: A type of cancer.
Progressive retinal atrophy: An eye disease that can lead to blindness.
Arthritis: Joint pain.
Gastric dilatation volvulus: Also known as bloat, a serious stomach condition.

Some genetic traits that affect their appearance include long hair (which is rare) and "Dudleys." A Dudley Bullmastiff lacks the dark pigment (color) in its face mask. The mask might be liver-colored or not present at all.