About The Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff is a powerful dog, said to be a cross between the Mastiff and the Bulldog. Originally bred to find and immobilise poachers, the breed has proved its value as a family pet.

The Bullmastiff is 62% Mastiff and 38% Bulldog and was first recognised in 1924. It is powerfully built and symmetrical, showing great strength, but not cumbersome; it is sound and active.

The Bullmastiff is a relatively large dog. The American Bullmastiff Association standard calls for dogs to be between 25 and 27 in (63 and 69 cm) tall at the withers and between 110 and 130 lb (50 and 60 kg) though current judging trends often favour a dog slightly larger than this. Bitches are to be between 24 and 26 in (61 to 66 cm) tall and 100 to 120 lb (45 to 55 kg). Some dams make good mothers, but elective Caesarian sections are common, and most breeding is quite costly as a result. An average litter size is about six, but as few as one and as many as ten are not unheard of.

Any shade of brindle, fawn, or red is allowed as long as the colour is pure and clear. In the United States, however, there is no mention in the standard of the color being "pure and clear". The fawn is a light tan or blond color, while the red is a richer, red-brown. This can range from a deep red to a light red merging with the fawn sometimes described as a red-fawn. A slight white marking on the chest is permissible, but other white markings are undesirable. A black muzzle is essential, toning off towards the eyes, with dark markings around eyes contributing to the expression.