Bullmastiff
Overview
Bred in 19th-century England by gamekeepers to track and pin poachers, the Bullmastiff pairs great power with a surprisingly calm, gentle temperament. Devoted and naturally protective without aggression. It suits owners who'll commit to early training and socialisation of such a strong dog, and accept the drooling, snoring and shorter lifespan of a giant breed.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Bullmastiff is good with children and generally fine with other dogs. They tend to be a quiet, and as a guide they are better with some experience. As with any dog, early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Bullmastiff typically needs around 30 minutes (gentle, broken into shorter walks) of exercise a day (roughly 30–45 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content; mental stimulation matters as much as the distance covered. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is wash-and-go and shedding is moderate. A quick brush now and then, plus the occasional bath when needed, is usually plenty. Whatever the coat, check ears, nails and teeth as part of a regular routine.
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Bullmastiff should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food appropriate for its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a large breed will eat a fair amount compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats — including fruit and veg — should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
Pros
- +Calm, devoted and naturally protective
- +Surprisingly low-key indoors
Things to consider
- –Very strong — needs early training and socialisation
- –Drools, snores and has a shorter giant-breed lifespan
Is a Bullmastiff right for you?
On space, a Bullmastiff is needs plenty of space — they really need plenty of room and a lot of daily activity. For experience level, they are better with some experience. First-time owners can absolutely succeed, but should be ready for consistent training, exercise and (ideally) some support.
Kit that suits a Bullmastiff
Size-appropriate everyday essentials:
Helpful tools
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
Are Bullmastiffs good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Bullmastiffs tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Bullmastiff need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Bullmastiff needs around 30 minutes (gentle, broken into shorter walks) of exercise a day (30–45 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Bullmastiffs shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is wash-and-go — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.
Are Bullmastiffs easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Better with some experience. Bullmastiffs are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Bullmastiffs bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Bullmastiffs good with other dogs?
Generally fine with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Bullmastiffs suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Bullmastiff really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.