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Discover everything about Bullmastiff
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
Looking for a Bullmastiff?
At a glance
Bullmastiff overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
The Bullmastiff receives a grade of C because its massive body weight places significant strain on the musculoskeletal system. Hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED) are widespread in this heavy breed, making strict selection of breeding stock essential. Without comprehensive X-ray documentation, there is a high risk of early-onset, painful joint degeneration.
Lifespan
8–10 yrs
Height
61–69 cm
Weight
41–59 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,800 – 3,000 €
- Coat: Short, hard, with an undercoat
- Origin: Great Britain
Typical coat colors
- Fawn
- red or brindle
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Bullmastiff, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Bullmastiff right for you?
The Bullmastiff is a calm, extremely loyal, and quiet guardian—originally bred as a night-time gamekeeper meant to hold intruders down with pure body mass rather than harming them. That’s 110 to 130 pounds of dormant power that only shifts into gear when there is a genuine threat.
Perfect for you if:
- You already have experience with large, physically powerful dogs and know how to confidently manage their mass.
- You can offer a house or a ground-floor apartment with a garden and are perfectly content with two moderate walks a day.
- You are looking for a calm, quiet family protector whose deeply rooted protective instinct gives you a sense of security.
- You are prepared to be consistent with socialization from day one to ensure his natural genetic suspicion doesn't turn into aggression.
Less ideal if:
- You want a dog that greets every stranger or visitor with joy—his job as a guardian is exactly the opposite.
- You are looking for an athletic companion for long jogs, bike rides, or dog sports.
- You live in an upper-floor apartment without an elevator or cannot provide cool retreats during the heat of summer.
- You are insecure in your leadership and hope that a 130-pound dog will compensate for a lack of consistency on its own.
The real vibes check
A Bullmastiff rarely barks, but when he steps in, he means business. His protective instinct is deeply ingrained and not just a phase that can be trained away. You aren't getting a dog you can impress with volume, but a confident observer who decides precisely whether he needs to take responsibility for your safety.
Breed Profile
The Bullmastiff is a powerful and muscular dog that makes an impression wherever it appears. As a member of FCI Group 2, Section 2.1 (Molossoid, Mastiff-like dogs), it is characterized by its size, strength and unmistakable square profile. A distinctive feature of this breed is its massive skull, which is wide and deep with a short, broad muzzle. His eyes are dark and his ears are v-shaped and folded back. His short, thick coat gives him a well-groomed appearance, and his strong, broad chest and powerful jaw exude a natural authority and presence.
- Height
- 61 - 66 cm (Female), 64 - 69 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 41 - 50 kg (Female), 50 - 59 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 8 - 10 years
- Character
- Protective, loving, patient
- Coat
- Short, hard, with an undercoat
- Coat Color
- Fawn, red or brindle
- Price
- 1800 - 3000 €
Legal Notice
In some German federal states, special regulations apply to Bullmastiff as a listed or dangerous dog. Depending on your location, this may include a temperament test, permit or other official requirements, leash and muzzle obligations, and higher insurance or tax costs. Always check with your local authorities.
Full guide to restricted-breed ownership in GermanyHistory
The Bullmastiff has its roots in the United Kingdom and is a result of crossing between Bulldogs and Mastiffs in the 19th century. The breeders aimed to create a reliable guard dog that was large and powerful enough to intimidate intruders, but also remained obedient and controllable. These dogs were often used by game wardens to track down and apprehend poachers. Therefore, the Bullmastiff is often referred to as the “Gamekeeper's Night Dog”. In 1924, the Bullmastiff was officially recognized as a separate breed by the English Kennel Club. American Kennel Club (AKC) recognition followed a few years later in 1933.
Original Use
Bred as a guard dog for large estates, the Bullmastiff is known for its strength and protective instincts.
Origin
Great Britain
Date
1800
Character & Temperament
Bullmastiffs are best known for their protective instincts and love for their family. They are naturally alert and always ready to defend their family without being overly aggressive. Their calm and patient nature makes them ideal family dogs, especially if they are well socialized. These dogs tend to be calm and not hyperactive. They enjoy leisurely walks and being close to their people. They are certainly playful, but their games tend to be calm and controlled, making conscious use of their size and strength. The Bullmastiff is a very people-oriented dog. He loves spending time with his people and is happy when he is included in their activities. These dogs are good at learning to stay alone, but they enjoy the company of people and should not be left alone excessively. The Bullmastiff's hunting instinct is not particularly strong, although it has an impressive tracking ability inherited from its gamekeeper ancestors. He shows more of a protective behavior and is always vigilant to guard his family and home. The Bullmastiff's temperament is generally balanced and stable. They are intelligent but also headstrong, which means they need a consistent but loving hand in training. They respond well to positive reinforcement and want to please their people. The importance of good socialization cannot be overemphasized with this breed. Because they are naturally protective, it is important that they learn from an early age to properly assess situations and not be overly vigilant or protective. A well-socialized Bullmastiff is a reliable and loving family dog that gets along well with people and other animals.
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
| Watchfulness Strong territorial instinct — may actively confront intruders. | Very high |
| Openness to Strangers Careful around unfamiliar people — thaws slowly. | Cautious |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Barely any prey drive — small animals trigger nothing. | Very low |
Fun Fact!
Although Bullmastiffs are large and impressive dogs, they are notorious for thinking they are lap dogs. They love being close to their humans and will often try to snuggle up on their laps!
What Awaits You
Bullmastiffs are generally docile and alert dogs with a high stimulus threshold. They can be alert and territorial. Like many large breeds, problems with the musculoskeletal system are common in Bullmastiffs. In addition, a shortened life expectancy must be expected.
Housing & Care
The Bullmastiff is a calm and easy-going dog that can adapt well to city life as long as it gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. He gets along well with children and can be a loving and patient family dog. However, as with any breed, it is important to teach children how to treat the dog with respect. As for other pets, the Bullmastiff can get along well with them if properly socialized and trained. However, it is always important to carefully monitor introductions and encourage positive interactions. In some federal states, this breed is considered a listed dog and special requirements must be observed.
- Family Friendly
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Family-oriented - Child Friendly
Gets on well with children — with adult supervision.
With supervision - Dog Friendly
Can get on with dogs it knows — strangers are a different story.
With familiar dogs - City Friendly
City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation.
Manageable in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
Raising a Bullmastiff requires patience and consistency. They are intelligent dogs that can sometimes have an idiosyncratic personality. Positive reinforcement and rewards work best with this breed. Aggressive or harsh training techniques should be avoided as they undermine the dog's confidence and can lead to behavioral problems. Because of their size and strength, it is important that Bullmastiffs learn to walk on a leash as puppies and learn basic commands such as "sit," "down," and "down." and "Here" know. Good socialization is also crucial to ensure they are comfortable in different situations and with different people and animals. Bullmastiffs are not particularly active dogs, but they still enjoy regular exercise and mental stimulation. Games that encourage their natural instincts, such as search games, can be a great way to keep their mind and body occupied.
Nutrition & Care
Bullmastiffs are large dogs with a powerful build, so it is important that they receive a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. High-quality dog food that is specifically formulated for large breeds is a good choice. Since this breed has a tendency to become overweight, the amount of food should always be carefully controlled to avoid obesity and related health problems. When it comes to care, Bullmastiffs are relatively easy to care for. They have a short coat with no undercoat that requires minimal grooming. Regular brushing will help remove loose hair and keep the coat healthy. Although Bullmastiffs shed all year round, this can be kept at bay with regular grooming.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs 1–2 hours of real exercise daily. | Active |
| Shedding Hair everywhere, always — no white clothing survives. | Very heavy |
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
D
Elevated risks
Health grade
The Bullmastiff receives a grade of C because its massive body weight places significant strain on the musculoskeletal system. Hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED) are widespread in this heavy breed, making strict selection of breeding stock essential. Without comprehensive X-ray documentation, there is a high risk of early-onset, painful joint degeneration.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should strictly limit heat exposure and physical exertion, focus on joint-friendly development during puppyhood, and honestly budget for higher veterinary costs for potential heart and eye treatments.
The breeder's role
Responsible breeders test for hips, elbows, heart, eyes, and thyroid function, and prioritize clearer airways—though the fundamental risks of this breed cannot be completely eliminated evened out.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the Bullmastiff
Kerstin S., Halterin aus Duisburg (Hündin, seit 2022)
Ich habe eine anderthalbjährige, gestromte Bullmastiff-Hündin und bin einfach nur restlos begeistert. Vor ihr hatte ich bereits sechs Hunde verschiedener anderer Rassen, aber sie übertrifft wirklich alle meine bisherigen Erfahrungen. Sie ist ein absoluter Schatz und im Alltag unglaublich entspannt und gechillt.
Was man allerdings wissen muss: Bullmastiffs sind körperlich echte Riesen, bleiben aber im Kopf sehr lange verspielte Riesenbabys. Man braucht bei der Erziehung eine liebevolle, aber extrem konsequente Hand, da sie einen ausgeprägten Dickkopf haben können. Wenn man das aber mit positiver Verstärkung anpackt, bekommt man einen unfassbar treuen und sensiblen Begleiter.
Chris M., Halter aus dem Ruhrgebiet (Rüde, seit 2017)
Unser Bullmastiff-Rüde war ein unfassbar toller, extrem verträglicher Kerl – es sei denn, er wurde von anderen Rüden dumm angemacht. Wenn ihn einer dumm anpampte, hat er ihn auch mal in den Boden gerammt. Bei einem Gewicht von fast 70 Kilo hatte er da natürlich leichtes Spiel. Man muss sich dieser enormen Kraft bei jedem Spaziergang bewusst sein.
Außerdem darf man nicht unterschätzen, wie sensibel diese Rasse trotz ihrer Masse ist. Bullmastiffs sind große, sture Sensibelchen. Wenn ihnen eine Situation absolut nicht passt oder sie sich ungerecht behandelt fühlen, zeigen sie einem auch mal ganz galant den 'Stinkefinger'. Sie brauchen den engen Anschluss an ihre Menschen und gehören absolut mit ins Haus integriert, anstatt irgendwo abgeschottet zu werden.
Sascha K., Halter aus Sachsen (Rüde, seit 2007)
Wer sich für einen Bullmastiff entscheidet, sollte sich vorab intensiv mit der Gesundheit auseinandersetzen. Die Lebenserwartung ist leider, wie bei vielen sehr großen Rassen, oft nicht besonders hoch. Wir haben im Bekanntenkreis leider Fälle erlebt, in denen Hunde schon mit 5 oder 6 Jahren wegen schwerer Krankheiten wie Herzerkrankungen, Tumoren oder Gelenkproblemen (HD/ED) erlöst werden mussten.
Wenn sie aber gesund sind, sind sie charakterlich ein Traum. Sie sind der absolute ruhende Pol in der Familie und haben im Haus eine unglaublich hohe Reizschwelle, was sie gerade im Umgang mit Kindern fantastisch macht. Man muss sich nur im Klaren sein, dass die Tierarzt- und Haltungskosten bei einem Hund dieser Gewichtsklasse im Ernstfall extrem schnell in die Tausende gehen können.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the Bullmastiff
Is a Bullmastiff the right dog for me?
The Bullmastiff is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Bullmastiff live?
The average life expectancy of a Bullmastiff is 8-10 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Bullmastiff need?
Bullmastiff grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Bullmastiff good for families with children?
The Bullmastiff can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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