The bullmastiff was — as you might guess — bred from the Old English Mastiff as a watchdog. The breed is 60% Mastiff and 40% bulldog.
The breed was developed in the late 1800s specifically by gamekeepers to protect game on reserves and large estates from poachers. The Mastiff wasn’t aggressive enough or fast enough; the bulldog was a little too small and ferocious — gamekeepers needed a fearless dog that would attack on command. The cross was perfect for catching and holding poachers without mauling them. The bullmastiff — nicknamed the Gamekeeper’s Night Dog — is known to this day for strength, endurance, and alertness.
The English Kennel Club recognized the bullmastiff breed in 1924. The American Kennel Club recognized the bullmastiff in 1933.
Like the Mastiff, the bullmastiff’s muzzle is approximately half as long as its skull. The body is wide and muscular. The bullmastiff’s gait is smooth and powerful. This breed has a dense, short coat to provide good weather protection. According to the breed standard, the bullmastiff comes in red, fawn, or brindle (striped). The dark, brindle coated bullmastiffs were favored for night watch duty by English gamekeepers.
Bullmastiffs are slightly smaller than Old English Mastiffs. Males reach between twenty-five and twenty-seven inches at the shoulders; females reach between twenty-four and twenty-six inches at the shoulders. They may weigh anywhere between one hundred and one hundred and thirty pounds when fully grown. But despite their extra-large size, bullmastiffs are good family dogs.
In terms of personality, the bullmastiff is fearless and intelligent. Expect this dog to be keen and alert. If you’re looking for a loving and dependable family companion and protector, the bullmastiff is a good choice. This dog is confident and reliable without being vicious. The bullmastiff’s brains and willingness to please make him easy to train.