Breed Information

Bullmastiff History

The Bullmastiff was originally bred to aid gamekeepers in protecting Estate's from poachers in Britain in the 1800's. A cross of 60% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog was achieved, and so the Bullmastiff evolved. The Bullmastiff with its strength and ability to move quickly was able to hold a poacher on the ground until the gamekeeper arrived.

General Breed Information

Bullmastiffs are large dogs who naturally guard their homes. They are in their element when spending time with their family; they are a true guardians to their loved ones. They require firm owners who are able to be the leader of the pack, and the Bullmastiff needs to be aware of this from a young age.

There is a high importance in socialising them properly and continually, and obedience training is also a must. Bullmastiffs are dogs that need to live with their family, not to be placed outside with little human interaction. A properly fenced yard is essential. If you adhere to these requirements you will have a wonderfully happy Bullmastiff who knows their place in the household.

Life span - 8 - 10 years

Coat - Short and dense. Minimal brushing required.

Colour - Red, Fawn, Brindle.

Males - Height 25 -27 inches - Weight 51-59 kg

Females - Height 24-27 inches , Weight 41 - 50 kg

Health Issues

Hip Dysplasia, Entropian, Cancer, Bloat

As these health issues are a breed condition it is highly recommended that you purchase your puppy from a registered breeder who hip and elbow score. Although this is no guarantee that your puppy will be free of such conditions, it should minimise the risks.

Exercise

The Bullmastiff is a large dog, and although they do not require a large amount of exercise they do benefit from frequent walks. It is especially important not to over-exercise young pups when growing.

Breed Standard

General Appearance
Powerful build, symmetrical, showing great strength, but not cumbersome. Sound and active.

Characteristics
Powerful, enduring, active and reliable.

Temperament
High-spirited, alert and faithful.

Head and Skull
Skull large and square, viewed from every angle. Fair wrinkle when interested, but not when in repose. Skull broad and deep with well filled cheeks. Pronounced stop. Muzzle short; distance from tip of nose to stop approximately one-third of length from tip of nose to centre of occiput. Broad under eyes and sustaining nearly same width to end of nose; blunt and cut off square, forming right angle with upper line of face, and at same time proportionate with skull. Under-jaw broad to end. Nose broad with widely spreading nostrils; flat, neither pointed nor turned up in profile. Flews not pendulous, never hanging below level of lower jaw.

Eyes
Dark or hazel, of medium size, set apart the width of muzzle with furrow between. Light or yellow eyes highly undesirable.

Ears
V-shaped, folded back, set on wide and high, level of occiput giving square appearance to skull which is most important. Small and deeper in colour than body. Point of ear level with eye when alert. Rose ears highly undesirable.

Mouth
Level desired but slightly undershot allowed but not preferred. Canine teeth large and set wide apart, other teeth strong, even and well placed.

Neck
Well arched, moderate length, very muscular and almost equal to skull in circumference.

Forequarters
Chest, wide and deep, well let down between forelegs, with deep brisket. Shoulders muscular, sloping and powerful, not overloaded. Forelegs powerful and straight, well boned, set wide apart, presenting a straight front. Pasterns straight and strong.

Body
Back short and straight, giving compact carriage, but not so short as to interfere with activity. Roach and sway backs highly undesirable.

Hindquarters
Loins wide and muscular with fair depth of flank. Hind legs strong and muscular, with well developed second thighs, denoting power and activity, not cumbersome. Hocks moderately bent. Cowhocks highly undesirable

Feet
Well arched, cat-like, with rounded toes, pads hard. Dark toenails desirable. Splayed feet highly undesirable.

Tail
Set high, strong at root and tapering, reaching to hocks, carried straight or curved, but not hound-fashion. Crank tails highly undesirable.

Gait/Movement
Movement indicates power and sense of purpose. When moving straight neither front nor hind legs should cross or plait, right front and left rear leg rising and falling at same time. A firm backline unimpaired by powerful thrust from hind legs denoting a balanced and harmonious movement.

Coat
Short and hard, weather-resistant, lying flat to body. Long, silky or woolly coats highly undesirable.

Colour
Any shade of brindle, fawn or red; colour to be pure and clear. A slight white marking on chest permissible. Other white markings undesirable. Black muzzle essential, toning off towards eyes, with dark markings around eyes contributing to expression.

Size
Height at shoulder: dogs: 64-69 cm (25-27 ins); bitches 61-66 cm (24-26 ins). Weight: dogs: 50-59 kg bitches: 41-50 kg

Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.