The bullmastiff is a large breed of domestic dog. It has a solid build and a short muzzle. The bullmastiff shares the characteristics of Molosser dogs, and was originally developed by 19th-century gamekeepers to guard estates. The breed's bloodlines are drawn from the English Mastiff and Old English Bulldog. It was recognized as a purebred dog by the English Kennel Club in 1924. They are a very quiet dog; they very rarely bark.
Males should be 25 to 28 inches (64 to 71 cm) tall (AKC Std.) at the withers and 110 to 130 pounds (50 to 59 kg). Females should be 24 to 26 inches (61 to 66 cm) at the withers, and 100 to 120 pounds (45 to 54 kg). A bullmastiff's coat may appear in fawn, red, or brindle. These are the only acceptable colors in the AKC standard. The fawn can range from a very light brown to a reddish brown.
Bullmastiffs are strong, powerful but sensitive dogs. For a bullmastiff to become a well-behaved family member, consistency is needed. Training and socialization is of high importance. Dogs of this breed are natural guardians of their home and owners. No special guard training is needed for a bullmastiff to react appropriately if his family is endangered.
Special approach to bullmastiff training is needed, because these dogs do not like to repeat the same actions again and again. Activities bullmastiffs enjoy include obedience, agility, tracking, and carting. Bred by English gamekeepers in the 19th century to assist English wardens or gamekeepers guard estates. As a result the bullmastiff is known as the Gamekeeper's Night Dog.
The Bullmastiff was a cross of 40% Old English Bulldog (not the short, chubby Bulldog of today) and 60% English Mastiff for its size, strength and loyalty. They bark much less often than other breeds; however, they will bark on alarm. They were also bred to pull things. The bullmastiff was recognized as a pure-bred dog in 1924 by the English Kennel Club. In October, 1933, the American Kennel Club recognized the bullmastiff.