At a glance the quick version
FCI standard figures.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, hard, flat-lying
A short, harsh, weatherproof coat that lies close over a powerful, muscular body. A dark mask on the muzzle is a hallmark of the breed.1
Personality what they are like
Steady, loyal and alert, the Bullmastiff is easygoing and affectionate at home while being naturally watchful. It can be reserved with strangers at first and learns fast with reward-based training.135
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Needs daily walks and play, though it is built for strength rather than long-distance running. The Royal Kennel Club lists a generous daily exercise need.34
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Low-maintenance coat: a weekly brush, occasional baths and a wipe of the jowls when needed.43
Home where they are happiest
A large dog that appreciates room to move and a secure garden or fenced yard.3
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A good-quality food formulated for large or giant breeds, split into two or three meals a day, with treats kept to about a tenth of daily intake.3
Company who they like around
Very attached to its family; early socialisation helps it stay relaxed with new people.3
The story where it all began
English gamekeepers of the 1800s crossed Mastiffs with Bulldogs to get a large, quiet dog that could track down and hold poachers at night. The Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1924, followed by the AKC in 1934.245
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Early gamekeepers preferred brindle dogs because the colour was harder to see in the dark.4
- 2
In 1928 the De Beers company brought Bullmastiffs to its South African mines as security dogs.2
- 3
When The Kennel Club first recognised the breed in 1924, a dog needed four generations of Bullmastiff ancestry to count as pure.2
- 4
Its old nickname was the Gamekeeper's Night Dog.2
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 157, Group 2 Section 2.1 Molossoid, Mastiff type; current standard dated 10.08.2023. Accepted by FCI in 1955.1
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Working group; first recognised by The Kennel Club in 1924.4
- AKC
- Recognised in 1934.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Bullmastiff. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 6every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 157 Bullmastiff fci.beused for origin, recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament
- Bullmastiff - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history dates, AKC/FCI recognition, fun facts
- PetMD - Bullmastiff petmd.comused for lifespan, temperament, exercise, grooming, diet
- The Royal Kennel Club - Bullmastiff royalkennelclub.comused for group, exercise, grooming, lifespan, colours, brindle fact
- AKC - Bullmastiff akc.orgused for description, origin as poacher-catcher
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.