Pet Wiki

Bullmastiff

Also called Gamekeeper's Night Dog

Steady, loyal and alert, the Bullmastiff is easygoing and affectionate at home while being naturally watchful.

SizeGiant
Weight41 to 59 kg (90 to 130 lb)males 50 to 59 kg, females 41 to 50 kg12
Height61 to 69 cm (24 to 27 in)males 64 to 69 cm, females 61 to 66 cm1
Lifespan7 to 10 years342
CoatShort, hard, flat-lying
OriginGreat Britain (England)12
GroupPinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs (FCI group 2)
Recognised breedShort profile
calm and gentle with family
brave, dependable guardian
quiet, rarely barks without reason
135

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

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

Coloursbrindlefawnredall with black muzzlesmall white chest mark allowed14

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Bullmastiff. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • 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

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. 1

    Early gamekeepers preferred brindle dogs because the colour was harder to see in the dark.4

  2. 2

    In 1928 the De Beers company brought Bullmastiffs to its South African mines as security dogs.2

  3. 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. 4

    Its old nickname was the Gamekeeper's Night Dog.2

Name ideas for your new friend

WinstonMollyPipBellaArthurFlorenceGusNellRufusDaisyMontyClover

A day in the life told by a Bullmastiff

I started my day with a big yawn and a stretch. My human gave me a scratch behind the ears, and I followed her to the kitchen. After breakfast, we went for a gentle walk around the block. I sniffed the lampposts and wagged at the postman. Back home, I found my spot on the sofa and napped. In the afternoon, I played tug with my rope toy. Evening came, and I lay at my human's feet, content.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

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

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Bullmastiff, and at what times?

Feed your Bullmastiff a good-quality large-breed food split into two or three meals a day. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests two meals daily, and your vet can help set the best times for your dog's routine.36 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Bullmastiff eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Choose a high-quality diet formulated for large or giant breeds, with treats kept to about a tenth of daily intake. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts; always check with your vet for a complete list.37

How often should I bathe a Bullmastiff?

Bathe your Bullmastiff occasionally, about every eight weeks as a starting plan, or at least once every three months. Wipe the jowls when needed to keep them clean.438 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Bullmastiff need brushing?

Brush your Bullmastiff weekly to keep its short, harsh coat healthy. Pet Wiki's starting plan recommends a weekly brushing session.43 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Bullmastiff's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and ask your vet or a groomer for guidance if unsure.8 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Bullmastiff need?

Your Bullmastiff needs daily walks and play, as it is built for strength rather than long-distance running. Pet Wiki's plan suggests daily exercise, and the Royal Kennel Club notes a generous daily need.34 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Bullmastiff's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, as floppy ears trap moisture; never push anything into the ear canal.8 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Bullmastiff live?

A Bullmastiff typically lives 7 to 10 years. Senior years usually start around age 6, so regular vet check-ups become especially important then.342 Pet Wiki plan

Is a Bullmastiff good with children and other pets?

Yes, the Bullmastiff is steady, loyal, and affectionate at home, and can be good with children and other pets when properly socialised from an early age. Early socialisation helps it stay relaxed with new people and animals.135

Can a Bullmastiff be left alone?

Bullmastiffs are very attached to their family and may not do well if left alone for long periods. It's best to gradually accustom them to short absences and provide a secure, comfortable space.3

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard No. 157 Bullmastiff fci.beused for origin, recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament
  2. Bullmastiff - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history dates, AKC/FCI recognition, fun facts
  3. PetMD - Bullmastiff petmd.comused for lifespan, temperament, exercise, grooming, diet
  4. The Royal Kennel Club - Bullmastiff royalkennelclub.comused for group, exercise, grooming, lifespan, colours, brindle fact
  5. AKC - Bullmastiff akc.orgused for description, origin as poacher-catcher
  6. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.