The Cleveland Browns chose a Bullmastiff as their mascot, citing the breed’s loyal and protective nature aligning with the team’s values.
Bullmastiff
Looking for a large watchdog that is still calm and gentle with the kids? Meet the Bullmastiff. With British manners and impressive physical abilities, this is your new BFF.
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
Breed Group
Working
Height
Male 24-28 In
Female 24-28 In
Weight
Male 99-132 Ib
Female 99-132 Ib
Life Span
8-10 years
In a Nutshell
The Bullmastiff is a cross between the Mastiff and the Bulldog, forming the perfect blend of strength, loyalty, and affection. This gentle giant’s strong presence, natural watchdog instincts, and calm demeanor ensure your safety and happiness. The reliable working dog excels at any task, whether it’s guarding your home or cuddling with the kids.
Life With a Bullmastiff
Low (1)
High (5)
Energy level
Trainability Level
Amount of Shedding
Tendency of Barking
Exercise Needs
Kid Friendly
Pet Friendly
Looks & Personality
The first thing you’ll notice about the Bullmastiff is its impressive size. This muscular dog has a solid build, broad head, and short muzzle. The shape of its jaw and wrinkled face cause this breed to drool more than others. They have a short, stiff coat that comes in fawn, red, or brindle colors. The breed’s expressive eyes are surrounded by a dark “mask,” and its folded ears add a cute appearance that balances its somewhat intimidating presence. Their strong legs contribute to their agility and endurance.
Bullmastiffs are known for their loyal, gentle, affectionate, and protective nature. While they are natural protectors, they are not typically aggressive. Early socialization and training help them form strong bonds with their families and be gentle and affectionate with children. Although they are agile, Bullmastiffs are not the type of dogs who will demand (or enjoy) a morning run. In conclusion, the Bullmastiff is the key to a serene and secure life.
Common Health Problems
Bullmastiffs are robust, but like many large breeds, they often have a shorter lifespan and may begin suffering from chronic diseases in their middle age.
A tip from a vet
The breed’s skin folds can lead to inflammation, particularly if dirt or moisture accumulates in them. To prevent this, it's essential to maintain a regular cleaning and disinfecting routine. A more severe issue arises when the folds affect the eyes, causing excessive discharge. In some cases, a simple surgical procedure to remove the folds can help.
A tip from a trainer
This breed is not suited for intense workouts but does require early training to master walking on a leash and following basic commands, which will help keep them in line. Socialization is also crucial to help them adjust to people, children, and other pets.
Did You Know
Bob Dylan had a Bullmastiff named Brutus, who famously used Katharine Hepburn’s garden as a bathroom when they were neighbors. Surprisingly, Hepburn didn’t seem to mind.
A Bullmastiff named Huck serves as a therapy dog at Mercer Law School, bringing stress relief and joy to students.
The most famous Bullmastiff in Hollywood was Butkus, Sylvester Stallone’s pet. Stallone adopted Butkus and included him in the “Rocky” movie because he couldn’t afford a trained movie dog.
In The News
The History Behind the Breed
The Bullmastiff’s history dates back to mid-19th century England. Gamekeepers needed a dog to protect their estates. By crossing the large, powerful Mastiff with the more agile Bulldog, they developed a breed that could track and stop intruders. This combination resulted in a dog with the perfect balance of strength, speed, and restraint.
The breed was formally recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1924 and later by the American Kennel Club in 1933. Today, while they still serve as protectors, they are primarily beloved family pets known for their gentle and loyal nature.
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