Are Bullmastiffs easy to train?

Bullmastiffs have moderate trainability. They are known for being loyal, brave, affectionate. They benefit from consistent, patient training methods.

Are Bullmastiffs good with children?

Bullmastiffs have high compatibility with children. As with any breed, supervision and proper introductions are recommended.

How much exercise does a Bullmastiff need?

Bullmastiffs have low energy levels. 30-45 minutes daily. Moderate walks sufficient; avoid strenuous exercise especially when young.

How long do Bullmastiffs live?

The average lifespan of a Bullmastiff is 7-9 years with proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary check-ups.

Working group · England

Bullmastiff

Also called Gamekeeper's Night Dog.

What makes them remarkable

Gamekeepers developed this dog to catch and hold poachers on English estates.

Loyal
Brave
Affectionate
Alert
Docile

Get the app 1-to-1 training

AI-generated illustration

Size: Giant
Weight: 45 to 59 kg100 to 130 lb
Lives: 7 to 9 years
Energy: Low
Trains: Moderate
Barks: Low

Training

Training a Bullmastiff

Working breeds. Calm structure beats force every time. These dogs shut down under pressure and thrive on predictability.

Start Training Early
Start here
Begin training while they're still manageable in size. A 120-pound untrained Bullmastiff is nearly impossible to handle.
Socialisation is Essential
Natural guardians need extensive early exposure to people and situations to prevent over-protectiveness.
Keep Sessions Short
Low energy and can be stubborn. Multiple short sessions work better than long ones.

The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.

Add your Bullmastiff and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, one step at a time.

Download on theApp Store

Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.

At home

Living with one

Bred to guard, pull and rescue. Big, strong, and serious about their people and their patch.

Gets on with

ChildrenHigh
Other dogsModerate
StrangersLow
CatsModerate

Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.

Exercise: 30-45 minutes daily. Moderate walks sufficient; avoid strenuous exercise especially when young.
Grooming: Low maintenance. Weekly brushing. Clean facial wrinkles regularly to prevent infection.
Drool: High
Coat: Short, DenseFawn, Red, Brindle
In a flat: Needs more space than a flat gives.

Health

Things to ask a breeder or vet about

Hip Dysplasia
Moderate
Joint malformation common in large breeds causing mobility issues
Bloat (GDV)
Severe
Life-threatening stomach torsion; preventive gastropexy recommended
Lymphoma
Severe
Cancer of the lymphatic system; higher incidence in this breed

Where they come from

History

Developed in 19th century England by crossing Mastiffs with Bulldogs. Gamekeepers used them to catch poachers on large estates, breeding for a dog that would hold but not maul intruders.