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
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. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests two meals daily, and your vet can help set the best times for your dog's routine.36 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Bullmastiff need brushing?
Brush your Bullmastiff weekly to keep its short, harsh coat healthy. Furry Diary's starting plan recommends a weekly brushing session.43 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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. Furry Diary's plan suggests daily exercise, and the Royal Kennel Club notes a generous daily need.34 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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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 support@furrydiary.app 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
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.