In 1900, a peculiar event took place at the first Gamekeepers’ Dog Show in England. To demonstrate the capabilities of a relatively new breed, men were invited to “go against the dog.” The rules were simple: a heavily padded volunteer would get a head start, then a muzzled dog would be released.¹
Every single time, the dog caught his man. The Bullmastiff would silently sprint after the “poacher,” hurl his considerable weight against the target, bring him crashing to the ground, and pin him there — without mauling, without barking — until the handler arrived. The press and public were astonished. They’d just witnessed the “Gamekeeper’s Night Dog” in action.²
This is the Bullmastiff: a breed purpose-built in 19th century England to solve a deadly serious problem. Poaching on landed estates was a capital offense, and poachers would rather kill a gamekeeper than face the hangman. Estate owners needed a dog that could silently track through dark forests, run down a man, and hold him — without inflicting fatal injuries that would create legal complications. The solution was a cross of approximately 60% English Mastiff (for size and strength) and 40% Old English Bulldog (for tenacity and speed).³
What You’ll Learn
- The fascinating history of the “Gamekeeper’s Night Dog”
- Why Bullmastiffs only live 7-9 years
- Critical health issues: bloat, cancer, & heart disease
- The “gentle giant” temperament & training
- Australian pricing & ownership costs
Breed Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Breed Group | Working Group |
| Origin | England (19th century) |
| Other Names | Gamekeeper’s Night Dog |
| Size Category | Giant |
| Height (Male) | 64-69 cm (25-27 inches) |
| Height (Female) | 61-66 cm (24-26 inches) |
| Weight (Male) | 50-59 kg (110-130 lbs) |
| Weight (Female) | 45-54 kg (100-120 lbs) |
| Lifespan | 7-9 years |
| Coat Type | Short, dense, weather-resistant |
| Colours | Fawn, red, or brindle (with dark mask) |
| Shedding | Low to moderate |
| Exercise Needs | 3/5 (Moderate — daily walks) |
| Trainability | 3/5 (Intelligent but independent) |
| Good with Children | Yes, with supervision |
| Average Puppy Price (AUD) | $2,000 – $4,000 |
Data sourced from AKC, Kennel Club (UK), and Australian breed registries.⁴
Bullmastiff History & Origins
The Bullmastiff’s history is remarkably well-documented for a breed developed relatively recently. In the mid-19th century, England’s great estates were plagued by poachers. The landed gentry depended on their forests for game — food for their households and hundreds of servants. Poaching wasn’t just theft; it was a capital crime. And poachers, facing the hangman if caught, had nothing to lose by killing the gamekeepers who pursued them.⁵
Gamekeepers needed a canine partner. But existing breeds fell short:
- Pure Mastiffs were massive and powerful — but too slow to catch a fleeing man
- Bulldogs of that era were fast and tenacious — but not large enough to reliably bring down and hold a grown man
- The dog needed to be silent (to avoid alerting poachers) and trained to hold, not maul
The solution was deliberate crossbreeding: approximately 60% English Mastiff for size, strength, and guarding instinct, combined with 40% Old English Bulldog (a more athletic breed than today’s English Bulldog) for speed, tenacity, and courage. The result was the Bullmastiff — a dog that could cover short distances with surprising speed, silently pursue through forest at night, knock a man flat, and pin him there without inflicting serious injury.⁶
The original gamekeepers preferred brindle colouring for practical reasons: a brindle dog blended into the vegetation at night, providing camouflage in dark forests. The dark mask and ears further enhanced this effect. Lighter fawn colours later became popular with estate owners who wanted a more imposing, mastiff-like appearance for daytime guarding.⁷
The Kennel Club (UK) recognised the Bullmastiff in 1924, and the American Kennel Club followed in 1933. The breed’s versatility was soon demonstrated beyond English estates — Bullmastiffs were famously used to guard diamond mines in South Africa, where their combination of size, silence, and non-lethal restraint proved ideal.⁸
Today, the Bullmastiff has transitioned from working guardian to beloved family companion, though their protective instincts remain strong. They’ve appeared in numerous films including “Homeward Bound II,” “Hotel for Dogs,” and as Fang in the “Harry Potter” films (shared with Neapolitan Mastiffs).
Bullmastiff Temperament
The Bullmastiff’s appearance is imposing — a massive head, powerful build, and serious expression. Look into their eyes, though, and you’ll often see a gentle soul who doesn’t quite realise they’re the size of a small pony and shouldn’t try to climb into your lap.⁹
Despite their formidable appearance and guarding heritage, Bullmastiffs are typically calm, docile dogs in the home. They’re not hyperactive — in fact, they’re sometimes described as “couch potatoes” who enjoy nothing more than lounging near their family. They form intensely strong bonds and are deeply affectionate with those they love.
Key temperament traits:
- Calm and even-tempered indoors
- Loyal and devoted to family
- Naturally protective without being aggressive
- Rarely bark (silent guarding heritage)
- Suspicious of strangers until introduced
- Independent thinkers — can be stubborn
- Generally good with children in their family
That same history that makes Bullmastiffs calm guardians also means they can be:
- Territorial — may not accept unfamiliar dogs in their space
- Dominant — particularly males with other male dogs
- Wary of strangers — requires early, extensive socialisation
- Stubborn — independent thinking can look like disobedience
- Potentially dangerous if poorly trained — their size alone makes this serious
Well-raised Bullmastiffs are typically gentle and patient with children in their family. However, their sheer size (up to 60kg) means they can inadvertently knock over small children. Supervision is always required, and children must be taught appropriate interaction with any large dog. The breed is better suited to families with older children who understand how to respect a dog’s space.¹⁰
Bullmastiff Health
This section requires honest discussion. The Bullmastiff lifespan is short — typically 7 to 9 years. This is considerably shorter than many breeds and reflects the health challenges faced by giant breeds. According to PetMD, large dogs simply don’t live as long as smaller breeds, and Bullmastiffs face several serious hereditary conditions.¹¹
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), commonly called bloat, is a leading cause of death in Bullmastiffs. The stomach fills with gas and can twist on itself, cutting off blood supply. Left untreated, it can be fatal within 30 minutes.¹²
Know the signs:
- Distended, hard abdomen
- Unproductive retching (trying to vomit but nothing comes up)
- Restlessness, pacing
- Excessive drooling
- “Prayer position” (front legs down, rear up)
If you see these signs, go to an emergency vet immediately. Discuss prophylactic gastropexy (stomach tacking) with your vet — this preventive surgery can significantly reduce GDV risk.
Bullmastiffs have a higher-than-average cancer rate, with lymphoma, mast cell tumours, osteosarcoma (bone cancer), and hemangiosarcoma being particularly common. Cancer is a leading cause of death in the breed. Regular veterinary checkups and monitoring for unusual lumps or behaviour changes is essential. Early detection improves outcomes.¹³
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): Heart muscles weaken and can’t pump blood effectively. Symptoms include weakness, lethargy, coughing.
Subaortic Stenosis (SAS): A genetic heart defect where the aortic valve narrows. The Australian Veterinary Association recommends cardiac screening for breeding dogs.¹⁴
Hip & Elbow Dysplasia: Common in large breeds; causes joint pain and arthritis. Keep weight healthy to reduce joint stress.
Entropion: Eyelids roll inward, causing lashes to irritate the cornea. May require surgical correction.
Hypothyroidism: Underactive thyroid; manageable with daily medication.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Inherited eye condition causing gradual vision loss.
Lifespan & Maximising Your Time Together
The Bullmastiff lifespan of 7-9 years means every year matters. As the RSPCA Australia notes, giant breeds age faster than smaller dogs, which is why proactive health management is essential.¹⁵
Maximising Lifespan:
- Buy from breeders who health test for cardiac, hip, and elbow issues
- Discuss gastropexy surgery with your vet (bloat prevention)
- Maintain healthy weight (obesity accelerates joint problems)
- Multiple smaller meals daily (reduces bloat risk)
- Regular cardiac checkups
- Monitor for lumps and bumps (early cancer detection)
- Moderate exercise — avoid high-impact activities on joints
- Quality nutrition appropriate for giant breeds
Bullmastiff Grooming
Bullmastiffs are low-maintenance in the grooming department. Their short, dense coat requires minimal fuss. However, there’s one grooming consideration you need to know about: drool.
Grooming Schedule
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | Weekly | Removes loose hair; increases during shedding seasons |
| Bathing | Monthly or as needed | When dirty or smelly |
| Wrinkle Cleaning | Several times weekly | Essential — clean and dry facial wrinkles to prevent infection |
| Drool Management | Daily | Keep towels handy; wipe face after eating/drinking |
| Nail Trimming | Every 2-4 weeks | Important for joint health at this weight |
| Ear Cleaning | Weekly | Prone to ear infections; check regularly |
About the Drool: Let’s be honest: Bullmastiffs drool. Some more than others, but it comes with the territory of their loose jowls. Keep towels strategically placed, wipe their face after meals and drinks, and accept that your furniture and guests may occasionally get slimed. If you can’t handle drool, this isn’t the breed for you.
Bullmastiff Exercise Needs
Despite their size, Bullmastiffs have moderate exercise needs. They’re not marathon runners — they’re built for short bursts of power, not endurance. Think sprinter, not distance athlete.¹⁶
Exercise Guidelines:
- Daily walks of 30-60 minutes
- Avoid strenuous exercise, especially in heat
- No running/jumping until fully grown (protects developing joints)
- Mental stimulation important — puzzle toys, training sessions
- Secure fencing essential (protective instincts)
- Access to cool areas in warm weather
Important: Bullmastiffs don’t tolerate heat well. Their short muzzle makes them prone to overheating. Exercise in cool parts of the day, provide shade and water, and watch for signs of heat stress. According to the American Kennel Club, giant breeds require careful exercise management to protect their joints.¹⁷
Bullmastiff Training
Bullmastiffs are intelligent dogs, but their independent nature — bred into them over generations of making autonomous decisions while working — can make training challenging. They were never intended to blindly follow commands; they were meant to assess situations and act.
Training Essentials:
- Start early — socialisation from puppyhood is critical
- Positive reinforcement works best
- Firm, consistent leadership (not harsh)
- Short, engaging training sessions (they bore easily)
- Extensive socialisation with people, dogs, environments
- Teach loose-leash walking early (before they’re 50kg!)
Socialisation & Training Timeline
| Age | Training Focus | Expected Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| 8-16 weeks | Intensive socialisation, bite inhibition, handling | Confident with people, environments, handling |
| 3-6 months | Basic obedience, leash manners, stranger exposure | Walks politely, accepts strangers when introduced |
| 6-18 months | Proofing commands, managing size and strength | Reliable commands, controlled behaviour |
| 18+ months | Ongoing reinforcement, mental stimulation | Well-mannered adult |
Critical Point: A poorly trained Bullmastiff is a serious liability. At 50-60kg with powerful protective instincts, an unsocialised or untrained Bullmastiff can be dangerous — not through aggression, but through poor judgement about what constitutes a threat. This is not a breed for first-time owners or anyone unwilling to invest in proper training.
Bullmastiff Price & Costs in Australia
Owning a giant breed is expensive. Between food bills, potential health costs, and the need for robust equipment, prospective owners should budget carefully. Through Dogs Australia you can find registered breeders who health test their dogs.¹⁸
Initial Costs
| Expense | Approx. Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Bullmastiff Puppy (registered breeder) | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Initial Vet + Vaccinations | $250 – $400 |
| Desexing (giant breed) | $400 – $700 |
| Essential Supplies (giant breed) | $500 – $800 |
| Gastropexy Surgery (optional but recommended) | $500 – $1,500 |
| TOTAL INITIAL COST | $3,650 – $7,400 |
Annual Ongoing Costs
- Premium Food (giant breed — they eat a LOT): $1,500 – $2,500
- Veterinary Care & Preventatives: $500 – $800
- Pet Insurance (highly recommended for this breed): $800 – $1,500
- Grooming Supplies + Drool Towels: $100 – $200
- Toys, Treats, Miscellaneous: $200 – $400
TOTAL ANNUAL: $3,100 – $5,400
Lifetime Cost Estimate: $28,000 – $50,000 (based on 8-year lifespan)
Important: Pet insurance is strongly recommended for Bullmastiffs given their health predispositions. Cancer treatment, cardiac care, and emergency bloat surgery can easily exceed $10,000-$15,000.
Is a Bullmastiff Right for You?
The ideal Bullmastiff owner has experience with large or giant breeds, understands the commitment required for proper training and socialisation, has space for a very large dog, and is financially prepared for potentially significant health costs. They’re home enough to provide companionship and don’t mind a bit (or a lot) of drool.
- Home Size: House with yard strongly preferred
- Fencing: Secure — they’re protective of their territory
- Climate: Prefer cooler temperatures; need air conditioning in hot climates
- Other Pets: Can be dominant; early socialisation essential
- Children: Good with older children; supervision with young kids
- Experienced large breed owners
- Those seeking a calm, loyal guardian
- Families with older children
- People who work from home or have flexible schedules
- Those prepared for shorter lifespan and potential health costs
- First-time dog owners
- Apartment dwellers
- Those who can’t handle drool
- Anyone seeking a jogging/running partner
- Those unable to commit to extensive puppy socialisation
- People not prepared for potential significant vet bills
Bullmastiff vs Similar Breeds
| Aspect | Bullmastiff | English Mastiff | Rottweiler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 50-59 kg | 73-100 kg | 42-50 kg |
| Energy Level | Low-Moderate | Low | Moderate-High |
| Drool Level | Moderate-High | Very High | Low |
| Trainability | Moderate | Moderate | High |
| With Children | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Lifespan | 7-9 years | 6-10 years | 8-10 years |
Final Verdict
The Bullmastiff is a magnificent breed with a fascinating history. Bred to be the “Gamekeeper’s Night Dog” — silent, powerful, and able to bring down a man without maiming him — they’ve transitioned remarkably well into family life while retaining their protective instincts and calm dignity.
Perfect for: Experienced owners who want a calm, loyal guardian and companion. Ideal for families with older children, those who work from home, and people prepared for the realities of giant breed ownership — including shorter lifespan and potential health costs.
Think twice if: You’re a first-time owner, live in an apartment, can’t handle drool, want an active running partner, or aren’t prepared for potentially significant veterinary expenses. The 7-9 year lifespan means you’ll have less time with this breed than many others — make sure you’re ready for that reality.
First-time owner verdict: Not recommended. Bullmastiffs require experienced handling, extensive socialisation, and firm (but fair) training. Their size, strength, and protective instincts mean mistakes have consequences. This is a breed to work up to, not start with.
Bullmastiff FAQs
Are Bullmastiffs aggressive?
Not inherently. Bullmastiffs are naturally protective but were specifically bred to restrain without mauling. Properly socialised Bullmastiffs are calm and even-tempered. However, their protective instincts mean early socialisation is critical to ensure they can distinguish between threats and normal situations.
Are Bullmastiffs dangerous?
Any large, powerful dog can be dangerous if poorly trained or socialised. Bullmastiffs are not inherently dangerous, but their size (up to 60kg) means they must be properly managed. Responsible ownership, training, and socialisation are essential.
Are Bullmastiffs good family dogs?
Yes, for the right family. They’re loyal, protective, and typically gentle with family members. Best suited to families with older children, experienced dog owners, and those who can provide proper training and socialisation.
How long do Bullmastiffs live?
7-9 years is typical. This is shorter than many breeds due to their giant size and predisposition to certain health conditions including cancer, heart disease, and bloat.
Do Bullmastiffs drool a lot?
Yes. Some more than others, but drool is part of the Bullmastiff package. Keep towels handy and accept that furniture and guests may occasionally get slimed.
Are Bullmastiffs good guard dogs?
Excellent. They were literally bred for guarding. They’re naturally protective of their territory and family, rarely bark unnecessarily, and have an imposing presence. Their historical training to restrain rather than attack makes them effective guardians without excessive aggression.
Are Bullmastiffs easy to train?
Moderately. They’re intelligent but independent. They can be stubborn and don’t respond well to harsh methods. Positive reinforcement, consistency, and patience work best. Not recommended for first-time trainers.
How much does a Bullmastiff cost in Australia?
$2,000-$4,000 from a registered breeder. Expect significant ongoing costs due to their size (food) and potential health issues (insurance, veterinary care).
Primary Sources:
- Northern Bullmastiff Club — 1900 Gamekeepers’ Dog Show
- Dog Discoveries — “Gamekeeper’s Night Dog” nickname; demonstration events
- Wikipedia — 60% Mastiff, 40% Bulldog formula
- AKC breed standard; Kennel Club (UK)
- Dog Breeds Expert — Estate poaching history
- VCA Animal Hospitals — Breed development
- Dog Discoveries — Brindle colour preference; camouflage
- What’s My Dog Breed — South African diamond mines
- Chewy — “Gentle giant” temperament
- Hill’s Pet — Family suitability
Health Sources:
- PetMD — Bullmastiff Health: petmd.com
- Houndsy — GDV/Bloat emergency
- Wikipedia — Cancer incidence in breed
- Australian Veterinary Association: ava.com.au
- RSPCA Australia: rspca.org.au
Care Sources:
- VCA Hospitals — Exercise needs
- American Kennel Club: akc.org
- Dogs Australia: dogsaustralia.org.au