Bullmastiff
Male: 50-59 kg, Female: 41-50 kg
Male: 64-69 cm at the shoulder, Female: 61-66 cm at the shoulder
8-10 years
United Kingdom
About the Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a powerful and substantial dog, originally developed in 19th-century England by crossing the English Mastiff with the Old English Bulldog. Known as the 'Gamekeeper's Night Dog,' they were designed to be quiet, fast, and strong enough to detain intruders without causing them harm. Despite their imposing physical presence, they are often referred to as 'gentle giants' within the home environment, displaying a deeply affectionate and reliable nature toward their owners. This breed possesses a keen intelligence and a natural instinct to protect, making them excellent family guardians. Their structure is a masterpiece of symmetry, combining great strength with a surprising degree of activity and alertness. While they are calm indoors, they require firm, consistent leadership and early socialisation to ensure their protective instincts remain balanced and manageable.
Breed Standard
Key characteristics from the breed standard
In the conformation ring, the Bullmastiff presents a silhouette of immense power and sturdy balance. The breed standard calls for a large, squared skull with a fair amount of wrinkle when alert, and a short, blunt muzzle that provides the signature 'sour' expression without being exaggerated. Their movement is a key distinguishing factor; a show-quality Bullmastiff should move with a smooth, ground-covering reach and a powerful drive from the rear, showing no signs of clumsiness despite their bulk.
In Australia
The first registration of the Bullmastiff in Australia is believed to have occurred in 1949, according to data from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Dogs NSW, although the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) was not formally established under that name until 1958.
Bred For
Guardians of large estates; specifically bred to track, pin, and hold poachers without mauling them
Temperament
Courageous, loyal, calm, and protective; typically docile with family but alert and confident
Health Conditions Reported in the Breed
Hip and , (), (Heart Condition), Lymphoma, Osteorcoma, , and
Exercise Needs
Moderate daily activity including brisk walks and short play sessions totaling 45-60 minutes; avoid strenuous exercise in hot weather
Grooming Needs
Minimal; weekly brushing to remove dead hair and regular cleaning of facial skin folds to prevent irritation
Living Suitability
Can adapt to apartment living if adequately exercised, but thrives best in a home with a small-to-medium yard; sensitive to heat and should live indoors with air conditioning in Australian summers
Good with Kids
Good with children, particularly older ones who can handle their size; they are patient but can accidentally knock over small toddlers
Good with Other Pets
Can be wary of strange dogs; typically fine with household pets if raised together, though same-sex aggression can occur
Trainability
Highly intelligent but can be independent and stubborn; requires consistent, positive reinforcement training from a young age
Coat & Colours
Short and hard; flat to the body. Brindle, Fawn, or Red; usually with a black mask
Exercise needs vary by age, fitness, health, weather and individual temperament. Consult your veterinarian for an exercise plan appropriate for your dog.
Things to Consider
Every breed has its quirks — here's what to know
Bullmastiffs are predisposed to Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat), a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists; owners must be aware of the signs and avoid exercise for an hour before and after meals. As a large, deep-chested breed, they are more likely to experience hip and elbow dysplasia, so maintaining a lean weight is essential to reduce joint stress. They are also prone to various forms of cancer, such as lymphoma, which may require vigilant health monitoring. On a daily basis, owners should be prepared for a fair amount of drool, especially after the dog drinks or eats—having a 'slobber cloth' nearby is a breed staple. They can be quite flatulent, which is often manageable with a high-quality fresh diet like Majestik. Their facial skin folds are susceptible to yeast infections if not kept dry and clean. Lastly, while they rarely bark, their physical strength means they can be a handful on a leash if not properly trained, and their sensitivity to heat means they must be carefully managed during Australian heatwaves to avoid heatstroke.
Feeding Guide for Your Bullmastiff
Healthy Weight
41-59 kg
Daily Feeding Amount (general starting estimate)
820-1770 grams
For an adult Bullmastiff, fresh or raw food should ideally make up 2-3% of their ideal body weight daily. Some owners use smaller divided meals and avoid strenuous activity immediately around feeding. These steps cannot guarantee prevention of gastric dilatation-volvulus. Seek urgent veterinary care if bloat is suspected. For a 50kg dog, this equates to approximately 1,000g to 1,500g of fresh food per day, divided into two or three servings.
Feeding quantities are general starting estimates only. Individual needs vary with body condition, weight trends, age, health and activity. Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition — consult a veterinarian for individualised dietary guidance.
Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition. Seek veterinary or qualified canine nutrition guidance for individualised dietary advice. Raw feeding, specific proteins or fresh foods should not be presented as preventing, treating or managing breed health conditions without veterinary diagnosis and supervision.
Majestik's Recommended Feeding Approach
Breed Diet Notes
A high-quality, protein-rich diet suitable for giant breeds, focusing on controlled calorie intake and joint support nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin
A balanced raw diet for a Bullmastiff should prioritise lean proteins such as Majestik Beef and Kangaroo to maintain a healthy weight without straining joints. g., turkey necks or brisket bones), and 10% organ meat (offal like liver and kidney). Incorporating anti-inflammatory sources like Majestik Fish or green-lipped mussel is highly beneficial for their joints. Fibre from steamed green vegetables helps with digestion and manages their tendency for flatulence. Some owners use smaller divided meals and avoid strenuous activity immediately around feeding. These steps cannot guarantee prevention of gastric dilatation-volvulus. Seek urgent veterinary care if bloat is suspected.
These are general breed-level notes only. The appropriate food and serving amount depend on the individual dog's age, health, body condition, activity and tolerance.
Majestik Recommendation
Majestik BARF meals follow our practical 70/10/10/10 approach: approximately 70% quality meat and protein ingredients, 10% edible bone, 10% vegetables and 10% offal. This gives customers a convenient fresh-food option without needing to source and portion every ingredient themselves.
Our Beef, Lamb and Roo BARF meals provide convenient fresh-food options, with suitable proteins chosen or rotated according to the individual dog.
Suitable for different needs
- Healthy adult: Majestik adult Beef, Lamb or Roo BARF meal.
- Puppy: Majestik Premium Puppy.
- Senior: Majestik Senior Blend.
- Working or highly active dog: Suitable Majestik adult meal with quantity adjusted to workload and body condition.
- Protein trial: One Majestik protein at a time.
Recommended Majestik BARF Meals
This is a practical starting recommendation for healthy dogs. Individual needs vary with age, health, body condition and activity.
Bullmastiff Feeding Calculator
Personalised raw and cooked feeding recommendations based on your dog's profile
Ideal — Ribs palpable without excess fat. Visible waist. Abdominal tuck present.
Have a question about your Bullmastiff? Dog Health AI
Why Majestik?
Fresh, raw pet food made with integrity in South Australia
Australian Made
Made in Two Wells, South Australia
Freshly Prepared
Real meat, organs, bone & wholefood ingredients
No Fillers
No cheap fillers or artificial preservatives
Family Owned
Locally owned and operated
Local Delivery
Delivery across Adelaide & selected areas
Secure Checkout
Secure payment via Shopify checkout
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Breed Records & Facts
Average Litter Size
8
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References & Sources
Breed information verified against recognised breed authorities and veterinary evidence.