Bullmastiffs 101

Working group

The Bullmastiff is a strong, protective breed that thrives in the hands of those experienced with guardian dogs. They are intelligent, active and devoted to their families, although they're not fond of strangers. And while they love their families, they may be too physical and large to be recommended for families with small children. This is not a breed for beginners, but those who can handle it will enjoy the company of a dog who'll never back down from a threat.

What we love about Bullmastiffs

Giant breed with a strong urge to protect

Energy level

75% energy level

Energy level: 75% (High)

Bark level

  • Very vocal
  • Talkative

Bark level: As needed. This breed only barks when necessary

Size

24 to 27 inches tall
Extra large breed size

Size: 24 to 27 inches tall. This is a X large sized Dog.

Lifespan

7 to 9 years

Lifespan: 7 to 9 years average

Weight

100 to 130 lbs

Weight: 100 to 130 lbs typical range

Energy level
High (75%)
Bark level
As needed
Height
24 to 27 inches
Lifespan
7 to 9 years
Weight
100 to 130 lbs

The Bullmastiff stands 24 to 27 inches tall and weighs 100 to 130 lbs. Bullmastiffs have a lifespan of 7 to 9 years. They are known for a high (75%) energy level and a as needed bark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Bullmastiffs get?
Bullmastiffs stand 24 to 27 inches tall and typically weigh between 100 and 130 pounds.
How long do Bullmastiffs live?
The average lifespan of a Bullmastiff is 7 to 9 years.
Are Bullmastiffs good for first-time dog owners?
Bullmastiffs are intelligent but have high energy. They do best with experienced owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Do Bullmastiffs bark a lot?
Bullmastiffs typically only bark when necessary — they are not known to be excessive barkers.

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My pet’s health plannerSM

This Bullmastiff health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.

Mature adult Bullmastiff

4 years to 5 years

Risk level for common Bullmastiff conditions

Mid-life Bullmastiffs should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Cruciate ligament tear (knee) poses very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
Very High Risk
60% on risk scale
Hypothyroid disease
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Skin cancer
Moderate Risk

Senior Bullmastiff

6+ years

Risk level for common Bullmastiff conditions

Senior Bullmastiffs face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Lymphatic cancer and Skin cancer and Splenic cancer pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Lymphatic cancer
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Skin cancer
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Splenic cancer
Very High Risk

Bullmastiff puppy

0 to 15 months

Risk level for common Bullmastiff conditions

Bullmastiff puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Foreign body ingestion poses very high risk. Gastroenteritis and Ear infection are at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
High Risk
70% on risk scale
Ear infection
High Risk

Young adult Bullmastiff

16 months to 3 years

Risk level for common Bullmastiff conditions

As Bullmastiffs grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Cruciate ligament tear (knee) poses very high risk. Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) is at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)
High Risk
60% on risk scale
Ear infection
Moderate Risk

Mature adult Bullmastiff

4 years to 5 years

Risk level for common Bullmastiff conditions

Mid-life Bullmastiffs should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Cruciate ligament tear (knee) poses very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
Very High Risk
60% on risk scale
Hypothyroid disease
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Skin cancer
Moderate Risk

Senior Bullmastiff

6+ years

Risk level for common Bullmastiff conditions

Senior Bullmastiffs face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Lymphatic cancer and Skin cancer and Splenic cancer pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Lymphatic cancer
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Skin cancer
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Splenic cancer
Very High Risk

Bullmastiff puppy

0 to 15 months

Risk level for common Bullmastiff conditions

Bullmastiff puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Foreign body ingestion poses very high risk. Gastroenteritis and Ear infection are at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
High Risk
70% on risk scale
Ear infection
High Risk

Young adult Bullmastiff

16 months to 3 years

Risk level for common Bullmastiff conditions

As Bullmastiffs grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Cruciate ligament tear (knee) poses very high risk. Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) is at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)
High Risk
60% on risk scale
Ear infection
Moderate Risk
Bullmastiff standing — health planner for puppies through senior dogs

Nationwide can help you save on your Bullmastiff's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.

Puppy (0 to 15 months)
Foreign body ingestion: Very High Risk, Gastroenteritis: High Risk, Ear infection: High Risk
Young Adult (16 months to 3 years)
Cruciate ligament tear (knee): Very High Risk, Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV): High Risk, Ear infection: Moderate Risk
Mature Adult (4 years to 5 years)
Cruciate ligament tear (knee): Very High Risk, Hypothyroid disease: Moderate Risk, Skin cancer: Moderate Risk
Senior (6+ years)
Lymphatic cancer: Very High Risk, Skin cancer: Very High Risk, Splenic cancer: Very High Risk
3-Fun fact-Bullmastiff GettyImages-157509737

Known as "The Gamekeepers Night Dog," this massive breed was originally a cross between Mastiffs and old-school English Bulldogs.

Bullmastiff coat care and colors

Nothing could be easier. Weekly brushing and regular nail-trims (get them used to it early) take care of most grooming needs. Keep any skin folds clean and dry, and check regularly for odors, irritation or redness.

Bullmastiff exercise & training

Exercise level

Exercise level

The Bullmastiff is more active than some other guardian breeds. Brisk daily walks are a minimum requirement.

Trainability

Trainability

The Bullmastiff is an intelligent breed, developed to assess threat levels and protect their home and family. Early socialization and positive training are essential for this strong and strong-minded breed.

Bullmastiff fun facts

Top girl names for Bullmastiffs

100%

of Bullmastiffs are female

0%

of Bullmastiffs are male

Top boy names for Bullmastiffs

Nationwide loves Bullmastiffs of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Explore pet insurance
Bullmastiff gender distribution
GenderPercentage
Male0%
Female100%

Among Bullmastiffs insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.

Bullmastiff statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.

Other breeds like Bullmastiffs

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