The Bullmastiff is physically imposing, but incredibly patient and loving. These dogs are members of the Working Group, and were recognized by the AKC in 1934. Learn more about the breed with these Bullmastiff fun facts.
‘The Gamekeeper’s Night Dog’
The Bullmastiff was created in England in response to Gamekeepers needing protection from poachers. Gamekeepers bred the dogs as ones brave enough to prowl the ground in the night and pin poachers without mauling them – but mostly, big enough to scare them away.
They’re Different than the Mastiff
Although they share a name, the Mastiff and Bullmastiff are different breeds. So how do you tell the Mastiff and Bullmastiff apart? For one, Bullmastiffs are smaller than Mastiffs, and Mastiffs tend to be more laid-back in personality. Though they’re both natural protectors, Bullmastiffs are better suited for energetic dogs sports like agility, where Masiffs excell in more relaxed sports.
They Don’t Bark… or Bite
The Bullmastiff is different from a traditional guard dog. He was trained not to bark or bite intruders. Rather, his job was to track quietly, pin and hold poachers without mauling them. Wealthy landowners did not want their Bullmastiffs to scare away or injure the thieves — only to apprehend them. These instincts have remained with the Bullmastiff, as his role has shifted from game guard dog to family companion.
They Don’t Need As Much Exercise as You Would Think
The Bullmastiff is large and muscular and has a moderate energy level. He can be perfectly content with just a few short walks each day and dislikes hot weather.
John D. Rockefeller Brought Them to the United States
Wealthy oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller imported Bullmastiffs to the United States in the 1920s to guard his country estate in Tarrytown, N.Y.
Appeared in “Rocky”
The most famous Bullmastiff in Hollywood was not a trained movie dog, but a beloved family pet. Sylvester Stallone adopted his Bullmastiff, Butkus, when the pup was six weeks old and decided to use him in “Rocky” because he couldn’t afford a trained movie dog. Stallone actually had to sell Butkus at one point because his finances were so dire, but he went back for Butkus as soon as he had the money. As he was begging to get his dog back, Stallone said, “This dog belongs in the movie.”
There are Many Mastiffs
The Bullmastiff is one of many Mastiff breeds that the AKC recognizes. The word “mastiff” dates back to the 14th centrury, and today refers to “any of a breed of very large massive powerful smooth-coated dogs.” Other Mastiffs in the AKC world are Mastiffs, Neopolitan Mastiffs, and Tibetan Mastiffs. The Pyrenean Mastiff is in the Miscellaneous Class.
They Were Original Breeding Prospects
The Bullmastiff was created in England in the 1860s by crossing a Mastiff with a Bulldog. The ratio at the time was aimed for 60% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog. Just as Dog Shows were rising in popularity in England, gamekeepers became rivals in breeding the best-quality Bullmastiffs. Competitions and exhibitions of the best specimens were staged, and from there it was but a short leap for the Bullmastiff into the show ring.
Other Celebs Have Owned Bullmastiffs
Marlon Brando, Christina Aguilera, Michael Bay, and Jon Bon Jovi have all owned Bullmastiffs. Bob Dylan had a Bullmastiff named Brutus, who would use Katharine Hepburn’s garden as a personal bathroom when Dylan and Hepburn lived next door to each other. Hepburn apparently didn’t mind.
One Bullmastiff Is an NFL Mascot
The Cleveland Browns have a live mascot — a Bullmastiff named “Swagger.” You might see him on the sidelines during a game or “giving interviews” afterwards. According to his website, Swagger’s favorite food is “fried Raven.”
Key Takeaways
- Bullmastiffs were originally bred in England to help gamekeepers catch poachers.
- This breed was trained to quietly restrain intruders rather than bark or bite.
- Bullmastiffs are different from Mastiffs and are generally smaller and more active.
- Bullmastiffs have moderate exercise needs despite their large size.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What were Bullmastiffs originally bred for?
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Bullmastiffs were originally bred to help English gamekeepers protect estates from poachers. The dogs were trained to track, pin, and hold intruders rather than attack them.
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What famous people have owned Bullmastiffs?
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Famous Bullmastiff owners have included Sylvester Stallone, Marlon Brando, Christina Aguilera, Michael Bay, Jon Bon Jovi, and Bob Dylan.
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Are Bullmastiffs the same breed as Mastiffs?
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No. Bullmastiffs and Mastiffs are separate breeds. Bullmastiffs are typically smaller, more athletic, and somewhat more active than Mastiffs.