Bullmastiffs are large, powerful dogs with a gentle nature. They are tall and heavy with a large muscular frame, a broad, wrinkled head and a short square muzzle.
Despite their intimidating size and build, these dogs love nothing more than human companionship and can make loving family pets. They are gentle at home and do well with well-behaved, slightly older children. They are extremely loyal and protective of their family and may be suspicious and unfriendly with unfamiliar people. To get the best from this breed, early socialisation and training are crucial to ensure that they are well adapted to as many new people, dogs and places as possible. Their size, strength and requirement for training and exercise make this breed unsuitable for some owners and they should only be taken on by those that can meet its requirements.
History
Developed in 19th century Britain by gamekeepers to protect country estates from poachers. They were able to pursue a poacher, knock them to the ground and pin them there until the gamekeeper arrived.
