Bullmastiff characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | 32% of breeds |
| Energy level | Low | — |
| Trainability | Medium | 48% of breeds |
| Friendliness | High | 35% of breeds |
| Good with children | High | — |
| Grooming needs | Very Low | 12% of breeds |
| Shedding | Medium | 40% of breeds |
| Barking | Low | 32% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Very High | 14% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 9 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Bullmastiff right for you?
The Bullmastiff is a large and powerful breed that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. In terms of temperament, it is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog and is a formidable natural guardian with a strong protective drive. Day to day, the Bullmastiff does well on one steady walk a day plus a little play, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Bullmastiff does well on one steady walk a day plus a little play. With low energy and medium athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Bullmastiff to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Bullmastiff is about as low-effort to groom as dogs get and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first. Be aware this is also a breed that drools noticeably.
Temperament and training
The Bullmastiff trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions and speaks up only now and then. It handles a normal workday on its own with gradual preparation, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Bullmastiff
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Bullmastiff genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Drooling: Very high — the Bullmastiff drools more than almost any breed we score — expect cloth on hand and marks on your walls. Only 3% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Energy: Low — the Bullmastiff needs less exercise than most breeds. Only 11% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Grooming needs: Very low — the Bullmastiff needs unusually little coat maintenance. Only 12% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Protectiveness: Very high — the Bullmastiff is among the most protective breeds here, which needs early socialisation to stay useful rather than reactive. Only 14% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Bullmastiff actually costs you
| Exercise | Short daily walks are enough; it will not push you for more. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Minimal coat work — an occasional wipe-down and little else. |
| Time alone | Manages a normal working day if it is properly exercised and left something to do. |
| Noise | Quieter than most breeds. |
Where the Bullmastiff fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Size alone rules out small flats, though the temperament can suit one. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | High child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Depends | Manageable for a committed beginner who takes training seriously from week one. |
| Homes with cats | Good fit | Low prey drive makes cohabitation straightforward in most cases. |
| Long working days | Depends | Medium independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Depends | No low-allergen coat recorded, though shedding is not extreme. |
| Wanting a watchful dog | Good fit | Very high protectiveness. Socialisation decides whether that reads as steady or reactive. |
Guides the Bullmastiff is ranked in
The Bullmastiff earns a place on 4 of our lifestyle shortlists:
Perfect for
- Experienced owners
- Family protection
- Large properties
- Strong leadership
Things to consider
- Heavy drooling
- Heat sensitivity
- Can be stubborn
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Bullmastiff good with children?
- Yes — the Bullmastiff is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Bullmastiff shed a lot?
- The Bullmastiff has medium shedding.
- How much exercise does the Bullmastiff need?
- With low energy, the Bullmastiff needs relatively little exercise — short daily walks are usually enough.
- How long does the Bullmastiff live?
- The Bullmastiff typically lives around 9 years.
- Can the Bullmastiff live in an apartment?
- The Bullmastiff is a larger breed and does better in a home with more space, though it can adapt with enough daily exercise.
- Is the Bullmastiff easy to train?
- The Bullmastiff trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Bullmastiff be left alone during the day?
- The Bullmastiff handles a normal workday on its own with gradual preparation. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.