Bullmastiff Dog Registration

General Appearance

The Bullmastiff is a large, powerful, and symmetrical dog, giving the impression of great strength without bulkiness. Its appearance is a perfect blend of agility and power, with an alert and confident demeanor. The body is compact and solidly built, conveying a balanced and courageous guardian.

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Size, Proportion, Substance

• Height:

  • Males: 25–27 inches (at the withers)

  • Females: 24–26 inches

• Weight:

  • Males: 110–130 pounds

  • Females: 100–120 pounds

• Proportion: The body should be slightly longer than tall with a deep chest and level topline.

• Substance: Massive, muscular, and powerful without appearing clumsy.

Head

• Expression: Keen, alert, and intelligent.

• Skull: Large, broad, and slightly wrinkled when alert.

• Forehead: Flat with a moderate stop.

• Muzzle: Broad and deep, roughly one-third the length of the head.

• Nose: Black with wide nostrils.

• Bite: Slight undershot bite preferred; level bite acceptable.

• Eyes: Dark and medium-sized, set apart with an alert expression.

• Ears: V-shaped, set high and wide apart, lying close to the cheeks. Darker in color than the body.

Neck, Topline, Body

• Neck: Well-arched, muscular, and of moderate length, blending smoothly into the shoulders.

• Topline: Straight and level from withers to loin.

• Back: Short and strong.

• Chest: Broad and deep, with well-sprung ribs extending well back.

• Flank: Slightly tucked up.

• Tail: Set high, strong at the base, tapering to the hock. May be straight or curved like a sickle.

Forequarters

• Shoulders: Muscular and sloping.

• Forelegs: Straight and heavy-boned, set well apart to support a broad chest.

• Pasterns: Strong and slightly sloping.

• Feet: Compact and cat-like with well-arched toes and thick pads.

Hindquarters

• Thighs: Broad and muscular.

• Stifles: Well bent.

• Hocks: Well let down, straight and parallel when viewed from the rear.

• Feet: Same as the front, with strong, compact structure.

Coat

• Texture: Short and dense, giving good protection against weather and terrain.

• Color: Red, fawn, or brindle. A small white marking on the chest is permissible.

• Mask: Black mask essential, blending into the ears and muzzle.

Gait / Movement

Movement should be free, powerful, and effortless. The Bullmastiff should cover ground with purpose and drive, with a strong, balanced, and fluid gait. The legs should move straight and true, showing no signs of crossing or rolling.

Temperament

The Bullmastiff is brave, confident, and extremely loyal. Though protective, it is not aggressive without reason. This breed is naturally reserved with strangers but gentle and affectionate with its family. Bullmastiffs make excellent family guardians when properly socialized and trained.

• Disposition: Calm, courageous, and affectionate

• Training: Needs consistent, firm, yet gentle training from an early age

• Socialization: Critical to ensure a well-rounded temperament

Faults

• Shyness or excessive aggression

• Lack of substance or balance

• Overly long body or roached back

• Light eyes or poor pigmentation

• Cow hocks or unbalanced gait

Disqualifications

• Blue eyes

• Albinism

• Extreme deviation from accepted size and structure

• Aggression without provocation or excessive shyness

 

Ideal Owner

Bullmastiffs thrive with confident owners who can provide consistent leadership, training, and socialization. Their calm demeanor indoors makes them excellent family companions, but they require regular physical and mental stimulation.