Bullmastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison

Bullmastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed ComparisonBullmastiff is originated from United Kingdom but American Mastiff is originated from United States. Bullmastiff may grow 23 cm / 9 inches shorter than American Mastiff. Bullmastiff may weigh 31 kg / 68 pounds lesser than American Mastiff. Both Bullmastiff and American Mastiff has same life span. Bullmastiff may have more litter size than American Mastiff. Both Bullmastiff and American Mastiff requires Low maintenance.

History

bullmastiff - historyThe Old English Mastiff as well as the Bulldog are the breeds behind the Bull Mastiff. The Bullmastiff was originally developed in England around the 1860’s. Gamekeepers in England wanted a large, brave, robust dog which could help with keeping poachers away from their large estates which kept game.

As these large estates dwindled, so did the need for the services of the Bullmastiff and later they were simply bred to be family companions. As more Old English Mastiffs were bred, the dog became lighter, so that light tan or fawn became the preferred color.

The breed was officially recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1924, and the American Kennel Club in 1933.

american mastiff - historyThe history of the American Mastiff is entirely tied to the old European Mastiffs but in particular the English Mastiff. The developers of the American Mastiff crossed the English Mastiff with the Anatolian Mastiff at the Ohio kennel, Flying W Farms. The founder of this breed is Fredricka Wagner. Because of this the English Mastiff and the American Mastiff look very much alike. The difference between the two is that the American Mastiff was bred to have less health concerns than the English Mastiff and without the drooling. In 2000 the CKC acknowledged that the American Mastiff and the English Mastiff were separate breeds.

Description

bullmastiff puppy - descriptionBullmastiffs are large, brachycephalic dogs, and heights are between 61 and 68cm and the dog weight anything between 41 – 59kg. While it isn’t particularly tall, the dog is thickly set with a deep chest and strong, muscular legs. The Bull Mastiff has a powerful build and plenty of strength with an imposing look on his face. He is a powerful, active breed with a short coat which is also weather resistant and can be any shade of fawn, red or brindle.

The dog has a black muzzle and the skull is large and square. The ears are set high and are short and floppy. The tail was once docked, giving the dog an even more distinctive, powerful appearance, but these days, due to regulations, the tail is left long.

Temperament

The Bullmastiff is a loyal, devoted, fearless, protective dog. When he belongs to a human family, he becomes a companion but a fierce protector too, being a territorial dog. They love being with their family and can be good with children too, and even other pets, but proper training and socialization will be important. They aren’t aggressive around strangers, though he does make a wonderful guard dog.

He is intelligent and stubborn and if you don’t want him becoming destructive, even though he is a low-energy dog, you will need to exercise him and walk him every day.

american mastiff puppy - descriptionThis crossing of the English Mastiff and the Anatolian Mastiff resulted in a Mastiff with a much drier, less drooling mouth than the other Mastiffs. This is a giant, massive dog – powerful and muscular. With a wide head that is rectangular rather than square. Their eyes are dark amber, and their ears are high on their head and rounded. With a medium size muzzle, black mask and heavy head, the American Mastiff is a handsome dog.

Their chest is broad, deep with ribs that extended backward. He has strong legs that are parallel and wide set. He also has a long tail. Puppies of the American Mastiff are born almost black and as they grow their coat color lightens. In addition, it is important that they have a wrinkled forehead as well and a scissors bite is preferred.

Characteristics

bullmastiff dog - characteristicsContrary to his formidable looks, the Bullmastiff is a gentle, affectionate pet when he has been properly socialized. He is a great pet for families and will guard them with his life. He is loyal and devoted but can be somewhat aloof, particularly with strangers.

He isn’t a highly energetic dog and he is more or less low maintenance and easy-going. Feed him correctly, give him a nice, warm sleeping spot to call his own and give him attention like he deserves as a family member. The Bullmastiff will reward you by being a solid and devoted companion.

american mastiff dog - characteristicsA love of children and devotion to his pack (family) is bred into the American Mastiff. He is non-aggressive unless you threaten his family or his children. Then he becomes courageous, protective and defensive. This is a gentle giant most of the time, however due to size and the need for strong leadership, the American Mastiff should be socialized and trained early. If they are socialized and trained they will be calm, gentle dogs. They will remain protective and alert, but they will be friendly with strangers. They love to please their people and being highly intelligent they learn fast.

Health Problems

bullmastiff puppies - health problemsThe Bullmastiff is a generally healthy breed, but even so, the breed is known for having to contend with certain health issues. He doesn’t have a particularly long life span either and can live to be about 10, ll or 12 years of age. Some of the more common illnesses to look out for include -

Hip Dysplasia:

This is a condition where the thighbone doesn’t fit properly into the hip joint. The troublesome part is that it can lead to arthritis, pain and lameness for your pet.

Bloat:

This is a worrisome, life-threatening condition for a dog, particularly for large, deep-chested dogs such as your Bullmastiff. Instead of feeding your Mastiff one large meal, it is recommended to feed him 2 smaller meals. Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and twists, restricting the normal return of blood to the heart.

american mastiff puppies - health problemsAmerican Mastiffs seem to have fewer health issues than other larger giant breed dogs. However, they can experience allergies as many large, wrinkled dogs do. They also might have a tendency toward eye issues, hip dysplasia, cancer and heart disease. Bloat might be the most life-threatening issue many American Mastiffs experience.

Caring The Pet

Grooming for Health and Happiness

bullmastiff dogs - caringThe Bullmastiff has a short dense coat which is looked upon as low-maintenance. He will require a brushing twice a week, being a light to average shedder. He is a dog that tends to drool quite a bit so you may need to wipe away slobber from time to time. Because his face has wrinkles, check the creases to ensure they remain free of dirt and food particles to ward off infection.

Check his ears at the same time, brush his teeth at least twice a week with special dog-toothpaste and brush and keep the nails trimmed.

Diet:

Your large Bullmastiff will require high-quality commercial dog food but he will also need some home-made food in between such as rice, vegetables and meat. He is a large dog and will have to get an intake of raw meat too. Dogs denied raw meat can end up with skin problems as well as other health issues.It is better to feel your Bullmastiff smaller meals than to give him one large meal which he scoffs down quickly. Smaller meals will help prevent the most dangerous illness known as Bloat.

Ensure he has a steady supply of fresh, cool water.

american mastiff dogs - caringGiant breeds like the American Mastiff are known for growing rapidly as a puppy and therefore proper feeding and nutrition is essential. The slower your American Mastiff grows, the better. Make sure your puppies get enough phosphorous and calcium in their high calorie diet. Free feeding is not recommended. Feed puppies up to 4 small meals per day and feed adults twice a day.

Health issues

As previously mentioned this breed is a fairly healthy one, There, are however, certain evaluations you should do with your American Mastiff puppy to be sure she is in good health. These tests would include an elbow and hip evaluation to check for dysplasia. He should have an ophthalmologist and cardiologist examine him as well. Most American Mastiffs will not have any problems, but these evaluations will help to prepare you if they do. The wrinkles in your dogs; face, around the eyes and muzzle must be kept clean as they can become infected if you don’t.

Exercise and games

Unlike the way he looks, the American Mastiff is not a couch potato, but neither are they a high energy, exercise machine. They do well living in apartments or homes, with or without a fenced in yard. They need a long walk every day. They need mental stimulation through exercise and games. Make sure they learn to love to play so that they don’t become lazy as they age.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Molosser dogs
Origin:
United Kingdom
United States
Height Male:
61 - 68 cm
24 - 27 inches
65 - 91 cm
25 - 36 inches
Height Female:
59 - 68 cm
23 - 27 inches
65 - 89 cm
25 - 36 inches
Weight Male:
41 - 59 kg
90 - 131 pounds
72 - 90 kg
158 - 199 pounds
Weight Female:
39 - 59 kg
85 - 131 pounds
63 - 81 kg
138 - 179 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
2 - 5
Size:
Large dog
Giant dog
Other Names:
Bull Mastiff
AM Mastiff
Colors Available:
Fawn, Red or Brindle
Fawn, Apricot, Brindle
Coat:
Short and dense
Smooth, shorthair
Shedding:
Minimal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  2. Bullmastiff vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  3. Bullmastiff vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  4. Bullmastiff vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  5. Bullmastiff vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  6. Bullmastiff vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  7. Bullmastiff vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  8. Bullmastiff vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  9. Bullmastiff vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  10. Bullmastiff vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  11. Bullmastiff vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  12. Bullmastiff vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  13. Bullmastiff vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  14. Bullmastiff vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  15. Bullmastiff vs Black Russian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Bullmastiff vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison
  17. Bullmastiff vs Antebellum Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  18. Great Pyrenees vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  19. Presa Canario vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  20. Labrador Husky vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  21. Argentine Dogo vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  22. Giant Schnauzer vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  23. Goldador vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  24. Dogo Cubano vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  25. Dogo Sardesco vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  26. English Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  27. Neapolitan Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  28. American Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  29. Gaddi Kutta vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  30. Nebolish Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  31. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  32. Broholmer vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  33. Great Dane vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  34. Bernese Mountain Dog vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  35. Newfoundland Dog vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  36. Anatolian Shepherd vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  37. Leonberger vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  38. Alaunt vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  39. Bully Kutta vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  40. Irish Wolfhound vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  41. Alangu Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  42. Francais Blanc et Orange vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  43. Mountain Burmese vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  44. Billy vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  45. Pyrenean Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  46. Bisben vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds