Bullmastiff Bullmastiff

Bullmastiff

7
Loyal Calm Protective Brave

About the Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff was developed in 19th-century England by crossing Bulldogs with Mastiffs — the goal was a powerful, silent guardian capable of tracking and pinning poachers on large estates without mauling them. Standing 24–27 inches tall and weighing 100–130 pounds, the Bullmastiff is a massive, muscular dog with a broad head, dark muzzle, and an imposing physical presence. Their short, dense coat comes in fawn, red, or brindle — always with a black mask — and sheds moderately with minimal grooming requirements.

Temperament & Personality

Bullmastiffs are confident, loyal, and naturally protective — they are alert guardians who rely on their size and intimidating presence rather than excessive barking to deter intruders. Despite their imposing appearance, they are gentle and affectionate with their families, showing particular patience and tenderness with children. They are typically calm and quiet indoors, content to lie at their owner's feet, but they can be territorial with unfamiliar dogs and require early, consistent socialization.

Pros

  • Naturally protective — their imposing presence alone is an effective deterrent
  • Surprisingly low-energy indoors, adapting well to a calm household routine
  • Gentle and affectionate with family members, including children
  • Minimal grooming needs with their short, easy-care coat

Cons

  • Short lifespan averaging only 7–9 years
  • Prone to bloat, hip and elbow dysplasia, lymphoma, and mast cell tumors
  • Significant drooling, especially around mealtimes and in warm weather
  • Their sheer size and strength require an experienced owner capable of managing 100+ pounds of dog

A Bullmastiff offers protection and companionship in equal measure — explore adoptable Bullmastiffs on Puplister and find your gentle giant.

Bullmastiff Quick Facts

Size
100–130 lbs, 24–27 in
Lifespan
7–9 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Not recommended

Is the Bullmastiff right for you?

Answer 5 quick questions to see how well this breed matches your lifestyle.

Take the Quiz

Available Bullmastiffs

Topo
Young 1
Topo
M

Bullmastiff

Harbor Animal Care and Control Center · San Pedro, CA
Odin
Adult 5
Odin
XL

Great Dane / Bullmastiff

Loved at Last Dog Rescue · Langley, WA
Cooper
Adult 4
Cooper
XL

Bullmastiff

Canine Rescue Coalition · Goodyear, AZ
Damon
Baby 3
Damon
M

Boxer / Bullmastiff

Animal House Shelter · Huntley, IL
Russell
Young 2

Bullmastiff / Mixed

Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA · Burlingame, CA

Related Breeds

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

2 pets available

6

About the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was developed in the late 19th century by Dutch breeder Eduard Karel Korthals, who meticulously crossed French and German griffons, setters, spaniels, and pointers to create what he considered the "supreme gundog." These medium-sized sporting dogs stand 20 to 24 inches tall and weigh 50 to 70 pounds, with a robust build that balances power with agility. Their distinctive coat features a harsh, wiry outer layer over a dense, water-resistant undercoat — typically in steel gray with brown markings, though roan, brown, and white and brown patterns also occur. Temperament & Personality Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are eager, devoted, and remarkably trainable — often called the "supreme gundog" not just for their versatile field skills but for their cooperative, people-focused temperament. They are gentle and patient with children, friendly with other dogs, and form strong bonds with every family member rather than fixating on a single person. Their enthusiasm for both work and play, combined with a gentle disposition, makes them outstanding all-around family companions for active households. Pros Versatile sporting dog — points, retrieves, and works in water and thick cover equally wellLow-shedding wiry coat suitable for allergy-conscious ownersDevoted and affectionate family dog with a gentle, trainable natureAdaptable and eager to please — excels in multiple canine sports and disciplines Cons High exercise requirements — needs vigorous daily activity and mental stimulationCoat requires regular hand-stripping or professional grooming to maintain textureCan become anxious, clingy, or destructive without adequate exercise and companionshipProne to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and ear infections The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a rare treasure among sporting breeds — see if one is available on Puplister.

West Highland White Terrier

1 pet available

15

About the West Highland White Terrier The West Highland White Terrier — universally known as the "Westie" — was developed in Scotland's western highlands during the 19th century, selectively bred from Cairn Terrier stock for its white coat to be more visible against the dark highland terrain while hunting foxes, badgers, and rats. These sturdy little dogs stand 10 to 11 inches tall and weigh 15 to 20 pounds, with a compact, balanced build and surprisingly strong legs for their size. Their double coat features a hard, straight white outer layer and a soft, dense undercoat — always pure white without exception. Temperament & Personality Westies are confident, entertaining, and surprisingly tough — carrying the classic terrier self-assurance in a friendly, less aggressive package than many of their terrier relatives. They are affectionate with their families, generally good with older children, and possess an independent, adventurous spirit that keeps life interesting. Westies are social dogs that enjoy meeting people, though they can be assertive with other dogs and retain a strong instinct to chase anything that moves. Pros Sturdy and adaptable — thrives in apartments, suburbs, and country settingsFriendly and sociable without the extreme aggression of some terrier breedsPortable size with a big, confident personalityAlert watchdog that will reliably announce visitors Cons Prone to atopic dermatitis and skin allergies — one of the most affected breedsCoat requires regular professional grooming or hand-stripping every 6 to 8 weeksCan be stubborn and willful during training — responds best to positive methodsTendency to dig and bark, especially when bored or left in the yard Westies bring Scottish charm and terrier spirit into every home — find your white-coated companion on Puplister.

Shiba Inu
Shiba Inu Dog

10 pets available

18

About the Shiba Inu The Shiba Inu is Japan's oldest and smallest native breed, originally bred to flush birds and small game in the dense mountain underbrush — "shiba" may refer to brushwood or the breed's red color, while "inu" simply means dog. These compact, agile dogs stand 13.5 to 16.5 inches tall and weigh 17 to 23 pounds, with a fox-like face, small triangular ears, and a curled tail. Their stiff, plush double coat comes in red, sesame, black and tan, or cream, with distinctive "urajiro" (cream to white ventral markings). Temperament & Personality Shiba Inus are bold, alert, and fiercely independent — often described as more cat-like than dog-like in their self-possession and fastidious grooming habits. They are loyal to their families but on their own terms, and their strong-willed nature means they do not blindly follow commands. Shibas are known for the infamous "Shiba scream" — a loud, distinctive vocalization produced when displeased or overjoyed — and they can be aloof with strangers and sometimes aggressive toward other dogs. Pros Naturally clean and almost cat-like — easy to housetrain and self-groomingCompact, manageable size for apartments with adequate exerciseLoyal and devoted to their family once trust is establishedHealthy breed with a long lifespan of 13 to 16 years Cons Extremely independent and stubborn — not recommended for first-time ownersStrong prey drive and unreliable recall make off-leash freedom riskyCan be possessive of food, toys, and territory (resource guarding)Prone to allergies, patellar luxation, and hip dysplasia The Shiba Inu's spirited independence and striking looks have won fans worldwide — discover Shibas on Puplister.

Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu Dog

33 pets available

42

About the Shih Tzu The Shih Tzu — meaning "lion dog" in Mandarin — was bred for centuries within the walls of the Chinese imperial palace, likely from crosses between the Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese. These small, sturdy dogs stand 9 to 10.5 inches tall and weigh 9 to 16 pounds, with a slightly longer body than they are tall and a proud, flowing gait. Their luxurious double coat grows continuously and can reach floor length, coming in virtually every color and combination, with a distinctive chrysanthemum-like pattern on the face where hair grows in all directions. Temperament & Personality Shih Tzus are affectionate, outgoing, and delightfully playful — bred solely as companion dogs, they have centuries of experience perfecting the art of being a devoted lapdog. They are friendly with nearly everyone, including children, strangers, and other pets, making them one of the most sociable toy breeds available. Shih Tzus are happy, adaptable, and surprisingly sturdy for their size, with a mischievous charm that keeps their families entertained. Pros Exceptionally friendly and sociable with people of all ages and other animalsLow exercise requirements — short walks and indoor play satisfy their needsMinimal shedding when coat is kept in a shorter "puppy clip"Adaptable and content in apartments, condos, and any living situation Cons Long coat demands daily brushing or frequent professional groomingBrachycephalic structure contributes to breathing issues and heat intoleranceProne to eye problems (proptosis, corneal ulcers), ear infections, and dental diseaseCan be stubborn about housetraining — patience and consistency are essential A Shih Tzu's sole mission in life is to love and be loved — find yours waiting on Puplister today.

Related Articles

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key traits of a Bullmastiff?
The Bullmastiff is known for being loyal, calm, protective and brave.
How many Bullmastiffs are available for adoption?
There are currently 5 Bullmastiffs available for adoption on Puplister. Browse the listings above to find your perfect match.
How do I adopt a Bullmastiff from Puplister?
To adopt a Bullmastiff, browse the available listings on this page, click on a pet you're interested in, and contact the shelter directly through their profile page.