Not to be mistaken with the English Mastiff, Bullmastiffs are a large breed with a presence to match.
If you’re considering becoming an owner of one or more of these gentle but very impressive giants, then this comprehensive colour guide might help make your decision easier.
The most common coat colours include white, brindle, and coloured varieties, with white being particularly iconic. Coloured Bull Terriers can come in a range of hues, such as black, fawn, or red, often with distinct markings.
While white Bull Terriers are highly sought after, coloured varieties are also popular and can exhibit a variety of patterns. Breeders typically follow breed standards that emphasise these traditional colours, making non-standard colourations less common.
Coat colour is generally a good way to start in terms of choosing a Bullmastiff. Here’s a summary of the most common coat styles/colours.
Although more of a pattern, brindle mastiffs will have a red base with dark stripes similar to that of a tiger. The brindle pattern is often preferred by gamekeepers due to the camouflage it provides the dogs at night. Dark brindle dogs are often mistakenly called black, but this colour does not officially exist.
Fawn Bullmastiffs are quickly becoming one the most popular breeds, even more so than red. Like in other dogs, this tone can differ, with some dogs having contrasting shading throughout their body.
Fawn ranges from dark caramel to grey; dogs with this variation generally have dark markings throughout their bodies to cover the fawn base.
The shades of red vary greatly, with some ranging from dark brown to a lighter shade that is similar to fawn.
This is a coat that gives the dog a nice middle ground between red and fawn, resulting in a distinct reddish-brown colour.
Similar to the fawn brindle, this is a Bullmastiff with a primarily red coat that is complemented by black stripes.
These are Mastiffs with a dark coat that is broken up by fawn streaks.
A Bullmastiff with this coat colour will have a tri-colour combination. A primarily red and fawn base, topped with black markings throughout.
The various colours Bullmastiffs come in are typically in the form of a short coat, but long-haired breeds do exist, although not necessarily as a breed standard. The long-haired variation occurs due to genes from Saint Bernard, and they can often be mistaken for Leonbergers.
According to the Australian National Kennel Council, Bullmastiffs can be any shade of brindle, fawn, or red, with the consistency being pure and clear. White markings on the chest are acceptable but anywhere else is considered less preferable. Lastly, the black muzzle and dark markings around the eyes are features that give the dog its distinct look.
When choosing a new pooch, one of the more common instincts is to select the most popular colour. In the case of Bullmastiffs, the fawn is the most popular option nowadays, but don’t look past a red or brindle one simply because of what everyone else is doing. Consider how well you get along with the dog first, as Bullmastiffs need an owner who can properly manage them.
Once you’ve settled on a colour that suits you, consider signing up your dog for obedience classes or general dog training. The Bullmastiff breed makes reliable guard dogs, but their protective instincts need to be properly controlled.
Bullmastiff puppies will more than likely develop a different coat colour as they become older dogs. Because a pup’s colour is concentrated, determining the actual colour can be a bit painstaking.
While any markings your puppy might have or get may become more visible or fade throughout the dog’s life, the distinctive black mask should remain the same and is part of this dog’s breed standard.
The gamekeeper’s night dog can be an excellent family pet that stands out among many breeds. The various coat options are any dog lover’s dream, but always keep personality and temperament in mind, especially if you are looking for a male Bullmastiff, as they can be particularly problematic.
Also, a Bullmastiff coat will shed, so grooming, a balanced diet, and regular trips to the vet are important in terms of ensuring your dog is in the best possible shape.
If you’re unsure about what coat colour to choose, health issues such as elbow dysplasia, or whether your Bullmastiff meets the necessary breed standards, consult resources such as a recognised breed club or the American Kennel Club for further details about their general appearance and health problems.
Welcome to Pets Online, a team of pet parents, animal lovers and veterinarians devoted to providing you with everything you need to know about pets.