Physical Attributes
Male: 30 inches (76 cm) Female: 26-28 inches (66 -71cm)
Male: 118-150 lb (53-68 kg)
Female: 110-130lb (50kg-59kg)
Both parent breeds can have a black mask to the face so this is likely to be inherited
Great Dane:
Working Group
Bullmastiff:
Working Group
Lifestyle Guidance:
What are the reasons to get a Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix (Bull Daniff)?
- This is a wonderful family dog and is tolerant of children (click here for more details)
- A ferociously loyal personality (click here for more details)
- Great guard dogs as both protective and obedient (click here for more details)
- Exercise needs will suit an owner or family with an active lifestyle (click here for more details)
- They will make excellent companion dogs (click here for more details)
- This dog will be the strong and silent type only barking when necessary (click here for more details)
- Very moderate grooming needs (click here for more details)
- Capable of being successful in dog sports such as obedience and agility trials (click here for more details)
What are the reasons not to get Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix (Bull Daniff)?
- A prospective dog owner doesn’t have time to invest in continuous training and socialization
- A challenge for first time owners
- There is no-one home for lengthy periods of the day
- The family or owner is not active
- The dog owner is not physically strong or frail
- A prospective owner lives in an apartment or has little outdoor space
- This dog does not have a long lifespan
- The house- proud should be aware that this dog drools
What is a Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix (Bull Daniff)?
Overview
The Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix offers a dog with a gentle and unflappable temperament of the Bullmastiff with the fun and playful temperament of the biggest lapdog on the planet, namely the iconic Great Dane.
But with any mixed breed it is always important to research the parent breeds, both their physical attributes and the temperament. This is because there is no exact science to predict which characteristics will predominate in any particular dog.
For more information regarding the parent breeds of the Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix and a whole range of other wonderful types of dogs please feel free to visit our breed guide.
What are the history and origins of the Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix?
In order to truly understand the qualities and character of a classic or hybrid breed it is essential to have an idea of their original purpose and development.
So here follows an account of the fascinating history surrounding both the Great Dane and the Bullmastiff.
The Great Dane – Origins and History
It is perhaps a reflection of the magisterial nature of this dog that national claims to ownership have been something of a big bone of contention in the history of this huge hound. Most sources agree that this breed was, in fact, originally from Germany, although some accounts claim Scandinavian origins even before this.
There is even some evidence that this type of large dog was extant in Ancient Greece, and there are some depictions of dogs in Ancient Egyptian tombs from 3000BC which bear a resemblance to the magnificent breed that we have today.
From the 13th and 14th centuries there are clearer pictorial and written records of the forebears of this giant breed. In Germany they were known as ‘The English Dogge’ owing to it being founded largely on the English Mastiff, which is in itself descended from the large and ferocious ‘Molussus’ dog.
It is thought that extra size and speed of these dogs was contributed to by interbreeding with the Irish Wolfhound, and possibly other Sight-Hounds such as the Greyhound. This added more of a lean, athletic frame while retaining the strength and power that we still associate with the Great Dane.
Although the role of these huge hounds was not to ‘sight’ the prey, but rather they were ‘catcher-dogs’ which ran alongside the horses. Once the prey had been discovered these dogs were sent in to bring down large powerful prey such as boars, deer and even bears.
In 1876 Germany declared the Great Dane as its national dog and pronounced that it should henceforward be known as the ‘German dogg’, but in Holland they continued to call this breed ‘The Dutch Dog’. Finally due to some anathema towards Germany most English-speaking nations settled on Great Dane.
Originally the companion of nobles and kings even to this day this impressive hound retains a sense of being an aristocrat amongst canines popular not only for its formidable strength and speed but also for its regal appearance. Indeed this has further been elevated to divine heights and this dog is often referred as the ‘Apollo of dogs’ reflection its beauty and athleticism.
Although kennel clubs insist that there is complete equivalence between American and European breed standards for dogs bred to high standards, some breeders claim a noticeable difference in appearance. Whereas European Great Danes have more loose skin and fuller lips, with a square head, the American version of the breed is tighter around the face with a slightly lighter build.
Although the Irish Wolfhound is accepted generally as the tallest breed, the tallest dog ever recorded was a Great Dane called Zeus from Michigan in the United States who measured a staggering 44 inches (around 119 cm) from foot to withers.
One of the most famous of all Great Danes is not so well known for being fearless in pursuit of his quarry. This is, of course, Scooby Doo. Although perhaps his love of food is certainly in keeping with the voracious appetite of this wonderful large breed.
The Great Dane is currently ranked as the 15th most popular breed according to the AKC 2020 registration data [2].
The Bullmastiff- Origins and History
This dog was developed in England, during the latter years of the nineteenth century, through the crossing of the English Mastiff with the English Bulldog in order to produce the perfect guard dog.
These early Bullmastiffs accompanied gamekeepers as the patrolled the lands of the gentry to catch and deter any poachers. This was not just some kind of cat-and-mouse game played out in the English countryside. The legal penalties surrounding poaching were severe, and you could be put to death if you were caught. Hence the expression ‘might as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb’.
This means poachers would attempt to kill gamekeepers if caught. Some would also be accompanied by their own dogs which they could set upon the gamekeepers in order to effect escape. This is why the Bullmastiff became the dog of choice for fending off poachers (and their dogs) and became popularly known as the ‘game-keepers night-dog’.
The combination of early hunting and fighting breeds gave the Bullmastiff all of the single-minded determination of the English Mastiff on the hunt, with the tenacity and fearlessness of the pugnacious Bulldog. Dog experts have concluded that the Bullmastiff is around 60% Mastiff, and 40% Bulldog, ensuring a good sized dog that could knock and pin down an intruder.
While the Mastiff had excelled at tracking and holding large prey, this dog was not quick enough to track down poachers. At the same time the Bulldog was too naturally aggressive to just hold or detain their captive and did not have the size to comfortably bring down a person.
This meant the English Bullmastiff offered the perfect blend of speed and restraint in the pursuit of poachers. They also inherited the Mastiff tendency to grip rather than savage their prey, which was perfect for capturing a poacher and placing them into the not-so-merciful hands of the law.
During the day the Bullmastiff provided an excellent guard dog and protector of the family for the gamekeeper. It was ironically this side-line role as a loving and gentle protector of the family that later threw this breed a life-line and still attracts owners to them to this day.
But with the demise of the poaching laws, this breed lost its main purpose and the numbers of Bullmastiffs heavily dropped. But it was their role as a protective and gentle family dog which ensured this wonderful breed’s survival.
A group of enthusiasts, who recognized their continuing potential as guard dogs, founded the Bullmastiff Club in the 1920s and the breed was standardized and officially recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1924.
This impressive breed began to attract attention over the pond in the USA and the AKC soon followed in recognizing them as a breed in 1934. It is fitting testament to this beautiful breed of dog that they currently rank at a very respectable 55th in the AKC popularity rankings of 2020 based on registration data [2].
Other linked hybrid breeds:
Great Dane Doberman Mix, Great Dane Dalmatian Mix, Great Dane Pitbull Mix, Great Dane Boxer Mix, Great Dane Rottweiler Mix, Great Dane German Shepherd Mix, Great Dane Cane Corso Mix, Great Dane Bloodhound Mix, Cane Corso Bullmastiff Mix, Great Dane Greyhound Mix, Great Dane English Mastiff Mix, Great Dane Saint Bernard Mix.
What’s the difference between a Great Dane and a Bullmastiff?
The Great Dane and the Bullmastiff have far more similarities than differences. They both have superb temperaments and completely adore their humans. Each of them will also shadow their owners around the house spreading offering affection and slobber in equal measure.
But their temperaments differ in that the Bullmastiff is more of a natural guard dog than the Great Dane. The Bullmastiff will be naturally suspicious of strangers and will constantly patrol your yard eagerly scanning for any disturbances or something out of place.
For the more laid-back Great Dane your yard is more of a playground. These dogs just like to have fun and have more playful temperaments.
What is an interesting fact about the Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix?
Both the Great Dane and the Bullmastiff both can claim the English Mastiff as an important influence on their development as powerful breeds with the strength to bring down big quarry.
The English Mastiff influence also ensured that these big powerful dogs did not tear at their victims, but simply held or caught them in their large jaws. This is because one of the natural urge to tear and rip has been breed out of the English Mastiff.
But while the Great Dane gripped or caught wild boar, bears and other large animals, the Bullmastiff was set on unwelcome poachers.
What will a Bullmastiff Great Dane Mix look like?
The Bullmastiff Great Dane Mix brings together separated Mastiff lines with a dash of the tenacious Bulldog to offer a large, muscular and active dog.
The Bullmastiff Great Dane Mix is likely to lose some of the lean elegance of the Great Dane in exchange for the bulkier and more square proportions of the Bullmastiff. The back will be short and straight leading to a low-set tail carried no higher than the back
Facially the muzzle is likely to broad and some of this mixed breed may inherit the trademark Bullmastiff wrinkling. The eyes and ears are likely to be medium sized.
With muscular hindquarters the gait of this dog will be smoothly graceful and powerful lending both stamina and a good measure of speed.
What is the temperament and personality of the Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix?
By considering the temperament of both parent breeds it is possible to predict with certainty some general features of the personality of the Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix.
This dog will not want let you of sight. The Great Dane is famously a very clingy or velcro dog that will follow their human family very closely around the house. But this is likely to be even more intensified by the influence of the Bullmastiff. This is another guard dog bred to be a close companion of the gamekeeper at night and close protector of his family during the day
The Great Dane is intelligent and also biddable but the Bullmastiff has the reputation for being a little stubborn. But both breeds have an inherent desire to please their owners. This means that this mixed breed dog will respond well to consistent training and be manageable both inside and outside the home.
The Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix will generally be fine with other dogs, although there may be some aggression and dominance related behaviors from male dogs.
Nevertheless early socialization will ensure that this huge hound will enjoy play-time with its canine pals without incident. This also makes this wonderful mixed breed eminently suitable for a multi-dog household, although if introducing a puppy to an older dog be sure this is sensitively structured.
The Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix will be very active and will need plenty of stimulation although they will enjoy independently patrolling their territory. But some of these dogs will be very sensitive to change in keeping with the Bullmastiff heritage.
For the different stages in a puppy and adult dog’s development please click here.
Also click here for a video of an absolutely stunning Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix.
What are the exercise requirements for the Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix?
The Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix is going to have stamina and energy and will enjoy a good walk every day in excess of 1 hour as well as a couple of shorter romps during the day
As much opportunities to run and play in a safe, enclosed area as possible should also be provided for this large breed along with the mental stimulation of ‘treasure-hunt’, tugging and chasing games.
This dog will also gain physical exercise and mental stimulation from patrolling in a secure outside area at home making sure all is in order.
This dog is going to be at the large and heavy end of the Great Dane mixed breed scale. This means that exercise should initially be compartmentalized into little and often rather than one walk in the very early years of the dog.
This is because over-exercise can potentially damage bones, ligament and joints in the Great Dane and potentially a large Great Dane Bullmastiff mix. If you are concerned regarding this then it is advised that you discuss this with a vet.
Is the Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix a good family dog?
For an experienced owner the Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix will have the ideal temperament to be an excellent family.
This mixed breed dog will most certainly have a playful and humorous side to its character. They will also be very tolerant of children and will play for long periods of time. Although this huge adorable hound may accidentally injure very small children without very close supervision.
This dog will also want to be very close to all family members constantly and will even actually physically lean on family members or even cuddle up to them on the sofa given the half chance.
But any significant changes, such as a family member being away for a period of time or a house move will hit this dog hard, as he will be very sensitive to change.
Who is the ideal owner of a Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix?
The ideal owner will be an experienced dog owner. It is even better if a prospective owner has experience with large and powerful breeds.
The owner of this breed will also need to be fit and strong enough to manage this physically imposing dog.
This dog may occasionally be stubborn or independently-minded. So an owner will need to adopt and patient and consistent approach to train and manage this dog both within and outside the home.
The Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix will only suit a home environment where human company is available most of the time. Otherwise this dog could suffer severely from separation anxiety.
What are the grooming requirements of the Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix?
The coat care and grooming of this dog will be very minimal and will include brushing every few days.
But remember that this should be done daily in periods of hot weather to remove dead hair and keep the cool. The Bullmastiff influence makes it likely that this dog will not do very well in the heat. Please click here for other tips on keeping your dog safe in hot weather.
Also be aware that if there is wrinkling to the facial area, this will need to be cleaned daily in order to avoid any build-up of bacteria and potential infections.
How much space is required for a Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix?
The Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix will be a very large dog and will need plenty of space both inside and outside. This dog will need lots of space in which to stretch, play and stretch out in the house. This means that this dog is certainly not suited to apartment living.
Outside this mixed breed will enjoy roaming and patrolling in a reasonably sized yard combining the adventurous character of the Great Dane with the guarding instincts of the Bullmastiff.
What is the lifespan of the Bull Daniff?
The lifespan of Great Danes is sadly only between 6 to 8 years. The lifespan of the Bullmastiff is on average slightly longer at around 8 to 10 years.
The likely lifespan for a Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix is likely to be around 7-10 years.
What are the potential health problems for the Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix?
Hybrid breed dogs are potentially healthier than classic breeds of dogs, but it is still important to be aware of some of the health complications that can afflict the parent breeds of the Bull Daniff can be inherited.
Potential health problems for the Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix include:
- Coronary Heart Disease and other related heart conditions
- Cardiomyopathy
- Osteosarcoma
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Possible deafness as it affects some Great Danes.
- Eye problems such as entropion and ectropion
- hypothyroidism
What kind of training is required for a Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix?
As both parent breeds, the Great Dane and the Bullmastiff, have a hunting or tracking background, they will often naturally want to pull out in front on a walk.
This means that it will be important to prioritize leash training. This dog will also enjoy a good romp off the lead so early recall sessions will prove invaluable to confidently manage the Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix outside the home.
Early socialization including exposure to unfamiliar people, dogs and a range of circumstances and environments should be consistently put in place. This will prevent any potentially aggressive behaviors towards other dogs
The Bullmastiff influence may introduce what is sometimes interpreted as stubbornness in this dog. But this mixed breed will have an overriding eagerness to please. Also the Great Dane Bullmastiff dog is a food-driven dog and will always accept treats. This means that this dog cane be trained to a good standard.
But this huge hound will be a little sensitive, so it is very important to use approaches based around positive reinforcement.
As noted above, training for separation anxiety should also be foregrounded to avoid destructive behaviors in the house.
Click here for an outline of the benefits of training. Click here for information on socializing a puppy and here for socializing an adult dog.
How big will a Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix get?
The Great Dane male is, according to breed standards, at least 30 inches (82cm) tall from the feet to the withers. While the female stands at 28 inches (72cm) or more. The Bullmastiff is a large, heavy dog so the Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix is likely to be very large.
The Bullmastiff male stands at around 25-27 inches (63-69cm), while the female is only slightly shorter at 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)
The size of a Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix is likely to be:
- Male 30 inches (76 cm) from feet to withers.
- Female 26-28 inches (66 -71cm) from feet to withers.
How much is a Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix likely to weigh?
The Great Dane male typically weighs between 120 to 170 lb (54-74kgs) with the female at 110 to140 lbs (50-64 kgs).
The Bullmastiff male weighs anything between 115-130 lbs (52-59kgs) with the female weighing in at around 105-120lbs (48-54kgs).
The Bullmastiff Great Dane Mix is likely to weigh:
- Male 118-150 lb (53-68 kg)
- Female 110-130lb (50kg-59kg)
Where should I get a Bullmastiff Great Dane Mix from?
If you are looking for a Bullmastiff Great Dane Mix then always contact a reputable breeder and look out for the following:
- You should always have the opportunity to see the puppies interacting with the mother.
- If there is little interaction with the ‘mother’ be cautious as occasionally unscrupulous breeders can bring in another female dog for appearances.
- A reputable breeder should also have details of the father available on request.
- In addition you should have access to the medical records of both parents and any kennel club certificates.
- A reputable breeder should be willing to offer you advice when you take your Great Dane Bullmastiff puppy home.
If possible, adoption is a kind and rewarding option. But ensure that you thoughtfully discuss the details of a rescue dog with the charity or rehoming organization.
If you already have a dog , then please feel free to browse these tips on how to introduce a puppy to an older dog.
What are the feeding requirements of a Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix?
It is always a good idea to consult with a vet or animal dietician regarding feeding requirements in the early days of ownership. This will ensure that your Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix will receive a balanced diet in the correct portions.
It is also important to balance feeding against exercise to maintain a healthy weight.
Many owners of Great Danes and Bullmastiffs are recommended a raw food diet.
Should I get a male or female Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix?
Each dog is unique, so the following only offers a general guide rather than a rule but male and female dogs can have different dispositions.
Thee female Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix has a tendency to be trained more quickly as they are generally more focused and mature. Although more calm, the female Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix can be even more distrustful of strangers than her male counterpart.
The male dogs can be more aggressive towards other male dogs. They can also be a little more boisterous and less careful in play with smaller dogs and children than the female.
What colors are common for a Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix?
In general the Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix can be any solid or partial color.
Common colors include:
- Red
- Fawn
- Brindle
- Blue
- Black
- Both parent breeds can have a black mask to the face so this is likely to be inherited
Does the Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix get along with other dogs?
The Great Dane is a very friendly breed who is rarely aggressive and usually able to get on with other dogs. But the male Bullmastiff cane be aggressive towards unfamiliar dogs, particularly if they are the same gender.
But if you follow clear steps in introducing established dogs to a puppy or another dog then this mixed breed should be very happy to live with canine companions in a multi-dog household.
But in order to ensure harmonious relationships between the dogs an owner will need to be strong canine leader in order to ensure this dog is fully house-trained and well-socialized.
Does the Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix get on with cats and small pets?
The Great Dane is generally known as the big friendly giant of the dog world. This cheerful disposition also extends to cats. The Bullmastiff, although capable of being a ferocious guard dog, has a very gentle temperament when with their family, including felines. They will even be protective of any cats at home
This means the Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix will usually be very good with cats.
Training a Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix puppy to get along with a cat
To maximize the chances of a positive relationship between your Bull Daniff and a cat ensure that they are introduced in a structured and sensitive way.
Step 1
This should start with putting down items that belong to the Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix puppy before the arrival to accustom the cats to the scent.
Step 2
The next step is to confine the puppy to an area. This should certainly include at feeding times and could be a room with a baby-gate. The area of confinement should be circulated around the house as well as a safely enclosed outside area.
Step 3
When ready allow the puppy out on an appropriate leash or harness and proactively praise positive interactions and correct any chasing. Ensure the cats always have escape areas including high places to promote their sense of confidence and safety.
Does the Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix make a good guard dog for the home?
This dog will absolutely excel as a guard dog for the home if trained to a good standard.
The Bullmastiff is a physically strong, natural guard dog who is very alert and has a natural suspicion of strangers. This will combine with the size and power of the Great Dane who has a more mellow temperament but will rise to the occasion if they feel that their beloved humans are threatened.
This dog is also likely to be the strong and silent type, only when necessary. But they will always bark an alarm if they are suspicious that all is not well.
The combination of these parent breeds offers a very formidable guard dog who will still look to their owners for direction meaning welcome guests can feel safe, while intruders should heed any beware of the dog signs.
Where can I found out more about the Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix?
If you are considering a hybrid breed such as the Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix always research both founding breeds to ensure that you are fully prepared for the arrival of your Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix puppy and nuance your training and lifestyle provision for your exciting new canine family member accordingly.
The price of a Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix will vary but generally hybrid breed dogs such as the Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix cost less than pure bred dogs such as a Great Dane puppy or a Bullmastiff puppy.
Please feel free to browse our breed guide for more information on the Great Dane, Bullmastiff and other breeds.
Other Great Dane Hybrid Breeds
Please click on the pictures below to find out more about these other fantastic Great Dane hybrid breeds:
Great Dane Pitbull
Mix
Great Dane Boxer Mix
(Boxane)
Great Dane Dalmatian Mix
(Great Dal)
Great Dane and Rottweiler
Mix
Links:
Great Dane Rescue (USA)
DaneLine (UK)
American Bullmastiff Association (USA)
American Bullmastiff Rescue Association Rescue Service (USA)
Bullmastiff Rescue and Adoption UK (UK)
