Potential owners of Bullmastiffs may be curious about how fast this breed can run, especially considering they are a large, powerful breed.
Known for their protective instincts and loyalty, their size may lead some to question their speed and agility.
Contrary to what many might believe, Bullmastiffs are very fast dogs. They can run as fast as 25 miles per hour! It just goes to show that despite how gentle and calm these dogs might look, they are very athletic and fast runners!
So, what are some of the factors that affect how fast a Bullmastiff can run? Be sure to read until the end to find out!
How Fast do Bullmastiffs Run?
These large dogs all run at different speeds, but Bullmastiffs have been clocked at speeds of over 25 miles per hour.
Of course, much like humans, as a dog ages, they will become slower. This is because they are losing muscle mass and slowing down.
So, while you will rarely see an old lady running down the street, this is the same as an old dog running too fast either.
How Fast did the fastest Bullmastiff Run?
The record for the fastest Bullmastiff is 27.03 miles per hour. Although this is not as fast as the record for a Greyhound, which by the way, is 41.8 miles per hour, there is no denying that Bullmastiffs are quick-moving creatures.
Why do Bullmastiffs Run So Fast?
Being such a large dog breed, you would think that moving that much body weight would be difficult. However, many people are surprised when they discover how fast Bullmastiffs can genuinely run. So, why are they able to move so quickly?
It makes sense because they were originally bred as hunting dogs. They had to be fast and agile for them to catch their prey! And while they might never win any races like a greyhound might, it’s still fascinating to learn more about their origin.
The Bullmastiff is a Molosser dog breed originally bred in the United Kingdom. The breed was created in the early 19th century by mixing the Mastiff with the Bulldog. The goal was to create a dog that would be a better hunter and catch prey such as deer.
The Bullmastiff is a very muscular dog and can reach speeds up to 25 miles per hour, as we have covered. They are also known for their gentle temperament and make good pets for families with children.
Therefore, these dogs are the hunting kings, especially with their agility and speed.
How Fast are Bullmastiffs Compared to Other Breeds?
It is not often that you have a dog that people mistake for a cheetah. A Bullmastiff can run at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour, making this dog a pretty fast-moving animal.
It might not be as fast as a greyhound or a jack russell terrier, but it’s still considerably faster than some breeds – like pugs, for instance!
Although Bullmastiffs are fast, here are the ten fastest dog breeds in the world that are even faster than this breed:
10. Pembroke Welsh Corgi: 28 mph
9. Basenji: 28 mph
8. Rhodesian Ridgeback: 32 mph
7. Doberman Pinscher: 35 mph
6. Saluki: 40 mph
5. Borzoi: 41 mph
4. Irish Wolfhound: 44 mph
3. Afghan Hound: 44 mph
2. Greyhound: 45 mph
1. Whippet: 46 mph
What Factors Influence a Bullmastiff’s Speed?
Many things will influence how fast your Bullmastiff can run. Let’s check out some of the main factors that will determine this.
When They Last Ate
A bullmastiff’s possible speed is influenced by multiple factors. First, it depends on whether the dog has just eaten. If they have just had a meal, they might not be able to run as quickly because their body needs fuel before it can function properly.
Your Bullmastiff’s Weight
It also depends on the weight of the dog itself. The heavier they are, the more energy and fatigue will slow them down after running for some time.
A healthy Bullmastiff who is very lean could reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour (40 km/h) but would only do so if necessary; bulls aren’t built for sustained long-distance sprinting like greyhounds are!
Your Bullmastiff’s Age
The age of your Bullmastiff also matters. Older dogs will not run as fast because their joints are usually in much worse shape than when they were younger.
It is very common for older Bullmastiffs to have arthritis problems, which would slow them down tremendously when running full speed.
Your Bullmastiff’s Health Condition
Another determining factor is your dog’s health condition. In some cases, a Bullmastiff might not run as quickly due to a medical condition.
If they have some illness or disease that impedes their ability to walk properly, this would also decrease their speed.
Breed Type
The breed type also matters when it comes to speed. Some dog breeds are just naturally faster than others, so if your Bullmastiff also has traits from other breeds in them, they may be able to hit higher speeds, whereas purebred Bullmastiffs usually max out at 25 miles per hour (40 km/h).
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions also affect a Bullmastiff’s speed. Hot and humid conditions can cause your dogs to overheat and collapse if they try to run too quickly. It might also slow them down if it is very cold because their muscles need oxygenated blood to function correctly.
Terrain/Surface
The surface the dog is running on will influence their speed as well. Pavement or concrete would allow dogs to run much faster than grass or sand because there’s nothing for them to stop themselves from sliding at any moment!
When Can Bullmastiffs Start Running?
While Bullmastiffs may have the ability to run fast, it is not recommended to overuse this ability as it can do them more harm than good. This is especially true in Bullmastiff puppies.
When they are still growing into their bodies, they might be able to run faster, but once they are fully grown, the impact of the ground will more than likely cause them pain.
The same applies to playing fetch with them. You will want to take it easy when playing with them to not put too much stress on their legs, or they could easily develop hip and leg problems down the road.
Overall, wait until your Bullmastiff is at least a few months old before trying to let them run, but waiting longer is even better. Besides, if there is no good reason for your Bullmastiff to run, there is no good reason to pressure them into doing so. This can wear down their joints and cause health problems.
How to Increase Your Bullmastiff’s Speed
If you’re looking to make your Bullmastiff run fast, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure that they are getting enough exercise. This means taking them on regular walks or runs and playing with them regularly.
You can also work on their speed and agility by playing catch or Frisbee with them. And lastly, make sure they are properly fed – a high-protein diet will help them build muscle and increase their speed.
Keep in mind that taking breaks during exercise and agility training can make your dog happier and give them better results. You can either run with your dog or train in shorter bursts of speed and then let them take breaks.
If you overwork them, they will not enjoy running, which will exhaust them, possibly causing health conditions that you will want to avoid.
RELATED – Are Bullmastiffs agile? (All you need to know!)
Final thoughts
Bullmastiffs are originally bred as hunting dogs, which means they have to be fast and agile to catch their prey. Not only that, but these gentle giants can reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour! It’s fascinating learning more about the origin of such a beautiful breed.
We hope you enjoyed reading this blog post, and we hope it has helped clear any doubts you may have had regarding the speed of a Bullmastiff.
