Show Me a Bullmastiff: Facts and Tips for Owners

The Bullmastiff is a gentle giant, with a calm and patient demeanor that makes them an excellent family pet.

They originated in England in the 19th century as a cross between a Bulldog and a Mastiff, bred to guard estates and game reserves.

Bullmastiffs are large dogs, with males weighing up to 130 pounds and standing as tall as 28 inches at the shoulder.

Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them a low-maintenance addition to any family.

The bullmastiff is a gentle giant, with a sweet disposition that makes her a perfect candidate for therapy dog training. She's a big hugger, providing comforting full-body hugs that weigh in at 120 pounds.

Bullmastiffs are loyal companions, and they genuinely prefer to spend time with their owners, often wanting to be right by their side. They can be a bit possessive, but it's just because they love their people so much.

Their origins are a mix of bulldog and mastiff, making them a unique and fascinating breed.

Bullmastiffs are generally easy to care for, with a short coat that sheds year-round. Regular brushing can keep the coat healthy and shiny, and reduce shedding.

Their exercise needs are relatively low, but training is essential to keep them well-behaved. You'll need to spend time on training to ensure your Bullmastiff is well-behaved.

Bullmastiffs can live for around 7-10 years, similar to other mastiff breeds. Their slow growth rate and potential for obesity mean they're prone to health issues like hip dysplasia and joint problems.

Mastiffs are known to live between 7-10 years, so make every day count with these gentle giants.

Their slow growth rate, taking around two years to reach skeletal maturity, makes them prone to hip dysplasia and joint issues.

Being overweight is a major concern, and if you can't feel their ribs and backbone, they're likely overweight, which can decrease their life expectancy by 2-6 years.

You'll need to keep a close eye on their diet to avoid overfeeding, as giant dogs come with giant veterinary expenses.

Routine care, such as heartworm prevention, can cost two or three times more than for a conventionally-sized dog.

It's essential to discuss heritable conditions and specific wellness issues with a reputable breeder and consult a veterinarian about the costs of keeping a mastiff healthy.

Bullmastiffs have a close-fitting short coat that sheds some year round.

Regular brushing is essential to keep the coat healthy and shiny, which also helps to reduce shedding.

You don't need to exercise your Bullmastiff a lot, but training is crucial to keep them well-behaved.

Training will take up the free time you'd have if you didn't need to exercise them.

The Bullmastiff is a gentle and quiet breed, making them a devoted companion and guardian. They're not easily roused, but once threatened, they're fearless.

Bullmastiffs can be stubborn and resistant to being goaded into action against their will. This means they require a firm but loving home.

They're generally good with children, but it's essential to raise them with kids from an early age. Males, in particular, tend to be protective of their family and may not tolerate other males.

The Bullmastiff's appearance is quite striking, with a strong and muscular body. Their broad wrinkled head, with a dark face mask, gives them a unique look.

Their ears are V-shaped and floppy, held close to their cheeks. This can make them look a bit adorable, but don't let their looks fool you - they're still a large breed.

Bullmastiffs have dark, medium-sized eyes that are quite expressive. You can tell a lot about their mood just by looking into their eyes.

Their noses are squished and black, with large nostrils that help them breathe easily. This is important for a breed that's built for strength and endurance.

The Bullmastiff's coat is short and dense, coming in a range of colors including red, fawn or brindle. They may also have a small white spot on their chest.

Their tails are long and can be either straight or curved. This can be a great indicator of their mood, as a wagging tail usually means they're happy.

Here are the key features of the Bullmastiff's appearance:

Bullmastiffs are affectionate and happy-go-lucky dogs who form deep bonds with their humans and are faithful companions.

They are not really aggressive and are not known for biting, even though they have a powerful bite force. However, they can be wary of strangers, so it's essential to start training your Bullmastiff puppy early to help them get used to having visitors in your home.

Bullmastiffs are gentle and quiet, a devoted companion and guardian. They are not easily roused, but once threatened, they are fearless.

They can be a bit clumsy around small children, cats, and smaller dogs due to their large size, so be sure to keep an eye out when your Bullmastiff dog is around anyone smaller than them.

Males especially tend to not tolerate other males, so introducing them carefully is crucial.

If you're considering bringing a Bullmastiff into your family, you may be wondering what other breeds are similar. The Bullmastiff is a large and powerful breed, and it's often compared to other breeds that share similar characteristics.

One of the most noticeable similarities between Bullmastiffs and other breeds is their size. Bullmastiffs are massive dogs, and they're often compared to other large breeds like the Mastiff.

If you're looking for a breed that's similar in size and strength, you might consider the Boerboel. Boerboels are large and powerful dogs that are known for their loyalty and protective nature.

Alternatively, you might consider the Cane Corso, which is another breed that's known for its strength and athleticism. Cane Corsos are highly intelligent dogs that are often used as guard dogs.

Here are some breeds that are similar to Bullmastiffs in terms of size and strength:

These breeds are all known for their large size and powerful build, making them a good match for families who want a dog that's strong and loyal.

If you're considering bringing a Bullmastiff into your family, you need to be prepared for some big responsibilities. They're a big dog and need daily exercise to stay in shape.

Their exercise needs can be met with walks on leash and short romps, but it's essential to keep them indoors during hot, humid weather. They're not built for extreme temperatures.

A Bullmastiff will need a soft bed and plenty of room to stretch out, so make sure you have a comfortable spot for them to call their own.

If you're considering bringing a Bullmastiff into your family, you'll want to know about their exercise requirements. They're a powerful and active breed, so they need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

A Bullmastiff's gait is smooth and powerful, but the angulation is moderate, which means they don't require as much high-impact exercise as some other breeds. However, they do need daily walks and playtime to keep them engaged.

One thing to keep in mind is that Bullmastiffs are not as lazy as some other mastiff breeds, like the Mastiff mentioned in an article by Jo Myers, DVM. They're bred to be guardians, but they're also active and alert.

If you're looking for a dog that's relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming, a Bullmastiff might be a good fit. Their coat is short and dense, which means they don't require a lot of grooming to stay clean and healthy.

Here's a rundown of some of the key characteristics of Bullmastiffs that you'll want to consider when deciding if they're right for you:

Keep in mind that every dog is an individual, and your Bullmastiff may have their own unique personality and quirks. But with the right care and attention, they can make a wonderful and loving companion.

Bullmastiffs don't shed as much as some breeds, but their large size means they have more coat to shed.

Use a bristle brush, grooming glove, or rubber curry brush to keep their coat in tip-top shape and minimize shedding. You'll need to brush your pup once a week, but more frequently during spring and fall when they shed more.

Checking your Bullmastiff's ears for debris and redness or swelling is crucial. If you notice any issues, contact your vet.

Bathing your Bullmastiff too often can strip their skin and coat of natural oils, so aim for once a month or every two to three months unless they get dirty. For touch-ups, use waterless shampoo or grooming wipes.

Teeth brushing is essential for your pup's health and well-being. Brush their teeth a few times a week and work up to daily brushing, and schedule a professional cleaning with your vet every year.

Trim your dog's nails about once a month, especially if you hear the nails clicking on the floor. You can do this at home or take your dog to the groomer.

Recommended read: Dog Shows Teeth

Training is crucial for Bullmastiffs, as they can be powerful and unpredictable if not socialized and trained properly. They need experienced pet parents who can dedicate time to training and socialization.

Bullmastiffs are intelligent and quick learners, picking up basic commands like sit, stay, and come right away. They thrive on positive reinforcement, so it's essential to use special treats, toys, and praise to keep them motivated and engaged.

To prevent mishaps, teach your puppy not to pull on the leash or jump on people during training. This will help them learn to behave calmly and politely in public.

The "place" command is a great way to keep your Bullmastiff from bounding towards guests. To teach this command, hold a treat over the spot where you want them to go, say "place", and give them the treat when they sit in the spot.

Firm, consistent training is necessary for Bullmastiffs, and new pet parents may find group training classes or one-on-one training with a positive reinforcement trainer helpful.

When it comes to setting up your home for a Bullmastiff, you'll want to prioritize space and safety. They enjoy larger homes and backyards where there's ample room to roam.

To prevent accidents, keep things out of reach of their wagging tail; a single swipe can knock stuff down and break things. This is especially important if you have fragile or valuable items in your home.

Bullmastiffs love to be around their humans, so keep their crate or bed in the room where you spend the most time to keep them feeling part of the action. This will help them feel more connected to you and reduce separation anxiety.

If you're gone often throughout the day, consider enrolling your pup in doggy daycare or arranging for a dog sitter or neighbor to come by and play with your pup. This will give them the attention and exercise they need to stay happy and healthy.

The Bullmastiff is a big dog and needs daily exercise to stay in shape. Regular walks on a leash and short romps will meet their moderate needs.

They don't do well in hot, humid weather, so it's essential to keep them cool and comfortable. This means avoiding exercise during the hottest part of the day.

Their drooling is a given, so be prepared for slobbery kisses. Some Bullmastiffs also snore, so you might get used to the sound of a gentle hum at night.

Coat care is minimal, so you won't need to spend hours grooming your Bullmastiff.