Breeds
Bullmastiff: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care
A Bullmastiff is a big, calm, devoted guardian that is gentle with its family and quietly watchful with strangers. Bullmastiffs are easygoing indoors and need only moderate exercise, but they are stubborn to train, drool, dislike heat and have a short lifespan. Here is what VCA Animal Hospitals and the AKC say about the breed.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20264 min read4 sources
Bullmastiff temperament and personality
VCA describes the Bullmastiff as loyal, devoted and protective, not easily roused but fearless when needed, and tending to be suspicious of strangers and not very friendly toward strange dogs.
Bullmastiffs were developed to guard estates, and they still prefer to observe rather than bark. At home they are calm, affectionate and often lazy, happy to lie at their owner's feet. Their protectiveness needs early, steady socialization.
Bullmastiffs are usually quiet dogs that bark little, but they notice everything. Owners should manage visitors calmly and introduce guests while the dog is relaxed.
How big do Bullmastiffs get?
VCA gives a height of 24 to 27 inches and a weight of 100 to 130 pounds, and the AKC's breed weight chart lists the same 100 to 130 pounds. Neither source splits the figures by sex.
Puppies grow fast. VCA says feeding a large-breed growth food may reduce the incidence or severity of hip dysplasia in adulthood. Keep a young Bullmastiff lean and ask your vet about a healthy growth rate.
Bullmastiff lifespan and common health issues
VCA gives a lifespan of 8 to 10 years. Hip dysplasia is the condition VCA names in connection with puppy feeding. As a giant, deep-chested, short-faced breed, the Bullmastiff also needs watching for bloat and for breathing trouble in heat, which VCA's brachycephalic airway page lists the breed among.
Ask a breeder for hip and elbow evaluations on both parents and which other screenings the national breed club recommends. Ask your vet about preventive gastropexy. A swollen belly with retching, or labored breathing that does not settle, is an emergency.
Exercise needs
VCA says the Bullmastiff needs daily exercise such as a moderate walk or short jog, prefers cold weather to warm and is a calm housedog. Two walks a day suit most adults.
Exercise in the cool of the morning and evening in summer, provide shade and water and avoid exercise right around meals. Keep puppy exercise gentle while the joints develop.
Short training sessions and gentle games in the yard count as exercise for a giant breed. Avoid long runs and repeated jumping, which strain heavy joints.
Grooming, shedding and drool
VCA says the short, coarse coat needs brushing about once a week and rates shedding as average. It also says the deep facial wrinkles may need cleaning and drying, and warns owners to be prepared for drool.
A rubber curry brush covers the coat. Wipe and dry the facial folds, keep towels handy for drool, trim nails regularly and brush the teeth several times a week.
Check the skin in the facial folds for redness or odor when you clean them. Keep a towel by the water bowl, since drool and water travel far with this breed.
Training a Bullmastiff
VCA rates the Bullmastiff 1 out of 5 for ease of training, says it tends to be stubborn and does best with a firm owner using reward-based training, and calls obedience training essential.
Start leash manners and calm greetings while the puppy is small. Keep sessions short and rewarding, and socialize widely with people and dogs. A well-trained Bullmastiff is a steady, easy companion; an untrained one is a very large problem.
Are Bullmastiffs good with kids and other pets?
VCA says Bullmastiffs are gentle and generally good with children but may be overly protective around strangers, and advises supervising dogs and children together. Visiting children may be seen as outsiders.
VCA says the breed is good with other pets but not very friendly toward strange dogs. Raise the puppy around household pets and introduce new animals slowly.
Teach children not to climb on or ride the dog, and give it a large bed in a quiet corner. Supervise visits from other children, who may be seen as strangers.
What a Bullmastiff needs at home
An extra-large crate, a large orthopedic bed, a secure fence, a vehicle ramp and a cool spot with a cooling mat for summer are the basics. Keep drool towels by the door and the water bowl.
For care, keep a rubber curry brush, soft cloths for the wrinkles, a nail grinder, ear cleaner and a dog toothbrush, plus a strong harness and leash. Ask your vet about bloat and joint care.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
How long do Bullmastiffs live?
VCA gives a lifespan of 8 to 10 years, which is typical for giant breeds. Joint screening, a lean body and knowing the signs of bloat are important.
What is a Bullmastiff's temperament like?
VCA describes Bullmastiffs as loyal, devoted and protective, calm and not easily roused but fearless when needed, and suspicious of strangers. Your vet can advise on what suits your own pet.
How big do Bullmastiffs get?
The AKC lists males at 25 to 27 inches and 110 to 130 pounds, and females at 24 to 26 inches and 100 to 120 pounds.
Do Bullmastiffs drool?
Yes. VCA says to be prepared for drool. Keeping towels handy and wiping the face and wrinkles regularly keeps your dog and your furniture cleaner.
Are Bullmastiffs good apartment dogs?
Some adapt, because VCA describes them as calm housedogs that need only moderate exercise. Their size, drool and heat sensitivity still make space, air-conditioning and an elevator or ground floor important.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
