Bullmastiff Dog
The beautiful Bullmastiff is a gentle giant who adores those he loves. He is a powerful breed requiring training and a strong leader to ensure they thrive into well-rounded and happy dogs. They are a very loyal and loving breed that will brighten the lives of those with whom they share their slobbery attention.
Bullmastiff At A Glance
| Lifespan | 8-10 years |
| Temperament | A gentle and affectionate breed with an easy-going nature. |
| Suitable | For families who love to cuddle, however, training is vital with this breed. |
| Health | A generally healthy dog, but like most dog breeds, the Bullmastiff can be predisposed to some health concerns. |
| COMMON CLAIMS | MAXIMUM CLAIM |
|---|---|
| Snake Bite | $3,186.80 |
| Ear Conditions | $360.46 |
| Gastrointestinal Condition | $1,116.25 |
| Ingestion of Foreign Body or Toxin | $6,359.75 |
| Muscle/Skeletal Condition | $1,199.62 |
| Arthritis | $1,000.80 |
| Cruciate Ligament | $7,240.24 |
| Hip Disorder | $1,259.79 |
| Neoplasia | $2,265.45 |
| Skin Conditions | $1,476.56 |
*Pet Insurance Australia Data 2022/2023
Trainability
This firm, confident and loyal breed can be known for their stubbornness. This makes them harder to train than other breeds. However, once your precious pup understands that training is entertaining, they are easy to encourage and thrive in group training sessions and puppy preschools. Training is a must with these pups as they will quickly grow into large, powerful dogs. They can be fiercely protective of their families, and after being bred to guard the grounds of game-keepers, it is no surprise they still have many of their original guarding traits. For this reason, early socialisation is crucial to ward off possible aggressiveness in untrained dogs. Getting your young pup used to many different experiences and different people, pets, and children is vital. The more exposure to the outside world, the better!
Grooming
The Bullmastiff is straightforward to groom and maintain, only requiring a simple brush with a rubber mitt weekly to help remove dead hair and skin. They are not big shedders but will lose a little hair during seasonal changes. It’s a good idea to get your puppy used to you touching inside his mouth, paws, underbelly and ears. Then, when it comes time for the vet check-up, your pup will be happy to sit through an examination. This breed only requires bathing occasionally or after rolling in something smelly! Nail clipping is also recommended for this large breed, and the sooner you get your pup used to the experience, the better. Seek advice if you need help correctly clipping your pet’s nails. The Bullmastiff is known for being a slobbery-loving breed that is sure to leave their mark – possibly on furniture and walls and, indeed, your heart.
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Common Health Complaints – Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a loveable and hardy breed. However, like most dogs, they can succumb to common health concerns.
- Hip Dysplasia: caused by a malformation of the hip joint and thigh bone, Hip Dysplasia can lead to lameness, pain, and arthritis. Corrective surgery is typically needed alongside physiotherapy, weight management and medications.
- Hypothyroidism: a disorder when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to obesity, mental problems, skin conditions, and lethargy. Treatment involves hormone replacement and veterinary management.
- Elbow Dysplasia: Like Hip Dysplasia, Bullmastiffs can also suffer from a condition affecting the elbow joint, leading to lameness, pain and arthritis. Treatment can involve surgery, medications, and weight management.
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat): A life-threatening condition mainly affecting deep-chested breeds like the Bullmastiff that causes the stomach to fill with gas or food and twist. Emergency surgery is required to correct this condition. Prevention is vital, including preventing exercise before and after meals and encouraging slow eating.
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): Bullmastiffs are also prone to DCM. This condition prevents the heart from pumping correctly due to the heart's size and the muscle's weakness. Various medications can help treat this condition. However, the prognosis and treatment will depend on the severity of the DCM.
- Skin Infections: That lovely rolley skin can also be prone to infections. Drying the folds of your Bullmastiff's skin after bathing or swimming is essential to prevent skin infections. Treatment can involve medication and specialised shampoos.
- Eye Conditions: Bullmastiffs can also be more susceptible to developing eye conditions such as Entropion, an inward eyelid rolling. Regular veterinary check-ups are vital to monitor any eye problems. Treatment may involve surgery and medication to correct the problem.
- Obesity: with such a loving nature, it's easy to overfeed and over-treat your Bullmastiff, leading to weight problems. Obesity can lead to various other health concerns. Treatment may involve additional exercise and a prescription diet.
- Dental Disease: Like many dog breeds, Bullmastiffs can also suffer from dental disease, leading to other severe conditions in the body. Keeping your Bullmastiffs teeth clean and booking a yearly professional scrub is highly recommended to prevent this condition.
- Cruciate Ligament Damage: Larger breeds are also more prone to damage their knee ligament, known as the cruciate ligament. This can lead to pain, lameness, and eventual arthritis. Treatment involves surgery to correct the ligament alongside physiotherapy and medications.
Exercise Requirements
Interestingly, this large breed does not require endless hours of exercise. As your energetic pup grows, they will also calm and much prefer to laze the days away, sleeping in the sun. However, like all dogs, a daily walk is recommended to keep them happy and in good condition. Walking is like watching a good TV show, providing exercise and ample entertainment.
Intelligence
The breed is known to have a mind of its own, which makes them harder to train. This intelligence can also see your board Bullmastiff becoming destructive. Creative thinking and adequate exercise are essential to entertain your pup and grown dog. They do not mind being left alone. However, if bored, they will certainly find their entertainment, such as barking, digging and chewing. Good fences are also a must with this breed.
Family Friendly
The Bullmastiff is a very loyal and loving family dog. However, despite their high tolerance level for little humans, they can get into trouble for accidentally knocking toddlers over due to their sheer size. This is where training and manners are a must. Like all dog breeds, young children must be taught how to behave around a dog correctly.
Indoor/outdoor?
The Bullmastiff does well outside during the day but will prefer the company of humans and a solid couch to lean against. Their coats are very hardy; however, they will need ample shade and water to keep the heat at bay. Due to their short coat, they can feel the cold more than longer-coated breeds and benefit from an excellent sheltered area during the cooler months. Like all breeds, they will want to be alongside their human ‘pack’, and the adult Bullmastiff will love nothing more than curling up at your feet. As a pup, they can be energetic and jumpy; however, they will calm into lazy, loving companions.
Responsible Breeding
It is imperative only to source your Bullmastiff from a reputable breeding establishment to ensure your puppy is healthy and comes from a solid bloodline. Ask all the important questions about hereditary problems, and if possible, ask to see Mum and Dad. Contacting your local breed club and researching your preferred breeder is also advisable. Your breeder should have ample paperwork to show they regularly test their dogs for genetic diseases and to ensure that the dogs they are breeding from have sound temperaments. It may take a little more time than a quick purchase online, but it can save you and your family from the heartache and pain that dealing with a sick puppy or dog can bring.
Contact PIA for Bullmastiff Pet Insurance
PIA is a family owned pet insurance company for Australia, and we have a long and successful history of helping owners care for their Bullmastiffs. Contact us today to learn more about our range of simple, flexible and affordable cover options.
