Bullmastiff Care

Bullmastiff care is not easy just because these dogs are big, burly, and heavy-duty. Whether it's her diet, her coat, or her goofily messy habits like slobbering, she needs to be taken care of more than most dogs. These are fearless dogs, but they aren't fickle, and just as they'll protect you, you need to care for them closely. Raising a Bullmastiff is a task as big as these dogs grow to be, and on this page you'll find loads of tips to help you from puppy care to their adult stages.

The typical Bullmastiff doesn't need a lot of exercise. These dogs, which were originally used to fend off poachers, were not like herding or sporting dogs. They would usually lie in wait and if they were needed, would spring into action using their massive bulk to "arrest" someone until the master arrived. Unless you want a muscular Bullmastiff, these dogs are prone to lying about most the day until their exercise. Daily exercise doesn't need to be much more than a brisk walk of about 20 to 30 minutes, provided your Bullmastiff is kept on a proper diet.

There is such a thing as too little exercise, however, and even for Bullmastiffs. A diet high in protein or fat can easily conspire to keep these dogs dormant, and if you don't take the time to at least walk them once a day, they will get fat — and quickly. These are big dogs that need just the right amount of proper exercise. They also need to be properly restrained if not allowed to run and play freely in a very secure area. If a dog park is your preferred exercise area, you need to be very vigilant due to the territorial nature of these dogs. While a harness might be considered, it is best to use a very strong collar leash as this type allows for far better control.

Depending on the type of Bullmastiff you ultimately desire, there are many types of exercise you can do. It's best to think ahead and make sure you don't start out too exuberantly. Here are some exercises to consider:

• Walking: This classic and timeless activity is the best physical exercise for these dogs. Once a day, every day, for about 20 to 30 minutes is practically perfect.
• Agility toys: Most people don't associate these big, burly dogs with mind puzzles, but Bullmastiffs are highly intelligent dogs who will greatly appreciate food puzzles and other such games.
• Sled-pulling: If you want a muscular Bullmastiff, all you need is a strong rope, a sled of some kind, and a bunch of bricks or other weight to stack on it. Put some doggie snacks on one side of the yard and carefully attach that weight-laden sled to him on the other side. Start with a few pounds and build up a few pounds every week.
• Tussle rope on a tree: If you have a strong tree in the back yard, hang a burly bit of rope on the strongest, lowest branch. Put a big knot at the end and let it hang about a foot out of reach.

If your Bull Mastiff is given the idea of strenuous exercise when he's a puppy and you don't maintain that high level, it could lead to anxiety later in life. Use treats sparingly so that he doesn't expect a snack every time you take a short stroll. Keep a basic schedule, as being too exact in the beginning (for instance, taking a walk every day at 9 a.m. on the dot) can lead to expectations that, if unmet, can cause anxiety. Also be sure to keep control at all times, such as training him that a leash and open door do not mean he can take off.

The Bullmastiff is not an easy type of dog when it comes to maintenance. They disperse all sorts of things, chief among them slobber and hair. Those cute jowels and big bodies are notorious for the amount of saliva and fur that is cast off in a single day. If you prefer to not clean up much after yourself or your dog, Bullmastiffs are one of the dogs you should avoid as there is no such thing as a drool-free Bullmastiff.

The amount of slobber these dogs produce is astounding. Long, ropey strands of drool are not uncommon. Whether it's from eating, or a long walk, or just a sudden movement after sleeping (during which the drool gathers in the jowls), Bullmastiff drool will happen constantly. Many Bullmastiff owners will tell you that cheap towels and micro-fiber cloths won't cut the mustard and that heavy Turkish towels are the best to have on hand. You'll need towels that can clean up a lot and constantly and which will not wear out from constant washings.

Bull Mastiff shedding is another problem. It can be made less an issue with daily brushing and a good diet, however, but it won't stop the flurry of hair. They have a short coat, but these are big dogs with lots of acreage. The result is a moderate shedding issue, especially as these dogs don't get very dirty and it's easy to neglect bathing them frequently. It's best to understand that a good vacuum cleaner, a heavy broom, and a good lint roller — and lots of use for them — will simply be a part of daily life. Unless, that is, you don't mind being buried in all that hair and dander.

The best Bullmastiff feeding guide will almost always advise you to follow a few key steps. These pertain to protein and fat content, number of daily feeding times and how much, and Bullmastiff food recommendations. These giant-breed dogs are best fed more frequently and more food than most dogs, but they should not be fed cheap filler or commercial dog food that is too high in protein or fat. Some breeders claim that adult Bullmastiffs feeding amounts be as much as five times each day while puppies should be fed up to eight times a day. There remain other breeders, however, that insist that more conventional feeding frequencies be kept. The Bullmastiff feeding chart below follows the more widely accepted food recommendations. If you have a reputable breeder, trainer, or vet who recommends otherwise, it's best to follow that advice on how much to how much to feed Bullmastiff puppy or adult dog.

As these are giant dogs, they will get big - but there is no need to have a fat Bullmastiff. Watching your puppy's weight as she grows is required, and it's easy to eyeball her tummy after feeding (which should be round but not huge). You can also feel her rib cage to make sure it's easily felt but not bony either. Be sure to adjust the feeding amounts to prevent weight problems as they first develop. Keeping the dog food bowls at a height that allows easy eating so your Bullmastiff doesn't have to bend all the way down to eat (or drink water) is highly recommended. You should also be sure that exercise and eating do not take place at the same time or right after another. Of course, these tips, along with proper exercise, will go a long way in keeping your Bullmastiff from being obese. If she does have a weight problem, however, these tips should be part of her daily routine to get her back in shape! One of the most important things about a Bullmastiff diet is the protein and fat content, especially if there are already health concerns. No matter the type of diet, be it the raw, dry, or wet food or any combination thereof, you should not feed your dog more than 23% protein or 9% fat. This may be difficult to determine, but once you've done this, you'll find your Bullmastiff — and your own life — will be far happier and healthier!

There are many breeders of Bullmastiffs, and there are many opinions on what is the best food and diet for these massive Molosser dogs. While you certainly need to research what is the best dog food for Bullmastiffs, you also need to know what yours will like and eat. After all, if she won't eat it, it doesn't matter how good it is for her. Be sure to consult with the breeder from which you adopted your dog, your Bullmastiff-experienced vet, and the recommendations on the dog food packaging (unless, of course, you prefer the raw — or BARF (Bones And Raw Food) — diet). Be aware that your Bullmastiff may take up to two years to be fully out of her puppy stages, so be prepared to feed her a puppy's diet until then. Always be sure to use a proper measuring cup too.

The Bullmastiff can be either an inside or an outside breed. These dogs are mellow and friendly, so they'll enjoy living indoors with their human family members--and they'll also be okay living in a fenced yard, especially if they have a comfy doghouse to sleep in. And though it might seem otherwise, a Bullmastiff in apartment living works just fine. For the low-energy Bullmastiff, apartment or condo life is okay--just make sure the big dog gets out each day for some exercise!

Another consideration for owners of a Bullmastiff: weather. While these dogs will be okay in cold temperatures, they have short noses that don't cool the air they breathe very well--so they overheat pretty easily. Overall, Bullmastiffs are best suited to life in mild to cool climates.

The short, dense coat allows the Bullmastiff to thrive in both warm and cold temperatures. They don't tolerate extremely warm temperatures well, however. They will, ideally, be indoor dogs so temperature is not necessarily a deal breaker.