Bullmastiff

• Bathing: Bathe your dog once a month (unless they get super dirty, that is). Too much cleansing can strip the natural oils that keep their skin and coat healthy, so don’t overdo it on the bubble baths. Grooming wipes work well if they just need a touchup.  
• Brushing: Use a bristle brush, grooming glove, or rubber curry brush to brush your dog once a week. Bullmastiffs may not shed as much as other breeds, but because they’re so giant, they will still have a significant amount of hair. They may need daily brushing during spring and fall shedding seasons.  
• Ear care: Check their ears every day. If there’s redness, swelling, or an odor, your pup may have an ear infection that needs veterinary attention. Talk to your vet about how to clean your dog’s ears if they’re prone to infections.  
• Dental care: Though small dogs are the most at risk, big pups like the Bullmastiff can still develop dental disease. The best way to prevent this is to brush your dog’s teeth every day with a dog toothpaste. Start when your Bullmastiff puppy is young so they get used to the routine.  
• Nail care: Trim your dog’s nails once a month. You’ll know it’s time for a trim when you can hear them tapping on hard surfaces.  

Bullmastiffs need a dedicated pet parent to take them through training as giant dogs don’t always know their strength (and awkwardly knocking into things—or small children—can be very embarrassing, of course). So, help them find their inner grace.  

Start with some basic obedience training—like sit, stay, and come—when your Bullmastiff puppy is 7–8 weeks old. If you adopt an adult Bullmastiff, begin training them as soon as you bring them home (it’s never too late for a dog to learn!). They’ll also need to learn how to walk nicely on a leash so you don’t get pulled down the block. 

The “place” or “wait” cue can also be really helpful with this breed, as Bullmastiffs can eagerly bound toward guests who stop by to say hello. This cue will help them learn to be patient while your guest gets situated. Make sure your Bullmastiff dog knows “off,” too. 

Don’t forget socialization, too. It’s important to introduce your pup to new people and places so that they’re used to new interactions and become a calm, well-adjusted adult. Your vet can give you socialization tips.  

Lastly, turning to a certified dog trainer is never a bad idea if you think your pup would benefit from extra help. Just make sure the trainer uses positive reinforcement methods.  

There’s no one best nutrition plan for all Bullmastiffs, but every dog needs a complete and balanced diet that meets AAFCO standards. Choose a diet for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior). 

Bullmastiffs also need specialized dog food for giant-breed dogs, especially when they’re puppies. Some of the best large-breed puppy foods include Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Dog Food and Purina Pro Plan High Protein Puppy Food. 

Bullmastiff puppies take a long time to reach their full adult size, so ask your vet when your pup needs to switch to adult food. Because Bullmastiffs are so big, they need a lot of food, so budget accordingly.  

You’ll also need to stay vigilant for signs of bloat in your Bullmastiff. This is a life-threatening condition in which a dog’s stomach distends with food and/or gas, and symptoms include retching without producing vomit, pacing, excessive drooling, and a distended abdomen. Go to the vet immediately if you notice these signs.

To help protect your Bullmastiff from bloat: 

• Feed them multiple smaller meals (at least two) per day instead of one big meal. 
• Do not elevate their food bowl. 
• Don’t exercise your Bullmastiff for two hours before or after they eat. 
• Use a slow feeder bowl to stop your dog from eating too quickly. 
• Talk to your veterinarian about whether your Bullmastiff is a good candidate for a preventive gastropexy procedure. 

Bullmastiffs have moderate energy, so make sure that they get about 30–45 minutes of exercise per day.   

They’re not known for their speed, so if you’re a runner, let them relax at home while you get a jog in. However, they’ll adore joining you on a neighborhood walk—and then equally delighted to join you on the couch after.  

That said, daily exercise (whether on a walk or with casual games like fetch) are important. Just because these adorable pups aren’t speed demons doesn’t mean they don’t need lots of time in the fresh air. You could even try scent work on your walks.  

Bullmastiffs are sensitive to hot weather. So in warmer months, exercise during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning and evening, and stay vigilant for signs of overheating. 

These pups don’t care so much how big their home is—they just care that you’re there. If you’re away from home for a big chunk of the day, consider doggy daycare or hiring a dog walker so your Bullmastiff doesn’t get lonely.  

If your Bullmastiff has a dog crate or bed, make sure it’s in a room where you spend most of your time so they can feel like they’re part of the action. Crate training can also help prevent separation anxiety in dogs.  

Bullmastiffs do great in a big home with a yard (a fenced backyard is their ideal), but if you have a small space, it’s OK as long as they get out for daily walks and activity. Do note that their waggy tail is pretty wild and can inadvertently knock things over, so plan wisely when placing breakables on low tables.   

These pups will probably love having a dog friend to hang out with, but Bullmastiffs can be the only furry kid at home, too. If they have human siblings, they’ll adore them if both dog and child are well-socialized to treat each other with gentleness and respect.