Consider These 11 Factors Before Adopting a Bullmastiff
You want a dog that curls up beside you like a giant teddy bear — but also makes intruders think twice. That's the Bullmastiff in a nutshell.
Here's the honest truth: these gentle giants are some of the most loyal, loving dogs you'll ever meet. But they are absolutely not a casual weekend decision.
Below, you'll find the 11 things that actually matter before you bring one home — space, training, health, costs, and the legal fine print most people forget.
Let's get into it.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Affection | |
| Protectiveness | |
| Trainability | |
| Good with strangers | |
| Apartment friendly |
First things first — do you have room for this dog?
1. They Need Space — Lots of It
Bullmastiffs are big. We're talking 100 to 130 pounds and up to 27 inches tall.
They're not apartment dogs unless you've got a serious yard or easy access to open space.
Here's why that matters: without room to move, a Bullmastiff can become anxious, destructive, or even aggressive.
Cramped living also encourages weight gain and puts extra strain on their joints — a problem we'll come back to later.
2. Moderate Energy — But Daily Movement Is a Must
Good news: Bullmastiffs aren't hyper. They're happy to lounge for big chunks of the day.
But don't mistake calm for lazy. They still need about 45–60 minutes of daily activity — walks, light jogs, or yard play.
Now, here's a critical detail for puppies:
Their joints are still developing, so intense exercise too early can cause lasting damage. Keep it gentle until they mature.
Now for the part that makes or breaks your experience: training.
3. Early, Consistent Training Is Non-Negotiable
Bullmastiffs are smart. They're also headstrong.
That combination means you need to start obedience training early, using rewards and positive reinforcement rather than force.
Leash manners deserve special attention. Imagine holding back 120 pounds of enthusiasm on a walk — you want that under control while they're still small.
Training rules that actually stick
- Start on day oneHabits form fast — good and bad.
- Reward, don’t punishPositive reinforcement builds trust with a sensitive breed.
- Keep sessions shortFive to ten focused minutes beats one long, frustrating drill.
- Be consistentEveryone in the house uses the same commands and rules.
4. Socialization Is Not Optional
Here's the thing: Bullmastiffs are naturally wary of strangers. It's baked into their guard-dog DNA.
Left unchecked, that wariness can tip into fearfulness or reactivity.
But with early, ongoing socialization, the same dog grows into a confident, well-adjusted companion.
Take it slow and steady — new people, new pets, new places, all introduced calmly and positively.
Pros
A well-socialized Bullmastiff
- Calm and confident around visitors
- Trustworthy in public spaces
- Reads situations instead of reacting
- Great family protector without being a liability
Cons
A poorly socialized one
- Nervous or reactive with strangers
- Harder to manage on walks
- Stress in new environments
- Unpredictable around unfamiliar dogs
The upkeep: easier than you'd expect.
5. Grooming Is Manageable (But Still a Commitment)
Here's some relief: that short coat is low-maintenance. A weekly brush usually does the job.
During shedding season, bump that up to a few times a week to stay ahead of the fur.
Don't skip the basics, though — the routine matters more than the coat.
- Weekly brushing (more during shedding)
- Regular baths as needed
- Ear checks to prevent infections
- Dental care and tooth brushing
- Nail trims before they overgrow
- Skipping the folds and wrinkles
6. Health Issues Are Common — Be Prepared
This is the section no one wants to read, but it's the most important.
The average Bullmastiff lives around 8–10 years, and the breed is prone to several serious conditions.
Hip & Elbow Dysplasia
Joint problems common in large breeds — keep them lean to reduce strain.
Bloat
A true medical emergency. Learn the signs and act fast.
Hypothyroidism
Can cause weight gain and low energy; manageable with treatment.
Heart Problems
Worth monitoring at routine vet visits.
Certain Cancers
More common in the breed than in many others.
Eye Conditions
Including entropion and cataracts.
“A Bullmastiff isn't just a dog you feed — it's a dog you budget and plan around.”
So what are they actually like to live with?
7. Temperament: Calm, Loving, and Protective
With their family, Bullmastiffs are big softies. Calm, affectionate, and deeply bonded.
They're generally great with kids — though their sheer size means supervision is always smart.
They're also natural protectors. Having one around simply makes you feel safe.
Kids
Great (supervised)Gentle, but their size can knock little ones over.
Strangers
ReservedWary by nature — socialization is essential.
Being alone
StrugglesThey dislike long stretches by themselves.
First-time owners
CautionDoable with commitment, but they test boundaries.
8. Weight Gain Can Sneak Up Fast
Bullmastiffs will happily lean into laziness if you let them.
Without enough exercise and mental stimulation, the pounds creep on — and that leads straight to arthritis, heart strain, and other issues.
A bored, overweight Bullmastiff is also more likely to chew, bark, and dig. Movement isn't just about looks; it's about health and sanity.
Quick poll
Be honest — could you commit to a daily walk, rain or shine?
9. Your Home Setup Matters
This breed thrives in a house with a yard and a moderate climate.
They don't handle extreme heat or cold well, so plan for shade, water, and indoor comfort.
And while they're not chatty, when a Bullmastiff does bark, it's loud — something to consider in a close-knit neighborhood.
10. They Take Up a Lot of Your Time
Between grooming, training, socialization, and health care, Bullmastiffs are a genuine time investment.
If your schedule is already packed to the brim, this may not be your breed — and that's okay to admit now rather than later.
11. Legal Restrictions May Apply
Here's the one that catches people off guard:
Some cities and regions enforce breed-specific legislation (BSL) that limits or bans certain breeds — Bullmastiffs included.
Before you fall in love with a puppy, check your local laws. You might need a special permit, or ownership might be restricted entirely.
They’re protective, not aggressive. A well-socialized, well-trained Bullmastiff is calm and discerning — the guarding instinct is about family, not hostility.
Bullmastiffs have moderate energy. It’s consistency (45–60 minutes daily) that matters, not intensity — and puppies need less, not more.
The coat is easy, but ears, teeth, nails, and skin folds still need regular attention to stay healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
They can be, but only with real commitment. Their size, stubborn streak, and guarding instinct mean early training and socialization aren’t optional. First-timers who do their homework and put in the time often do just fine.
Not long, ideally. They’re devoted to their family and can become anxious or destructive if left for long stretches. A few hours is usually manageable; full workdays alone are not a good fit for the breed.
No — they’re actually fairly quiet. But when they do bark, it’s deep and loud, which is worth thinking about in an apartment or a tight neighborhood.
Generally yes. They’re affectionate and patient with their family. Because of their size, though, always supervise time with small children to avoid accidental knocks.
With early socialization, many live happily alongside other pets. Their guarding nature means slow, careful introductions matter, especially with unfamiliar dogs.
For most owners it’s the combination of managing their strength on the leash, staying on top of health concerns, and the shorter average lifespan. It’s a big emotional and financial commitment.
They mature slowly. Many settle into their calm adult temperament somewhere between two and three years old — before that, expect boundary-testing and adolescent energy.
Sviatoslav Oleksiv founded The Pets and Love in 2019. A lifelong pet owner and Rhodesian Ridgeback enthusiast, he writes and edits our guides to help fellow pet parents give their animals the best care.
Every guide follows our editorial standards. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice — always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet's health.