If you imagine a dog that’s part sofa, part bodyguard, and part goofball, you’ve met the Bullmastiff in your mind. Massive head, deep chest, and a move-slow swagger — but inside is loyalty, calm, and a protectiveness that sneaks up on you.
Not sure if this massive cuddle-machine suits your life? Try our Which Dog Breed Is Best for Me? Quiz before you commit.
Great Names for a Bullmastiff
You need a name as big as their presence. Try these:
Regal & dignified: Titan, Aurora, Winston, Duchess, Orion, Majesty
Warm & soft: Bear, Brandy, Honey, Willow, Amber, Ruby
Strong & bold: Brick, Onyx, Steel, Vex, Atlas, Rogue
Classic & steady: Max, Molly, Henry, Bella, Daisy, Rex
If none suit just yet, let fate intervene via our Dog Name Generator.
Exercise
Don’t expect your Bullmastiff to sprint for miles. Once fully grown, their joints require caution. But they still need movement to stay healthy, balanced, and happy. Skip it and you risk weight gain or joint strain.
What works well:
- 30–60 minutes of walking daily (in cooler parts of the day)
- Gentle strolls, sniff breaks, light play
- Avoid overexertion (especially until bones mature)
- Secure off-pace romps in fenced areas
“They will get to a point on a walk and basically say ‘I’m done’ and lie down. Don’t go too far!”
Pickles’ Aside: They’ll trot like they own the pavement until they decide it’s nap time.
Joint & Growth Warning
Until they hit about 18 months, avoid stairs, steep slopes, and long runs. Their joints are still forming and overload now can harm them later.
Temperament
Bulldogs of mastiff stock, Bullmastiffs are known for calm confidence. They’re not rowdy, but they demand respect. They watch, assess, and often decide how to act rather than react.
Traits you’ll often see:
- Deep loyalty to family
- Calm, even temperament — not hyperactive
- Quiet alertness — they often don’t bark unless needed
- Can be stubborn; they need firmness and respect
“They are lovely dogs, great temperament, they seem easy to train, sensitive and not thugs. Very athletic when they run.”
Training
Training a Bullmastiff is like teaching a large, dignified beast — they want your respect, not domination. If your commands are inconsistent, they’ll check whether you’re real authority.
How to train well:
- Start early with socialisation
- Use positive reinforcement, treats, and praise
- Keep sessions short and clear
- Build reliable recall, impulse control, calm walking
Pickles’ Aside: They’ll do the trick if they believe it was your idea first.
Stubborn Streak Warning
Now and then, a Bullmastiff decides they’ve had enough. If you waver, they’ll guide your decisions, not the other way round.
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
A Bullmastiff will often observe first, bark only when necessary, and step into guard mode if something looks off. They’re not doorbell barkers by default, but their size says, “I’m watching.”
- Tend to be reserved with strangers until trust is built
- Good presence deterrent
- With early socialisation, they can be calm and measured
Other Animals
Given their calm nature, many Bullmastiffs cohabit peacefully with other dogs, cats, and pets, primarily if raised together. But power and size demand respect from smaller animals:
- Introduce gradually, neutrally
- Supervise initial interactions
- Don’t force closeness
Grooming
Despite their bulk, their coat is low-maintenance, which is a blessing. But wrinkles, folds, and drooling areas require daily attention.
Routine care:
- Weekly brushing to clear loose hair
- Wipe folds and droopy lips daily to avoid moisture build-up
- Bath when needed, with careful drying
- Ear checks, nail trimming, dental care
Pickles’ Aside: You’ll need towels more than treats; drool is part of the charm.
Fold & Skin Care Warning
Those jowls trap moisture and debris. Skip cleaning and you’ll fight infections, irritation, and bad smells.
Health
Bullmastiffs are magnificent — and also fragile in some ways. You must be prepared.
Key health concerns:
- Hip dysplasia, elbow issues
- Bloat / gastric torsion
- Heart conditions
- Cancer risk
- Breathing difficulties (especially in hot, humid weather)
- Eye and skin problems
“They are susceptible to cancers, skin problems, gout, heart problems … they don’t seem to live that long compared to other breeds.”
Request health clearances from breeders (hips, heart, eyes), ask about longevity in bloodlines, and use our Best in Breeder Guide to vet responsibly.
Cost of Ownership
These dogs are big, not just in size but in cost. In the UK, you’ll need a budget that matches.
- Puppy price: ~ £1,500 to £2,500 from reputable, health-tested lines
- Insurance: £80–£150+/month (giant breed with health risks)
- Food: £70–£120/month (they eat a lot, especially growing)
- Grooming & care: ~ £20–£50/month (fold-care, supplies)
- Vet & health costs: £300–£800/year; major surgeries or chronic issues can push that higher
Thinking of Bringing One Home?
Inviting a Bullmastiff into your life is like welcoming a lumbering titan who wants nothing more than to shadow you, huff quietly beside you, and occasionally squish you into a hug. Their loyalty is steadfast and their temperament often endearing — they’re often calm, resilient companions who prefer to lounge until disturbed. But living with one is not without challenge.
Their size makes minor boundaries major. A misstep can cause injury. Their health risks are real: hips, heart, cancer, breathing — these are not background concerns. And training must be firm yet patient, because they’re powerful and patient themselves. If you’re ready to share your home, your time, your purse, and your boundaries — the Bullmastiff rewards with endless devotion, presence, and a quiet comfort that few breeds deliver.
Begin your journey with our New Puppy Paw-rent Planner to set things up smartly, and honour that broad, noble face forever via a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait.
Breed Stats
- Size: Giant / large
- Weight: ~50–68 kg (depending on lines)
- Height: ~63–68 cm (males typically higher)
- Lifespan: ~8–10 years, though some reach 11–12
- Best Trait: Deep loyalty, protective but calm demeanour
- Challenging Trait: Health burdens, size logistics, potential for stubbornness