Bred to obtain the kindness and sheer size of the Mastiff and the ferocity and courage of the Bulldog in one dog, the Bullmastiffs are the perfect combination of gentle giants.
Bullmastiffs were initially bred as companions and reinforcements for gatekeepers against poachers in the 19th-century England.
Now that the poachers stop existing, they are being used as guardians and companions which rarely bark nor bite unless instructed.
Owners and breeders happily attest to their gentleness to children and adults alike. They can even live with small animals and toddlers.
A Large Sum for a Large Dog
Bullmastiff price can go from $1,200 to $2,500 each. It’s costlier than Mastiff and cheaper than Bulldogs. Prices may vary depending on the kennel and other freebies included in the package such as initial vaccination shots, deworming treatment, pet supplies, health clearances, and registration certificate, among others.
Of course, the purchasing price is not the only expense you will cover once the Bullmastiff is under your care and ownership. Here are a few more things you have to shell out money for:
- One-time Expenses
Shelter – Bullmastiffs, despite their massive size (25-26 inches in height and 100-133 pounds in weight) can thrive both in an apartment and a family home.
Compared to other large breed dogs, Bullmastiffs do not need vigorous exercise to keep their big band of muscles intact. All they need is a place to sleep on quietly, preferably inside a crate.
Crates are not just made for dogs and cats to sleep on. It can also be used to make housebreaking easier for them.
For their extra large breed, they need an extra large crate, specifically the 48” size. And aside from the size, you must also consider the source materials used. Bullmastiffs are strong (have you seen those muscles?), and untrained dogs can easily rip off any crate that is made from substandard materials.
Of course, with quality comes a price. A 48” dog crate can cost at least $47.
Transportation Costs – Some breeders offer pet transport services whether or not you buy your Bullmastiffs from them. Prices can go from $160 to $450 and may vary depending on the destination, mileage, travel crate, pet supplies, and clearances, and possibly the weight of the fluffy cargo.
But if you do want to take care of the whole process yourself (or the breeder you chose does not offer delivery services), there are numerous pet travel agencies that can handle the job for you.
Expect to pay a lot more, though. Most agencies charge from $350 to $875 for trips across the continental US and $450 to $3,500 for overseas destinations.
The prices may or may not include pet supplies needed while onboard and clearances to allow safe passage such as food, travel crate, health certificates, and customs fees.
Certification – Breeders apply for limited registration so that their litters are not bred by their clients without permission. If you do not plan to let your Bullmastiff have puppies, you can just let it be.
However, if you do plan to breed or if you still want to get a full registration, ask your breeder how to make it happen.
Once you get the go signal, you can apply for either the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club. Permanent registration fees can go at $24 to $35.
Obedience Training – Despite their reputation as working and guardian dogs, Bullmastiffs are difficult to train due to their independent spirit and pride. They know they are stronger than you so why bother following you?
Because of this, most owners leave the Bullmastiffs’ training to the care of the experts. Professional dog trainers may charge at least $450 to as much as $800 for obedience training that can be done either at your home or at their training camp.
- Recurring Expenses
Food – Short-faced breeds like the Bullmastiffs gulp huge lungful of air while eating (a trait they got from the Bulldogs). This makes them more prone to gastric torsion and flatulence or excessive gassing.
Although dog food is generally okay to be given to Bullmastiffs, some formulas have ingredients that worsen the flatulence they are already predisposed to have.
That is why some experts recommend going natural so that you can consciously avoid gas-inducing foods like beans and starch. Opt for red meat and low-fiber vegetables instead of dog food formulas.
However, most of us do not have the time to prepare fresh, raw food for our pets. To know which dog food formulas are safe and recommended for Bullmastiffs, ask your vet for possible brands you can check out. Food consultations are included in your $60-routine checkup, after all.
Veterinary Care – Bullmastiffs’ parent, the Bulldogs, are notorious for being the most deformed of all dog breeds. They have a long list of diseases they can contract in their 10 years of life.
Sadly, these predispositions were passed on to the Bullmastiffs. They can be prevented by being critical as to which breeder you will get your Bullmastiff. Regular checkup is also a key.
But for those that can be acquired through lifestyle such as the ruptured cruciate ligament, surgery can be the answer. Unfortunately, it does not come cheap. Stabilization surgeries to correct the ligament can cost from $975 to $1,200 depending on the primary technique used.
Infections can also be a problem. Luckily, they can be prevented once your Bullmastiff completes its vaccination shots. Depending on the type and the clinic, each shot can cost $19 to $33.
Grooming Needs – Bullmastiffs are relatively low-maintenance pets. A rubber curry brush is enough to keep their coats smooth and shiny. They only cost $7 each. Plus, your Bullmastiff would enjoy the tickling sensation.
Special attention must be given to the folds on their faces since they can easily trap moisture and dirt that can become a breeding ground for bacteria. After your daily walks, wipe their faces clean using baby wipes. Each pack costs only $4.
Their flappy ears can have the same problem as well. Unfortunately, cleaning them with wipes would not suffice. To keep their outer ears clean, use a cotton ball soaked with ear cleanser. A bottle only costs $11 and it can last for months.
While you are at it, check for any tenderness, redness, or rashes inside and outside the ears, too.
Non-food Supplies – Although Bullmastiffs do not need that much exercise, they still have to be taken for daily walks to keep their muscles up and about.
Unfortunately, no matter how much you train them, Bullmastiffs cannot be trusted off-leash. For this reason, you must invest in an extra-sturdy harness and leash.
A harness made specifically for Bullmastiffs can cost at least $30. Prices can go higher based on the material used to make it last.
On the other hand, a high-quality and durable leash made specifically for Bullmastiffs can be bought for at least $15. It goes without saying that the better the quality, the higher the price.
Before Buying a Bullmastiff
Simply wanting to have one and having the means to keep it alive and well is not enough justification to actually get one. First and foremost, you must have the guts and the audacity to stand up against the people who want them it from their neighborhood.
Most people often have second thoughts in getting Bullmastiffs because of the prejudice against them. Numerous headlines detailed how some Bullmastiffs attack animals and children.
Getting a city apartment with a Bullmastiff in tow can be difficult, too. Most apartment landlords do not accept large dogs such as the Bullmastiff in the building. Again, prejudice.
These specific dogs are only exceptions. If trained properly, Bullmastiffs can be a darling to young children and animals. At the end of the day, how the owners teach the Bullmastiff is essential in nurturing the gentle side of its personality.
