Just like the sound of its name, the Bullmastiff is a large, fearless steed that is a crossbreed of the Bulldog and the Mastiff.
Indifferent towards strangers but very loyal to his family, this guardian dog will find a soft spot in your heart.
Though recognized for being a silent creeper because he stalks you when you least expect it, the Bullmastiff is shockingly mellow and makes a great apartment pup.
If you don’t mind a little drool around the house, then you can handle what this breed has to offer, which is a whole lot of awesomeness!
How Much Does the Bullmastiff Cost in India?
The average price of a Bullmastiff in India is Rs. 62,500, but the price ranges between Rs. 40,000 and Rs. 80,000. The price can be affected by various factors, including the reputability of the breeder, location, health status, and breed quality.
Factors Affecting The Cost of The Bullmastiff in India
When buying a Bullmastiff in India, you need to consider other costs apart from the buying price.
Bullmastiffs require special care because they are different from the native Indian dog breeds that do well enough on homemade food and in tropical climates.
Thus, knowing the general cost of a Bullmastiff will assist you in planning your pocket before getting a pup.
The Cost of Buying A Puppy
Bullmastiffs are costlier than most other dog breeds. Even more so, puppies are more expensive than mature Bullmastiffs.
The Breeder
The best place to get a Bullmastiff is from a breeder you can trust.
While reputable breeders charge higher prices, you can rest assured of the puppy’s health and quality.
Cheap is expensive! So, remember that the extra cash you pay will guarantee a stress-free pet parenting experience for you.
Dog Food
Buying dog food for your Bullmastiff will be your most considerable intermittent expense.
You will need to get high-quality dog food to feed this exotic breed.
We advise that you select a brand that provides breed-specific canine food.
Bullmastiffs don’t thrive on homemade dog food. On average, you will spend between Rs. 3,500 and Rs. 5,000 on your pup’s food.
Medical Expenses
You will need to meet your pup’s medical expenses, such as deworming. Bullmastiffs need to be dewormed every three months to ensure quality health and wellness.
Some of the health expenses include the following:
- Worming tablets- Rs. 100
- Ear drops- Rs. 150
- First aid kit- Rs. 500
- Flea and ticks’ powder- Rs. 500
Vaccination Expenses
One of the crucial things to do as soon as you bring your pup home is to vaccinate it.
Bullmastiffs need to be vaccinated against rabies and parvovirus.
Get a vaccination card from your vet so you can always keep track. Vaccines fees range between Rs. 750 to Rs. 1500.
Training Charges
Bullmastiffs are independent thinkers, which makes them challenging to train. Therefore, hiring a dog trainer may be the best solution for you.
You want your Bullmastiff to be an obedient and peaceful pup to avoid any issues, especially with your visitors. A reputable dog trainer in India charges between Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,000.
The Cost of Neutering/Spaying
We recommend neutering your canine to prevent improper breeding that can negatively affect the whole breed.
Because spaying is a surgical procedure, you will need a competent veterinary officer to perform this. Neutering/spaying will cost you an average of Rs. 8,500.
Insurance Fee
It’s always advisable to insure your Bullmastiff.
Insurance package for a large canine, including liability and medical fees, will cost you between Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 1,500.
Grooming Expenses
Bullmastiffs don’t need frequent baths because they have sensitive skin.
One bath a month is more than enough. Choose a mild shampoo and conditioner with this breed.
Dog Walking and Other Services Charges
The Bullmastiff needs an adequate daily walk. Dog walking is an upcoming business in India, so you can consider hiring a dog walker if you lack time to take your doggy out.
Dog walking charges are approximately Rs. 1,000 every month, depending on your location.
About and History
The Bullmastiff’s existence began in the late nineteenth century in the year 1860.
Breeders developed this breed as a courageous and quiet dog that could command to assist in anti-poaching. The canines were powerful enough to attack a poacher without mauling him.
Bullmastiffs were bred from the old version of the English Bulldog (40%) and the Mastiff (60%), hence the name Bullmastiff.
However, rather than continually crossing the two breeds, breeders strived to make a pure strain.
Since the Bullmastiff had to work at night, breeders developed a camouflage coat that was dark brindle to help him blend in with the surrounding.
They were famously named the Gamekeeper’s Night Dog. As poaching ceased throughout the years, the Bullmastiff was increasingly used as a guard dog.
These gamekeepers’ night-dogs lived up to their status. They would skillfully work their way through the forest while stalking a poacher.
When close enough, the Bullmastiff would grab the poacher’s arm and pin him down until the gamekeeper caught up with him.
Appearance
Large and sturdy built, this canine has a striking appearance, a scary impediment to intruders and potential attackers.
The Bullmastiff is a pure breed with a short coat that hardly sheds. On the downside, this pup is a drool. It’s best to keep a towel nearby at all times.
It has a broad wrinkled head and a relatively short, square, and dark-colored muzzle that is approximately 1/3 the length of its entire head.
The nose is black with wide nostrils while its dark hazel moderate eyes scream an alert and intelligent expression. Its ears are v-shaped, wide-set, and dark in color.
The back is short, straight, and level between the loin and withers. Its distinct tapering tail is high-set and outstretches to the hocks.
The rugged coat comes in fawn, red, and brindle with dark markings on the head and often a tiny white patch on his breast. Though short, the fur is dense and water-proof and lies flat on the body offering proper weather protection.
Grown Bullmastiff males measure 25 to 27 inches measured from the shoulders and weigh 110 to 130 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, measuring 24 to 26 inches and weighing 100 to 120 pounds.
Temperament and Character
Despite their intimidating looks, the Bullmastiff has relatively low energy. A couple of playtime sessions and short walks will do the trick.
They are also amicable enough to settle well in an apartment as long as they get their everyday exercise.
A Bullmastiff puppy will be more intense than a fully grown one, but they often mellow down by two years of age.
However, being low-key doesn’t mean Bullmastiffs are couch potatoes. They perform exceptionally in dog competitions like agility, conformation, obedience, and tracking.
Bullmastiffs also make a great therapy canine owing to their peaceful nature and witty expression.
Bullmastiffs can be stubborn, so they require consistency, fairness, and firmness during training. As you enforce this, your pup will continue to look up to you as the head of the house.
Being a guardian canine, the Bullmastiff can safely stay well enough alone at home as long as he gets plenty of human time during after-work hours.
Though this breed can stay in a fenced yard or kennel, they are being adopted as house pets. After all, you want a guardian dog who is emotionally attached to you, so he’ll protect you with every fiber.
The Bullmastiff is a stalker who detains strangers with his ferocious presence and size, biting only when faced with danger.
Bullmastiffs are extremely friendly and patient with kids. However, their size can be a lot to take in for toddlers. That’s why it’s crucial to get a Bullmastiff puppy who can grow up with your children.
This breed has a high pain tolerance, so it can be hard to determine if your pup is hurt. Always check him for any injuries after his outdoor time to rule them out.
Overall, Bullmastiffs are loving. They enjoy spending time with their humans on the couch. They may occupy so much of your couch space but give you tender loving care.
Trainability
Begin training your Bullmastiff pup as early as possible.
Register for a puppy socialization class to get him used to different people and dogs as they can be aggressive if not taught manners.
Apart from obedience and puppy kindergarten classes, take your pup for picnics, shopping stalls that allow dogs, parks, and other places where he can learn to associate with new experiences.
Though they are people pleasers, Bullmastiffs are independent thinkers and need a firm trainer who can apply positive reinforcement strategies, not harsh reprimands. Also, avoid repeating training sessions, or your pup will get tired and start to do something else.
Housebreaking comes in handy beyond puppyhood. If you don’t want your pup on your couch when he is huge, then don’t let him on it when he is young. Remember that once a habit is enforced, it will be hard to break later on.
Provide your Bullmastiff with a frequent potty timetable and plenty of outdoor time to relieve himself. Crate training helps in housetraining and preventing your pp from chewing stuff they shouldn’t.
Firmness and patience are the keys to effective training with this breed. A properly trained Bullmastiff will make a caring, loyal and wonderful housemate who will gladly lay down his life to save yours.
Grooming
Since Bullmastiffs aren’t heavy shedders, their coats are easy to maintain using a rubber curry.
Give your pup a quick brush every day to keep his coat shiny and clean. Only bathe him when necessary.
Inspect your doggy’s ears every week and clean with an ear cleaning solution. If there’s an odour or the ears are filled with wax that looks like a coffee field, your pup may have mite infestation and needs vet treatment.
Trim your Bullmastiff’s nails as soon as you hear them clicking on the floor. Short nails are neat and keep the paws in good condition.
If the nails are too long, the claws tend to spread out, decreasing foot support. That way, pebbles, and sticks get stuck in the paw.
Remember your dog’s dental care. Brush the teeth twice or thrice a week to keep the gums healthy and prevent periodontal disease.
It would be best if you were happy to groom your Bullmastiff because grooming gives you the chance to bond with him.
Furthermore, check for signs of infection as you perform the grooming exercise. Signs such as redness or discharge from the skin, ears, mouth, or eyes may indicate health concerns that need veterinary consultation.
Does the Bullmastiff make a good family dog?
Yes. Bullmastiffs are gentle and loving with all family members, especially the kids. Generally, they are calm, easy-going, and peace-lovers- all the qualities of an ideal family dog.
Being extra-protective also makes him awesome because you can always have a sound sleep every night as you know your Bullmastiff will be watching over you.
Does a Bullmastiff bite?
Yes, but within reason. A Bullmastiff will bite when provoked, particularly by an unfamiliar or potentially harmful person. Historically, this breed was developed to restrain intruders such as poachers without maiming them.
However, you can curb the biting habit and turn your Bullmastiff into a well-rounded canine with consistent and firm training.
Is a Bullmastiff a Pitbull?
No. a Bullmastiff is different from a Pitbull though both breeds are large. Some breeders even crossbreed them to make a Pit Bullmastiff.
What are Bullmastiffs recognized for?
Bullmastiffs are known for being working dogs. They were originally trained to ward off poachers, and gamekeepers loved them for their speed, size, and strength. Today Bullmastiffs make incredible guard dogs and house companions.
Conclusion
Now that you know all about this tenacious breed make your decision today. The Bullmastiff may look coarse and ferocious on the outside but mushy and mellow on the inside. Remember to be consistent and firm with your training, and you will be amazed at the positive effect it has on your pup.
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