The Complete Bullmastiff Guide

You didn’t land on the Bullmastiff by accident. This is a breed people seek out, and for good reason. The Gamekeeper's Night Dog, calm, loyal, and naturally protective, and power and gentleness in equal measure, they’re a natural fit for experienced owners with space who want a devoted, naturally protective, and calm large companion who want a powerfully built, calm, and deeply devoted guardian who protects without aggression and bonds completely with family. Let’s dig in.

What are the characteristics of a Bullmastiff?

Think you know what you’re getting into with a Bullmastiff? These scores will either confirm your suspicions or give you something to think about. Either way, good to know now.

Training

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Trainability	3 out of 5	Intelligent and capable of learning. Their size makes early training essential
Obedience	3 out of 5	Responds well to consistent, confident handling. Not difficult when structure is established early
Focus	3 out of 5	Generally attentive. Their calm nature can make responses appear slower than they are
Stubbornness	3 out of 5	Some stubbornness typical of large independent breeds

Friendliness

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Good with family	5 out of 5	Deeply devoted to their family. Protection is expressed through presence and loyalty
Good with children	4 out of 5	Gentle and patient with children in the household. Their size is the primary hazard
Good with strangers	2 out of 5	Reserved with strangers. Socialization shapes whether this is watchful or reactive
Good with other dogs	2 out of 5	Can be dog-selective, particularly with same-sex dogs

Adaptability

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Apartment living	1 out of 5	Not suited to apartment living
Cold weather	3 out of 5	Handles cool weather reasonably well
Hot weather	3 out of 5	Tolerates moderate heat. Limit exercise in high temperatures
Routine flexibility	3 out of 5	Adapts when exercise and social needs are met
First time owner	2 out of 5	Better suited to owners with large-dog experience

Physical needs

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Energy level	2 out of 5	Moderate energy for their size. Calm and deliberate
Endurance	2 out of 5	Not built for sustained athletic effort
Exercise needs	3 out of 5	Needs 30 to 45 minutes of moderate daily exercise
Mental stimulation	3 out of 5	Intelligent but not demanding of intense mental stimulation
Grooming needs	2 out of 5	Short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming

Personality

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Playfulness	3 out of 5	Playful in a slow, deliberate way
Affection	5 out of 5	Deeply affectionate with their family. Their size makes their warmth especially physical
Loyalty	5 out of 5	One of the most devoted guardian breeds. Their loyalty is complete
Independence	3 out of 5	Self-sufficient. Can handle alone time
Alertness	4 out of 5	Alert and watchful. Their presence alone deters

Behavior

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Barking tendency	2 out of 5	Not prone to barking. Their bark is deep and rarely used
Digging tendency	1 out of 5	Not prone to digging
Chewing tendency	2 out of 5	Low chewing in adults
Prey drive	2 out of 5	Low prey drive
Guarding instincts	5 out of 5	Natural, quiet protection. They don't bark or threaten unnecessarily but will intercept a genuine threat

What are common health issues of a Bullmastiff?

Like all breeds, Bullmastiffs are prone to certain health conditions. Here’s what to keep on your radar.

What are the recommended health tests for Bullmastiffs? 

Your Bullmastiff can’t tell you when something’s off. That’s what these tests are for. Here’s what vets typically recommend for them.

• OFA hip and elbow evaluation
• Cardiac evaluation by a board-certified cardiologist
• CAER ophthalmologist eye exam
• OFA thyroid evaluation

Do Bullmastiffs need pet insurance?

We’ll let the numbers do the talking, but spoiler: a lot of Bullmastiff owners are really glad they had coverage.

Those numbers aren’t hypotheticals. They’re real claims from real Bullmastiff owners in 2025.

The right pet insurance means you’re making decisions based on what your dog needs, not what you can afford.

With Lemonade, you can build a plan around your Mastiff specifically. Start with accident and illness coverage as your base, then add on what makes sense for your dog, things like physical therapy, dental illness, or behavioral treatment, and skip what doesn’t. Coverage applies to conditions that aren’t pre-existing (AKA, a condition that occurs after your policy is active and your waiting periods have passed), and you’ll know exactly what’s included before you commit. No fine print ambushes, no surprises at claim time.

And when you do need to file? You can do it in the app in minutes. No paperwork, no hold music, no waiting around.

Bullmastiffs are worth protecting with proper coverage. Here’s how to do it right.

How much does pet insurance cost?

The cost of your premium is personal. It depends on your Mastiffs age, your location, and what you add to your plan. That said, here’s a realistic look at what other Bullmastiff owners pay with Lemonade:

Age	Average monthly premium
1 year old	$70-$75
2 years old	$95-$100
3 years old	$75-$80
4 years old	$90-$95
5 years old	$125-$130
6 years old	$100-$105
7 years old	$60-$65

Not sure if Lemonade is the right fit for your Mastiff?

See how we stack up. Compare pet insurance options side by side and find the coverage that fits your Bullmastiff and your budget.

History of the Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff was developed in England in the mid-19th century by gamekeepers on large estates who needed a dog capable of tracking and apprehending poachers without mauling them. The gamekeepers crossed English Mastiffs, for size and power, with Bulldogs, for tenacity and drive, to produce a dog that was approximately 60 percent Mastiff and 40 percent Bulldog. The resulting Bullmastiff was dark in color to be less visible at night, powerfully built, and trained to knock down and hold poachers without biting. The breed was known as the Gamekeeper's Night Dog before receiving its current name. The Kennel Club recognized the Bullmastiff in 1924, and the AKC followed in 1933. Despite their intimidating physical presence, well-bred Bullmastiffs are known for their gentle, affectionate behavior with family members.

Caring for a Bullmastiff

Training

Training a Bullmastiff is straightforward, but it’s worth the effort. They are gentle, willing to please, and moderately food motivated, which means training is usually smooth when sessions are kept calm, consistent, and positive. Positive reinforcement with treats and calm, clear expectations given their powerful size tends to work best, and getting started early makes a real difference.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or leveling up, these are worth the read.

Grooming

Bullmastiffs have a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming. Weekly brushing with a rubber curry comb or soft bristle brush is all the coat needs, and the occasional wipe-down keeps them looking their best. Facial wrinkles and jowls require regular cleaning to prevent moisture buildup and skin irritation.

From nail trims to professional care, here’s everything you need to keep your Mastiff looking (and feeling) their best.

Exercise and mental stimulation

Bullmastiffs have moderate energy levels and need 45 minutes of exercise each day to stay happy and healthy. Leisurely walks, gentle fetch, and short outdoor exploration are all great ways to burn through that energy. But physical exercise is only half the picture. Bullmastiffs are moderately intelligent dogs, and mental stimulation is just as important as the miles you put in. Without it, they become restless and destructive given their enormous size despite their generally calm nature. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and scent work are all solid ways to keep their brain engaged between walks.

Here’s how to build an exercise routine your Bullmastiff will actually love.

Nutrition

Bullmastiffs are large to giant dogs with moderate energy, so they need a diet to match. Most adults do well on around 1,800 to 2,400 calories a day, spread across two meals. Depending on what you’re feeding them, expect to spend around $75 to $110 a month on food. Not the cheapest line item, but not the most expensive either.

What goes in the bowl is your call, and your vet’s. Kibble, raw, fresh, or a combination: there’s no single right answer. Focus on quality ingredients, the right portions for your dog’s age and activity level, and you’re most of the way there.

Get the full picture on feeding a Bullmastiff here.

Bullmastiff costs and adoption

What does it cost to bring home a Bullmastiff?

Before your Bullmastiff even sets a paw in your home, there are some one-time costs worth planning for. Here’s what to expect upfront.

Category	Cost Range	Details
Adoption (Reputable breeder)	$1,000-$3,000	Health testing, vaccinations, early socialization, pedigree
Adoption (Rescue/shelter)	$50-$300	Basic veterinary care, spay/neuter, temperament evaluation
Initial veterinary care	$300-$700	Exam, vaccinations, spay/neuter if needed, microchip
Essential supplies	$200-$500	Crate, bed, leash, collar, food bowls, toys
Training classes	$150-$300	Basic obedience, puppy socialization

Unexpected costs have a way of showing up in year one more than any other. A starter emergency fund alongside a solid pet insurance plan is the best way to make sure they don’t catch you off guard.

What does it cost to own a Bullmastiff each year?

Once you’re past year one, ownership costs settle into a more predictable rhythm. Here’s what most Bullmastiff owners spend annually, though keep in mind these numbers can vary quite a bit depending on where you live, your dog’s individual health needs, and the choices you make along the way.

Category	Annual cost	Details
Food and treats	$1,000-$1,800	Based on the recommended portion for your Bullmastiff
Routine Veterinary Care	$500-$1,000	Wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care
Professional Grooming	$100-$300	Every Every 6 to 8 weeks, Short coat sheds moderately; regular brushing reduces loose hair on furniture.
Toys and Supplies	$200-$400	Replacement items, mental stimulation toys

What are popular Bullmastiff names?

We’ve crunched the numbers, and found the top 10 most popular names for Bullmastiff we see at Lemonade.

More names where those came from. If none of these are clicking, we’ve done the digging for you. Go find the one that sticks.

Bullmastiff puppies

Puppy veterinary needs

The first year matters a lot. What happens between 8 weeks and 12 months shapes who this dog becomes. Here’s what to focus on.

The first few months are the most important window for your puppy’s health. Core vaccines start at 6–8 weeks and continue through 16 weeks. After that, its annual boosters and routine screening as they grow into adults.

It’s a lot to keep track of. That’s why we made it easy.

Puppy socialization

Bullmastiff puppies are powerful, calm, and completely devoted in a way that makes them one of the more quietly impressive guardian breeds. That a natural protective presence that doesn't require aggression to be effective is part of what makes them space, experienced large-dog ownership, early consistent training, and the budget for giant-breed veterinary care, and it’s also why early socialization matters so much.

Between 8 and 16 weeks, get them in front of as much variety as possible. Different people, animals, sounds, surfaces, and locations. Keep every experience positive. Puppy classes are great for this: supervised, controlled, and full of exactly the kind of novelty a Bullmastiff brain needs to learn that the world is mostly fine.

Where are Bullmastiff’s most popular in the United States?

Based on Lemonade’s own policyholder data, Bullmastiffs are most popular in these five states. We’ve also thrown in a few things local pet owners should keep an eye on, so your pup can get out there and explore safely.

1. Texas

Texas heat is intense and sets in early. Hot pavement can burn paws from late spring through early fall, and heatstroke risk is high during midday walks in cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and fire ants are also common hazards, particularly in suburban and rural areas.

2. New Jersey

New Jersey consistently ranks among the top states for Lyme disease cases, so tick prevention is critical for any dog spending time outside, even in suburban backyards. Proximity to the Jersey Shore also means dogs can encounter jellyfish washed ashore, and saltwater ingestion during beach trips can cause stomach issues.

3. New York

In New York City, street hazards are the main thing to watch. Dropped food, discarded gum containing xylitol, and litter are common ingestion risks on sidewalks and in parks. Upstate and in Long Island, the story shifts to ticks: New York is a Lyme disease hotspot, and black-legged ticks are active from early spring through late fall.

4. Michigan

Michigan summers bring a high tick risk across wooded areas of the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, with Lyme disease well-established in the state. In winter, frozen lakes and ponds can be a hazard for curious dogs. Ice thickness is hard to judge, and falls through are more common than owners expect.

5. Washington

Western Washington's wet, mild climate creates near-perfect conditions for fleas year-round, and slugs in the Pacific Northwest can carry lungworm, a parasite dogs can pick up by sniffing or eating them. Eastern Washington and the Cascades bring different risks, including rattlesnakes and wildlife encounters on trails, so knowing which side of the mountains you're on matters.

Breed comparison

Already leaning toward a Bullmastiff? These breeds often get compared, here’s a quick snapshot of how they stack up.

Is a Bullmastiff right for you?

Bullmastiffs reward the right owner with a calm protective presence that makes a property feel genuinely secure and a total family devotion that makes them outstanding household companions. They just need space, early training, experienced large-dog ownership, bloat awareness, and cardiac monitoring in return. If you’re ready for that, you’re ready for a Bullmastiff. Make sure they’re protected from day one.

A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC. The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.

Insurance claim data is based on Lemonade pet insurance claims that were settled and paid in 2025.
Average insurance premium data is based on Lemonade’s internal data and reflects the average premium over the last 12 complete months, accurate as of June 2026.
Top pet names are sourced from Lemonade’s database of pet names associated with submitted quotes and purchased policies.
Top states for each breed are based on the number of active Lemonade pet insurance policies for that breed in each state as of June 2026.