Can Bull Mastiffs Swim?

The bull mastiff is an impressively muscled animal. It is not among the very largest of breeds, but with an adult weight of up to 130 lbs. for a well-exercised male, it certainly is imposing enough. Because of their size and weight, strenuous exercise is not good for bull mastiffs, as it can lead to joint problems and hip dysplasia.

  1. The Importance of Exercise

    • All dogs require a certain amount of exercise to remain fit and healthy, and bull mastiffs are no exception. However, their impressive musculature makes it important to choose their exercise program wisely. Bull mastiffs are heavy for their size, and strenuous exercise, such as long distance running, can put a punishing strain on their joints and hips. Like other large breeds, "bullies" are prone to hip dysplasia, especially if they are exercised too vigorously during the first year of life while they are still growing rapidly. Pups should be permitted to play until they're tired, while adults require just a walk or two a day.

    Swimming

    • Bull mastiffs are not natural swimmers in the way that Labradors, Newfoundlands or even Irish wolfhounds are. However, like all dogs they're perfectly capable of swimming, and many take to it with enthusiasm. Swimming is an excellent exercise for these burly animals, providing a good workout for all their muscle groups without putting strain on their joints or hips. If you have regular access to a suitable body of water, or if you own a pool and don't mind cleaning the filter regularly, swimming should be a regular part of your mastiff's fitness program.

    Introducing Your Bull Mastiff to Water

    • Bull mastiffs are ingratiating, good-natured animals with a strong desire to please their owners. However, they're also stubborn and resistant to change, so the best way to make swimming a part of your dog's life is to introduce it early. Take your pup swimming on a regular basis while it's still small, and give it the same kind of support and encouragement you do with your children. Lavish praise is all the motivation most mastiffs will need to become willing swimmers, and a food treat at the end of swimming time is also a powerful motivator.

    Socialization

    • One of the important wellsprings of bull mastiff behavior is its need for socialization. Bulls love their humans and consider themselves to be very much a part of the family. They want to be involved in your life. They want to be near you, and be part of what you're doing. You spending time at the lake or beach with your pet is an important part of the training process. A bull mastiff left to its own devices at the lake may or may not swim. A bull mastiff given the opportunity to frolic with you in the water will do it happily.