How to Care for a Bull Mastiff

Bullmastiffs were bred in England as the guard dog of game wardens. When the dog found a poacher, it would immobilize the poacher by lying down on the poacher until the master arrived, according to the American Kennel Club. But bullmastiffs were bred to not bite, which makes them very docile with their families, including children. Because this breed is so huge, only people experienced with dogs should attempt to care for a bullmastiff, according to "ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs."

Things You'll Need

  • Collar or chest harness and leash
  • Fenced in yard
  • Veterinarian
  • Short bristle brush for dogs
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs
  • Dog nail clippers
  • Old towels or dog drool rags
  • Professional dog trainer (if necessary)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Walk a bullmastiff every day until the dog is panting, but do not walk the dog in humid weather. This helps to burn off excess energy, keep the dog fit and make the 100- to 130-pound bullmastiff more obedient. Because bullmastiffs may be prone to pulling, chest harnesses work better than a standard collar and protects the dog's throat. A collar can still be used for any ID tags that your local law may require. Let the bullmastiff romp every day in a fenced in yard, ideally in your own back yard. The American Bullmastiff Association notes that some bullmastiffs may not need much exercise to stay calm and fit. It is better to prepare for a dog that needs a lot of exercise than to gamble that the dog will not.

    • 2

      Take the bullmastiff to a veterinarian regularly to get regular inoculations, a hands-on examination and an annual fecal check for parasites. Overweight bullmastiffs are prone to illnesses like heart problems and joint diseases, so the dog needs to stay at the ideal weight that a veterinarian will recommend. Bullmastiffs, regardless of their weight, are prone to blindness, allergies, cancer and inverted eyelids, according to the American Kennel Club.

    • 3

      Groom the bullmastiff once a day with a short bristle brush. Brush the bullmastiff's teeth at least once a week to prevent tooth decay. Clip his toenails when needed. Regular grooming also makes the dog more docile. Keep an old towel or dog drool rag with you wherever you go in order to wipe up the drool. Some bullmastiffs drool constantly, according to "ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs." Check the bullmastiff's facial wrinkles daily and wipe up any mess. Because of the bullmastiff's short muzzle, it may have difficulty keeping its head clean.

    • 4

      Check for bloat by supervising your bullmastiff's meals. Bloat in huge dogs is similar to colic in horses. Why dogs get bloat is unknown. Bloat symptoms begin within four hours of eating. The bullmastiff will gag without vomiting, drool more than usual, be restless and have a swollen abdomen. Take the dog to a veterinarian immediately or the stomach may perforate.