How to Build a Kennel for Bull Mastiffs

The bull mastiff is a working class dog that was originally bred to protect large estates and game preserves from poachers. This dog is strong, powerful and intelligent. Bull mastiffs are large dogs, weighing up to 130 pounds and standing 27 inches high. Due to the size of this dog, standard kennels may not be large enough, requiring you to build your own. Constructing your own kennel with premade components will make the job easier.

Things You'll Need

  • Concrete
  • Water
  • Roof component
  • 2 wall components
  • Front wall component with a door and latch
  • Rear wall component
  • Canvas tarp
  • 10-gallon sealable septic tank bucket
  • 100 feet of perforated pipe
  • 25 feet of 4-inch solid PVC drainpipe
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a place for the kennel. An outdoor kennel will need to be placed in a spot that provides protection from the elements such as the sun, rain and wind. An indoor kennel should be placed in cool, well-ventilated area away from a sunny window. Whether your kennel is indoors or outdoors, it is important to be able to see your pet to monitor its safety.

    • 2

      Measure your bull mastiff to make sure the dimensions of the kennel are appropriate and comfortable for your pet. Measure the length, width and height of your dog and add approximately 12 inches to all dimensions. Measuring your pet will not be necessary if building a kennel that is large enough for you to walk-in. In this case, build it based on the height on the individual.

    • 3

      Pour a concrete floor with a light broom finish for outdoor kennels. A kennel placed on top of a concrete slab allows for better drainage and coolness. A light broom finish prevents the dog from slipping when the concrete is wet. Pour the slab 4 inches deep by the length and width of the kennel. The slab should be large enough for your pet to be able to lie down and move around comfortably.

    • 4

      Purchase premade kennel components from a dog kennel manufacturer. Components can be customized to your specifications. Buy one roof, two side walls, one front door with a latch and one back section. The roof and side walls will be the same size. The front and back sections will be the same height as the walls, but will vary in width. Use only high-quality sections for long-term durability.

    • 5

      Assemble the sections based on manufacturer's directions. Attach a canvas tarp to the roof to protect your pet from the rain and sun. Purchase canvas from a home improvement store. Canvas comes with grommets that will easily attach to the wire of a cage.

    • 6

      Add a septic system for dogs that will spend a lot of time outdoors in the kennel. Dig a collection trench that is 8 inches wide and 10 feet long. The land or a portion of the concrete should slant toward the trench. Run the PVC pipe from the trench to the septic tank, and secure the pipe with concrete. Attach the drainpipe to the septic tank out to the drain field, which should be lower than the kennel. Septic-tank parts are found at most pet stores.