Advice

Bullmastiffs are an excellent breed but are not suitable for everyone.

If you want a dog who...

Is massive and powerful
Has a short easy-care coat
Is calm and quiet indoors as an adult
Makes an imposing watchdog
Is serious and self-assured with strangers, yet generally mild-mannered unless aroused
Needs only moderate exercise
A Bullmastiff may be right for you.

If you don't want to deal with...

A huge dog who takes up a lot of space in your house and car
A heavy dog who wants to sit on your feet, lie on your lap, and lean his weight against your leg
Rowdiness and exuberant jumping when young
Destructiveness when bored or left alone too much
Aggression toward people if not socialised properly
Aggression toward other animals
Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge
Shedding
Snorting, snuffling, wheezing, grunting, loud snoring
Slobbering and drooling
Gassiness (flatulence)
A Bullmastiff may not be right for you.

If I were considering a Bullmastiff...

My major concerns would be:

Providing the proper balance of exercise. Young Bullmastiffs need enough exercise to keep them lean and healthy, but not so much that their soft growing bones, joints, and ligaments become over-stressed and damaged. Adult Bullmastiffs need more exercise to keep them in shape, but not in hot or humid weather for fear of overheating. The proper amount of exercise can be difficult to regulate in giant breeds.

Since you have to minimize their exercise, young Bullmastiffs can be very rambunctious. They will romp with uncoordinated gawkiness all over your house. You need to substitute extra quantities of companionship and supervision. Otherwise, left alone, young Bullmastiffs become bored and destructive -- and their powerful jaws can literally destroy your living room.

Providing enough socialization. Most Bullmastiffs have protective instincts toward strangers. Therefore get your puppy out as soon as they have there injections and introduce to lots of people and other dogs so that you have a happy friendly dog. There are usually socialisation classes in all areas.

If you have children, It is important to remember that bullmastiffs are fantastic with kids but it would be irresponsible to leave your kids alone as accidents can happen. Bullmastiffs are big dogs and they could accidentally knock them over. It is also important that your kids respect your dog also.

Animal aggression. Many Bullmastiffs will not tolerate another dog of the same sex therefore if you are considering extending your family I would not advice two males especially if you are considering these dogs as indoor pets.

The strong temperament. Bullmastiffs are not Golden Retrievers. They have an independent mind of their own and are not pushovers to raise and train. Many Bullmastiffs are willful, obstinate, and dominant (they want to be the boss but that will always be your job) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.

Bullmastiffs survive best on a meat diet. At Mussendun I feed 90% meat in the dogs diet. I feel that without this type of diet my dogs lose weight and condition. I also find that puppies that go to new homes and are then fed a complete diet (no matter what the quality) do not put on the same bone and substance as those puppies whose owners follow the diet sheet provided.