Bullmastiff
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Bullmastiff. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Hip and elbow dysplasia | high | Common in the breed; OFA clearances for both parents are essential. |
| Bloat (GDV) | moderate | Deep-chested molosser build; know torsion signs and consider gastropexy. |
| Cancer (lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma) | moderate | Elevated rates in breed health surveys and a contributor to the short lifespan. |
| Entropion | moderate | Inward-rolling eyelids irritate the cornea; surgical correction is common. |
| Hypothyroidism | moderate | Causes weight gain and lethargy; diagnosed on routine bloodwork. |
Pet insurance for a Bullmastiff
Insurers price a Bullmastiff from the breed's documented claims profile — here, 1 high-risk condition, led by Hip and elbow dysplasia. Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Bullmastiff is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 100–130 lbs and a grooming score of 1/5, the Bullmastiff sits below the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff was created in nineteenth-century England by gamekeepers who needed a dog fast enough to run down poachers and strong enough to hold them — a cross of Bulldog courage and Mastiff size. Modern Bullmastiffs are calm, quiet, and deeply loyal family guardians that need surprisingly modest exercise for their bulk. The trade-offs are a short seven-to-nine-year lifespan, heavy drooling, significant food and vet costs, and a protective instinct that demands early socialization. Suits experienced owners wanting a low-barking, devoted deterrent in a large package.
Origin: England
Temperament
Related reading for Bullmastiff owners
Bullmastiff FAQ
How long do Bullmastiffs live?
The typical Bullmastiff lifespan is 7–9 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Bullmastiff?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Bullmastiff carries 1 documented high-risk condition, which is the main reason a Bullmastiff policy prices above the national average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Bullmastiff a good apartment dog?
Yes. With an energy level of 3/5 and a large build, the Bullmastiff adapts well to apartment living provided it gets daily walks.
What health problems are Bullmastiffs prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Hip and elbow dysplasia, Bloat (GDV), Cancer (lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma). Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.