The Bullmastiff is a large breed of dog that was used by professional hunters (gamekeepers) to protect their estates in the 19th century. They’re independent, fearless protectors of the home and those within it, and love spending time relaxing with family.
How much do they shed? Overall, Bullmastiffs are a moderate shedding breed. The shedding isn’t very noticeable most of the time, but they do lose more hair during spring and autumn, and they’re a large breed so they have more hair to lose than a smaller breed. Their coat is easy to maintain though, so brushing should be enough to keep your home fur free.
In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at what you should expect when it comes to shedding, what they’re like to brush and what makes the Bullmastiff such a great companion.
Bullmastiff Shedding – What to Expect
Bullmastiffs are a moderate shedding breed.
They typically shed a fairly low amount of hair throughout the year, so it’s not very noticeable most of the time. But they do tend to lose more fur twice per year, during spring and fall.
This is perfectly normal though. Most dogs lose hair to some extent and seasonal shedding is very common. All that is happening is your dog is losing his old coat to make way for the new one, that is more suitable for the climate.
For example, he will shed his winter coat in spring to prepare for summer and shed his summer coat in autumn (fall) to prepare for the cold winter months.
It’s also important to keep in mind that Bullmastiffs are a large breed of dog, very large in fact, so there is just more hair that can fall out than a smaller breed. This is not to say that smaller dogs don’t shed, and the Pug is a perfect example of this, but more hair equals more shedding and more fur you’ll be cleaning up.
If you do notice excessive shedding beyond what you consider normal, it might be worth consulting your local veterinarian. Because according to the American Kennel Club, excessive shedding “can be related to diet, and sometimes to allergies.”
Are Bullmastiffs Hypoallergenic?
No. Bullmastiffs are not a hypoallergenic breed of dog because they do shed moderately and drool a lot. Dried saliva and dander (flaky skin) are allergens that attach themselves to the Bullmastiffs fur and when that fur falls out, it spreads the stuff that makes us sneeze.
No dog is ever 100% hypoallergenic though, so there’s some controversy surrounding the use of this term, regardless of the dog. Because even completely hairless breeds can cause problems for people who are sensitive to pet allergens.
It’s just that low shedding breeds, like the Wheaten Terrier and Poodle for example, shed very little hair and therefor don’t spread the allergens all over your furniture, clothing, floors and anywhere else your dog happens to wander.
So, while he’s not a heavy shedder, there are more suitable breeds for allergy sufferers than the Bullmastiff which you may want to consider.
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Brushing Your Bullmastiff to Reduce Shedding
The Bullmastiffs coat is easy to maintain. They have a short, dense coat that comes in brindle, red, or fawn. And maintaining it is as simple as a quick brush once per week.
Brushing is the most effective way to reduce shedding and keep the hair from ending up where you don’t want it. And the reason is because brushing spreads the oils of his coat evenly over his skin. And since dry skin and hair can cause excessive shedding this can be a simple, yet very effective, way to keep it to a minimum.
And of course, when you brush, you remove the dead hair from his coat before it has a chance to fall out, which can save you a lot of time when it comes to cleaning and vacuuming.
The best brush to use for a Bullmastiff is a rubber hand glove or bristle brush. Since their coat is so short, this is all you really need to maintain his coat and keep the shedding to a minimum.
The rubber hand glove (curry brush) is a very effective way to remove the loose fur and massage his skin, and it’s very non-invasive so is perfect for dogs that don’t like being brushed and for regular, even daily, use.
You could also use a deshedding tool, like one we’ve reviewed called the Furminator for example, but this might be overkill for a Bullmastiff and typically not something you’d use everyday.
Aside from brushing, there are some other things to keep in mind:
- Bathe only as needed and use a quality dog shampoo with as few chemicals as possible to avoid dryness and skin irritation.
- Feed your Bullmastiff a healthy, balanced diet that is made up of high quality ingredients. Doing so can promote a healthier coat, which in turn can reduce shedding.
- Consult your local vet if you’re concerned that the shedding is beyond the realms of “normal” as sometimes allergies (related to food, environment or fleas for example) can be the cause.
Some people even use a small amount of coconut oil or olive oil in the food to combat dry skin and reduce shedding. Brushing is the best thing you can do, but there are some other effective methods of significantly reducing how much fur they lose, and this is one of them.
Should You Adopt a Bullmastiff?
Bullmastiffs are a large, heavy breed that was bred to guard the estates of gamekeepers (professional hunters who hunt and/or manage game) in the mid to late 1800’s.
In those days poachers were an issue. And because the penalties of poaching were so extreme, poachers would sometimes take the “nothing to lose” approach when confronted by a gamekeeper they were trying to rob. Which is where the powerful, courageous Bullmastiff came into the picture.
They were used as both working dogs and guardians of the land, for which they are well suited. Not just because they’re large and strong, but because they’re also very calm, reliable and controlled in tense situations.
This makes the Bullmastiff an excellent guardian of the family too. They will loyally guard your home and those within it, but at the same time, aren’t aggressive by nature.
Rather, they are friendly, relaxed and even docile.
They’re also not prone to excessive barking, which makes them suitable for life in an urban area, but at the same time don’t like being left alone.
What about other dogs? They’re not the best with other dogs given their territorial and protective nature, and can be quite independent, so proper training and early socializing is a good idea.
All in all, Bullmastiffs are an average shedding, low maintenance, loyal companion that will love spending time with you and your family.
Related Questions
Do Bullmastiffs Drool Much?
Bullmastiffs drool quite a bit, especially when they’re hot. So it pays to keep a hand towel with you, keep them hydrated and out of the hot weather as much as possible.
Do Bullmastiffs Smell Bad?
If your Bullmastiff smells bad it could be to do with irregular bathing or an infection in the ears, skin or anal glands so you’ll need to find the cause before eliminating the odor.
Are There Any Similar Breeds That Shed Less?
Most Mastiff breeds shed heavily, as do common alternative breeds like the Rottweiler and Boxer for example. But there are some great low shedding breeds that share some similarities to the Bullmastiff, like the Giant Schnauzer, Airedale, or Irish Water Spaniel.
What’s the Best Brush for a Bullmastiff?
The best brush to use for a Bullmastiff is a rubber hand glove or bristle brush. You could use a deshedding tool to save time, but this is optional. A rubber brush is all you really need to maintain his coat and keep the shedding to a minimum.
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