Can a Bullmastiff Live in an Apartment?
Here's Some Things To Consider...

by Ken Alden

A Bullmastiff is a giant breed with a gentle temperament. They make excellent companions, so you are probably wondering if they can live in your apartment. 

Can A Bullmastiff Live In An Apartment?...

Yes! This is because their activity levels are so low since they are huge dogs. Even though they are adaptable, manageable, and an excellent companion you should check with the landlord first as they might not allow such a large dog.

If you're living in a small apartment, you need innovative thinking to give your furry friend sufficient space. This post will look at a few considerations that will determine if a Bullmastiff can live in an apartment setting. Read More Below...

Pro-tip: Ever try lifting a Bullmastiff? Their weight can hurt not only your back but their joints when they hop down from cars, sofas or even your bed. To protect your back and theirs check out the best Mastiff ramps on Amazon.com now.

Know the Bullmastiff Breed

The Bullmastiff is one of the oldest breeds globally, having lived for hundreds of years and has a fascinating origin from the mid-1800s. Gamekeepers bred the dogs for their strength, size, and speed.  at 25-27 inches tall and weigh 110-130 pounds. They range from very light brown, light red-fawn to reddish-brown. The blackface mask is their hallmark. 

Bullmastiffs are powerful dogs but can also make firm, dependable, and warm family dogs. Training and socializing them is necessary so that they don't back much against strangers. They are also working dogs and need plenty of exercises, even when living in a small apartment. 

Trainability

Although Bullmastiffs are enormous, they have a laid back personality and an independent mind. They are easy to train, but you can't stand it when they bark as they sound loud and fierce. However, with proper training, they can become well-behaved family members.

They are also willful and dominant. Conversely, consistency in training and socialization is necessary as the dogs are natural guardians. Start to train them while still young as they enjoy obedience, carting, agility, and tracking.

Respect training is also critical so that they can interact with you and co-exist with others and animals in common areas. Your canine friend will even know when they have crossed the line. 

Dog training is crucial as it provides mental, physical, and emotional stimulation, which keeps the Bullmastiff happy. Besides, dogs enjoy exercise, but it will depend on the training system and how they are trained. Obedience is established better with love than with fear.

Exercise Them Regularly

Keeping a dog is a huge commitment. The essential rule for keeping a dog happy and healthy is making sure that they have regular exercise. If you're living in a tiny apartment, your furry friend is somewhat confined. They need a lot of space to run, play, and let their energy out. 

When a dog is frustrated or stressed out, they may engage in queer behaviors like chewing on furniture. At the very least, a canine should get between 30 minutes to two hours of exercise daily. Large dog breeds like a Bullmastiff may require more and probably high-intensity training at least once a week.

Regular exercise will help keep the dog healthy, promote good behavior, and build social circles. Conversely, lack of exercise can lead to weight gain, barking, hyperactivity, and other destructive behaviors.

They're Adaptable

Although a Bullmastiff looks intimidating, it has a calm and docile personality and rarely backs. They have a combination of reliability, intelligence, and willingness to please the owner. They are friendly and gentle, even with small kids, so you should not worry about adopting one if you're living with a family.

A Bullmastiff likes to wind down in their own space. Therefore, you must ensure that you make a little haven in a corner in your apartment to retreat when they need a break. Also, there are other times they may feel anxious and fearful. Thus, a cozy corner would be necessary.

A dog this big can exhaust many people as you need to take them out several times a day. However, if you offer your Bullmastiff ample exercise, you lower the risk of mischievous behavior and make it possible to handle them and more apartment friendly.

Cleanliness and Maintenance

Luckily, Bullmastiffs have lower shedding levels than other breeds. However, they are notorious for drooling, which plays a crucial role in digestion. Therefore, you need to accept that it's their nature and clean the living spaces regularly. You can also use a dog drool towel or strap a drool bib around their neck to keep your furry friend comfortable.

If you're at a loss on what to do, understand what triggers the drool, and spread out mealtimes if he has an enormous appetite since salivating is a natural response to hunger. Also, ensure that you brush the Bullmastiff's teeth at least once a week to avoid bad breath and infection.

They have a dense short coat which is easy to maintain. Regular bathing and grooming are necessary to maintain healthy skin and minimize shedding. Another upside is their activity levels. They aren't as active as other dogs, so maintaining your apartment will be quite easy. 

Pro-tip: Bullmastiff's (and their owners) love dog crates…and for good reasons. Crates keep dogs from mischief while you're away, are perfect for house training, for traveling by car, and provide the dog a place to de-stress. Check out the best Mastiff crates on Amazon.com now.

Visit the Vet Regularly

A Bullmastiff has an average lifespan of 9-10 years. Keeping your pet healthy is necessary to protect them against fatal diseases. Therefore, regular vet visits are crucial to ensure that your pet is up-to-date with all vaccinations.

Dogs are also prone to parasites like ticks and fleas, which cause pain, discomfort, and even diseases. The best thing is to have your furry friend sprayed to treat and prevent further infections. Whipworms and roundworm larvae are also common in dogs. If left untreated, they can cause a neurological disorder.

Reasons Why People May Not Want Large Dog Breeds in Apartments

Here are some reasons why people living in apartments, or thinking of renting one may want to stay away from large dog breeds:

• Apartment managers might forbid keeping dogs over a specific size and set a maximum weight. There are places where you may be required to pay an extra pet deposit, especially if it's a large breed and could cause potential damage.
• Large breeds require more space and exercise, which could be a challenge if you live in a confined apartment. 
• Some apartment managers and fellow neighbors might view the dog as a threat.
• Large dog breeds have a huge appetite and eat more food because of their size, which can add to the expense of apartment living.
• They excrete large stools that must be bagged and hauled into a trash can.
• Bullmastiffs do bark...not a lot but when they do everyone knows about it.

If you're serious about keeping a Bullmastiff in your apartment or condo, the above reasons should not stop you from adopting one. However, be sure to check with apartment managers beforehand if keeping one is okay.

Bullmastiffs are very adaptable, easy to care for, and have excellent temperaments. They are quiet, confident, and fearless. They are a devoted companion and guardian exuding an air of authority and protection in families.

Can A Bullmastiff Live In An Apartment?...Final Thoughts

Living with a large breed in a small apartment can present a host of challenges. Although the size, energy level, barking, and adaptability may be a few factors that can keep someone from keeping a big dog, you'll be surprised that a Bullmastiff can make a good apartment dog. 

Besides, they are gentle, affectionate, calm, and reasonably well-behaved with family-oriented loyalty. In addition to drooling and snoring, the Bullmastiff is intelligent, alert, and loving. Since the canine is a large breed, they have a big appetite and need regular exercise. 

If you want to keep a Bullmastiff in an apartment, find out if it's on the restricted breed from your apartment's leasing agent and whether your renter's insurance covers large dogs. They typically live for 7-8 years and will make an excellent companion...The dog, not the leasing agent.  

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I’m Ken Alden. This website
is a labor of love from years of research and personal experiences with Mastiffs.

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