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Find out all about Bullmastiffs and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

Written by , updated on September 15th, 2023

Price range

$1,000–$3,500

Height

61cm - 70cm

Weight

50kg - 60kg

Personality

Gentle, loyal, affectionate

Coat length

Short, smooth

Exercise needs

Moderate to high

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

8 - 10 years

Overview

The Bullmastiff is often referred to as the ‘gentle giant’ of the dog world. It is a very large dog with a high protective instinct and originated from England in the 1800s. They were originally bred to protect large estates from poachers, and are a cross between the Mastiff and the English Bulldog. They were officially recognised as a separate breed in 1924, and have gained in popularity ever since for their gentle nature and devotion to those they are asked to protect.

Bullmastiffs are affectionate, loyal and loving companions. Their calm and self-assured temperament makes them excellent family pets and watchdogs for those who have a larger property. Due to their size, they are not suitable for small backyards. They are intelligent, but can be quite independent, requiring early socialisation and consistent firm training. They have a short coat that requires minimal grooming, but do need regular exercise to keep them healthy. Bullmastiffs do well in homes where they receive lots of love and attention, and are given the job to protect their families.

Common diseases and conditions of Bullmastiffs

Hip Dysplasia: This is a common orthopaedic condition affecting the joint's development. It can lead to discomfort and mobility issues. Responsible breeding practices and regular veterinary check-ups are essential to prevent and manage this condition.
Elbow Dysplasia: Another common orthopaedic condition which affects the elbow joints and can lead to lameness and mobility issues.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat): A serious condition where the stomach twists, potentially causing a life-threatening emergency.
Hypothyroidism: A thyroid disorder that can impact metabolism and overall health.
Entropian: This is a condition in which the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the dog's cornea. It can lead to corneal ulceration and blindness if left untreated.

Breed-specific issues:

The protective nature of Bullmastiffs may make them reserved around strangers, so early socialisation is important for Bullmastiff puppies. They require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.

How much does pet insurance cost for a Bullmastiff?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Bullmastiff, including the following:

Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.   
Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most. 
The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.  
Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.  
Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.  
Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do. 
Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.
Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Accident-only

This is the most basic type of pet insurance, covering costs for accidental injuries such as car accidents, poisoning, burns, fractures, snake and spider bites, but not illnesses and other conditions.

Accident and illness

This type of insurance provides cover for accidental injuries as well as illnesses like cancer, gastrointestinal problems and eye, ear and skin conditions, but not routine care for your pet.

Comprehensive

This offers the highest level of protection, covering accident and illness and potentially routine care such as vaccinations, dental care, worm and flea treatments and microchipping.

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Common questions about Bullmastiffs

Are Bullmastiffs prone to drooling?

Yes, Bullmastiffs are known to drool, particularly after eating or drinking, and sometimes due to excitement or hot weather. It's a characteristic of the breed, so potential owners should be prepared for this when considering if a Bullmastiff is the right breed for their family.

Do Bullmastiffs get along with other pets?

Yes, Bullmastiffs can be friendly and tolerant with other pets, especially when they've been socialised from a young age. However, their protective instincts may sometimes lead to territorial behaviour. Gradual introductions to other animals are essential to foster positive relationships. Bullmastiffs often form strong bonds with other pets in the household, and can coexist peacefully with cats if they are raised together.

Are Bullmastiffs good for first-time dog owners?

Bullmastiffs can be suitable for first-time dog owners who are prepared for their size and strength, as they have a gentle yet protective nature. However, novice owners should be aware of the breed's assertive temperament, and invest time in early socialisation and consistent training. It's essential to establish yourself as the pack leader to manage their protective instincts effectively.

Do Bullmastiffs require a lot of exercise?

While Bullmastiffs are a large breed, they are not overly active dogs, unlike some other very large breeds. They do benefit from daily walks and playtime to stay healthy and happy, but they aren't as demanding as other high-energy breeds. Their moderate exercise needs make them a good choice for individuals or families with an active lifestyle. Adequate mental stimulation and regular companionship are equally important to prevent boredom in these affectionate people-loving dogs.

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Disclaimer and important things you should know

Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.

We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.

For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.