“How much does a Bullmastiff cost, and what are the things to consider when owning them?” This is probably your top priority as you think about getting a Bullmastiff.
Bullmastiffs are big dogs that come with a hefty price tag, so come prepared. However, this gentle giant is worthy of being part of your life as a loving family member and an alert watchdog.
This comprehensive article will guide you about the cost of getting a Bullmastiff puppy along with its other expenses. After this, you will determine which things to consider once you acquire them.
The Average Cost of a Bullmastiff Puppy
The Bullmastiff is an expensive dog. A purebred Bullmastiff puppy costs anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000. However, if they come from an exceptional lineage and a well-known, high-quality breeder, it might cost around $3,500.
The expenses do not stop there, though! If you are an experienced dog owner, I’m sure you know there is more to it.
If you are a first-time dog owner and you want a Bullmastiff as your first pet, keep reading! I will make sure to inform you as much as possible by providing in-depth expense details and factors when owning this large and loving pet.
To know more about how much a Bullmastiff costs in its first year, watch this video:
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Bullmastiff Puppy
After having an idea of how much a Bullmastiff pup costs, shall we move on to the next few expenses? Besides, this financial step is a responsibility you must prioritize, too.
An essential part of researching Bullmastiff prices is considering its factors, including the breeder and their location, coat color, gender, and whether they are show-quality or champions.
This is a tedious thing to do, but it’s more important to make sure your pup is priced at the right amount than to be scammed.
Here are a few factors that affect the price of a Bullmastiff puppy:
- Age and Gender: Like other pets, age affects their pricing. Puppies typically cost higher than adults. Whether you get a male or a female Bullmastiff, gender can affect the cost. A male Bullmastiff puppy is usually more expensive because they do better as watchdogs. On the other hand, female puppies are priced lower as they are more suitable as family companions.
- Appearance: The rarity of its coat color can highly affect its pricing. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes fawn, red, brindle, and a mix of two or all the colors as standard colors of the breed. Ultra brindle coat color is the most expensive one, so if you are looking for this particular color, make sure your budget is more than prepared.
- Breeder’s Reputation: Bullmastiff prices will differ depending on where you are buying your puppy from. I highly recommend researching the potential breeders you have on your list. You may check if they partake in the AKC Breeder of Merit Program, are a member of the American Bullmastiff Association (ABA), and view feedback from clients. Their reputation affects your Bullmastiff pup’s overall well-being in the long run, as well as their price tag.
- Puppy’s Pedigree: One of the most important factors in a Bullmastiff’s cost is the puppy’s pedigree. If you want a Bullmastiff that comes from its purest bloodline, prepare to shell out a significant amount of money.
- Health Screenings: A breeder that provides necessary health tests may put a higher price tag on their puppies. However, this ensures that you will take home a healthy puppy.
- Training Received: Bullmastiffs, in general, are calm and loving family dogs. Enrolling them in training schools is your option. If you want to save a few bucks, you may simply train them at home.
Aside from the said factors, other things influence the price of a Bullmastiff. Its size may even affect this, as well as the shipping costs.
To ensure you are more than prepared to welcome your new pet, continue reading.
READ NEXT: How Big Do Bullmastiffs Get? Puppy Growth Chart and FAQ
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Bullmastiff From a Rescue?
To adopt a rescue Bullmastiff is entirely your choice. If you are considering this instead of purchasing from a breeder, this costs lower at around $250 to $1,000.
That price covers your rescue Bullmastiff’s vaccination, rehabilitation, as well as sterilization. It might still seem like a lot, but that amount can help support shelters or non-profit organizations that rely solely on donations.
Adopting does not mean they are of less quality than from a reputable breeder.
While breeders can provide clients with high-quality Bullmastiffs, adopting from a shelter means giving one loving dog another chance to live a happier life.
READ NEXT: The Ultimate Guide to Dog Adoption: Process, What to Ask and Tips to Get Approved
Initial Cost of Bullmastiff Ownership
Ready to list down the next expenses? As expected, it does not stop at purchasing and covering some of the factors of owning a Bullmastiff puppy.
Aside from those things, you will need the other essentials for your puppy, such as food, bowls, bed, leash and collar, toys, grooming needs, and other needs.
Initial vet visitation, vaccines, sterilization, and other health essentials must also be included in your budget.
Let this list of expenses be your guide to budgeting for all your Bullmastiff puppy’s needs to grow as a healthy dog:
- Food and Treats: Big dogs like the Bullmastiffs require big servings. This essential alone costs around $100 to $120. However, it does not mean that you can just give it unmeasured meals since the Bullmastiff is prone to bloating. If you are to give rewards, you may also check out our list of top dog treats.
- Food and Water Bowls: Buying food and water bowls may seem like an unnecessary thing, but it is better to invest in something stainless that costs around $15 to $35 than to buy plastic ones that cost less but are easily breakable.
- Bed: The Bullmastiff is more of a house dog than an adventurous one despite its large size. It would certainly enjoy a bed of its own when in need of its own space. Want something comfortable for your pet? You may purchase one that costs between $50 and $200.
- Crate: A large and spacious one is important. A crate for a large breed like the Bullmastiff may cost around $60 to $500. Investing in one will be both beneficial for you and your pet. Crate training helps your pup to familiarize its safe and personal space. Aside from that, it ensures you that your things are prevented from becoming chew toys.
- Leashes and Collars: At the beginning of training your pup, it should be provided and introduced with a leash and a collar. Let your pet get accustomed to using those outdoor essentials. A leash and a collar usually cost around $15 to $50.
- Toys: Despite the Bullmastiff’s laid-back personality, like other dogs, it also deserves toys. This is also to prevent boredom that may lead to chewing other stuff, and I’m pretty sure you don’t want that. Fun and durable toys for your Bullmastiff pet typically range between $30 and $50.
- Grooming Essentials: Be prepared to shell out around $40 to $180 for its grooming needs. Although the Bullmastiff is considered a low-maintenance dog for its short and dense coat, it does not mean that this part should be neglected. Investing in quality bath essentials and brushes can save you from spending more in pet grooming salons.
- Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: Bullmastiff breeders usually cover the medications for deworming and make sure that their pups are free from ticks and fleas. If not, you should prepare around $50 to $200 to prevent parasites.
- Initial Vet Visits: This procedure is not highly necessary. However, the first few visits to the vet are vital to ensure that your Bullmastiff pup is at its most optimal health as it grows. This costs between $100 and $300.
- Initial Vaccine Shots: Its first vaccine shots shall cost around $75 to $200. This covers rabies shots, canine distemper, parvovirus, and other required shots. When purchasing a Bullmastiff pup, make sure the breeder or shelter has this covered, or else you are to shoulder this.
- Neutering or Spaying: No plans on breeding your Bullmastiff? Or do you just want to avoid unnecessary health conditions? Either way, the cheapest amount to spay or neuter your pet costs about $50, while the most expensive one is around $500.
- Dog License: It might seem like an unimportant thing to own, but for $10 to $20, you will have legitimate proof of your Bullmastiff’s identity and your ownership. Veterinary records will easily be identified if you have a dog license for your pet.
- Microchip: A microchip is a safe device for implanting in your pet. This costs around $40 to $60. Although Bullmastiffs like to stay at home, it is better to be safe than sorry.
- Miscellaneous Supplies: Apart from the said expenses, prepare around $15 to $30 for some miscellaneous things for your pets. The extras might include outdoor needs such as a poop scooper and some bags, disposable pet wipes, as well as vitamins.
Below is a recap of your possible initial expenses for a Bullmastiff pup:
Type of Expense | Cost |
Food and Treats | $100 – $120 |
Food and Water Bowls | $15 – $35 |
Bed | $50 – $200 |
Crate | $60 – $500 |
Leashes and Collars | $15 – $50 |
Toys | $30 – $50 |
Grooming Essentials | $40 – $180 |
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $50 – $200 |
Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $300 |
Initial Vaccine Shots | $75 – $200 |
Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
Dog License | $10 – $20 |
Microchip | $40 – $60 |
Miscellaneous Supplies | $15 – $30 |
Total Initial Cost | $650 – $2,445 |
Based on the chart shown above, an amount of around $650 to $2,445 is how much you’ll need when preparing for your pet’s initial needs.
It may seem like a lot, but when it’s for providing for your Bullmastiff pup, it shouldn’t be a hassle for a loving fur parent.
Not everything on the list is annually spent since neutering or spaying and microchipping are only done one time.
For a novice pet owner, you may be able to save some by finding reputable breeders that provide a bundle of essentials when purchasing a puppy from them.
Some of them include initial medications and miscellaneous needs, so be sure to inquire.
If you are an experienced owner, you probably have knowledge on how to lessen the expenses without sacrificing any quality of your pup’s needs.
You may also already own some of the dog supplies I’ve listed earlier. Either way, it’s a win-win situation.
READ NEXT: Pit Mastiff (Pitbull & Mastiff Mix) Info, Pictures, Facts, FAQs & More
Annual Cost of Owning a Bullmastiff
Another important thing to determine is if you can bear the annual expenses of owning a Bullmastiff. Taking care of a dog, in general, can be pricey. What more if it’s a gentle giant?
Here is a rundown of the expenses you need to consider for your Bullmastiff every year:
Type of Expense | Yearly Estimate |
Food and Treats | $900 – $1,200 |
Toys | $30 – $150 |
Bed and Crate | $240 – $500 |
Leashes and Collars | $30 – $50 |
Grooming Essentials | $200 – $500 |
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $150 – $250 |
Routine Veterinary Care | $200 – $400 |
Pet Insurance | $800 – $1,500 |
Vaccinations | $80 – $250 |
Miscellaneous Supplies | $30 – $50 |
Yearly Total | $2,660 – $4,850 |
Average Monthly Cost | $222 – $404 |
There are some expenses that are highly necessary and cannot be excluded as they are important to your Bullmastiff’s overall health.
In fact, almost all of these expenses are not to be excluded. What goes on the list ensures your pet’s wellness.
Routine veterinary care is important for all dogs in any condition. Whether they are sick or not, they are advised to visit the vet regularly.
When it comes to pet insurance, you can see that this takes up most of the annual expenses of your Bullmastiff. Despite the cost, this is recommended to lessen what you spend on vet bills.
Want to know the best pet insurance companies out there? Check out our top picks.
When it comes to providing financial support for your Bullmastiff, it does not mean you should necessarily go all the way to give them a better living situation.
Later on, I will share some money-saving tips to lessen your expenses without sacrificing quality.
Other Potential Expenses
We have now covered the initial and annual costs of your future Bullmastiff pup as well as its necessities.
While the information above seems enough, you might want to continue with this article just to prepare for other expenses you may come across.
Here are some of the potential expenses you might run into:
- Doggy Daycare: If you are someone who tends to have busy days and cannot leave your Bullmastiff buddy at home, dog daycare can be helpful in relieving them from their possible negative behaviors. Since they have amenities for your pet, the cost of their services is higher, ranging between $15 and $40.
- Dog Walking: The estimated cost to hire a dog walker while you’re away can cost $30. Although unnecessary, it’s best to prepare extra bucks if you can’t tag your Bullmastiff along with you.
- Kennel Club Registration: If you are planning to have your Bullmastiff participate in dog shows, you are required to shell out around $80 to $200. This ensures that your dog’s pedigree is recorded by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
- Puppy School: Puppy training is said to be an important part of having a Bullmastiff. Apart from being taught commands and behaviors, they will learn how to socialize around other pets and humans. Puppy schools typically charge around $200 to $600, including six to eight weeks of training.
- Emergency Vet Expenses: This may be costly, but it is better to be financially prepared rather than not knowing where to get money if your Bullmastiff gets into an accident. The average cost of unanticipated medical care for your pet is around $800 to $1,500. Bullmastiffs are prone to hip dysplasia, and treatment may cost between $1,200 and $2,500. If it’s a more complicated emergency, you must prepare more than $7,000.
Most of the said potential expenses are optional, depending on the needs of your Bullmastiff pet. Besides, it is not a “one size fits all” situation.
However, it is important to have a huge sum of money prepared for your Bullmastiff’s possible medical needs.
Places to Find Bullmastiff Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Now that we have gathered almost all the things you need to own a Bullmastiff, it is time to look for reputable sources. From breeders to rescues, we’ve got you covered.
When looking for a quality-conscious breeder, you need to confirm that they are members of well-known Bullmastiff associations and clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the American Bullmastiff Association (ABA).
Trustworthy breeders that adhere to the mission of such organizations assure you that they maintain the preservation of a Bullmastiff and its character.
Want something in-depth for this step? Check out our puppy buying guide for tips and awareness as we delve into this topic.
Here is a list of reputable breeders to find Bullmastiff puppies for sale:
- Folly’s Bullmastiffs – Folly’s Bullmastiffs is a kennel that also breeds show-quality dogs and healthy puppies. When they don’t go to shows, they spend quality time with their loving Bullmastiffs, keeping them happy and active. They also train their pups to be properly socialized and well-tempered, meaning you’ll get an ideal Bullmastiff pup from them.
- Guardian Angel Bullmastiffs – Guardian Angel Bullmastiffs is a kennel owned by nationally and internationally recognized breeders. They produce happy and healthy puppies with sound temperaments. Aside from breeding pups, Guardian Angel occasionally rehomes retired adults and helps other rescue programs to help other Bullmastiffs find forever homes.
Aside from the mentioned sources, we have an article about the top 10 best Bullmastiff breeders. Rest assured that all breeders on the list adhere to the standards in producing healthy and well-tempered Bullmastiff pups.
RELATED: 10 Best Bullmastiff Breeders (2023): Our Top 10 Picks!
While purchasing a Bullmastiff is a safe option, it can be quite expensive. One way to save money is to adopt from rescues or shelters.
Here are a few Bullmastiff rescues you may try checking out:
- Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions – Known for being the largest giant breed dog rescue in the world, Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions is a non-profit organization that continues to provide dogs like the Bullmastiffs with new permanent homes. If you want a Bullmastiff from this shelter, they have rescues that have wonderful temperaments but are now in need of a family.
- Valley Mastiff Rescue – A non-profit organization since 2005, Valley Mastiff Rescue devotes its community to saving homeless Bullmastiffs. Their volunteers provide needs for these gentle giants while waiting for a new forever home. Animal lovers can also send their donations, so the foster dogs under their care are well-provided.
- Bullmastiff Rescuers Inc. – Bullmastiff Rescuers Inc. aims to save, rehabilitate, and rehome abandoned Bullmastiffs. If you are looking for one as a family companion, this is the rescue to consider. However, they prefer applicants with experience with Bullmastiffs just to ensure that their foster dogs will be well-loved and cared for.
Adopting a dog is such a big responsibility. If you want to be sure that you are taking reasonable steps to own a Bullmastiff rescue, read our ultimate guide on how to adopt a dog.
Are you on a tight budget? Check out this other article on how to get free puppies near your area!
READ NEXT: 13 Ways to Find Free Puppies in Your Area for Adoption (2023)
Money-Saving Tips for Bullmastiff Owners
Owning a Bullmastiff as your companion can be fulfilling for anyone. If you want the best for your dog, it can be an expensive commitment. Luckily, there are tips I can give to help you cut back some costs.
Here are a few money-saving tips for Bullmastiff owners:
- Visit the vet regularly. You might think this is still a bit expensive, but having your Bullmastiff checked regularly by your trusted veterinarian would lessen your pet’s health risks. This tip will save you from emergency medical expenses in the long run.
- Groom your Bullmastiff at home. Bullmastiffs are considered low-maintenance dogs. You may simply invest in a high-quality grooming set that can be useful for a long time, so you don’t have to visit the grooming salon whenever needed.
- Make homemade dog food and treats. Home-cooked meals and treats for Bullmastiffs can be quite beneficial for both you and your pet. You can save money while keeping them healthy since you can watch what ingredients you put in their food.
- Train your Bullmastiff yourself. If you are an experienced dog owner, you probably already have knowledge of how you train your dog at home. Aside from saving money, getting to know each other could be a quality time for both of you.
Those are just some of the things to help you save money. It may apply to you or not, but the important thing is what’s best for your Bullmastiff.
At the end of the day, it is still your decision whether you spend a lot or be strict with the budget.
Final Thoughts
A big dog like the Bullmastiff is on the expensive side whether you purchase or adopt one. There are many things to consider aside from their initial cost.
Going through the possible expenses to Bullmastiff ownership will be helpful to ready you for any financial situation.
As some of their needs may be recurring, it is better to be more than prepared and invest in products of high quality.
Remember to shower them with love, feed them properly, provide vitamins, train them kindly, and visit the vet regularly to avoid serious health risks.
These loving giants make great family companions and watchdogs. The Bullmastiff price is worthy enough to invest in them financially and emotionally.
If you find this article helpful, or you’d love to share your Bullmastiff owning experience, we’d love to hear from you through the comment section!
1 comment
Hi. I love this breed! In 1976, I was in the USAF and saw the movie “Rocky.” The Bullmastiff in it caught my attention. What a handsome and unique dog, I thought. When I was out of the service, I adopted one in 1979 from a committed, small breeder. Since BM was a relatively unknown dog at the time, she was trying to insure that she bred for “type,” in looks and temperament. My “pet quality” dog turned out to be more show dog quality and we bred him once to her female. He was such a wonderful puppy and adult. He LOVED water and tried to join me in the shower at times, which you can imagine would be risky. LOL. Once, years later, I saw a BM at a vet visit and this dog had a cleft palate, oversized and not quite a type. It was to be put down by the breeder, but this man adopted him. What a kind and loving action. What this giant might have been missing in beauty, he had in personality, such a sweet dog. I’m a senior now and as much as I’d love to have a large dog, I have to consider my needs and the dog’s. I’m trying to adopt a SMALL terrier as I’ve had many. Hard to find them, but trying to adopt. Big dogs, mostly Pit Bulls/mixes are overflowing in rescues and shelters in N.C. Such a shame. My BM did try chewing the house down, ONCE. With a bit of scolding and positive reinforcement, we stopped that! He wanted to please. Thank you for this wonderful article, guide and plan for possible BM adopters. I will use your site and writing to help me with my next dog and our life together. Be well, and thank you!