Bullmastiff Grooming

The Bullmastiff is a big dog--and while the breed's overall grooming needs aren't too time-consuming, they can seem like a lot simply because of the Bullmastiff's size. For the most part, though, these dogs will need the typical amount of brushing and bathing.

Here you'll find details on maintaining the Bullmastiff coat, including info on brushing and bathing. You'll also learn about caring for these dogs' teeth, ears, paws, and more. Get answers to your questions about Bullmastiff grooming in the following sections!

Overall Bullmastiff grooming doesn't take too much work, and these big dogs' coats likewise don't require a lot of care--though their size means there's a lot of coat to maintain! The coats, while short-haired, are double-layered, so while shedding is light for most of the year it gets heavier during the spring and fall shedding seasons. Brushing will only be necessary once or twice a week (except for during shedding season, when daily brushing is best). The best brush for a Bullmastiff is either a bristle brush or a grooming glove. Some people also like to use a shedding blade a couple of times during the periods of heavy shedding.

Luckily, the brushing process isn't complicated: wet the coat with water mist from a spray bottle, then go through the coat section by section with the brush or glove, moving in the direction of hair growth.

Bathing is necessary every 2-3 months, unless the dog gets especially dirty or stinky (which, with this breed's drooling tendency, may happen more often than with other dogs!). Be sure to use canine shampoo, and rinse the shampoo from the coat completely. Not doing both these things can irritate the dog's skin.

Bullmastiff's short coats simply aren't long enough to sport any hairstyle other than natural--so haircuts aren't required at all.

And though owners can learn all the Bullmastiff grooming needs on their own, it's a good idea to take the dog to a professional groomer at least once. The groomer can give the dog a nice makeover, and provide tips on how to groom a Bullmastiff at home.

Caring for these dogs' coats will also require the use of a few Bullmastiff grooming tools: a bristle brush or grooming glove (and an optional shedding blade), along with canine shampoo, will all be useful to have.

Besides its coat, a Bullmastiff will need to be maintained in the following areas:

• Teeth: Just like a human's, Bullmastiff teeth need regular brushing to avoid the buildup of plaque and tartar, and to minimize that Bullmastiff bad breath! Brush the dog's teeth 2-3 times per week with a regular toothbrush--but be sure to use canine toothpaste, as the kind made for humans can make dogs sick if they swallow it.
• Ears: If your Bullmastiff's ears aren't cleaned periodically, they can collect dirt and debris and even get infected--which could lead to hearing loss. Clean the dog's ears monthly using canine ear cleaning solution. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, but the usual process is to squirt some solution into the ear canal, close the ear flap, and massage the outer ear for a few seconds to work in the liquid. The dog will probably shake its head vigorously--this is normal--and after that use a cotton ball (never a Q-Tip!) to wipe out any remaining solution.
• Drooling: These dogs slobber quite a bit, and their necks and chests can get dirty and stinky from the drool. Owners can keep rags, towels, or baby wipes in rooms where the dog spends time to use for cleaning up--and if the drooling gets especially excessive, tie a bandanna or towel around the dog's neck to help keep its chest and neck clean.
• Nails: If Bullmastiff nails click on hard surfaces, it's time for a trim. Use standard clippers to cut the nails as close to the toes as possible. Take care not to cut into the nail's quick (the blood vessel running through it), though, as doing so can make the nail bleed and be painful.
• Paw Pads: Your Bullmastiff's paw pads can become dry, cracked, and tender. The pads absorb the brunt of these dogs' considerable weight, and the issue is worse if the dog walks a lot on hot asphalt or snow and ice. Apply canine paw pad moisturizer to your Mastiff's feet weekly to keep them soft, moist, and healthy.