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 1. How much do they cost? A "pet" quality puppy can cost $800 - $1,500 (usually $1000), and "show" quality $1,500-$2,000. In addition here are some other upfront costs:
With all things considered, expect to spend at LEAST $1,200-$2,200 (depending on "pet" or "show") on your puppy, BEFORE you’ve even HAD him a month. See Also: Buying a Bullmastiff in our NW Breeders section. 2. What’s the difference between "Pet Quality" and "Show Quality"? The only difference between pet and show quality should be cosmetic…i.e., how good the dog looks and whether it meets the standard in terms of physical features. For example, maybe a puppy’s head is a little small or not in proper proportion, or there is too much white on the chest, or perhaps the puppy is too light in the eye. Or maybe the dog is too large or small and will be well out of the breed standard. The term "pet" should NEVER imply that the dog is inferior regarding health or temperament. When considering the purchase of a "pet quality" bullmastiff ask the breeder specifically what defines the puppy a "pet" versus a "show" animal. Have the breeder show you if you are looking at a litter. The breeder should clearly point out the difference in features so that you understand. It is important to remember that a puppy can be sold as a "show quality" and not turn out to be show quality when it gets older. This is because no matter how experienced a breeder is, it is possible to make a mistake in judgment at such an early age. As a puppy grows, problems in the health and looks of the dog may arise. A good breeder will often sell a puppy as "show potential" and refund the difference between a pet quality and show quality if the dog does not turn out as expected or has specific genetic problems. This includes health as well as simple cosmetic issues. However, some breeders will not refund you the difference so it is important to discuss this prior to purchase. See Also: Pet vs. Show in our NW Breeders section. 3. Do I need a crate? They seem cruel…. YES, you need a crate; NO they are not cruel. Puppies (and even older dogs) feel safer and more secure in a confined, cozy area that is just their own. Secondly, crates protect your puppy and your home. Imagine your 12-week-old puppy home alone, unattended. In one of his (or her) waking moments he discovers that he can open a cabinet door, the same cabinet you keep your cleaning supplies in. Puppy decides to eat an entire can of Comet cleanser and rinses it down with some Windex. You come home 30 minutes later to find a very sick (possibly dead) puppy. Or suppose puppy decides to chew through the leg of your brand new coffee table. Even if you’ve taken careful steps to "puppy proof" your house, a determined and mischievous Bullmastiff puppy (or adolescent) will find and eat electrical cords, etc. Would you leave your two-year-old child unattended? Crates protect your puppy, your home, your furniture, your wallet and your mental health….do you really want to leave the puppy loose with all the things that can happen? 4. Can I raise my Bullmastiff in an apartment? Yes, BUT it’s SO much easier to have a house and fenced yard. If you insist on having one in an apartment, make sure that you have enough time to provide your puppy with adequate exercise and potty breaks. How much exercise is enough? Plan on walking and providing play exercise for your Bullmastiff twice a day for 15 to 45 minutes each time. (How much depends on the dog’s age, health, energy level, weather…i.e., heat, and the intensity of the exercise.) In addition, puppies need potty breaks 6-8 times per day. If you routinely work 10-12 hour days and have no other family members or friends who will be home with your Bullmastiff, you may want to consider another breed. 5. Are Bullmastiffs good with other dogs? Sometimes, sometimes not. Bullmastiffs are a guard breed. Different breeder lines have different characteristics and some are less prone to dog aggression than others. Much depends on how well YOU train your Bullmastiff. Early obedience training and socialization can help prevent dog aggression. Also, neutering males at a young age (6 to 12 months) reduces aggression tendencies. 6. How BIG does a Bullmastiff get and what COLORS do they come in? Bullmastiffs come in three basic colors: Red, fawn, or brindle. The solid colors, red and fawn, can occur in gradations…i.e., red fawn, light fawn, etc. Brindles can vary from very dark, (mahogany) to red and fawn striping. The AKC size standard for dogs is 25" to 27" at the withers, and 110 to 130 pounds.
7. How long do Bullmastiffs live? Expect an average lifespan of 8 to 10 years. 8. How do I find a good breeder? See Responsible Breeding in NW Breeders. NEXT: Resources and Links... |
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