If you’re in the market for a fearless yet affectionate guard dog, then a bullmastiff might be just what you and your family members are looking for. But does such a big dog come with an equally high price?
The average price for a Bullmastiff puppy ranges between $1000 to $2000, depending on the bloodline. A purebred Bullmastiff puppy can cost approximately $3000.
Here are some factors to consider before you hand over your cash.
Bullmastiffs are silent watchdogs that come with a price tag to match their reputation. On average, Bullmastiff puppies can set you back anywhere between $1000 to $2000, but depending on the quality of the breed, it is not uncommon for one to spend around $3000 for a purebred pup.
If those prices are unattractive, then adoption can be a great alternative way of becoming a proud Bullmastiff owner. Bear in mind that finding a female Bullmastiff for adoption is quite rare.
Purchasing a Bullmastiff from a registered breeder can set you back anywhere between $2,500 and $5,000, depending on the puppy’s lineage, pedigree, and some other factors (which we’ll look at in more detail a little later). The average costs of adopting a Bullmastiff from a shelter are much lower, but they can range from $50 – $500, taking into account things like the dog’s age, vet care, and each shelter’s general adoption fees.
One thing you should avoid when looking for a Bullmastiff is buying from an unregistered breeder, as the puppies they breed may not have undergone proper health screening. Likewise, the parents may not have been properly cared for, and best breeding practices may not have been followed. Luckily, these are quite easy to spot, as the puppies are usually advertised at quite a low price and the seller will likely be looking to make a quick sale.
The price of a Bullmastiff from a registered breeder in Australia averages $2,500 to $5,000. Obviously, this is quite a wide price range, but there are things that will influence this and push it towards the higher end of the scale. For example, a Bullmastiff puppy from a health-screened litter with parents who meet the ANKC’s breed standards will cost more than a non-pedigree puppy.
Adopting a Bullmastiff is much easier on the wallet, and the adoption fees range from $50 – $500. Again, this is quite a wide price range, but the cost will change depending on the dog’s age, health, and history. As a part of this adoption fee, the Bullmastiff will usually have undergone some vet care, too, such as vaccinations, microchipping, and desexing.
Taking the wide price range into account for both Bullmastiff from registered breeders and shelters, it’s worth knowing what specifically influences the initial purchase price. Here’s what you need to know:
Bullmastiffs with a distinguished lineage, especially puppies descended from show champions, often sit at the higher end of the $2,500 – $5,000 per scale. This won’t only be because they’ll meet the breed standards set by Dogs Australia / The Australian National Kennel Council but also because they’ll likely have more desirable traits, like good temperaments and reduced risks of health issues.
Along with the Bullmastiff’s lineage, the breeder’s reputation will influence the price. Good breeders will invest in health screening for both the parents and the pups, as well as socialisation training, house training, and more. This means you’re more likely to get a well-behaved puppy with a clean bill of health and no family history of genetic disorders, which, in turn, pushes the price up towards that $5,000 mark.
Puppies are always more expensive than adult dogs, and Bullmastiffs aged between 8-12 weeks will cost more than a 6 month+ old dog. This is particularly true when buying from a registered breeder, but even when adopting, you may find that you end up paying a higher fee for a younger Bullmastiff. Why? Put simply, older rescue dogs might require more ongoing care, so the initial cost is lower to make up for this, ensuring the new owners can afford any medication or specialist food.
As with most breed standards, there are only certain colours and markings that are recognised by Dogs Australia / The Australian National Kennel Council when it comes to Bullmastiffs. Puppies that meet these are likely to be priced higher than those that don’t, as this means they’ll stand a much better chance at shows and competitions. Demand also comes into play here, and a litter of puppies that meet these colour and marking standards are more likely to sit at the higher end of the price scale, as they’ll be more sought after.
The initial cost of a Bullmastiff is just one thing you’ll need to cover, and there are several items you’ll need to purchase to give them a happy and healthy life. These include:
Dog crate: $150 – $300 for a sturdy crate suitable for a large breed and strong enough to provide a safe, comfortable space.
Dog bed: $80 – $200 for a durable, supportive bed that will support a Bullmastiff’s weight and joints.
Dog collar/lead: $30 – $70 for a strong collar and lead that can withstand a Bullmastiff’s strength.
Feeding bowl: $20 – $50 for a stainless steel or ceramic slow-feed food bowl designed to prevent digestive issues through fast feeding.
Dog toothbrush: $10 – $30 for a toothbrush and toothpaste set designed to maintain good canine dental health.
Dog car harness: $30 – $60 for a crash-tested safety harness that will keep your dog secure while travelling.
Puppy treats: $10 – $20 per month for natural treats that you can use for training and rewarding good behaviour.
Puppy training pads: $20 – $40 for housebreaking training during the puppy’s early months (if not already toilet trained).
Dog shampoo & conditioner: $15 – $30 for a hypoallergenic shampoo designed to clean short coats and maintain good skin health.
Dog nail clippers, brushes & combs: $30 – $50 for a set of brushes, brush mitt, and nail clippers for ongoing home-grooming.
Feeding your Bullmastiff will be one of the biggest ongoing costs you’ll have to cover, and as an adult Bullmastiff weighs between 45kg and 60kg, they’ll need up to 1.2kg of food every day to maintain their muscle mass and overall health. This means taking the different diets below into account, your monthly dog food bill could be between $75 and $300.
It is important to remember that feeding costs will vary depending on the Bullmastiff’s size and sex, as well as the brand and quality of the food you choose. Specialist diets (such as grain free) may also be needed, which tend to cost more than regular food. We recommend consulting your vet for the best diet plan.
Vet care is another cost to consider, not just for potential injuries and issues associated with large breeds like a Bullmastiff but for ongoing preventative care. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect to spend on this throughout the course of a year:
Annual vet checkups: $80 – $150 per visit for a general health assessment, weight check, and early detection of medical issues.
Vaccinations: $100 – $200 per year to cover core vaccinations and optional boosters for diseases like kennel cough.
Worming and parasite protection: $20 – $50 per month, depending on the type of treatment used to prevent fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal worms.
Dental cleaning (every 1-2 years): $300 – $600 per session for plaque removal and potential extractions under anaesthesia.
Pet insurance: $50 – $100 per month to cover unexpected medical issues, routine procedures for pre-existing conditions, and more, depending on your chosen coverage level.
Despite their short coat, Bullmastiffs still require regular grooming to keep their fur and coat in good condition. You can do some of this at home with a grooming kit, but occasional visits to a professional groomer are also a good idea for a deeper clean. Here are some average prices across different services:
Hydrobath prices: $25 – $50 per session for a bath and skin conditioning treatment.
Full groom prices: $60 – $100 per session for a bath, blow-dry skin conditioning treatment, ear cleaning, and nail trim.
Face, feet & tail groom prices: $30 – $60 for cleaning and tidying up the areas more prone to collecting dirt and matting.
Training is super important for Bullmastiffs, as they’re such a strong-willed and powerful breed. There are a few different options available to help with socialisation and obedience, and the cost averages vary depending on the kind of training you need:
Basic obedience training prices: $200 – $400 for a 6-week group class that works on basic commands, leash walking, and good behaviour.
Puppy training class prices: $150 – $250 for a 6-week course that covers socialisation, interacting with other dogs, and a few basic commands.
Specialised training prices (i.e. anxiety, aggression): $100 – $150 per session for private training that addresses specific behavioural issues Bullmastiffs may suffer from, such as reactivity, territorial behaviour, and separation anxiety.
From the initial cost of purchasing or adopting to the ongoing expenses of food and vet care, owning a Bullmastiff is a financial commitment you need to be 100% confident you’re capable of keeping up with. Also, considering a Bullmastiff has an average lifespan of 7 – 9 years, you’ll need to be comfortable with covering these expenses for a long time. However, if you’re financially prepared, these gentle giants will make a wonderful addition to your family for years to come!
Not all Bullmastiffs are sold at the same price due to several different factors, including the puppy’s pedigree, coat colour and if they’ve been trained and well-socialised.
Like most sought-after breeds, the price of a Bullmastiff puppy is largely dependent on a pup’s purity and bloodline. The purer the pedigree of the puppy, the greater the price it can fetch.
Coat colour also plays a huge role and can lead to extensive searches for a prize pup. These, however, aren’t the only factors that affect the price of a Bullmastiff puppy.
Beyond whether the Bullmastiff puppies have been trained or socialised, another key influence is the reputation of a breeder. Breeders with a name within the industry can generally charge a lot more than your average pet store.
When choosing a breeder, credibility is key. Credible breeders can often be found at the vet, running tests to ensure a dog is healthy and has the ideal breed characteristics.
Another way of finding high-quality Bullmastiff puppies is by contacting organisations such as Dogs QLD and Dogs NSW which can direct you to a reputable breeder, breed clubs, or a breeding program.
Most dog owners know very well that the cost of a canine does not merely end after the initial purchase, with your average Bullmastiff being far from an exception. As with any other dog, there are other prices to pay, such as:
Before settling on this breed, it is important to remember that, unlike small dogs, they require a lot more food to maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle. For a muscular breed such as the Bullmastiff, providing a large meal with sufficient vitamins and minerals means that you’ll find yourself spending a lot more to help your dog maintain a healthy weight.
After reaching adulthood, feeding a bullmastiff will set you back somewhere between $300 to $600 a year.
Despite being powerful and well-built, Bullmastiffs, like most pets, can come with an array of health issues. Mast cell tumours, hip dysplasia, and skin problems such as dog’s elbow, to mention a few, are all relatively common ailments amongst the Bullmastiff breed, most of which can be treated medically.
Getting your Bullmastiff vet checked regularly is key to ensuring its overall health; this could run about $300 to $600 per year or around $30 to $60 per month.
The short coat dawned by Bullmastiffs comes with its fair share of issues, one of the most notable being shedding. To avoid coat problems, Bullmastiffs require regular grooming in the form of brushing and bathing. Bathing should take place every 5 to 7 weeks, and brushing should be done at least twice a week.
Additionally, frequent checks for ear infections, nail clipping, and teeth brushing all play an important role in keeping your Bullmastiff healthy. Grooming your hound can cost nothing, depending on whether you have the appropriate tools, to around $70 per month. Alternatively, you may also want to use a professional groomer, whose costs can vary quite substantially.
If you are fully aware of the care required and can manage the costs, you will find yourself with a silent watchdog that can provide you with good protection, safely entertain kids, and get along with other pets, such as cats.
You’ll be making a substantial investment, but their calm, gentle, and protective nature are what makes the Bullmastiff breed a cut above the rest.
Bullmastiffs are classified as utility dogs in Australia due to their firm builds and protective demeanour; however, appearances can be deceiving. If owners can manage them effectively, Bullmastiffs can be friendly dogs and affectionate family members that kids will adore.
Before making the decision to buy into the Bullmastiff breed, it is important to embark on deep searches to find additional information.
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