Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers)
We're glad you asked
At Canadian Bullmastiffs we believe there are no stupid questions, except for those you don't ask. We want you to embark on this adventure with your eyes wide open and no unanswered questions. Any question you might have; we had to ask them once upon a time too. Some of the common ones we have listed here. If your question isn't listed here, please ask us.
Another source to ask questions is to visit our Facebook Group. Collectively there is a wealth of experience and knowledge about the breed.
We also have links to online resources on our Contact Us page
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How big do Bullmastiffs get?
Adults will range from 24-27 in (61-69 cm) at the withers and weigh from 100-130 lb (45-58.5 kg). A full description of the breed standards can be Downloaded Here. (PDF file)
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How long until they are full grown?
Your puppy is going to grow rapidly. In about 12 months he/she will be approaching full size. Do not, however, mistake this for maturity. Despite their size, your Bullmastiff is still a puppy until at least 24 months. Bones and structure are still developing. Avoid rough play and especially jumping to or from high places.
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What colours can they be?
When the breed was primarily a protector of game grounds, the dark brindle colour was a favourite because of the camouflage effect. Today the most popular are the light fawn, the dark red, and every shade between. The black mask is a universal signature trait, regardless of colour.
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How bad is the drool factor?
The short muzzle makes the drool factor inevitable. It is only extreme, however, in the heat of summer, or if they have a large drink of water. So avoid prolonged sessions in the sun and allow them continual access to water, and it is not extreme. You might want to keep a towel handy though, just in case.
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Do they shed?
The breed makes up for the drool factor with the no-shedding factor; something to be appreciated with a large breed dog. An occasional washing and brushing is all that is required.
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Should I get a male or a female?
The biggest difference between the genders is that males tend to be a little larger than females. That is not an absolute truth though. Exercise and diet can offset gender and even genetic tendencies. Presuming that your dog will be spayed or neutered (please) the temperaments will be very similar. Nurture will play a bigger part than nature in distinguishing one dog from another.
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Why is there such a difference in price from one breeder to another?
This is a good question and the consequence of price is huge. Puppies can range from about $800 to $3500 and when you are looking for a puppy, you really need to ask why. Vet bills are expensive. Reliable breeding stock is expensive. Proper diet is expensive. Time spent with the dogs is a factor which has to be considered. Your bargain basement breeder is cutting some corners somewhere.
As price increases, so does the level of care (one would hope). At some point, pedigree becomes a factor and you are paying for ancestry. Some people consider this to be a measure of vanity but ancestry can determine the potential for health and longevity. While nobody is immune, the odds change drastically depending on ancestry. Those champion ribbons are nice on the mantle but they also indicate a level of care, health, and breed standard.
Increased cost, if justified, is the price of health and care and some measure of satisfaction that your breeder is working to maintain the breed.
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How much does delivery cost?
There are several factors in the equation. Of course, distance will affect the air fare. Puppy will also need a travel crate and some accessories to make the journey. In our case, the journey to the airport is also a factor. To keep costs down, we share this expense with the adopters. The grand total, depending on your location is approximately $500.
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How old are the puppies before we can adopt?
The standard is 8 weeks from birth. This is not an arbitrary number. It is based on decades of observation. This is the optimum age for separation from Mama and introduction to a new environment. Similar to the moment puppy opened his eyes and life changed, this is when he is ready to cut the cord and explore a measure of independence.