7 Reasons to Never Buy a Bullmastiff
A large breed with the ‘short muzzle’ aesthetic that’s synonymous with a myriad of serious health concerns, bullmastiffs were originally bred as guard dogs and retain many of those instincts.
Like all companion animals, a bullmastiff is a serious commitment, and no one should ever buy a bullmastiff puppy (or any other animal) while so many shelter dogs are looking for loving homes. Read on to find out why you should never buy a bullmastiff.
Bullmastiffs Suffer From Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)
Just like other breathing-impaired breeds (BIB), such as pugs, bulldogs, and Pekingese, the squashed face of a bullmastiff spells respiratory issues that can, at best, cause snoring and, at worst, lead to heart attacks.
Simply put, the shortened skulls and muzzles of bullmastiffs can lead to blocked airways, which may cause cardiovascular concerns, heat intolerance, and apnoea, where they suddenly stop breathing.
They’re Also Prone to Other Health Issues
Aside from the almost-constant risk of suffocation that affects Breathing Impaired Breeds (BIB) like bullmastiffs, they are also prone to heart conditions, like dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a heart issue occurring when bullmastiffs’ heart muscles become too weak to pump blood effectively, and Subaortic valvular stenosis (SAS).
Bullmastiffs can also suffer from retinal atrophy (which can cause blindness), joint dysplasia, and, because of their barrel chests, painful bouts of bloat.
Vet Bills Add Up!
The physical and mental health issues that “designer” dogs face can result in more frequent vet visits, especially in the case of BIB breeds like bullmastiffs. Sometimes, breathing difficulties can mean surgery, while other conditions can mean a lifetime of expensive medications.
Being the guardian of any dog is costly, and the additional financial demands of properly caring for a bullmastiff often lead to many being sent to shelters, where large dogs are often overlooked.
Their Lifespans Are Often Short
Because of their large size, and because they have been deliberately bred to have deformities, such as shortened airways, bullmastiffs are susceptible to health issues including heart disease, cancer, and joint problems, which can affect their longevity. As a result, bullmastiffs typically only live around 7 to 9 years.
Bullmastiffs Have A Lot of Energy
Like all dogs, bullmastiffs require daily exercise and mental stimulation. They’re also a moderately energetic breed, requiring at least two brisk bouts of exercise a day, so not suitable for those with inactive lifestyles.
They’re a Lifelong Commitment
Dog guardians know that the only downside of loving a canine companion is that the time we spend with them is too short. Still, a lot can happen in life over the years, and animals all too often bear the brunt of changes, with people abandoning or rehoming them as soon as a new baby comes along, or a move is on the horizon.
As with any animal, never adopt until you’re ready to love them for life, come what may!
Read more: Reasons to Never Buy a Cane Corso
Bullmastiffs in Shelters Need You More!
When it comes to companion animals, there’s a golden rule: Adopt, never shop.
Unlike breeders, who typically will sell dogs to anyone with credit card, reputable shelters and rescue groups will screen potential adopters and work to find a good match between the animal’s needs and the adopter’s lifestyle, helping ensure the best outcome for both.
And by adopting, you rescue one dog, and free up a space in a shelter for another to have a shot at finding a forever home. .
Remember, there’s no such thing as a “responsible breeder”, and the only way to shut the exploitative breeding industry down is to stop buying “pedigree” dogs.
Read more: Animal Homelessness: The Crisis and the Cure
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