As a loyal and protective breed, many potential owners may wonder if Bullmastiffs are suitable as apartment dogs. After all, not every dog is suited to apartment living.
So, are Bullmastiffs good apartment dogs?
Bullmastiffs are large dogs that require a lot of space and need to be exercised regularly. If you’re living in an apartment or just have limited space, then it might be challenging to accommodate the needs of this type of dog; typically, bullmastiffs are not good apartment dogs, although there are some exceptions.
Be sure to read until the end of this article as we reveal everything you need to know about Bullmastiffs and their ability (or not) to live in apartments!
Why Bullmastiffs are Not Ideal Apartment Dogs?
Unfortunately, while the Bullmastiff might make a great pet for someone with a big house and yard, this doesn’t extend to apartment living,
Why? Well, for one thing, Bullmastiffs are BIG dogs.
And while they might be able to function well in smaller spaces at times, being so large means that bullmastiffs will quickly run out of room if left to themselves.
Leaving them alone all day is not an option, considering these dogs need about two hours of exercise every day,
Also, because Bullmastiffs are very reactive and easily startled by their surroundings (for example, the sound of nearby cars may cause them to panic), it’s best for these pups to stay inside where unfamiliar noises won’t startle them as easily.
Of course, if you’re up for the challenge of handling a big dog in a small space and can make sure to provide plenty of exercise, then a Bullmastiff might be perfect for you!
Otherwise, it’s best to consider one of the many other dog breeds that would be more compatible with apartment living.
If you are still interested in adopting a Bullmastiff to live with you in an apartment, continue reading as we will share some helpful tips to make things a little bit smoother for you!
Key Considerations for Bullmastiffs & Apartment Living
As explained a few times already, although Bullmastiffs will not have their place on a list of the best dogs for apartment living, there are certain ways you can make it work. If this is something you are determined to do, here is what you need to take into consideration before adopting a Bullmastiff!
Exercise Needs
Bullmastiffs are giant, fluffy dogs that require space and lots of energy. If you’re living in an apartment or just have limited space, then it might be challenging to accommodate the needs of this type of dog.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a dog that enjoys hanging out inside and needs your pup to stay close during the day, then bullmastiffs are perfect for you!
Bullmastiffs need 2 hours of exercise per day so they can live up to their name as “gentle giants.” Without enough activity, these pups will become bored and destructive. This is why it’s essential to take them on walks or play with them at least twice a day.
“If you want a Bullmastiff to live in your apartment, make sure there is a park nearby where they can run and play as well as lots of room for them to explore around the building.“
If you spend all day away from home, it’s best not to leave your Bullmastiff in an apartment by themselves for 8 hours. The best option would be to find a dog walker or spend your days off with them in the park having fun!
If you are an active individual who likes jogging or walking regularly, this might be the right breed for you. They love being outdoors and enjoy running around, making them great walking companions.
As long as you have the time to take them out, there shouldn’t be any problem staying fit during their daily routine.
Training
Another important aspect to consider before deciding if it is responsible to have a Bullmastiff living in your apartment is their training needs.
To have a well-trained Bullmastiff, you must spend ample time training them. This might not be the right breed if you work long hours and cannot dedicate the necessary time.
While they are very loving dogs that enjoy being with their family, they can be very stubborn and challenging to train.
You will find that if your BullmastiffBullmastiff does not understand what you want from them in the first few lessons, there’s a good chance they’ll never really get it and continue exhibiting bad behavior over and over again.
Sadly, we’ve seen Bullmastiffs end up in shelters because their owners did not realize how much effort was required to raise one.
You will need to cover potty training, walking, and grooming.
These are all very important for your Bullmastiff’s well-being. If you cannot do these things, it is recommended that you have help from family or friends. This way they can assist in teaching your dog what they need to learn so that they don’t feel anxious because of their ignorance.
Maintenance
Bullmastiff maintenance is not too different from most other breeds. However, they do shed year-round, so regular brushing will help keep their coat healthy and reduce shedding.
You will also need to be prepared to trim their nails regularly. This is especially the case if you don’t want them scratching up your floors or furniture.
However, this is not as important as proper brushing and grooming. This is because you can easily have their nails trimmed by an expert at your local pet store.
Playing Space
Bullmastiffs are not the best dogs for someone living in a small apartment without yard space.
These dogs need plenty of room to roam around and run. So if you don’t have a backyard or somewhere for your dog to exercise, then a bullmastiff probably isn’t the best choice.
While a massive yard is not needed, some room to move is crucial for bullmastiffs. They love to play and require a fair amount of exercise to stay healthy and happy.
Without it, they can become destructive in the home or restless and hard to handle.
It is also recommended to let them play in fenced-in areas; otherwise, they risk running away.
You may be interested in – How Much Do Bullmastiffs Shed? (Easy Guide)
8 Tips for Healthy Bullmastiff Apartment Living
If you have considered the factors listed above and remain confident that your apartment is ready to welcome a Bullmastiff, here are eight tips to help you ensure things go as well as they can once the dog arrives.
1. Leave Out Enough Food, Water, & Toys
One of the most important things to remember when owning any dog is to make sure you leave enough food, water, and toys.
Not only will this keep your pet happy and healthy, but it’ll also help to prevent any destructive behavior!
You will find out how much to feed your dog based on the breed’s size, weight, and activity level. However, water should be available 24/7, and you should never let their bowl run out as this can cause dehydration.
As for toys, always have a decent variety of toys at your dog’s disposition. This will help keep them busy and out of mischief!
2. Keep Cupboards & Drawers Closed
It’s essential to keep your cupboards closed when you have a bullmastiff in the house. These dogs are inquisitive and will get into anything they can if they’re left unsupervised.
Cupboards, trash cans, and any other areas of the house that might be of interest to your pup. They should be kept closed at all times. This is particularly important for cupboards, drawers, or pantries with food inside!
3. Keep the Toilet Lid Down!
As for your toilet, if you are used to keeping the toilet lid up, then you best change this habit!
As with any dog in the house, it is essential to keep your toilet lid down at all times when you live with a Bullmastiff. Otherwise, you will be cleaning up gallons of water and urine off your floor daily after they drink from it.
So, if you are not willing to change this habit, then a Bullmastiff is not the right dog for you!
4. Cover Your Electrical Cords
Because dogs are such curious creatures, they enjoy exploring everything they can with their mouth and teeth. That being said, if there is one thing you don’t want your dog chewing in your apartment, it is your electrical cords!
These can pose a danger to both the pet and owner because chewing through the cord could shock your dog. It can also cause them to choke on the cord.
Luckily, there are many ways that you can protect your cords from the sharp teeth of your furry companion. This can be done without having to block off any doors or exits for them.
“To protect your dog, yourself, and your electrical cords, it is recommended to cover your electrical cords with a cord protector.“
These come in various colors and can add a bit of style to your apartment while keeping everyone safe.
5. Install Baby Gates
If you would like to keep your Bullmastiffout away from parts of the house, a great idea is to use a baby gate. Although such gates are built to keep babies safe with bullmastiffs, they can serve the same use for Bullmastiffs.
If, for example, you want to keep your dog from going to the basement, you can place a baby gate at the top of the stairs to prevent them from going down the stairs.
These gates are easy to install and can be used practically anywhere in your house.
6. Protect Your Flooring with Area Rug
Another thing in your home that you will want to protect after adopting a Bullmastiff is your floors. A great way to protect your apartment floors from scrapes and scratches is by placing area rugs that are easily washable.
This is particularly important if you have hardwood floors as this kind of flooring is prone to scrapes and scratches.
If you have carpet in your living room or bedroom, you can protect it from stains from your dog. This can be done by placing a smaller rug over it. You can teach your dog to lay on it instead of anywhere they want.
7. Put Away Any Fragile Objects
One way to help deal with your Bullmastiff’s energy is to put away any breakable items. They should be kept out of reach. This will help prevent any accidents from happening while your dog is running around.
You can also try investing in some pet toys that will keep your pup entertained and help tire them out. Bullmastiffs love to play fetch, so make sure you have a good supply of tennis balls on hand!
8. Keep Plants Out of Reach
As previously mentioned, dogs explore their surroundings using their nose and their mouth. That being said, be mindful of any plants in your home. You will want to keep them out of reach of your Bullmastiff.
Although these plants may seem harmless, some plants are poisonous for pets. So ensure your dog is not able to reach them, let alone eat them!
Final thoughts
While Bullmastiffs are not recommended as apartment dogs, there are certainly ways to make this combination work. If you want to welcome a Bullmastiff to your apartment, you must know what comes with this huge responsibility before adopting!
