Bullmastiff Puppy Checklist

Before Puppy Comes Home

What do you need before bringing home a Bullmastiff puppy?

Last updated October 8, 2026

The Bullmastiff puppy you bring home at 8 weeks may weigh 15–20 pounds. By 12 months, that same puppy will weigh 80–100 pounds. By 18–24 months, it may reach its full adult weight of 100–130 pounds. Buy equipment that fits the adult dog, not the puppy — or be prepared to replace it multiple times.

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Supplies Checklist

• XXL wire crate with a divider panel (use the divider to make the space puppy-sized, expand as the dog grows)
• Large, heavy stainless steel food and water bowls that won't tip
• Adjustable puppy collar and a 6-foot leash (you'll replace both as the puppy grows)
  One option: Joytale Double-Handle Leash (6 ft) on Amazon. A 6-foot nylon leash with a padded second handle near the clip for close control, plus reflective stitching for dark walks. The 1-inch webbing suits medium and large dogs; it can feel heavy on a young puppy.
• ID tag with phone number engraved before the puppy's first day home
  One option: GoTags Personalized Stainless Steel ID Tag on Amazon. An engraved stainless steel ID tag; you pick the shape and the lines of text at checkout. Put a phone number that's actually answered on it, and update the engraving if you move.
• High-quality large-breed puppy food — confirm the brand with your breeder
  One option: Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy, Chicken & Rice (34 lb) on Amazon. Purina Pro Plan's large-breed puppy formula, with chicken as the first ingredient and growth-rate nutrition for breeds that finish over 50 pounds. Check that the bag's AAFCO statement covers growth including large-size dogs, and ask your vet about portions and when to move to adult food.
• Enzymatic cleaner for accidents (essential for house training)
  One option: Rocco & Roxie Enzyme Stain & Odor Eliminator (32 oz) on Amazon. An enzyme stain and odor eliminator for urine, feces and vomit, carrying the Carpet and Rug Institute's seal for carpets. Spot-test on delicate fabrics first.
• Drool cloths (buy at least six — you will use them constantly)
• Soft facial wipes or cotton pads for daily fold cleaning
• Durable chew toys (Kongs stuffed with frozen food are ideal for Bullmastiff puppies)
  One option: Benebone Wishbone Chew, Bacon (Large) on Amazon. A nylon wishbone-shaped chew with real bacon flavor, shaped so the dog can hold it with its paws; the Large is for dogs up to 90 pounds. Nylon chews are for gnawing, not eating; replace it once the ends wear down to a size the dog could swallow.
• Baby gates to limit access to stairs and certain rooms
  One option: Regalo Easy Step Walk-Through Gate (29-38.5 in) on Amazon. A 29 to 38.5 inch pressure-mounted gate with a walk-through door, so you can block a doorway or the bottom of the stairs without drilling. Pressure-mounted gates belong in doorways or at the bottom of stairs, never at the top of a staircase.

Home Safety Prep

• Secure all toxic substances: cleaning products, medications, fertilizers, certain houseplants
• Tuck away electrical cords that a puppy might chew
• Decide which furniture the dog will and won't be allowed on — enforce consistently from day one, because habits formed now become 120-pound-dog habits later
• Ensure yard fencing is secure at ground level; Bullmastiff puppies are surprisingly capable diggers

Vet Setup

• Find a vet experienced with large and giant breeds before the puppy arrives
• Schedule first wellness exam within 48–72 hours of bringing the puppy home
• Ask about large-breed-specific puppy nutrition and appropriate activity restrictions to protect developing joints
• Research pet insurance and enroll before or immediately after the first vet visit while the dog is healthy and undiagnosed

First Week Setup

What should the first week with a Bullmastiff puppy look like?

The first week establishes the patterns that will define your Bullmastiff's behavior for the next 7–9 years. Prioritize routine, crate training, and beginning the socialization process that is essential for a guardian breed.

Day 1–2: Settling In

• Introduce the puppy to its crate immediately — feed all meals inside and place a worn article of your clothing for comfort
• Begin house-training on a strict schedule: take the puppy out after every meal, after every nap, after play, and every 2 hours otherwise
• Keep the environment calm — limit visitors and overwhelming stimulation for the first 48 hours
• Begin daily fold cleaning from day one so it becomes an accepted routine

Day 3–7: Building Confidence and Habits

• Introduce brief leash walks in the immediate neighborhood
• Invite a few calm, friendly adults to meet the puppy with food rewards — positive stranger associations are critical for this breed
• Handle the puppy's feet, ears, mouth, and muzzle folds daily to build grooming tolerance
• Complete first vet visit
• Enroll in pet insurance if not already done
• Begin researching local puppy obedience classes and enroll for the next available session

Socialization Must-Do List (Weeks 8–16)

• Men of varied appearances (hats, beards, different body types)
• Children — supervised positive interactions with appropriate children
• Other dogs in controlled settings
• Urban sounds: traffic, sirens, construction, crowds
• Being left alone for gradually increasing periods — prevents separation anxiety
• Car rides — begin short positive trips so car travel is not traumatic

Training

Non-Negotiable Training for a Powerful Guardian

Training a Bullmastiff is not optional — it is a safety requirement. A 120-pound dog that doesn't respond to basic commands is dangerous regardless of temperament. The Bullmastiff is trainable and responds well to positive reinforcement, but it is not the most eager-to-please breed. Consistency and patience are more important than intensity.

Priority Commands

• Sit: The foundation for everything else. Teach it first, reinforce it constantly.
• Stay: Essential for managing a large dog around doors, visitors, and children.
• Come (recall): The most important safety command. Work on it daily in every environment.
• Leave it: Critical for a breed this size — prevents resource guarding and unwanted pickups.
• Off: If you don't want 120 pounds on your couch or jumping on guests, teach this command now while the dog is still small enough to manage physically.
• Loose-leash walking: Start immediately. A Bullmastiff that pulls on leash becomes unmanageable. Use a front-clip harness as a management tool while teaching proper heeling.

Trainer Selection

• Look for a trainer with experience in guardian or large working breeds
• Positive reinforcement methods work best — the Bullmastiff does not respond well to harsh corrections and may become defensive
• Group puppy classes double as socialization opportunities, which is a bonus

What to Avoid

• Rough play that encourages the puppy to bite or jump on people — these behaviors are cute at 15 pounds and dangerous at 120 pounds
• Allowing the puppy to guard food, toys, or spaces from family members — intervene calmly and consistently from puppyhood
• Skipping socialization because the puppy seems calm — under-socialized Bullmastiffs can become fear-reactive or aggressive toward strangers as adults
• Excessive jumping or running on hard surfaces until 18 months — the large-breed growth plates are vulnerable and early orthopedic damage increases the likelihood of hip dysplasia