Are Bullmastiffs heavy shedders?

They shed at a moderate, manageable level for a large breed — lightly year-round with a heavier seasonal increase in spring and autumn. The short coat means individual hairs are less visible than a longer coat's shedding, even though the underlying amount is similar.

How often should I brush a Bullmastiff?

Once or twice a week is enough for most of the year, increasing to every couple of days during the spring and autumn coat changes. A rubber curry brush or short-bristle mitt suits the short, dense coat well and takes very little time.

Do Bullmastiffs drool a lot?

Yes, drooling is a normal part of the breed due to their jowly build, particularly around food, in warm weather, or when excited. It is unrelated to shedding but is worth expecting alongside it if you are new to the breed.

Do Bullmastiffs need frequent baths?

No, they do not need frequent bathing, and over-washing can dry out the skin. An occasional bath, particularly after a heavy seasonal shed, can help loosen dead undercoat, but regular brushing does most of the everyday work.

Is a Bullmastiff's coat suitable for a first-time large-breed owner?

The coat itself is genuinely low-maintenance and one of the easier parts of owning the breed. The drooling, size and strength of a Bullmastiff are the bigger adjustments for a first-time owner, so it is worth researching the whole breed rather than just the grooming side.

Do Bullmastiffs shed?

Yes, Bullmastiffs shed, though it is generally a manageable, moderate amount for a large dog rather than a heavy year-round shed. Their short, dense coat drops hair steadily throughout the year with a noticeable increase during seasonal coat changes, and it is quick to groom compared with a longer-coated breed of similar size.

What a Bullmastiff's coat actually does

The short, dense double coat sheds lightly and continuously, which is typical of many short-coated large breeds, and then more heavily during the spring and autumn coat changes when the undercoat thins out or thickens up for the season.

Because the coat is short, individual hairs are less obvious on furniture and clothing than a longer coat's shedding would be, even though the total amount coming out is not necessarily less. Most owners find it a manageable, low-maintenance coat overall.

Bullmastiffs were bred as a working guarding breed, and the coat reflects that practical history — short and weatherproof rather than decorative. That functional coat is a large part of why the breed is considered relatively easy to keep in good condition compared with many other large dogs.

Grooming that actually helps

A rubber curry brush or a short-bristle grooming mitt used once or twice a week lifts out loose hair effectively and takes very little time given how short the coat is. During the heavier seasonal sheds, brushing every couple of days makes a visible difference.

Bathing is only needed occasionally — Bullmastiffs do not typically need frequent washing — but a bath after a heavy shedding period can help loosen and remove more of the dead undercoat than brushing alone.

The other thing that comes with the breed

Bullmastiffs are a jowly breed and drool more than many owners expect, particularly around mealtimes, in warm weather or when excited. This is unrelated to shedding but is worth knowing about together, since both are part of the everyday reality of the breed's build.

Keeping a cloth handy and wiping the jowls after meals and drinks is the practical answer most owners settle on, alongside the same regular brushing that keeps the coat itself under control.

A drool-catching bib or a quick wipe-down routine after meals is a small habit that saves a lot of cleaning around the house, particularly on walls and furniture at head height for a dog this size. It is worth setting up before the dog arrives rather than discovering the need for it afterwards.

Kit for this breed

Things we stock that owners commonly reach for here. Nothing on this page depends on you buying one.

Microfibre Pet Drying Robe

A super-absorbent microfibre drying robe that soaks up the wet fast after baths, swims and walks.

From£10.99

Absorbent Microfibre Dog Drying Robe

A super-absorbent microfibre drying robe with a handy front pocket to dry your dog off fast.

From£13.99

Large Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Mats and Tangles

A self-cleaning slicker brush with fine, bead-tipped wire pins that gently lift loose undercoat, mats and tangles from short or long-haired pets. A one-click button releases the collected fur for fuss-free cleaning. Cat-ear shaped design.

£18.99

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Common questions

Are Bullmastiffs heavy shedders?: They shed at a moderate, manageable level for a large breed — lightly year-round with a heavier seasonal increase in spring and autumn. The short coat means individual hairs are less visible than a longer coat's shedding, even though the underlying amount is similar.
How often should I brush a Bullmastiff?: Once or twice a week is enough for most of the year, increasing to every couple of days during the spring and autumn coat changes. A rubber curry brush or short-bristle mitt suits the short, dense coat well and takes very little time.
Do Bullmastiffs drool a lot?: Yes, drooling is a normal part of the breed due to their jowly build, particularly around food, in warm weather, or when excited. It is unrelated to shedding but is worth expecting alongside it if you are new to the breed.
Do Bullmastiffs need frequent baths?: No, they do not need frequent bathing, and over-washing can dry out the skin. An occasional bath, particularly after a heavy seasonal shed, can help loosen dead undercoat, but regular brushing does most of the everyday work.
Is a Bullmastiff's coat suitable for a first-time large-breed owner?: The coat itself is genuinely low-maintenance and one of the easier parts of owning the breed. The drooling, size and strength of a Bullmastiff are the bigger adjustments for a first-time owner, so it is worth researching the whole breed rather than just the grooming side.

Sources

Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.

Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.