Do Bullmastiffs Shed?

Dogs that shed excessively trouble their owners.

It’s disheartening to find hair on your couch, carpet, bed, and other places in your house.

As a result, you may want to know if bullmastiffs shed before acquiring one.

So, do bullmastiffs shed?

Yes, bullmastiffs shed moderately throughout the year due to their dense, single-layered coats.

Because of the single-layered skin, bullmastiffs don’t drop much hair compared to similar-sized dogs with double-layered coats.

Does a dog’s shedding pose risks to family members?

Are there factors that affect shedding, and what can you do to reduce shedding among bullmastiffs?

Keep reading to find answers to these concerns.

Bullmastiffs

Factors That Affect a Bullmastiff’s Shedding

Dogs shed differently some shed more than others.

For bullmastiffs, their shedding is affected by:

Coat Type

Bullmastiffs grow to 27 inches, weighing up to 130 pounds.

With such a height and weight, bullmastiffs have a dense coat with an enormous amount of hair.

The hair is eventually shed off to give room for new hair.

Gender

There’s a difference in the way male and female bullmastiffs shed.

Male bullmastiffs tend to shed more hair than females.

The difference in shedding results from the different hormones present in each gender.

Age

A young bullmastiff’s coat is different from that of an adult dog.

A puppy’s coat is usually thin, but it grows to be thick as the dog matures.

Since a puppy’s coat is still growing, it sheds less hair than an adult bullmastiff.

Adult dogs shed more because their hairs have shorter lifespans.

Moreover, older dogs are lazier than puppies.

Therefore, they spend more time resting on the couch, which makes them shed more hair in the house.

Shedding Season

Like other animals, dogs also have shedding seasons.

For bullmastiffs, their peak shedding period is during spring.

They lose the most hair during this season as they prepare for summer and winter.

It’s worth noting that bullmastiffs don’t wholly stop shedding during other seasons.

They lose a moderate amount of hair all year round.

How to Reduce Shedding in Bullmastiffs

Although bullmastiffs will always shed, there are ways to reduce the amount of hair they lose.

Some tips include:

Regular Brushing

Brushing your dog’s coat regularly helps remove dead hairs before they fall off on their own.

It also helps distribute the dog’s natural oils, making the skin healthy.

You must use a brush that matches your dog’s hair size.

Bristle brushes are excellent for dogs like Bullmastiffs with short hair.

You can also use rubber curry combs to remove dander and dead skin from the dog’s coat.

A Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is essential for all animals, including dogs.

Proper nutrition helps reduce shedding by keeping the dog’s coat and skin healthy.

For a healthy dog’s skin and coat, feed him a nutritious diet rich in proteins, vitamins C, and E.

Proteins are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids necessary for healthy skin and coat.

Vitamins C and E are antioxidants that help protect the skin from damage.

You can either make homemade dog food or buy commercial dog food.

However, ensure that the diet you choose has all the nutrients necessary for a healthy coat and skin.

Avoid Hot Spots

Dog Hot spots are irritated patches of hairless skin that are red and inflamed.

They’re caused by allergies, infections, or insect bites.

Hot spots are itchy and painful, making dogs shed more hair due to excessive scratching.

To avoid hot spots, keep your dog clean and dry.

Inspect his skin regularly for any signs of irritation, and take him to the vet when you notice any hot spots.

Reduce Stress

Stress can cause dogs to shed more hair than usual.

This is because dogs release epinephrine hormone when stressed.

The hormone makes canines’ hair follicles weak which leads to shedding.

To reduce your dog’s stress levels, provide him with a comfortable and quiet place to rest.

Avoid loud noises and harsh words around the dog.

You should also take your dog on walks and play with him regularly.

Exercise helps reduce stress by releasing endorphin hormones that make dogs feel good.

Bathe Your Dog Regularly

Bathing your pup regularly helps remove dirt, dead skin cells, and excess fur.

It also helps distribute the dog’s natural oils evenly on the coat keeping it healthy.

A healthy dog coat means reduced shedding.

When bathing your bullmastiff, use a mild shampoo that won’t irritate his skin.

Avoid using human shampoos as they’re too harsh for dogs. 

Control Fleas

Fleas irritate a dog’s skin and cause him to shed more hair due to increased scratching.

The scratching can lead to hot spots and hair loss.

To prevent fleas, use a quality flea control product on your dog.

Inspect your dog’s fur for signs of fleas and remove them immediately or take him to the vet.

Risks of Bullmastiffs Shedding

Controlling your dog’s shedding is necessary to prevent the risks associated with dog fur.

Some of these risks include:

Allergies

People with allergies to dogs are affected by the dander and saliva in a dog’s fur.

The allergens can cause sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.

To prevent allergies, keep your dog clean and bathe him at least once a month. 

Asthma

Canines with asthma are at risk of having an attack when around their fur or those from other dogs.

The fur can trigger asthma and cause difficulty in breathing.

The fur will also affect you if you’re asthmatic.

Therefore, it’s essential to control your dog’s shedding by bathing him regularly and using hypoallergenic shampoo on his coat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Bullmastiffs hypoallergenic?

No, bullmastiffs shed throughout the year.

However, their shedding is moderate compared to other dog breeds like Akita and American Eskimo.

Is a Bullmastiff a good house dog?

Yes, bullmastiffs are good house dogs.

These dogs are affectionate, gentle, and love cuddling with their owners.

The Bottom Line

Bullmastiffs are not hypoallergenic, but they don’t shed excessively.

These dogs are good house pets and make great companions.

It’s your responsibility to reduce shedding in your Bullmastiff.

You can do this by brushing and bathing him regularly, giving him a nutritious diet, and controlling fleas.

Megan Turner

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