Bullmastiff Health Testing Guide: Hips, Heart & What Every Stud Needs
A Bullmastiff with poor hips or an undetected cardiac condition will have a significantly reduced quality of life given their size. Here is the complete testing protocol.
Priority Tests
Hip Evaluation (OFA or PennHIP)
Hip dysplasia is one of the most common health problems in the Bullmastiff. The breed's heavy build (100–130 lbs) amplifies the impact of hip disease.
Minimum for breeding: OFA Fair. Target: OFA Good or Excellent.
Never breed a Bullmastiff with OFA Mild or worse hip dysplasia.
Elbow Evaluation (OFA)
Elbow dysplasia causes lameness and pain. OFA Normal (Grade 0) is the standard for any breeding male.
Cardiac Evaluation
Subaortic Stenosis (SAS) is found in the breed. OFA cardiac evaluation by a board-certified cardiologist (echocardiogram) is the gold standard. Annual repeat is advisable for active studs.
Eye Certification (CAER)
Annual CAER exam. Entropion (inward eyelid rolling) and other structural eye issues are common in heavy-headed breeds.
Additional Testing
Cystinuria
Metabolic condition causing kidney and bladder stones. DNA testing for known cystinuria variants is available and advisable for Bullmastiffs and related bully breeds.
Thyroid Evaluation
Hypothyroidism is present in the breed. OFA thyroid panel for studs from affected lines.
Summary Testing Table
| Test | Priority | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OFA Hips | Required | Good/Excellent target |
| OFA Elbows | Required | Normal required |
| Cardiac (OFA/cardiology) | Required | Cardiologist evaluation |
| CAER (annual) | Required | Annual renewal |
| Cystinuria (DNA) | Recommended | Breed-specific risk |
| Thyroid (OFA) | Recommended | If family history |
Summary
A Bullmastiff stud must have OFA hip and elbow evaluations, a cardiology-level cardiac assessment, and annual CAER eye certification. Cystinuria DNA testing is a worthwhile addition given the breed's known risk. The size of this breed means joint and cardiac health testing is not a box-ticking exercise — these conditions significantly impact the dog's quality of life.