Dog breed comparison
Bullmastiff vs Mastiff
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Mastiff is the bigger breed, about 27 kg heavier on average. The Bullmastiff tends to live about 1 year longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Bullmastiff | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Working Dogs | Working Dogs |
| Size | Very Large | Very Large |
| Height | 24 to 27 inches | 27 to 32 inches |
| Weight | 100 to 130 pounds | 130 to 220 pounds |
| Life span | 8 to 10 years | 6 to 10 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Bullmastiff
Developed in England in the 1800s by crossing Mastiffs with Bulldogs, to catch and hold poachers on large estates without mauling them. Gamekeepers called it the gamekeeper's night dog.
It is quiet and calm indoors and rarely barks without reason.
Health to watch
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Bloat
- Lymphoma
- Entropion
- Hypothyroidism
The Mastiff
The English Mastiff descends from ancient guard and war dogs in Britain. It nearly died out after the Second World War and was rebuilt from a few dogs.
It is one of the heaviest breeds and drools heavily.
Health to watch
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Bloat
- Cystinuria
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Osteosarcoma
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Good with other dogs
The Bullmastiff gets on better with other dogs than the Mastiff.
Shedding
The Mastiff sheds more than the Bullmastiff.
Easy to groom
The Bullmastiff is easier to groom than the Mastiff.
Barking
The Bullmastiff barks more than the Mastiff.
Energy
The Mastiff has more energy than the Bullmastiff.
Exercise needs
The Mastiff needs more exercise than the Bullmastiff.
Which to choose
Bullmastiff or Mastiff?
Choose the Bullmastiff if…
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
- You want a dog that sheds less
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
Choose the Mastiff if…
- You want a dog that barks less
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
Questions.
Is the Bullmastiff or the Mastiff bigger, and which lives longer?
The Mastiff is the bigger breed, about 27 kg heavier on average. The Bullmastiff tends to live about 1 year longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Bullmastiff or the Mastiff?
They’re similarly easy to train. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Bullmastiff or the Mastiff?
Both are usually good with children when well socialised. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Bullmastiff sheds less than the Mastiff. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Bullmastiff and Mastiff have?
The Bullmastiff is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, lymphoma. The Mastiff is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, cystinuria. Both share a risk of hip and elbow dysplasia and bloat. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
