Bullmastiff vs Mastiff

Compare the Bullmastiff to the Mastiff. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Bullmastiffs and Mastiffs.

Quick Summary

Below are a few quick comparisons between the two breeds.
  • Owner Experience - The Bullmastiff is a good choice for new owners, whereas the Mastiff is not recommended for new/inexperienced owners.
  • Children - Both the Bullmastiff and Mastiff are great with children.
  • Grooming - Both breeds have low maintenance coats, but the Bullmastiff is easier to groom.
  • Barking - The Mastiff has an average tendency to bark. The Bullmastiff will bark less frequently than most dogs.
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Bullmastiff vs Mastiff
Red and Fawn Bullmastiff
Fawn Mastiff
Breed NameBullmastiffMastiff
General Details
Breed TypePurebredPurebred
Is Hypo­allergenicNoNo
Lifespan8-10 yrs.6-10 yrs.
Height24-27 in.27-32 in.
Weight110-130 lb120-220 lb
IntelligenceHighBelow Average
History
Origin CountryUnited KingdomChina (Tibet)
Origin Year1860 AD700 BC
Temperament
Overall FriendlinessVery GoodVery Good
Family FriendlyVery GoodVery Good
Kid FriendlyVery GoodVery Good
Pet FriendlyVery GoodBelow Average
Stranger FriendlyGoodBelow Average
Personality
  • Affectionate
  • Enjoys Attention
  • Loving
  • Does Not Like Being Alone
  • Likes To Snuggle
  • Willing To Please
  • Affectionate
  • Loving
  • Likes To Snuggle
  • Willing To Please
  • Protective
Living Environment
ApartmentYesYes
IndoorYesYes
Small YardNoYes
Medium YardNoYes
Large YardNoYes
Temperature Tolerance ¹40°F to 80°F30°F to 80°F
Barks/HowlsRarelyBelow Average
Exercise Needs
Energy LevelMediumMedium
Exercise RequiredMediumMedium
Top Running Speed20 mph24 mph
StrengthVery HighVery High
Grooming Needs
Coat Main­tenanceLowMedium
SheddingMediumMedium
DanderMediumMedium
Drool AmountMediumHigh

¹This is estimated min/max temperature range for a healthy adult dog. Dogs that live indoors, puppies, seniors, unwell dogs, and/or dogs with improperly groomed coats may overheat sooner and get cold more quickly.
Instincts & Behavior Comparison
Breed NameBullmastiffMastiff
Breed Mentality
Dominant/AlphaNoNo
Family/PackYesYes
IndependentNoNo
Breed Focus
Distracted EasilyNoNo
AverageNoYes
Focused & PatientYesNo
Breed Instincts
AggressionAverageBelow Average
Burrow/DiggingAverageBelow Average
ChasingBelow AverageBelow Average
Follow CommandsBelow AverageBelow Average
FightingAverageAverage
GuardingHighAverage
HerdingBelow AverageBelow Average
HuntingAverageBelow Average
ProtectionHighHigh
Remove VerminBelow AverageVery Low
SleddingBelow AverageAverage
WatchHighAverage
Health Comparison
Breed NameBullmastiffMastiff
Lifespan
Lifespan8-10 yrs.6-10 yrs.
Common Health Issues
BloatNoYes
CancerYesYes
CystinuriaNoYes
EntropionYesNo
Heart ProblemsYesNo
HemangiosarcomaYesNo
Hip DysplasiaNoYes
HypothyroidismYesNo
Kidney IssuesYesNo
LymphosarcomaYesNo
OsteosarcomaYesNo
Progressive Retinal AtrophyYesYes
SeizuresNoYes
Appearance Comparison
Breed NameBullmastiffMastiff
Coat
FurYesYes
Coat Type
Smooth CoatYesNo
Double CoatNoYes
Coat Texture
RoughYesNo
StraightNoYes
Coat Length(s)
ShortYesYes
Coat Color(s)
FawnYesYes
Fawn BrindleYesNo
RedYesNo
Red & FawnYesNo
Red BrindleYesNo
Red Fawn BrindleYesNo
ApricotNoYes
BrindleNoYes