Comparing Breeds: Bullmastiff vs English Mastiff

If you’re looking for a powerful and visually striking dog, you can’t go wrong with a Mastiff. But with so many variations on this excellent breed out there, it can be hard to know which type of Mastiff to adopt.

In this article we’ve broken down the specific attributes of two of the most popular variations; the Bullmastiff and the traditional English Mastiff, to help you make the most informed decision possible.

The Breeds

Bullmastiffs are a cross breed between a Mastiff and a Bulldog, whereas the English Mastiff is the equivalent to the original Mastiff breed. The similarities between the breeds are many, but there are a few key differences between them. Let’s take a look at the specifics.

Size

Both breeds are massive, but Bullmastiffs are smaller than English Mastiffs. They reach heights of 27 inches and weigh in between 100 and 130 pounds. English Mastiffs appear even more immense. Females start at 27.5 inches and weigh between 120-170 pounds, and males start at 30 inches and weigh between 160-230 pounds.

While having a giant dog breed is a lot of fun, a larger size comes with a variety of health problems that should be addressed from an early age. Both dogs should avoid putting on too much weight as puppies as rapid growth can take a toll on their skeletal systems. This is especially true for the English Mastiff- proper nutrition to achieve slow and steady growth is essentially, with an emphasis on the ratio of calcium fed to support their growing bones.

Temperament

Bullmastiffs are particularly calm dogs. They don’t require a lot of exercise- daily walks will be sufficient to tire them out. They make great apartment dogs as they are happiest when lounging close to their loved ones.

Despite their chilled out temperament, proper training is essential. Bullmastiffs can become aggressive with other dogs if not socialized properly, and can exhibit willfulness if not given proper boundaries from a young age.

Because of their sheer size and greater needs for exercise, English Mastiffs are not considered ideal apartment dogs. Excessive running should be avoided as they easily overheat, but English Mastiffs can become destructive if not mentally and physically stimulated enough.

English Mastiffs also lend more to protectiveness and fearfulness. Proper training and socialization from a young age is very important for this breed, their size and strength can make them a danger if handled improperly. In return for the extra work, a well trained English Mastiff will be polite, well mannered and extremely loyal.

Both breeds must absolutely live inside with their owners, as they are very family oriented dogs who are most comfortable and happy around their people. They also both make excellent breeds for families with children, as gentle giants who are happy to calmly endure the poking and prodding of young kids. Simply due to their size, however, they should always be supervised around youngsters.

Grooming Needs

Bullmastiffs are short haired and shed very little. Their grooming needs are pretty standard. A daily brush, regular nail trims and teeth brushing, and an occasional check inside the ears for signs of infection should suffice. They tend to drool heavily, so keeping a small towel on hand will be a big help.

English Mastiffs have greater grooming needs. Though they are also shorthaired, they are heavy shedders. Alongside regular brushing, nail trims, and dental care, they also require their wrinkles to be cleaned on a daily basis to stave off bacterial infections in the folds. They are also droolers, and heavy snorers. It might be best to let your English Mastiff sleep in a different room when you want a good night's sleep!

Conclusion

Both the Bullmastiff and English Mastiff are great choices that make great companions. For the final breakdown, you should

Adopt a Bullmastiff if:

You’re looking for a calm, low maintenance dog, and you’re willing to spend the necessary time socializing him from a young age.

Adopt an English Mastiff if:

You’re an experienced owner prepared for the rewards and challenges of a giant breed.

Whatever you choose, it’s important to make sure you adopt from a reputable breeder to ensure your new pup will be the healthiest and happiest he can be. If you’ve got any more questions on the Bullmastiff or English Mastiff, feel free to leave us a message in the comments below. We’ll be sure to reply to your inquiries as best we can.