BullmastiffVSEnglish Mastiff
The Bullmastiff and English Mastiff are both large, protective, calm-natured guardian breeds. The Bullmastiff is faster and more athletic; the Mastiff is more massive and imposing. Both require experienced owners who can manage a very large dog.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Bullmastiff | English Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 100–130 lbs, 24–27 in | 120–230 lbs, 27–30 in |
| Energy Level | Moderate | Low |
| Shedding | Moderate | Moderate |
| Trainability | ✓Good | Moderate |
| Good With Kids | Very Good | Very Good |
| Apartment Friendly | Poor | Poor |
| Average Lifespan | 7–9 years | 6–10 years |
| Monthly Cost (est.) | ✓$175–$350 | $200–$400 |
✓ indicates advantage in this category. Tie = comparable.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Choose a Bullmastiff if…
Owners who want an athletic, quicker guardian that is slightly more trainable and easier to manage day-to-day.
Choose a English Mastiff if…
Those who want the most massively imposing guardian breed — the world's heaviest dog — with a gentle, calm soul.
Grooming & Shedding: Bullmastiff vs English Mastiff
Both the Bullmastiff and English Mastiff have short, dense coats that shed moderately year-round. Weekly brushing with a rubber curry mitt manages loose hair effectively. Their short coats require no professional grooming for coat maintenance. Bathing every 4–6 weeks is typical. Both breeds drool considerably due to their loose, pendulous jowls — English Mastiffs are typically heavier droolers. Facial wrinkle cleaning is important for Bullmastiffs, which have more pronounced facial folds than the English Mastiff. Nail trimming is especially important for both giant breeds as overgrown nails can cause joint and posture problems given their size. Overall, both breeds are relatively low-maintenance in terms of coat care, with the primary grooming challenges being drool management and regular nail maintenance rather than coat complexity.
Temperament & Family Compatibility
Bullmastiffs were bred as "gamekeeper's night dogs" — trained to silently track and pin intruders without biting. They are calm, confident, and devoted guardians with natural protective instincts. They are intelligent and more alert than English Mastiffs, bonding closely with their family while remaining watchful of strangers. They are good with children within their family but require socialization to be reliable around strangers. English Mastiffs are even more massive and typically calmer in energy. They are gentle giants by nature — their intimidating size does the majority of their protective work. They are patient and good-natured with children. Both breeds require experienced owners who can manage a very large dog and must not be left untrained. Early socialization is critical for both to ensure manageable adult behavior.
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Compare Pet Insurance QuotesFrequently Asked Questions
Which makes a better guard dog?
Both are excellent guard dogs, but Bullmastiffs were specifically bred to silently track and pin intruders rather than bite. They are known for this "gamekeeper's night dog" role. English Mastiffs are imposing deterrents by their sheer size. Both will protect their family.
Which drools more?
English Mastiffs are typically heavier droolers due to their very loose jowls. Bullmastiffs also drool but somewhat less. Both breeds require "drool towels" kept handy around the house.
Which is easier to train?
Bullmastiffs are generally more responsive to training. They are more alert and quicker to learn commands. English Mastiffs can be very stubborn and move at their own pace. Both need early, consistent training — an untrained giant-breed dog is very difficult to control.
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