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Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Bullie or Alsatian wolf dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd" Compare Bullmastiff and German Shepherd. Which is better: Bullmastiff or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Bullmastiff German Shepherd
OriginsEngland flagEngland Germany flagGermany
Group Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank512
Reviews121
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Bullmastiff and German Shepherd. What other names are these breeds known by?
Bullie
Bully
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Bullmastiff and a German Shepherd. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Bullmastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Bullmastiff and a German Shepherd. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 110-133 pounds (50–60 kg), Female: 100-120 pounds (45-55 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 121.5 pounds (50–60 kg), Female: 110 pounds (50 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Bullmastiff or German Shepherd? Is a Bullmastiff taller than a German Shepherd?
Male: 25-27 inches (63–69 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61–66 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 26 inches (63–69 cm), Female: 25 inches (61–66 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Bullmastiff and a German Shepherd. Which breed costs more?
$1200-$1500 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Bullmastiff or German Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Bullmastiff is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Bullmastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Bullmastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare training requirements.
Bullmastiff dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Bullmastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare alertness levels.
Bullmastiff dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Bullmastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare territorial behaviors.
Bullmastiff dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Bullmastiff and a German Shepherd. How do their temperaments differ?
Protective
Alert
Powerful
Courageous
Docile
Reliable
Loyal
Devoted
Calm
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd?
Average: Bullmastiff dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
See more.
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Bullmastiff dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd?
Bullmastiff dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting?
Bullmastiff dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Bullmastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low: The Bullmastiff barks none to minimal.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Bullmastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare play drive and energy.
Bullmastiffs are not the most playful dog breed.
See more.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Bullmastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare living space needs.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Bullmastiff indoors.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.

Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Bullmastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare adaptability levels.
Average: Bullmastiff dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Bullmastiff or German Shepherd?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Bullmastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Bullmastiff has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Bullmastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Bullmastiff dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Bullmastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Bullmastiff bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Bullmastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare average lifespans.
8-10 years
The average lifespan of Bullmastiff: 9 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Bullmastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare climate tolerances.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Bullmastiff can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Bullmastiff and a German Shepherd. Which breed is healthier?
Very healthy dog breed.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd?
Rare
The Bullmastiff should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Heart Problems
Entropion
Kidney Issues
Hemangiosarcoma
Lymphosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo

Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Bullmastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare activity levels.
Bullmastiff dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Bullmastiff or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Bullmastiff dogs exercise need is minimal.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Bullmastiff or German Shepherd?
Bullmastiff dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Bullmastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare obesity risks.
High: The Bullmastiff breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Bullmastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare daily food needs.
3 to 4.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Bullmastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Bullmastiff and German Shepherd? Compare breed colors.
Red
Fawn
Brindle
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Bullmastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare maintenance needs.
Easy to groom: The Bullmastiff doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Bullmastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare drooling amounts.
The Bullmastiff is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
See more.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Bullmastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare natural smell levels.

High 🔼

The Bullmastiff has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Bullmastiff and a German Shepherd? Compare fur types.
Rough Fuzzy
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Bullmastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare bathing frequencies.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Bullmastiff or German Shepherd? Do Bullmastiff dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs?
Bullmastiff dogs shed moderately.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.

Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Bullmastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare kid-friendliness.
Bullmastiff dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Bullmastiff dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Bullmastiff or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Bullmastiff dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Bullmastiff or German Shepherd?
Bullmastiff dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Bullmastiff or German Shepherd? Can a Bullmastiff and a German Shepherd be friends? Do Bullmastiff dogs get along with German Shepherd dogs?
Bullmastiff dogs are not dog-friendly.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Bullmastiff dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Bullmastiff is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Bullmastiffs are usually recommended for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Bullmastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare service capabilities.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Bullmastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Bullmastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Bullmastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare SAR abilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Bullmastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Bullmastiff breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Bullmastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare draft work capabilities.

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between Bullmastiff and German Shepherd. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Bullmastiff and German Shepherd. Which has larger litters?
4-13 puppies, average 8 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Bullmastiff and German Shepherd breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Bullmastiff and German Shepherd. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Bullmastiff and German Shepherd. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1934 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Bullmastiff and German Shepherd. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Bullmastiff and German Shepherd. Which is more widely recognized?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

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Reviews

  • German shepherds

    Nov 16, 2019, 7:18:47 PM: