Bedlington Terrier vs Bullmastiff
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is a distinctive and elegant dog breed known for its lamb-like appearance, characterized by a soft, curly coat and arched back. Originally bred in England for hunting and companionship, this breed is celebrated for its gentle yet spirited nature, making it a beloved family pet.
Medium
High
12-16 years yrs
N/A
Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a large, powerful, and loyal breed known for its protective nature and gentle temperament. Originally bred in England as a gamekeeper's companion to guard estates, this breed combines the strength of a Mastiff with the agility of a Bulldog.
Extra Large
Medium
7-9 years yrs
N/A
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Bedlington Terrier | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming Needs | ||
| Family Friendly | ||
| Independence |
Key Characteristics
| Good with Kids | ||
| Good with Dogs | ||
| Good with Cats | ||
| Hypoallergenic | ||
| Apartment Friendly | ||
| First-Time Owner OK |
| Detail | Bedlington Terrier | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Extra Large |
| Energy Level | High | Medium |
| Grooming | High | Medium |
| Trainability | Moderate | challenging |
| Barking Level | Low | Low |
| Shedding Level | Low | Medium |
| Chew strength | Moderate | Hard |
| Housing | Apartment | Yard |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Bedlington Terrier | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Beginner | Experienced |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Bedlington Terrier. | Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Bullmastiff. |
Bedlington Terrier Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 60-90 min daily exercise
- Cannot commit to grooming needs
Bullmastiff Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 60-60 min daily exercise
- Cannot commit to grooming needs
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Bedlington Terrier | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Medium | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | Underestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care | Underestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Bedlington Terrier | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Bedlington Terrier | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | Low | Low |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Low | Low |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Bedlington Terrier | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Low |
Bedlington Terrier Social Traits
Low
Selective
Bullmastiff Social Traits
Moderate
Selective
Training
Bedlington Terrier
- Keep training sessions short and varied
Bullmastiff
- ** Positive reinforcement is the only viable path. Harsh corrections often cause this breed to shut down or become defensive.
Bullmastiff Considerations
This is a genetically rooted trait in many Bullmastiffs. While they may coexist peacefully with dogs of the opposite sex, placing two males or two females together often results in severe conflict once they reach social maturity (18–24 months). This aggression is rarely "cured" through training; it is managed.
Bred to track and hold poachers silently without human direction, the Bullmastiff is an independent problem solver. They do not have the "will to please" of a Golden Retriever. If a command does not make sense to them, they will simply ignore it. This is often misinterpreted as stupidity; it is actually a refusal to perform rote tasks without high-value motivation.
While independent in thought, they are physically clingy. They will lean their 120-pound bodies against you, sit on your feet, and follow you from room to room. This constant physical presence can be overwhelming for owners who value personal space.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Bedlington Terrier | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Caution - may chase | Generally safe with proper introduction |
| Small Mammals | Supervision required | Supervision required |
| Birds / Reptiles | Caution advised | Caution advised |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Bedlington Terrier | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Medium | Medium |
| Biddability | Low | Low |
| Noise Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | 18 months | 18 months |
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Bedlington Terrier | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| House Training | Moderate | Moderate |
| Crate Training | Medium | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
Bedlington Terrier: Bedlington Terrier puppies require consistent training and patience.
Bullmastiff: Bullmastiff puppies require consistent training and patience.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Bedlington Terrier | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 12 months |
| Adolescence | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| Adult Years | 2-8 | 2-8 |
| Senior Onset | ~8 years | ~8 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Bedlington Terrier | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Height | N/A | N/A |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Medium | Extra Large |
| Lifespan | 12–16 years | 7–9 years |
| Litter Size | 4-8 | 4-8 |
Bedlington Terrier Coat
Bullmastiff Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Bedlington Terrier | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | N/A | Developed in mid-19th century England, the Bullmastiff was created by gamekeepers to combat poachers |
| Origin | N/A | N/A |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Bedlington Terrier | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Varies | Varies |
| Whelping Difficulty | Medium | Medium |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Bedlington Terrier | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Low | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | Low |
| Min Fence Height | 1.5m | 1.5m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Low | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
Bedlington Terrier Health Issues
Bullmastiff Health Issues
Bedlington Terrier Suggested Tests
- DNA testing for Copper Toxicosis (COMMD1)
Bullmastiff Suggested Tests
- OFA/PennHIP for hip/elbow dysplasia
- Echocardiogram for cardiac issues
- CERF for eye conditions
- Prophylactic gastropexy
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Bedlington Terrier | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Medium | Medium |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Low |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Low | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Medium |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Bedlington Terrier | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Food Allergies |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Bedlington Terrier | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | Low | Low |
| Anal Gland Issues | Occasional | Occasional |
Senior Care & Aging
Bedlington Terrier Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
Bullmastiff Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
Grooming & Care
Bedlington Terrier
high maintenanceBullmastiff
medium maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Bedlington Terrier Daily Life
Bullmastiff Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Bedlington Terrier | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 50lbs | Under 50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Bedlington Terrier | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Medium | Medium |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Bedlington Terrier | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Bedlington Terrier | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Low | Low |
| Therapy Dog | Low | Low |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Low | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Bedlington Terrier | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | N/A | N/A |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,000–$2,500 | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Bedlington Terrier | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $80–$160 | $180–$300 |
| Yearly Range | $960–$1,920 | $2,160–$3,600 |
| Food / Month | N/A | $100-150 |
| Insurance / Month | N/A | $80-150 |
| Grooming / Session | N/A | N/A |
| Vet Routine / Year | N/A | $500-800 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Bedlington Terrier Lifetime Cost
N/A
Bullmastiff Lifetime Cost
N/A
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Bedlington Terrier | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Occasional | Occasional |
| Slobber Level | Low | Low |
| Smell When Wet | Moderate | Moderate |
| Zoomies Frequency | Occasional | Occasional |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | Low | Low |
Frequently Asked Questions
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