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Bullmastiff vs French Bulldog

A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.

Bullmastiff breed photo

Bullmastiff

AKCFCIKC

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.

Size

Extra Large

Energy

Medium

Lifespan

7-9 years yrs

Height

N/A

VS
French Bulldog breed photo

French Bulldog

AKCFCIKC

The French Bulldog is a small, muscular breed known for its distinctive bat-like ears and affectionate, playful nature. Originating from France, these dogs make excellent companions, thriving in both city and country environments due to their adaptable and sociable temperament.

Size

Medium

Energy

Low

Lifespan

10-12 years yrs

Height

Not specified cm

Quick Comparison

TraitBullmastiffFrench Bulldog
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
DetailBullmastiffFrench Bulldog
SizeExtra LargeMedium
Energy LevelMediumLow
GroomingMediumHigh
Trainabilitychallengingchallenging
Barking LevelLowLow
Shedding LevelMediumMedium
HousingYardApartment

Owner Fit & Decision Guide

Owner Match

TraitBullmastiffFrench Bulldog
Experience LevelExperiencedExperienced
First-Time Owner
Ideal OwnerActive individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Bullmastiff.Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a French Bulldog.

Bullmastiff Dealbreakers

  • Cannot meet 60-60 min daily exercise
  • Cannot commit to grooming needs

French Bulldog Dealbreakers

  • Cannot meet 30-45 min daily exercise
  • Cannot commit to grooming needs

Surrender Risk

FactorBullmastiffFrench Bulldog
Risk LevelMediumMedium
Primary ReasonsUnderestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of careUnderestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care

Temperament & Personality

Behavior Comparison

TraitBullmastiffFrench Bulldog
Prey Drive
Watchdog Ability
Stranger Friendly
Drool Level
Wanderlust

Vocalization

TraitBullmastiffFrench Bulldog
Barking LevelLowLow
Howling Tendency
Whining TendencyLowLow
Separation Vocalization
Bullmastiff bark triggers
StrangersDoorbellsOther dogs
French Bulldog bark triggers
StrangersDoorbellsOther dogs

Safety & Reliability

TraitBullmastiffFrench Bulldog
Escape Artist
Dog Park Suitable
Off-Leash Reliable
Small Animal Safe
Leash Reactivity
Resource Guarding RiskLowLow

Bullmastiff Social Traits

Velcro Dog
One Person Dog
Handling ToleranceMedium
Stranger Wariness

Moderate

With Other Dogs

Selective

French Bulldog Social Traits

Velcro Dog
One Person Dog
Handling ToleranceMedium
Stranger Wariness

Moderate

With Other Dogs

Generally friendly

Training

Bullmastiff

MethodPositive reinforcement
Challenges
forced running or jogging on pavement until growth plates close (18–24 months).
Tips
  • ** Positive reinforcement is the only viable path. Harsh corrections often cause this breed to shut down or become defensive.

French Bulldog

MethodPositive reinforcement
Challenges
the heat of the day.** They are "free thinkers." They know *what* you want, but they will consider *if* they want to do it. High-value rewards (cheese, meat) are often necessary.
Tips
  • ** Positive reinforcement only (treats/praise). They are sensitive and will become sullen if scolded.

Bullmastiff Considerations

challengeSame-Sex Aggression

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.

challengeStubborn Independence

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.

challengeThe "Velcro" Guardian

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.

French Bulldog Considerations

challengeSevere Separation Anxiety

Frenchies are "Velcro dogs" in the truest sense. They score extremely low on independence. Leaving them alone for standard workdays (8 hours) often results in the "Frenchie Death Scream"—a harrowing vocalization that sounds like a human child in distress—along with destructive chewing and house soiling. They are ill-suited for single owners who work away from home without a budget for daily daycare.

challengeStubbornness & House Training

This breed is notoriously difficult to house train. Their stubborn streak, combined with a small bladder and an aversion to rain/cold, means accidents can persist well into adulthood. They do not respond to harsh correction; they will simply shut down.

dealbreakerPrey Drive

Despite their goofy appearance, they carry terrier blood (from their ratter ancestors). They can be dangerous around small pets like hamsters, guinea pigs, and sometimes cats if not raised with them.

Multi-Species Compatibility

SpeciesBullmastiffFrench Bulldog
With CatsGenerally safe with proper introductionGenerally safe with proper introduction
Small MammalsSupervision requiredSupervision required
Birds / ReptilesCaution advisedCaution advised

Advanced Behavior

TraitBullmastiffFrench Bulldog
Predatory Sequence RiskMediumMedium
BiddabilityLowLow
Noise SensitivityLowLow
Territorial Barking
Same-Sex Aggression Onset18 months18 months

First Year & Life Stages

First Year Challenges

ChallengeBullmastiffFrench Bulldog
Puppy Difficulty
Destructive Phase6-186-18
House TrainingModerateModerate
Crate TrainingMediumMedium
Adolescent Regression

Bullmastiff: Bullmastiff puppies require consistent training and patience.

French Bulldog: French Bulldog puppies require consistent training and patience.

Life Stages Timeline

StageBullmastiffFrench Bulldog
Puppy Phase12 months12 months
Adolescence6-186-18
Adult Years2-82-8
Senior Onset~8 years~8 years
Peak Energy Age1-3 years1-3 years

Size & Physical Characteristics

Physical Stats

MeasurementBullmastiffFrench Bulldog
HeightN/ANot specified cm
WeightN/AN/A
Size CategoryExtra LargeMedium
Lifespan7-9 years years10-12 years years
Litter Size4-84-8

Bullmastiff Coat

Typedouble
LengthMedium
Texturestraight
Colors
Various

French Bulldog Coat

Typedouble
LengthMedium
Texturestraight
Colors
Various

Lineage & Origin

DetailBullmastiffFrench Bulldog
Original PurposeDeveloped in mid-19th century England, the Bullmastiff was created by gamekeepers to combat poachersThe French Bulldog originated in the 1800s as a toy version of the English Bulldog, bred by lace mak
OriginN/Ain the 1800s as a toy version of the English Bulldog

Breeding Details

DetailBullmastiffFrench Bulldog
C-Section RateVariesVaries
Whelping DifficultyMediumMedium
Puppy Mortality RateLowLow

Physical Risks

RiskBullmastiffFrench Bulldog
Bloat / GDV RiskLowLow
Slippery Floor RiskLowLow
Min Fence Height1.5m1.5m
Dig / Escape RiskLowLow

Health & Common Conditions

Bullmastiff Health Issues

Lymphoma
Hip Dysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia
Gastric Dilatation-VolvulusBloat
Subaortic StenosisSAS

French Bulldog Health Issues

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway SyndromeBOAS
Intervertebral Disc DiseaseIVDD
Allergic Dermatitis
Hip Dysplasia
DystociaDifficult Birth

Bullmastiff Suggested Tests

  • OFA/PennHIP for hip/elbow dysplasia
  • Echocardiogram for cardiac issues
  • CERF for eye conditions
  • Prophylactic gastropexy

French Bulldog Suggested Tests

  • OFA certifications for Hips
  • OFA certifications for Patellas
  • OFA certifications for Eyes
  • OFA certifications for Cardiac health

Health Risk Overview

Risk FactorBullmastiffFrench Bulldog
Cancer RiskMediumMedium
Cardiac RiskLowLow
Neurological RiskLowLow
CCL/ACL Tear RiskLowLow
Vet Burden TierMediumMedium

Sensitivities & Allergies

SensitivityBullmastiffFrench Bulldog
Skin Allergies
Environmental Allergies
Stomach SensitivityLowLow
Food Allergies

Health Maintenance

Care ItemBullmastiffFrench Bulldog
Nail Growth RateNormalNormal
Eye Care NeedsLowLow
Anal Gland IssuesOccasionalOccasional

Senior Care & Aging

Bullmastiff Senior Care

Common Senior Issues

  • Arthritis
  • Vision decline
  • Cognitive changes
Mobility Aid LikelihoodMedium
QoL Decline Age~10 years
End of Life ComplexityMedium

Senior care varies by individual health.

French Bulldog Senior Care

Common Senior Issues

  • Arthritis
  • Vision decline
  • Cognitive changes
Mobility Aid LikelihoodMedium
QoL Decline Age~10 years
End of Life ComplexityMedium

Senior care varies by individual health.

Grooming & Care

Bullmastiff

medium maintenance
Coat Typedouble
Coat Lengthmedium
Coat Texturestraight
Shedding LevelMedium
Seasonal SheddingMedium
Ear Cleaningweekly
Dental RiskMedium
Obesity Prone
Winter Gear Needed
Summer Restrictions
Paw Protection
Odor LevelModerate
Tactile FeelVaries by coat type
Colors
Various

French Bulldog

high maintenance
Coat Typedouble
Coat Lengthmedium
Coat Texturestraight
Shedding LevelMedium
Seasonal SheddingMedium
Ear Cleaningweekly
Dental RiskMedium
Obesity Prone
Winter Gear Needed
Summer Restrictions
Paw Protection
Odor LevelModerate
Tactile FeelVaries by coat type
Colors
Various

Lifestyle Compatibility

Bullmastiff Daily Life

Exercise Needs30-45 min/day
Alone TimeUp to 4h
Mental StimulationMedium
ApartmentChallenging - needs space
Work from HomeSuitable with adequate exercise
Weekend WarriorSuitable
HousingYard
Barking LevelLow
First-Time Owner
Exercise Types
WalkingPlayTraining
NighttimeSleeps well when exercised
Food MotivationMedium

French Bulldog Daily Life

Exercise Needs30-45 min/day
Alone TimeUp to 4h
Mental StimulationMedium
ApartmentSuitable
Work from HomeSuitable with adequate exercise
Weekend WarriorSuitable
HousingApartment
Barking LevelLow
First-Time Owner
Exercise Types
WalkingPlayTraining
NighttimeSleeps well when exercised
Food MotivationMedium

Housing & Legal Restrictions

RestrictionBullmastiffFrench Bulldog
BSL Restricted
Common Rental Ban
Insurance Blacklist
Weight CategoryUnder 50lbsUnder 50lbs

Climate Tolerance

ClimateBullmastiffFrench Bulldog
Heat Tolerance
Cold Tolerance
Water AffinityMediumMedium

Travel Compatibility

ActivityBullmastiffFrench Bulldog
Car TravelGoodGood
Camping
Beach Friendly
Hiking Rating
Cabin Flight Eligible
Hotel Friendly Size

Niche Suitability

RoleBullmastiffFrench Bulldog
Service DogLowLow
Therapy DogLowLow
Deep Pressure Therapy
Canicross / Bikejoring
Apartment Adaptable
Tactile / Sensory Friendly
Livestock Guardian
Medical AlertLowLow

Costs & Expenses

Upfront Costs

CostBullmastiffFrench Bulldog
Purchase PriceN/AN/A
Initial Cost Range$1,000–$2,500$1,000–$2,500
Cost Tier

Ongoing Costs

CostBullmastiffFrench Bulldog
Monthly Range$180–$300$150–$300
Yearly Range$2,160–$3,600$1,800–$3,600
Food / Month$100-150N/A
Insurance / Month$80-150$100-200
Grooming / SessionN/AN/A
Vet Routine / Year$500-800N/A
Monthly Cost Tier

Bullmastiff Lifetime Cost

N/A

French Bulldog Lifetime Cost

N/A

Quirks & Fun Facts

Daily Quirks

QuirkBullmastiffFrench Bulldog
Snoring
FlatulenceOccasionalOccasional
Slobber LevelLowLow
Smell When WetModerateModerate
Zoomies FrequencyOccasionalOccasional
Counter Surfing
Digging TendencyLowLow

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Bullmastiffs can make good family dogs with proper training and socialization. They form strong bonds with their family members.
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Compare with Other Breeds

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