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Bullmastiff vs Great Dane

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
Great Dane breed photo

Great Dane

AKCFCIKC

The Great Dane is a giant dog breed known for its imposing stature and gentle demeanor, often referred to as a \\\"gentle giant.\\\" Originating from Germany, these dogs are admired for their friendly nature, elegance, and loyal companionship.

Size

Extra Large

Energy

High

Lifespan

7-10 years yrs

Height

N/A

Quick Comparison

TraitBullmastiffGreat Dane
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
DetailBullmastiffGreat Dane
SizeExtra LargeExtra Large
Energy LevelMediumHigh
GroomingMediumLow
TrainabilitychallengingModerate
Barking LevelLowMedium
Shedding LevelMediumHigh
Chew strengthHardModerate
HousingYardApartment

Owner Fit & Decision Guide

Owner Match

TraitBullmastiffGreat Dane
Experience LevelExperiencedBeginner
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 Great Dane.

Bullmastiff Dealbreakers

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

Great Dane Dealbreakers

  • Cannot meet 60-90 min daily exercise
  • Cannot tolerate heavy shedding

Surrender Risk

FactorBullmastiffGreat Dane
Risk LevelMediumMedium
Primary ReasonsUnderestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of careUnderestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care

Temperament & Personality

Behavior Comparison

TraitBullmastiffGreat Dane
Prey Drive
Watchdog Ability
Stranger Friendly
Drool Level
Wanderlust

Vocalization

TraitBullmastiffGreat Dane
Barking LevelLowMedium
Howling Tendency
Whining TendencyLowLow
Separation Vocalization
Bullmastiff bark triggers
StrangersDoorbellsOther dogs
Great Dane bark triggers
StrangersDoorbellsOther dogs

Safety & Reliability

TraitBullmastiffGreat Dane
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

Great Dane Social Traits

Velcro Dog
One Person Dog
Handling ToleranceMedium
Stranger Wariness

Low

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.

Great Dane

MethodPositive reinforcement
Challenges
forced running until fully mature (18-24 months) [cite: 11].exercise in peak heat [cite: 15].
Tips
  • **: Great Danes respond best to **positive reinforcement**. They are sensitive dogs; harsh corrections can cause them to shut down or become fearful [cite: 13].

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.

Great Dane Considerations

challengeSeparation Anxiety

Great Danes are profoundly social animals, often described as "Velcro dogs." They do not tolerate isolation well. Left alone for long periods, their anxiety can manifest in destructive chewing or digging. Given their size, a panicked Dane can destroy a door frame or a sofa in minutes.

challengeThe "Zoomies" Hazard

While generally calm indoors, young Danes experience bursts of frenetic energy known as "zoomies." In a small space, a 100lb puppy moving at high speed is a physical hazard to furniture, children, and themselves.

dealbreakerAdolescent Unruliness

Between 6 and 18 months, Danes are essentially giant puppies. They may not realize their own strength, leading to accidental knocking over of children or elderly family members. Leash manners are critical; a pulling Dane cannot be physically overpowered by most owners.

Multi-Species Compatibility

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

Advanced Behavior

TraitBullmastiffGreat Dane
Predatory Sequence RiskMediumMedium
BiddabilityLowLow
Noise SensitivityLowLow
Territorial Barking
Same-Sex Aggression Onset18 months18 months

First Year & Life Stages

First Year Challenges

ChallengeBullmastiffGreat Dane
Puppy Difficulty
Destructive Phase6-186-18
House TrainingModerateChallenging
Crate TrainingMediumMedium
Adolescent Regression

Bullmastiff: Bullmastiff puppies require consistent training and patience.

Great Dane: Great Dane puppies require consistent training and patience.

Life Stages Timeline

StageBullmastiffGreat Dane
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

MeasurementBullmastiffGreat Dane
HeightN/AN/A
WeightNot enough data yetNot enough data yet
Size CategoryExtra LargeExtra Large
Lifespan

7–9 years

7–10 years

Litter Size4-84-8

Bullmastiff Coat

Type double
Length Medium
Texture straight
Colors
Various

Great Dane Coat

Type double
Length Medium
Texture straight
Colors
Various

Lineage & Origin

DetailBullmastiffGreat Dane
Original PurposeDeveloped in mid-19th century England, the Bullmastiff was created by gamekeepers to combat poachersThe Great Dane, or *Deutsche Dogge*, was developed in Germany (not Denmark) as a boar hound
OriginN/AN/A

Breeding Details

DetailBullmastiffGreat Dane
C-Section RateVariesVaries
Whelping DifficultyMediumMedium
Puppy Mortality RateLowLow

Physical Risks

RiskBullmastiffGreat Dane
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

Great Dane Health Issues

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV/Bloat): 42.4% lifetime risk
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): up to 35.6% affected
Hip Dysplasia: Approximately 12% dysplastic
Wobbler Syndrome
OsteosarcomaBone Cancer

Bullmastiff Suggested Tests

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

Great Dane Suggested Tests

  • Prophylactic gastropexy
  • Regular echocardiogram screening
  • Hip evaluations
  • Eye evaluations
  • Thyroid evaluations
  • Cardiac evaluations

Health Risk Overview

Risk FactorBullmastiffGreat Dane
Cancer RiskMediumMedium
Cardiac RiskLowLow
Neurological RiskLowLow
CCL/ACL Tear RiskLowLow
Vet Burden TierMediumMedium

Sensitivities & Allergies

SensitivityBullmastiffGreat Dane
Skin Allergies
Environmental Allergies
Stomach SensitivityLowLow
Food Allergies

Health Maintenance

Care ItemBullmastiffGreat Dane
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.

Great Dane 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

Great Dane

low maintenance
Coat Typedouble
Coat Lengthmedium
Coat Texturestraight
Shedding LevelHigh
Seasonal SheddingHigh
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

Great Dane Daily Life

Exercise Needs30-60 min/day
Alone TimeUp to 4h
Mental StimulationHigh
ApartmentSuitable
Work from HomeSuitable with adequate exercise
Weekend WarriorSuitable
HousingApartment
Barking LevelMedium
First-Time Owner
Exercise Types
WalkingPlayTraining
NighttimeSleeps well when exercised
Food MotivationMedium

Housing & Legal Restrictions

RestrictionBullmastiffGreat Dane
BSL Restricted
Common Rental Ban
Insurance Blacklist
Weight CategoryUnder 50lbsUnder 50lbs

Climate Tolerance

ClimateBullmastiffGreat Dane
Heat Tolerance
Cold Tolerance
Water AffinityMediumMedium

Travel Compatibility

ActivityBullmastiffGreat Dane
Car TravelGoodGood
Camping
Beach Friendly
Hiking Rating
Cabin Flight Eligible
Hotel Friendly Size

Niche Suitability

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

Costs & Expenses

Upfront Costs

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

Ongoing Costs

CostBullmastiffGreat Dane
Monthly Range$180–$300$130–$260
Yearly Range$2,160–$3,600$1,560–$3,120
Food / Month$100-150$100-200
Insurance / Month$80-150N/A
Grooming / SessionN/AN/A
Vet Routine / Year$500-800N/A
Monthly Cost Tier

Bullmastiff Lifetime Cost

N/A

Great Dane Lifetime Cost

N/A

Quirks & Fun Facts

Daily Quirks

QuirkBullmastiffGreat Dane
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

Based on comprehensive breed research data.

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