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Bullmastiff vs Maltipoo

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
Maltipoo breed photo

Maltipoo

AKCFCIKC

The Maltipoo is a popular designer dog that combines the gentle, affectionate nature of the Maltese with the intelligence and hypoallergenic qualities of the Poodle. These small, fluffy companions are known for their charming personalities and adaptability. Maltipoos thrive on human companionship and make excellent lap dogs, yet still enjoy playtime and short walks.

Size

Small

Energy

High

Lifespan

10+ years yrs

Height

N/A

Quick Comparison

TraitBullmastiffMaltipoo
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
DetailBullmastiffMaltipoo
SizeExtra LargeSmall
Energy LevelMediumHigh
GroomingMediumHigh
TrainabilitychallengingEasy
Barking LevelLowHigh
Shedding LevelMediumLow
Chew strengthHardN/A
HousingYardApartment

Owner Fit & Decision Guide

Owner Match

TraitBullmastiffMaltipoo
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 Maltipoo.

Bullmastiff Dealbreakers

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

Maltipoo Dealbreakers

  • Cannot meet 50-65 min daily exercise
  • Cannot commit to grooming needs

Surrender Risk

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

Temperament & Personality

Behavior Comparison

TraitBullmastiffMaltipoo
Prey Drive
Watchdog Ability
Stranger Friendly
Drool Level
Wanderlust

Vocalization

TraitBullmastiffMaltipoo
Barking LevelLowHigh
Howling Tendency
Whining TendencyLowLow
Separation Vocalization
Bullmastiff bark triggers
StrangersDoorbellsOther dogs
Maltipoo bark triggers
StrangersDoorbellsOther dogs

Safety & Reliability

TraitBullmastiffMaltipoo
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

Maltipoo 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.

Maltipoo

MethodPositive reinforcement
Challenges
Requires consistent, patient training
Tips
  • oo is not a purse dog; it is a small athlete.
  • oo is a noisy Maltipoo [cite: 24, 25].
  • ** Positive reinforcement only. Both parent breeds are highly sensitive; harsh corrections or yelling will cause the dog to shut down or urinate submissively [cite: 26, 27].

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.

Maltipoo Considerations

challengeThe "Shadow" Syndrome

Maltipoos will follow owners room-to-room. This is endearing until it becomes pathological. Owners who work 8+ hours away from home often find their Maltipoo develops destructive behaviors, self-mutilation (licking paws raw), or incessant vocalization.

challengeAlert Barking

Despite their small size, Maltipoos are vigilant watchdogs. They possess a high sensitivity to environmental noise (hallway footsteps, elevators, car doors). This trait, inherited from the alert Maltese and the sharp Poodle, can make apartment living contentious if not managed early. They do not bark to threaten, but to announce, and they announce *everything*.

challengeNeuroticism & "Small Dog Syndrome"

If treated like a human infant rather than a canine, Maltipoos can develop resource guarding and reactivity. They may snap when moved from a couch or become reactive toward larger dogs on walks due to fear.

Multi-Species Compatibility

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

Advanced Behavior

TraitBullmastiffMaltipoo
Predatory Sequence RiskMediumMedium
BiddabilityLowHigh
Noise SensitivityLowLow
Territorial Barking
Same-Sex Aggression Onset18 months18 months

First Year & Life Stages

First Year Challenges

ChallengeBullmastiffMaltipoo
Puppy Difficulty
Destructive Phase6-186-12
House TrainingModerateModerate
Crate TrainingMediumMedium
Adolescent Regression

Bullmastiff: Bullmastiff puppies require consistent training and patience.

Maltipoo: Maltipoo puppies require consistent training and patience.

Life Stages Timeline

StageBullmastiffMaltipoo
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

MeasurementBullmastiffMaltipoo
HeightN/AN/A
WeightNot enough data yetNot enough data yet
Size CategoryExtra LargeSmall
Lifespan

7–9 years

N/A

Litter Size4-84-8

Bullmastiff Coat

Type double
Length Medium
Texture straight
Colors
Various

Maltipoo Coat

Type double
Length Medium
Texture straight
Colors
Various

Lineage & Origin

DetailBullmastiffMaltipoo
Original PurposeDeveloped in mid-19th century England, the Bullmastiff was created by gamekeepers to combat poachersThe Maltipoo is a "Designer Dog" originating in the United States in the 1990s
OriginN/Ain the United States in the 1990s

Breeding Details

DetailBullmastiffMaltipoo
C-Section RateVariesVaries
Whelping DifficultyMediumMedium
Puppy Mortality RateLowLow

Physical Risks

RiskBullmastiffMaltipoo
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

Maltipoo Health Issues

Patellar Luxation
Periodontal Disease
White Shaker Syndrome
Progressive Retinal AtrophyPRA
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Bullmastiff Suggested Tests

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

Maltipoo Suggested Tests

  • Genetic testing for PRA-prcd
  • Patellar Luxation (OFA certified)
  • Daily dental hygiene
  • Annual/bi-annual professional veterinary dental cleanings
  • Weight management
  • Use of a harness instead of a collar

Health Risk Overview

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

Sensitivities & Allergies

SensitivityBullmastiffMaltipoo
Skin Allergies
Environmental Allergies
Stomach SensitivityLowLow
Food Allergies

Health Maintenance

Care ItemBullmastiffMaltipoo
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.

Maltipoo 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

Maltipoo

high maintenance
Coat Typedouble
Coat Lengthmedium
Coat Texturestraight
Shedding LevelLow
Seasonal SheddingLow
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

Maltipoo Daily Life

Exercise Needs60-90 min/day
Alone TimeUp to 4h
Mental StimulationHigh
ApartmentSuitable
Work from HomeSuitable with adequate exercise
Weekend WarriorSuitable
HousingApartment
Barking LevelHigh
First-Time Owner
Exercise Types
WalkingPlayTraining
NighttimeSleeps well when exercised
Food MotivationMedium

Housing & Legal Restrictions

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

Climate Tolerance

ClimateBullmastiffMaltipoo
Heat Tolerance
Cold Tolerance
Water AffinityMediumMedium

Travel Compatibility

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

Niche Suitability

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

Costs & Expenses

Upfront Costs

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

Ongoing Costs

CostBullmastiffMaltipoo
Monthly Range$180–$300$80–$160
Yearly Range$2,160–$3,600$960–$1,920
Food / Month$100-150N/A
Insurance / Month$80-150N/A
Grooming / SessionN/A$50-100
Vet Routine / Year$500-800$300-800
Monthly Cost Tier

Bullmastiff Lifetime Cost

N/A

Maltipoo Lifetime Cost

N/A

Quirks & Fun Facts

Daily Quirks

QuirkBullmastiffMaltipoo
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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