Bullmastiff versus Dutch Shepherd. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Bullmastiff Versus Dutch Shepherd: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Bullmastiff and the Dutch Shepherd? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Bullmastiff and the Dutch Shepherd better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Bullmastiff and the Dutch Shepherd.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bullmastiff and the Dutch Shepherd is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Bullmastiff and for the Dutch Shepherd. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Bullmastiff and the Dutch Shepherd.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Bullmastiff or the Dutch Shepherd.

Bullmastiff versus Dutch Shepherd: Overview

A very important difference between the Bullmastiff and the Dutch Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Bullmastiff is a giant-sized dog while the Dutch Shepherd is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Bullmastiff belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

On the other hand, the Dutch Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Bullmastiff versus Dutch Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bullmastiff to the Dutch Shepherd based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Bullmastiff and the Dutch Shepherd

Factor Bullmastiff Dutch Shepherd
Does NOT Shed 5/5 2/5
Weight 100 to 130 pounds 50 to 70 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 4/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 2/5
Height 24 to 27 inches at the shoulder 21 to 25 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 5/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 1/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Life Span 8 to 10 years 12 to 15 years
Average Lifespan 9.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $2230 $1530
Price Range $1500 – $3000 $900 – $1500
Temperament Score 80.1 percent 96.2 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Kidney Disease
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Bullmastiff in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Dutch Shepherd. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Bullmastiff is 77 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Dutch Shepherd is 85 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Dutch Shepherd is a better pet than the Bullmastiff. So, you should get the Dutch Shepherd!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Bullmastiff and the Dutch Shepherd so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bullmastiff and the Dutch Shepherd

    Below is a list of where the Bullmastiff and the Dutch Shepherd are most different:

    • Bullmastiffs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Dutch Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Bullmastiffs have a very high tendency to drool. However, Dutch Shepherds do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Bullmastiffs gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them. However, Dutch Shepherds are not prone to gaining weight easily.

    The Similarities Between the Bullmastiff and the Dutch Shepherd

    The Bullmastiff and the Dutch Shepherd are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Bullmastiff and the Dutch Shepherd are most similar:

    • Both the Bullmastiff and the Dutch Shepherd are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Bullmastiff and the Dutch Shepherd do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Bullmastiff and the Dutch Shepherd are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Bullmastiff and the Dutch Shepherd can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Bullmastiff and the Dutch Shepherd get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Bullmastiff and the Dutch Shepherd do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Bullmastiff and the Dutch Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Bullmastiff and the Dutch Shepherd get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Bullmastiff and the Dutch Shepherd are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Bullmastiff versus Dutch Shepherd

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Bullmastiff and the Dutch Shepherd.

    Bullmastiffs weigh 100 to 130 pounds when fully grown. Bullmastiffs are 24 to 27 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Dutch Shepherds weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Dutch Shepherds are 21 to 25 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Bullmastiff versus Dutch Shepherd

    The lifespan of Bullmastiffs is between 8 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Bullmastiffs is 9.0 years.

    The lifespan of Dutch Shepherds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Dutch Shepherds is 13.5 years.

    Dutch Shepherds live longer than Bullmastiffs.

    Temperament of the Dutch Shepherd Versus the Bullmastiff

    The Dutch Shepherd has a better temperament than the Bullmastiff.

    This is because the temperament score for the Dutch Shepherd is 96.2 percent while the temperament score for the Bullmastiff is 80.1 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 80.1 percent, the Bullmastiff has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 96.2 percent, the Dutch Shepherd has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Bullmastiff and the Dutch Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 151 Bullmastiffs and 26 Dutch Shepherds.

    Price of Bullmastiff versus Price of Dutch Shepherd

    The average price of the Bullmastiff puppy is $2230. The price of the Bullmastiff typically ranges from $1500 – $3000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 94 Bullmastiff puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Dutch Shepherd puppy is $1530. The price of the Dutch Shepherd typically ranges from $900 – $1500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 45 Dutch Shepherd puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Bullmastiff is more expensive than the Dutch Shepherd.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Bullmastiff and Dutch Shepherd. For different price points, the charts show how many Bullmastiff puppies or how many Dutch Shepherd puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Bullmastiffs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Bullmastiffs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Bullmastiff puppy or the Dutch Shepherd puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bullmastiff versus Dutch Shepherd

    Bullmastiffs do not like to be left alone.

    Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Bullmastiffs shed more than Dutch Shepherds?

    Bullmastiffs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Dutch Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Bullmastiff or the Dutch Shepherd

    Bullmastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Bullmastiff or the Dutch Shepherd?

    Bullmastiffs are very easy to groom.

    Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Bullmastiff Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Dutch Shepherd?

    Bullmastiffs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Dutch Shepherds have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Bullmastiffs Bark and Howl? What about Dutch Shepherds?

    Bullmastiffs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Dutch Shepherds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Bullmastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Bullmastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bullmastiff vs. Dutch Shepherd

    Bullmastiffs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Dutch Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Bullmastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Bullmastiffs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bullmastiff or the Dutch Shepherd?

    Bullmastiffs get along very well with other dogs.

    Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Bullmastiffs good family dogs? What about Dutch Shepherds?

    Bullmastiffs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Dutch Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Bullmastiffs and Dutch Shepherds?

    Bullmastiffs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Bullmastiff Easier to Train than the Dutch Shepherd?

    Bullmastiffs are fairly easy to train.

    Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Is the Bullmastiff Better for Apartment Owners than the Dutch Shepherd?

    Bullmastiffs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Bullmastiff or the Dutch Shepherd?

    Bullmastiffs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Dutch Shepherds are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Bullmastiff versus Dutch Shepherd. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Bullmastiff and the Dutch Shepherd better suits you and your family.