Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Bullmastiff Versus German Shepherd Dog: Introduction
- Bullmastiff versus German Shepherd Dog: Overview
- Bullmastiff versus German Shepherd Dog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bullmastiff and the German Shepherd Dog
- The Similarities Between the Bullmastiff and the German Shepherd Dog
- Size Comparison of Bullmastiff versus German Shepherd Dog
- Lifespan of Bullmastiff versus German Shepherd Dog
- Temperament of the German Shepherd Dog Versus the Bullmastiff
- Price of Bullmastiff versus Price of German Shepherd Dog
- The Intelligence of the Bullmastiff versus the Intelligence of the German Shepherd Dog
- Health Problems of Bullmastiff versus Health Problems of German Shepherd Dog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Bullmastiff versus German Shepherd Dog
- Do Bullmastiffs shed more than German Shepherd Dogs?
- Which one drools more, the Bullmastiff or the German Shepherd Dog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Bullmastiff or the German Shepherd Dog?
- Does the Bullmastiff Have a Higher Prey Drive than the German Shepherd Dog?
- Do Bullmastiffs Bark and Howl? What about German Shepherd Dogs?
- Can Bullmastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Bullmastiff vs. German Shepherd Dog
- Can Bullmastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bullmastiff or the German Shepherd Dog?
- Are Bullmastiffs good family dogs? What about German Shepherd Dogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Bullmastiffs and German Shepherd Dogs?
- Is the Bullmastiff Easier to Train than the German Shepherd Dog?
- Conclusion: Bullmastiff versus German Shepherd Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Bullmastiff Versus German Shepherd Dog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Bullmastiff and the German Shepherd Dog? 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 German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bullmastiff and the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog. 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 German Shepherd Dog.
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 German Shepherd Dog.
Bullmastiff versus German Shepherd Dog: Overview
A very important difference between the Bullmastiff and the German Shepherd Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Bullmastiff is a giant-sized dog while the German Shepherd Dog is a large-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 German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Bullmastiff to the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog
| Factor | Bullmastiff | German Shepherd Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 100 to 130 pounds | 75 to 95 pounds |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Height | 24 to 27 inches at the shoulder | 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 8 to 10 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Average Lifespan | 9.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $2230 | $1280 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $3000 | $800 – $1500 |
| Temperament Score | 80.1 percent | 85.3 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | ||
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 69 | 3 |
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 German Shepherd Dog. 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 German Shepherd Dog is 77 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the German Shepherd Dog is not better or worse than the Bullmastiff. So, you can get the German Shepherd Dog or the Bullmastiff!
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 German Shepherd Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bullmastiff and the German Shepherd Dog
Below is a list of where the Bullmastiff and the German Shepherd Dog are most different:
- Bullmastiffs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, German Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
- Bullmastiffs have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time. However, German Shepherd Dogs have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
- Bullmastiffs have a very high tendency to drool. However, German Shepherd Dogs do not have the tendency to drool.
- Bullmastiffs gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them. However, German Shepherd Dogs are not prone to gaining weight easily.
The Similarities Between the Bullmastiff and the German Shepherd Dog
The Bullmastiff and the German Shepherd Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Bullmastiff and the German Shepherd Dog are most similar:
- Both the Bullmastiff and the German Shepherd Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
- Both the Bullmastiff and the German Shepherd Dog do not like to be left alone.
- Both the Bullmastiff and the German Shepherd Dog cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
- Both the Bullmastiff and the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog can tolerate cold weather.
- Both the Bullmastiff and the German Shepherd Dog are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
- Both the Bullmastiff and the German Shepherd Dog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
- Both the Bullmastiff and the German Shepherd Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
- Both the Bullmastiff and the German Shepherd Dog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
- Both the Bullmastiff and the German Shepherd Dog are very easy to groom.
- Both the Bullmastiff and the German Shepherd Dog are very playful.
Size Comparison of Bullmastiff versus German Shepherd Dog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Bullmastiff and the German Shepherd Dog.
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, German Shepherd Dogs weigh 75 to 95 pounds when fully grown. German Shepherd Dogs are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall when fully grown.
Lifespan of Bullmastiff versus German Shepherd Dog
The lifespan of Bullmastiffs is between 8 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Bullmastiffs is 9.0 years.
The lifespan of German Shepherd Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Shepherd Dogs is 12.0 years.
German Shepherd Dogs live longer than Bullmastiffs.
Temperament of the German Shepherd Dog Versus the Bullmastiff
The German Shepherd Dog has a better temperament than the Bullmastiff.
This is because the temperament score for the German Shepherd Dog is 85.3 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 85.3 percent, the German Shepherd Dog has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Bullmastiff and the German Shepherd Dog by measuring the temperaments of 151 Bullmastiffs and 3383 German Shepherd Dogs.
Price of Bullmastiff versus Price of German Shepherd Dog
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 German Shepherd Dog puppy is $1280. The price of the German Shepherd Dog typically ranges from $800 – $1500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1776 German Shepherd Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Bullmastiff is more expensive than the German Shepherd Dog.
The charts below show the price distribution for the Bullmastiff and German Shepherd Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Bullmastiff puppies or how many German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dogs
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Bullmastiff puppy or the German Shepherd Dog 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.
The Intelligence of the Bullmastiff versus the Intelligence of the German Shepherd Dog
`| Bullmastiff | German Shepherd Dog | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 69 out of 130 dog breeds | 3 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 40 To 80 Repetitions! | Tend To Learn New Commands After Fewer Than 5 Repetitions |
Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.
According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:- Instinctive Intelligence: This is the natural intelligence a dog has because of what the dog was bred for. This type of intelligence comes from instinct. For example, dog breeds that were bred for guarding will have high `guarding` instinctive intelligence, while dog breeds that were bred for hunting will what high `hunting` instinctive intelligence. However, you cannot compare the intelligence of dog breeds based on instinctive intelligence because such a comparison will not make sense.
- Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability): This indicates what a dog can learn to do for himself or herself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence is specific to each dog, and not breed specific. Thus, two dogs can have remarkably different levels of adaptive intelligence even if they are of the same breed.
- Working/Obedience Intelligence: This intelligence is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and it is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans. Importantly, different dog breeds have different learning abilities. Also, science has shown that some dog breeds can learn faster than some other breeds. This means certain dog breeds tend to have higher working/obedience intelligence than some other breeds. Dogs with high Working/Obedience Intelligence are smart and easy to train.
Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.
This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.
To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.Prof. Coren found that the Bullmastiff has an obedience intelligence rank of 69 out of 130 dog breeds. The Bullmastiff belongs to the `Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Bullmastiffs tend to learn new commands after 40 to 80 repetitions!.
The German Shepherd Dog has an obedience intelligence rank of 3 out of 130 dog breeds. The German Shepherd Dog belongs to the `Brightest Dogs` category. This means that German Shepherd Dogs tend to learn new commands after fewer than 5 repetitions.
The German Shepherd Dog is more intelligent than the Bullmastiff.
However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.
Health Problems of Bullmastiff versus Health Problems of German Shepherd Dog
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Bullmastiff and the German Shepherd Dog are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the German Shepherd Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Bullmastiff.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the German Shepherd Dog than for the Bullmastiff.
6 health tests are recommended for Bullmastiff while 7 tests are recommended for the German Shepherd Dog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Bullmastiffs and in German Shepherd Dogs.
Bullmastiff Health Problems
Bullmastiffs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Bullmastiff puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Bullmastiff puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Bullmastiff breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Bullmastiffs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Bullmastiffs here.
German Shepherd Dog Health Problems
German Shepherd Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing German Shepherd Dog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a German Shepherd Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your German Shepherd Dog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen German Shepherd Dogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for German Shepherd Dogs here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Bullmastiff versus German Shepherd Dog
Bullmastiffs do not like to be left alone.
German Shepherd Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Bullmastiffs shed more than German Shepherd Dogs?
Bullmastiffs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
German Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Bullmastiff or the German Shepherd Dog
Bullmastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.
German Shepherd Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Bullmastiff or the German Shepherd Dog?
Bullmastiffs are very easy to groom.
German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to groom.
Does the Bullmastiff Have a Higher Prey Drive than the German Shepherd Dog?
Bullmastiffs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
German Shepherd Dogs have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Do Bullmastiffs Bark and Howl? What about German Shepherd Dogs?
Bullmastiffs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
German Shepherd Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Bullmastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Bullmastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.
German Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Bullmastiff vs. German Shepherd Dog
Bullmastiffs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
German Shepherd Dogs 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 German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Bullmastiffs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
German Shepherd Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bullmastiff or the German Shepherd Dog?
Bullmastiffs get along very well with other dogs.
German Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Bullmastiffs good family dogs? What about German Shepherd Dogs?
Bullmastiffs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
German Shepherd Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Bullmastiffs and German Shepherd Dogs?
Bullmastiffs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
German Shepherd Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Bullmastiff Easier to Train than the German Shepherd Dog?
Bullmastiffs are fairly easy to train.
German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to train.
Is the Bullmastiff Better for Apartment Owners than the German Shepherd Dog?
Bullmastiffs adapt moderately well to apartment living.
German Shepherd Dogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Bullmastiff or the German Shepherd Dog?
Bullmastiffs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
German Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Conclusion: Bullmastiff versus German Shepherd Dog. 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 German Shepherd Dog better suits you and your family.