Bullmastiff vs French Mastiff: Visual Differences & Overview (With Pictures)

Bullmastiff vs French Mastiff: A Comprehensive Comparison

The Mastiff family of dogs is known for their huge, powerful frames and devoted, protective personalities. Two impressive members of this ancient breed group are the Bullmastiff and French Mastiff (Dogue de Bordeaux). While these gentle giants share some traits in common, they also have distinct differences that prospective owners should understand before bringing one home. In this in-depth guide, we‘ll explore the history, temperament, care needs, and more of the Bullmastiff and French Mastiff.

Mastiffs: The Mighty Guardians
Mastiff-type dogs have existed for thousands of years, with evidence of their presence dating back to ancient civilizations like Babylonia, Greece, Egypt, and China. The term "Mastiff" doesn‘t refer to a specific breed but rather a group of large, muscular dogs originally bred for protection, guarding, and warfare.

All Mastiffs are united by certain physical characteristics: a massive, heavy body, broad head, short muzzle, pendant ears, and a short, low-set tail. They move with a powerful, lumbering gait. But Mastiffs are more than just oversized security systems – they are also deeply loyal companions known for their calm, confident demeanor and affectionate nature with family.

Over time, different Mastiff breeds emerged by crossing these ancient guard dogs with other breeds to create dogs suited for particular roles and environments. Two such breeds are the Bullmastiff, developed in 19th century England, and the French Mastiff or Dogue de Bordeaux, one of the oldest French dog breeds. Let‘s examine the history of these majestic canines more closely.

The Bullmastiff: Fearless Guard of the English Countryside
In the mid-1800s, English gamekeepers needed a dog that could help tackle poachers on estates and game preserves. While Bulldogs were tenacious, they lacked the size to pin down a man. Mastiffs had the power but not the speed. The solution was to cross the two breeds, creating a dog 60% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog – the noble Bullmastiff.

Nicknamed the "Gamekeeper‘s Night Dog," Bullmastiffs were so skilled at their job that they were kept highly confidential to maintain their element of surprise when confronting intruders. Poachers came to dread the silent, stalking Bullmastiff who could strike without warning and hold them down until the gamekeeper arrived.

As the era of England‘s large estates waned in the early 20th century and poaching declined, Bullmastiffs transitioned into the role of family guardian and companion while still maintaining their working abilities. The breed came to America in the 1920s and slowly gained popularity, earning recognition with the American Kennel Club in 1933.

The French Mastiff: Ancient Warrior, Gentle Homebody
One of the most ancient French breeds, the Dogue de Bordeaux or French Mastiff developed in the Bordeaux region of France. A typical brachycephalic (flat-faced) Mastiff-type, it served as a hunter of large game like boar, bear, and deer, as well as a guardian of homes and businesses. The breed may also have been used in dog fighting contests.

Nearly driven to extinction after the French Revolution, when many of the dogs perished alongside their wealthy owners, the Dogue de Bordeaux experienced a resurgence in the 1960s thanks to the efforts of dedicated breeders. A French Mastiff named Beasley gained international fame in the 1989 Tom Hanks movie "Turner and Hooch."

Today, the French Mastiff remains a rare breed. More laidback than many other Mastiffs, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a mellow homebody that adores lounging with loved ones. But don‘t be fooled by their easygoing attitude – like all Mastiffs, they are fearless protectors when called upon.

Bullmastiff vs. French Mastiff: A Head-to-Head Comparison
Now that we‘ve explored the origins of these two majestic Mastiff breeds, let‘s see how they stack up in key areas like appearance, personality, trainability, health, and more.

Size and Appearance:
Both breeds are sizable, powerful dogs with large, broad heads. Bullmastiffs are slightly taller and heavier on average.

Bullmastiff:
Males – 25-27 inches tall, 110-130 pounds
Females – 24-26 inches tall, 100-120 pounds
Stocky, muscular build. Broad, wrinkled head with a short, square muzzle. Colors include fawn, red, or brindle.

French Mastiff:
Males – 23.5-27 inches tall, 110-150 pounds
Females – 23-26 inches tall, 99-120 pounds
Powerful, muscular body. Massive, broad head with pronounced stop and slight furrow. Muzzle is short and broad. Coat is short and soft in shades of fawn or red, often with a black mask.

Temperament:
Both breeds share the typical Mastiff traits of confidence, calmness, courageousness, and loyalty. However, there are some distinctions:

Bullmastiff: Fearless and alert, Bullmastiffs are natural guardians with strong protective instincts. Confident and even-tempered, they are typically more aloof with strangers compared to the French Mastiff. Affectionate and devoted to family but may have lower tolerance for young children and other dogs without proper training and socialization.

French Mastiff: While equally brave and loyal, the French Mastiff tends to be more laidback and a bigger fan of relaxation compared to the Bullmastiff. They are still vigilant protectors but often friendlier with strangers and somewhat more tolerant of children. That said, early socialization is still critical for both breeds.

Exercise Needs:
Despite their imposing size, neither breed has extremely high exercise needs. But regular moderate activity is important for their health.

Bullmastiff: Bullmastiffs need a bit more exercise than French Mastiffs – around 45-60 minutes per day broken into a couple walks or play sessions. They enjoy brisk walks, romping in a secure yard, and games like fetch.

French Mastiff: The mellow Dogue de Bordeaux has relatively low exercise needs and will be satisfied with 30-45 minutes of walking per day along with some playtime. They are more likely to overheat compared to the Bullmastiff, so exercise caution in hot weather.

Both breeds are prone to joint issues, so care should be taken not to over-exercise them, especially when young. A yard for them to patrol and hang out in is ideal.

Trainability:
The strong guardian nature of these breeds, combined with a stubborn streak, necessitates committed training and socialization starting early.

Bullmastiff: Bullmastiffs are intelligent and trainable but have an independent mind of their own. They require a confident, consistent leader who will firmly establish boundaries without using harsh methods. Positive reinforcement works best. Socialization with people and other dogs from puppyhood is vital for this aloof breed.

French Mastiff: While not the easiest breed to train, French Mastiffs are a bit more biddable and sensitive than Bullmastiffs. They are likely to shut down if treated harshly. Short, positive training sessions work best. As with all guard breeds, extensive socialization is a must to nurture their discriminating but accepting attitude.

Health and Life Expectancy:
As giant breeds, both Bullmastiffs and French Mastiffs are prone to certain health issues and have shorter lifespans than smaller dogs.

Bullmastiff: 7-9 years
French Mastiff: 5-8 years

Health issues seen in both breeds include hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems like cherry eye and entropion, hypothyroidism, certain cancers, and bloat, which can be life-threatening. Responsible breeders health test breeding stock to minimize these risks.

In addition, French Mastiffs are prone to heart conditions and hyperkeratosis, a thickening of the skin on the nose. Their flat faces also make them susceptible to breathing issues and heat intolerance.

Grooming:
The short coats of these breeds are relatively low-maintenance. Bullmastiffs shed moderately year-round, while French Mastiffs are average shedders. Weekly brushing and occasional baths will keep them looking their best. The wrinkles on the French Mastiff‘s face may need regular cleaning to prevent skin fold infections.

Living Needs:
These courageous yet even-tempered breeds can adapt to many different living situations if their needs for space, exercise and companionship are met. A home with a securely fenced yard is ideal.

While they may tolerate apartment living if sufficiently exercised, their large size and potential for loud snoring and drooling make them less than ideal apartment dogs. Novice owners should beware – the strong temperaments of these breeds can be challenging without prior experience.

As family dogs, Bullmastiffs and French Mastiffs are deeply devoted to their people but require careful training and socialization to nurture their acceptance of children and other pets. They are not recommended for families with very young kids who could accidentally get knocked over by an exuberant Mastiff.

The Importance of Socialization and Training
Proper socialization and training from an early age are absolutely essential for both Bullmastiffs and French Mastiffs. Without it, their naturally protective instincts can lead to excessive suspicion, fear, and even aggression toward people and dogs they don‘t know.

Exposing your Mastiff puppy to a wide variety of people, places, sights, sounds, and other dogs will help them develop into a well-adjusted, discriminating protector. Obedience training is equally important to establish leadership and control over these powerful breeds. Fortunately, both are highly intelligent and capable of mastering basic and advanced commands with patient, consistent training.

Final Thoughts
The Bullmastiff and French Mastiff are both majestic representatives of the Mastiff family, sharing the core traits of loyalty, courage, and calmness. While the Bullmastiff may be slightly more energetic and aloof, the French Mastiff tends to be more laidback and sociable. However, differences between individual dogs can be vast.

Ultimately, the choice between these gentle giants comes down to your lifestyle and personal preferences. If you desire a somewhat more active and protective companion, the valiant Bullmastiff may be your ideal match. If you‘re looking for a more mellow dog that loves leisurely walks and lots of lounging, the amiable French Mastiff could be your perfect partner.

Whichever breed you choose, you‘ll be welcoming a devoted guardian into your life that will shower you with affection and always have your back. Just remember that ownership of a Mastiff breed is a big commitment in more ways than one! Be prepared for drool, dog hair, and extra-large everything. But for the right person, the rewards of living with one of these magnificent breeds are immeasurable. Mastiffs forever leave an oversized paw print on your heart.