Belgian Laekenois vs Bullmastiff
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Belgian Laekenois
Miscellaneous Class
Bullmastiff
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Belgian Laekenois Overview
Belgian Laekenois dogs showcase a distinctive rough-coated appearance with a tousled, wiry coat that gives them a rugged charm. Their muscular, well-proportioned frame combines elegance with power, standing 22-26 inches at the shoulder. Alert expression and proud carriage reflect their heritage as vigilant herding dogs, while their intelligent eyes and upright ears demonstrate constant awareness of their surroundings.
Bullmastiff Overview
Powerful and majestic, Bullmastiffs showcase a muscular build with a distinctive broad head and dark muzzle. Their short fawn, red, or brindle coat complements their imposing yet gentle demeanor. Standing up to 27 inches at the shoulder with males weighing up to 130 pounds, these dogs combine strength with surprising agility. Their watchful expression and noble bearing reflect their heritage as guardian breeds.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Belgian Laekenoiss are less energetic than Bullmastiffs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Belgian Laekenoiss require more grooming attention compared to Bullmastiffs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Belgian Laekenoiss tend to be more reserved with strangers than Bullmastiffs.
- Trainability: Bullmastiffs may be slightly easier to train due to their Bullmastiff's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Bullmastiffs adapt better to apartment living, while Belgian Laekenoiss typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Belgian Laekenois and Bullmastiff, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Belgian Laekenois | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 7-9 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Miscellaneous Class | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Belgian Laekenois | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-26 inches 56-66 cm | 24-27 inches 61-69 cm |
| Weight | 55-65 lbs 25-29 kg | 100-130 lbs 45-59 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Belgian Laekenois | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Alert, Intelligent | Affectionate, Loyal, Brave |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Belgian Laekenois | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Belgian Laekenois Temperament
The Belgian Laekenois is known for being affectionate, alert, intelligent, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Bullmastiff Temperament
The Bullmastiff is characterized by being affectionate, loyal, brave, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Belgian Laekenois and Bullmastiff, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Belgian Laekenois
Rating: 3/5
Bullmastiff
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Belgian Laekenois
Rating: 3/5
Bullmastiff
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Belgian Laekenois
Rating: 4/5
Bullmastiff
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Belgian Laekenois
Rating: 1/5
Bullmastiff
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Belgian Laekenois
Rating: 3/5
Bullmastiff
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Belgian Laekenois Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Belgian Laekenoiss require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Belgian Laekenoiss require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Bullmastiff Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bullmastiffs need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bullmastiffs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Belgian Laekenois Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Thyroid Issues
- Epilepsy
- Allergies
Bullmastiff Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Cancer
Pros & Cons
Belgian Laekenois
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent watchdog
- Devoted to family
- Athletic and agile
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Strong herding instinct
- Requires experienced owner
- Regular grooming needed
Bullmastiff
Pros
- Loyal and protective
- Good with family
- Low grooming needs
- Quiet nature
- Excellent guardians
Cons
- Heavy droolers
- Shorter lifespan
- Size management issues
- Not good with strangers
- Health concerns
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Belgian Laekenois and Bullmastiff, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.