Bullmastiff vs Cocker Spaniel
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Bullmastiff
Working Group
Cocker Spaniel
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Cocker Spaniel Overview
Cocker Spaniels captivate with their silky, flowing coats and expressive, soulful eyes. Distinguished by their gracefully domed skulls and long, low-set ears, these compact sporting dogs possess a balanced, sturdy frame. Their merry temperament combines with remarkable intelligence and gentle disposition, making them equally adept at both field work and family companionship.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bullmastiffs are more energetic than Cocker Spaniels, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bullmastiffs require less grooming attention compared to Cocker Spaniels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bullmastiffs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Cocker Spaniels.
- Trainability: Bullmastiffs may be slightly easier to train due to their Bullmastiff's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Cocker Spaniels adapt better to apartment living, while Bullmastiffs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Bullmastiff and Cocker Spaniel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bullmastiff | Cocker Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 7-9 years | 10-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bullmastiff | Cocker Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-27 inches 61-69 cm | 14-15 inches 34-39 cm |
| Weight | 100-130 lbs 45-59 kg | 20-30 lbs 9-14 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bullmastiff | Cocker Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Loyal, Brave | Gentle, Smart, Happy |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bullmastiff | Cocker Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Bullmastiff Temperament
The Bullmastiff is known for being affectionate, loyal, brave, 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.
Cocker Spaniel Temperament
The Cocker Spaniel is characterized by being gentle, smart, happy, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Bullmastiff and Cocker Spaniel, 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
Bullmastiff
Rating: 3/5
Cocker Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bullmastiff
Rating: 3/5
Cocker Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bullmastiff
Rating: 4/5
Cocker Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bullmastiff
Rating: 2/5
Cocker Spaniel
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bullmastiff
Rating: 2/5
Cocker Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Bullmastiff Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bullmastiffs 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, Bullmastiffs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Cocker Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Cocker Spaniels need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Cocker Spaniels require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Bullmastiff Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Cancer
Cocker Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Ear Infections
- Heart Disease
- Patellar Luxation
Pros & Cons
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
Cocker Spaniel
Pros
- Affectionate family companion
- Good with children
- Highly trainable
- Moderate size
- Sporting ability
Cons
- Regular grooming required
- Prone to ear infections
- Can be vocal
- Separation anxiety prone
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bullmastiff and Cocker Spaniel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.