Bullmastiff vs Golden Retriever
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
Golden Retriever
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.
Golden Retriever Overview
Golden Retrievers embody grace and athleticism with their sturdy, well-balanced frame and distinctive golden coat. Their broad head features intelligent dark eyes and a friendly expression, while their thick, water-repellent double coat comes in various golden shades. Known for their gentle mouth, developed for retrieving game without damage, these dogs combine strength with elegance in their fluid movement.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bullmastiffs are less energetic than Golden Retrievers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bullmastiffs require less grooming attention compared to Golden Retrievers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bullmastiffs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Golden Retrievers.
- Trainability: Bullmastiffs may be slightly easier to train due to their Bullmastiff's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retriever, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bullmastiff | Golden Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 7-9 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bullmastiff | Golden Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-27 inches 61-69 cm | 22-24 inches 55-61 cm |
| Weight | 100-130 lbs 45-59 kg | 55-75 lbs 25-34 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bullmastiff | Golden Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Loyal, Brave | Friendly, Intelligent, Devoted |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bullmastiff | Golden Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Golden Retriever Temperament
The Golden Retriever is characterized by being friendly, intelligent, devoted, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Bullmastiff and Golden Retriever, 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
Golden Retriever
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bullmastiff
Rating: 3/5
Golden Retriever
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bullmastiff
Rating: 4/5
Golden Retriever
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bullmastiff
Rating: 2/5
Golden Retriever
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bullmastiff
Rating: 2/5
Golden Retriever
Rating: 3/5
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.
Golden Retriever Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Golden Retrievers 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, Golden Retrievers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Bullmastiff Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Cancer
Golden Retriever Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Heart Issues
- Cancer
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
Golden Retriever
Pros
- Excellent family dog
- Highly trainable
- Great with children
- Friendly disposition
- Versatile working ability
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- High exercise needs
- Prone to health issues
- Can be mouthy
- Requires regular grooming
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bullmastiff and Golden Retriever, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.