Bullmastiff vs Italian Greyhound
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
Italian Greyhound
Toy 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.
Italian Greyhound Overview
Italian Greyhounds embody elegance with their slender build, fine-boned structure, and graceful gait. Standing 13-15 inches tall, these refined canines feature a sleek coat, long legs, and distinctive arched back. Their large, expressive eyes and small, folded ears contribute to their alert, aristocratic appearance. Despite their delicate frame, they possess remarkable agility and speed.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bullmastiffs are more energetic than Italian Greyhounds, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bullmastiffs require less grooming attention compared to Italian Greyhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bullmastiffs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Italian Greyhounds.
- Trainability: Italian Greyhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Italian Greyhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Italian Greyhounds 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 Italian Greyhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bullmastiff | Italian Greyhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 7-9 years | 14-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bullmastiff | Italian Greyhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-27 inches 61-69 cm | 13-15 inches 33-38 cm |
| Weight | 100-130 lbs 45-59 kg | 7-14 lbs 3-6 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bullmastiff | Italian Greyhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Loyal, Brave | Playful, Alert, Sensitive |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bullmastiff | Italian Greyhound |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Italian Greyhound Temperament
The Italian Greyhound is characterized by being playful, alert, sensitive, which makes them better for households without small children. 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 Italian Greyhound, 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
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bullmastiff
Rating: 3/5
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bullmastiff
Rating: 4/5
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bullmastiff
Rating: 2/5
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bullmastiff
Rating: 2/5
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 2/5
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.
Italian Greyhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Italian Greyhounds 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, Italian Greyhounds 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
Italian Greyhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Dental Disease
- Leg Fractures
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
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
Italian Greyhound
Pros
- Gentle and affectionate
- Low grooming needs
- Excellent apartment dog
- Minimal shedding
Cons
- Fragile bone structure
- Cold sensitivity
- Challenging to housebreak
- Separation anxiety prone
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bullmastiff and Italian Greyhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.