Bullmastiff vs Portuguese Water Dog
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
Portuguese Water Dog
Working 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.
Portuguese Water Dog Overview
Portuguese Water Dogs showcase a robust, athletic build with a distinctive waterproof coat that can be either wavy or curly. Their muscular frame and webbed feet reflect their heritage as maritime working dogs. Standing proudly with an alert expression, these medium-sized dogs display a well-proportioned head, expressive eyes, and a strong muzzle, embodying both strength and agility.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bullmastiffs are less energetic than Portuguese Water Dogs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bullmastiffs require less grooming attention compared to Portuguese Water Dogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bullmastiffs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Portuguese Water Dogs.
- Trainability: Bullmastiffs may be slightly easier to train due to their Bullmastiff's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Portuguese Water Dogs 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 Portuguese Water Dog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bullmastiff | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 7-9 years | 11-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bullmastiff | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-27 inches 61-69 cm | 17-23 inches 43-58 cm |
| Weight | 100-130 lbs 45-59 kg | 35-60 lbs 16-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bullmastiff | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Loyal, Brave | Affectionate, Adventurous, Athletic |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bullmastiff | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Portuguese Water Dog Temperament
The Portuguese Water Dog is characterized by being affectionate, adventurous, athletic, 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 Portuguese Water Dog, 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
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bullmastiff
Rating: 3/5
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bullmastiff
Rating: 4/5
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bullmastiff
Rating: 2/5
Portuguese Water Dog
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bullmastiff
Rating: 2/5
Portuguese Water Dog
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.
Portuguese Water Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Portuguese Water Dogs 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, Portuguese Water Dogs 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
Portuguese Water Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- GM1
- JDCM
- EOPRA
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
Portuguese Water Dog
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Non-shedding coat
- Excellent swimming ability
- Great family companion
- Athletic and versatile
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Requires extensive exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Expensive maintenance
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bullmastiff and Portuguese Water Dog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.