Bullmastiff vs Rat Terrier
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
Rat Terrier
Terrier 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.
Rat Terrier Overview
Rat Terriers are compact, muscular dogs with a smooth, short coat and distinctive erect ears. Their athletic build reflects their heritage as skilled hunters, combining speed with agility. These versatile terriers showcase a balanced blend of strength and refinement, featuring a wedge-shaped head, dark expressive eyes, and a naturally graceful gait that speaks to their sporting background.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bullmastiffs are more energetic than Rat Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bullmastiffs require less grooming attention compared to Rat Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bullmastiffs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Rat Terriers.
- Trainability: Bullmastiffs may be slightly easier to train due to their Bullmastiff's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Rat Terriers 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 Rat Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bullmastiff | Rat Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 7-9 years | 12-18 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bullmastiff | Rat Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-27 inches 61-69 cm | 10-18 inches 25-46 cm |
| Weight | 100-130 lbs 45-59 kg | 10-25 lbs 5-11 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bullmastiff | Rat Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Loyal, Brave | Friendly, Inquisitive, Lovable |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bullmastiff | Rat Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Rat Terrier Temperament
The Rat Terrier is characterized by being friendly, inquisitive, lovable, 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 Rat Terrier, 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
Rat Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bullmastiff
Rating: 3/5
Rat Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bullmastiff
Rating: 4/5
Rat Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bullmastiff
Rating: 2/5
Rat Terrier
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bullmastiff
Rating: 2/5
Rat Terrier
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.
Rat Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Rat Terriers 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, Rat Terriers 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
Rat Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Dental Issues
- Heart Murmurs
- Eye Problems
- Hip Issues
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
Rat Terrier
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Low maintenance grooming
- Good with children
- Highly trainable
- Adaptable to various living situations
Cons
- Can be vocal
- High prey drive
- May be stubborn
- Requires regular exercise
- Can be territorial
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bullmastiff and Rat Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.