Bullmastiff vs Scottish 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
Scottish 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.
Scottish Terrier Overview
Scottish Terriers showcase a distinctive silhouette with their short legs, compact body, and characteristic beard and eyebrows. Their wiry double coat comes in black, wheaten, or brindle. Standing proudly with an alert expression and dignified bearing, these sturdy terriers possess a bold, confident personality wrapped in a small but muscular frame.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bullmastiffs are more energetic than Scottish Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bullmastiffs require less grooming attention compared to Scottish Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bullmastiffs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Scottish Terriers.
- Trainability: Scottish Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Scottish Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Scottish 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 Scottish Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bullmastiff | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 7-9 years | 12-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bullmastiff | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-27 inches 61-69 cm | 10-10 inches 25-25 cm |
| Weight | 100-130 lbs 45-59 kg | 18-22 lbs 8-10 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bullmastiff | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Loyal, Brave | Confident, Independent, Spirited |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bullmastiff | Scottish 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.
Scottish Terrier Temperament
The Scottish Terrier is characterized by being confident, independent, spirited, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. 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 Scottish 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
Scottish Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bullmastiff
Rating: 3/5
Scottish Terrier
Rating: 2/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bullmastiff
Rating: 4/5
Scottish Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bullmastiff
Rating: 2/5
Scottish Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bullmastiff
Rating: 2/5
Scottish Terrier
Rating: 4/5
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.
Scottish Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Scottish 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, Scottish Terriers 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
Scottish Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Craniomandibular Osteopathy
- von Willebrand's Disease
- Scottie Cramp
- Cerebellar Abiotrophy
- 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
Scottish Terrier
Pros
- Loyal and protective
- Low shedding
- Good watchdog
- Adaptable to various living spaces
Cons
- Stubborn streak
- High grooming needs
- Can be territorial
- Strong prey drive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bullmastiff and Scottish Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.