Bullmastiff vs Shetland Sheepdog
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
Shetland Sheepdog
Herding 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.
Shetland Sheepdog Overview
Shetland Sheepdogs showcase a luxurious double coat in sable, black, and blue merle colors. Their almond-shaped eyes and small, high-set ears create an alert, intelligent expression. Standing 13-16 inches at the shoulder, these compact herders possess graceful movement and refined bone structure. Their gentle temperament combines with keen intelligence and unwavering loyalty, making them exceptional family companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bullmastiffs are more energetic than Shetland Sheepdogs, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bullmastiffs require less grooming attention compared to Shetland Sheepdogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bullmastiffs tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Shetland Sheepdogs.
- Trainability: Bullmastiffs may be slightly easier to train due to their Bullmastiff's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bullmastiff | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 7-9 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bullmastiff | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-27 inches 61-69 cm | 13-16 inches 33-41 cm |
| Weight | 100-130 lbs 45-59 kg | 15-25 lbs 7-11 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bullmastiff | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Loyal, Brave | Playful, Energetic, Bright |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bullmastiff | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Shetland Sheepdog Temperament
The Shetland Sheepdog is characterized by being playful, energetic, bright, which makes them great companions for families. 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 Shetland Sheepdog, 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
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bullmastiff
Rating: 3/5
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bullmastiff
Rating: 4/5
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bullmastiff
Rating: 2/5
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bullmastiff
Rating: 2/5
Shetland Sheepdog
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.
Shetland Sheepdog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Shetland Sheepdogs 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, Shetland Sheepdogs 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
Shetland Sheepdog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Von Willebrand's Disease
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Thyroid Issues
- MDR1 Gene
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
Shetland Sheepdog
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent family dog
- Low maintenance cost
- Good with children
Cons
- Excessive barking tendency
- Heavy shedding
- Can be shy with strangers
- Requires extensive grooming
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bullmastiff and Shetland Sheepdog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.