Dutch Shepherd vs Bullmastiff
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Dutch Shepherd
Miscellaneous Class
Bullmastiff
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Dutch Shepherd Overview
Dutch Shepherds showcase a muscular, well-proportioned build with distinctive brindle coats in varying lengths. Their alert, wedge-shaped heads feature upright ears and expressive dark eyes. Standing 21.5 to 24.5 inches tall, these athletic herders possess remarkable agility and stamina. Their intelligent expression and confident stance reflect their heritage as versatile working dogs.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Dutch Shepherds are more energetic than Bullmastiffs, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Dutch Shepherds require more grooming attention compared to Bullmastiffs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Dutch Shepherds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Bullmastiffs.
- Trainability: Bullmastiffs may be slightly easier to train due to their Bullmastiff's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Bullmastiffs adapt better to apartment living, while Dutch Shepherds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Dutch Shepherd and Bullmastiff, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Dutch Shepherd | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 11-14 years | 7-9 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Miscellaneous Class | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Dutch Shepherd | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-25 inches 55-62 cm | 24-27 inches 61-69 cm |
| Weight | 42-75 lbs 19-34 kg | 100-130 lbs 45-59 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Dutch Shepherd | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Intelligent, Lively, Athletic | Affectionate, Loyal, Brave |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Dutch Shepherd | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Dutch Shepherd Temperament
The Dutch Shepherd is known for being intelligent, lively, athletic, 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.
Bullmastiff Temperament
The Bullmastiff is characterized by being affectionate, loyal, brave, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Dutch Shepherd and Bullmastiff, 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
Dutch Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
Bullmastiff
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Dutch Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
Bullmastiff
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Dutch Shepherd
Rating: 5/5
Bullmastiff
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Dutch Shepherd
Rating: 1/5
Bullmastiff
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Dutch Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
Bullmastiff
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Dutch Shepherd Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Dutch Shepherds 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, Dutch Shepherds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Bullmastiff Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bullmastiffs 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, Bullmastiffs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Dutch Shepherd Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Goniodysplasia
- Thyroid Issues
- Heart Disease
Bullmastiff Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Cancer
Pros & Cons
Dutch Shepherd
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Versatile working ability
- Athletic and agile
- Strong protective instincts
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong herding drive
- Needs constant mental stimulation
- Can be territorial
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Dutch Shepherd and Bullmastiff, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.