French Bulldog vs Spanish Mastiff
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
French Bulldog
Non-Sporting Group
Spanish Mastiff
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
French Bulldog Overview
French Bulldogs captivate with their distinctive bat-like ears and compact, muscular build. Their short, smooth coat comes in various colors, complementing a charming, wrinkled face and endearing expression. Standing 11-13 inches tall, these sturdy companions combine alertness with a laid-back demeanor, showcasing their adaptable nature through playful antics and affectionate interactions.
Spanish Mastiff Overview
Majestic Spanish Mastiffs possess a commanding presence with their massive build and dignified bearing. Their thick, muscular frame supports a large head with pendulous jowls and a distinctive wrinkled brow. The dense coat comes in various colors, predominantly fawn and brindle. Despite their imposing size, these gentle giants display remarkable gentleness and patience, particularly with family members.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: French Bulldogs are less energetic than Spanish Mastiffs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: French Bulldogs require less grooming attention compared to Spanish Mastiffs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, French Bulldogs tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Spanish Mastiffs.
- Trainability: Spanish Mastiffs may be slightly easier to train due to their Spanish Mastiff's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: French Bulldogs adapt better to apartment living, while Spanish Mastiffs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the French Bulldog and Spanish Mastiff, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | French Bulldog | Spanish Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Giant |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | French Bulldog | Spanish Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 11-13 inches 28-33 cm | 28-35 inches 71-89 cm |
| Weight | 28-28 lbs 13-13 kg | 140-200 lbs 64-91 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | French Bulldog | Spanish Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Adaptable, Playful, Smart | Affectionate, Intelligent, Kind |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | French Bulldog | Spanish Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
French Bulldog Temperament
The French Bulldog is known for being adaptable, playful, smart, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Spanish Mastiff Temperament
The Spanish Mastiff is characterized by being affectionate, intelligent, kind, 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 French Bulldog and Spanish Mastiff, 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
French Bulldog
Rating: 5/5
Spanish Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
French Bulldog
Rating: 4/5
Spanish Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
French Bulldog
Rating: 2/5
Spanish Mastiff
Rating: 2/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
French Bulldog
Rating: 2/5
Spanish Mastiff
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
French Bulldog
Rating: 2/5
Spanish Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
French Bulldog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
French Bulldogs require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, French Bulldogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Spanish Mastiff Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Spanish Mastiffs 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, Spanish Mastiffs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
French Bulldog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Hip Dysplasia
- Spinal Problems
- Eye Issues
- Heat Sensitivity
Spanish Mastiff Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart issues
- Eye problems
Pros & Cons
French Bulldog
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Adaptable to small spaces
- Good with children
- Low exercise needs
Cons
- Multiple health issues
- Expensive medical care
- Heat sensitive
- Snoring and breathing issues
Spanish Mastiff
Pros
- Excellent guardian breed
- Gentle with family
- Patient temperament
- Low exercise needs
Cons
- Heavy drooling
- Significant food costs
- Space requirements
- Health issues
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the French Bulldog and Spanish Mastiff, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.