French Spaniel vs Bullmastiff
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
French Spaniel
Foundation Stock Service
Bullmastiff
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
French Spaniel Overview
French Spaniels are elegant sporting dogs with a distinctive white coat marked by brown patches. Their medium-sized, athletic build features a noble head carriage, pendulous ears, and expressive eyes reflecting their gentle nature. Standing 21.5 to 24 inches at the shoulder, these dogs possess a balanced structure ideal for both field work and companionship, complemented by their intelligent expression and graceful movement.
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: French Spaniels are less energetic than Bullmastiffs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: French Spaniels require more grooming attention compared to Bullmastiffs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, French Spaniels tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Bullmastiffs.
- Trainability: Bullmastiffs may be slightly easier to train due to their Bullmastiff's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: French Spaniels 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 French Spaniel and Bullmastiff, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | French Spaniel | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 7-9 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | French Spaniel | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-24 inches 55-61 cm | 24-27 inches 61-69 cm |
| Weight | 50-60 lbs 23-27 kg | 100-130 lbs 45-59 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Unknown | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | French Spaniel | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Sociable, Intelligent | Affectionate, Loyal, Brave |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | French Spaniel | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
French Spaniel Temperament
The French Spaniel is known for being gentle, sociable, intelligent, 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.
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 French Spaniel 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
French Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
Bullmastiff
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
French Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
Bullmastiff
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
French Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Bullmastiff
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
French Spaniel
Rating: 1/5
Bullmastiff
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
French Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Bullmastiff
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
French Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
French Spaniels 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 Spaniels 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
French Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Bloat
- Epilepsy
Bullmastiff Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Cancer
Pros & Cons
French Spaniel
Pros
- Excellent hunting companion
- Good with families
- Intelligent
- Gentle temperament
Cons
- Needs extensive exercise
- Regular grooming required
- Can be stubborn
- Not suited for apartment living
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 French Spaniel and Bullmastiff, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.