Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Bullmastiff
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Working Group
Bullmastiff
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Overview
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs possess a robust, muscular build with distinctive tri-colored markings. Standing tall with a broad chest and powerful shoulders, these gentle giants combine strength with remarkable agility. Their dense double coat features a black base with rich rust and white markings, while their confident bearing and alert expression reflect their heritage as 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: Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are less energetic than Bullmastiffs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs require more grooming attention compared to Bullmastiffs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs 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: Bullmastiffs adapt better to apartment living, while Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and Bullmastiff, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 8-11 years | 7-9 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-29 inches 60-72 cm | 24-27 inches 61-69 cm |
| Weight | 85-140 lbs 39-64 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 | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Faithful, Family-Oriented, Dependable | Affectionate, Loyal, Brave |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Greater Swiss Mountain Dog | Bullmastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Temperament
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is known for being faithful, family-oriented, dependable, 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. 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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog 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
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Rating: 5/5
Bullmastiff
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Rating: 3/5
Bullmastiff
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Rating: 4/5
Bullmastiff
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Rating: 2/5
Bullmastiff
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Rating: 3/5
Bullmastiff
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs 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, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs 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
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Eye Problems
- Epilepsy
- Elbow Dysplasia
Bullmastiff Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Cancer
Pros & Cons
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Pros
- Loyal and devoted to family
- Excellent watchdog capabilities
- Good with children
- Strong and athletic
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Heavy shedding seasonally
- Not apartment-friendly
- Can be stubborn
- Expensive to feed
- Short lifespan
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 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and Bullmastiff, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.