Bulldog vs English Mastiff
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Bulldog
The gentle, courageous Bulldog is a beloved symbol of determination. Despite their muscular build, they are calm and friendly companions who prefer lounging on the couch to long hikes.
VS
English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is one of the largest dog breeds in the world, with a calm and dignified temperament that belies their imposing size. Loyal and protective, they make devoted family guardians but require experienced ownership and significant space.
Quick Answer
Choose Bulldog if you want more apartment-friendly. Choose English Mastiff if you want easier to train.
Quick Comparison
Bulldog
Attribute
English Mastiff
medium
Size
giant
18–25 kg (40–55 lbs)
Weight
54–100 kg (119–221 lbs)
31–40 cm (12–16 in)
Height
70–91 cm (28–36 in)
Better8–10 yrs
Lifespan
6–10 yrs
2/5
Trainability
3/5Better
2/5
Energy
2/5
4/5
Good with Kids
4/5
3/5
Shedding
3/5
2/5
Grooming
2/5
Better5/5
Apartment
1/5
1/5
Health
1/5
$1,500–$4,000
Price
$1,500–$3,500Better
Attribute Comparison
Size Differences: Bulldog vs English Mastiff
English Mastiff is the larger breed; Bulldog is more compact.
Bulldog
English Mastiff
Weight (kg)
18–25
vs54–100
Height (cm)
31–40
vs70–91
You'll notice the size difference immediately. The English Mastiff stands 70–91 cm (28–36 in) tall and weighs 54–100 kg (119–221 lbs), making it considerably larger than the Bulldog at 31–40 cm (12–16 in) and 18–25 kg (40–55 lbs).
Total Cost of Ownership: Bulldog and English Mastiff
Bulldog is less expensive to own annually.
Bulldog
Avg. Purchase$2,750
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$900
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,600 ✓
English Mastiff
Avg. Purchase$2,500
Annual Food$1,800
Annual Vet$800
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$2,700
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $1,500–$4,000 for a Bulldog and $1,500–$3,500 for a English Mastiff. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Bulldog vs English Mastiff: Daily Exercise Demands
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
Bulldog
English Mastiff
Energy Level
2/5
vs2/5
Exercise Needs
2/5
vs2/5
Apartment Friendly
Better5/5
vs1/5
Both breeds share identical exercise needs (2/5) and similar energy levels (Bulldog: 2/5, English Mastiff: 2/5). Your daily exercise routine will look the same regardless of which breed you choose — a daily walk and some playtime covers both breeds' needs.
Training Differences: Bulldog and English Mastiff
English Mastiff is generally easier to train.
Bulldog
English Mastiff
Trainability
2/5
vs3/5Better
Intelligence
2/5
vs3/5Better
The English Mastiff has a slight training edge (3/5 vs 2/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the English Mastiff tends to catch on a bit faster.
Family Life: Bulldog vs English Mastiff
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Bulldog
English Mastiff
Good with Kids
4/5
vs4/5
Good with Dogs
3/5
vs3/5
Strangers
Better4/5
vs2/5
Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Bulldog vs English Mastiff: Temperament Compared
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
Bulldog
English Mastiff
Playfulness
Better3/5
vs2/5
Barking Level
2/5
vs2/5
Energy
2/5
vs2/5
One of the most important factors in choosing between these two breeds is temperament. The Bulldog is typically docile, willful and friendly, making them well suited for apartment living, families, seniors and first-time owners.
Health and Lifespan: Bulldog vs English Mastiff
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Bulldog
English Mastiff
Lifespan (years)
Better8–10
vs6–10
Health Robustness
1/5
vs1/5
Lifespan is a near-tie: the Bulldog lives roughly 8–10 years while the English Mastiff averages 6–10 years. Neither breed has a clear longevity advantage, so other factors should drive your choice.
Grooming and Shedding: Bulldog vs English Mastiff
Both breeds have similar grooming needs.
Bulldog
English Mastiff
Shedding
3/5
vs3/5
Grooming Needs
2/5
vs2/5
Both breeds shed at the same rate (3/5), so fur management will be identical for either choice. Expect a moderate amount of loose fur from both.
Bulldog vs English Mastiff: Summary and Verdict
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the Bulldog if you value more apartment-friendly (5/5).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Bulldog and English Mastiff are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Bulldog is considerably better suited to apartment living. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Bulldog by roughly $1100/year.
Choose Bulldog if...
- ✓You live in an apartment or don't have a yard — Bulldogs adapt much better to smaller spaces (5/5 vs 1/5 apartment rating).
- ✓Budget matters to you — Bulldogs cost roughly $1100 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
Choose English Mastiff if...
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Neither may be right if...
Both breeds have significant health concerns and above-average vet costs. If budget is a constraint, consider looking at breeds with health robustness scores of 4–5/5, such as the Beagle or Australian Cattle Dog.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Bulldog or English Mastiff?
The Bulldog scores 4/5 for being good with kids, tying with the English Mastiff at 4/5. The Bulldog is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Bulldog or English Mastiff easier to train?
The English Mastiff is easier to train, scoring 3/5 versus the Bulldog's 2/5. The English Mastiff's eagerness to please makes training sessions more productive.
Which costs more, a Bulldog or English Mastiff?
A Bulldog puppy costs $1,500–$4,000 while a English Mastiff costs $1,500–$3,500. Annual maintenance runs about $1,600 for the Bulldog and $2,700 for the English Mastiff. The English Mastiff costs more to maintain annually.
Do Bulldogs or English Mastiffs live longer?
The Bulldog lives 8–10 years on average, while the English Mastiff lives 6–10 years. The Bulldog generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Bulldog or English Mastiff live in an apartment?
The Bulldog is better suited for apartments (5/5) compared to the English Mastiff (1/5). The Bulldog is one of our top picks for apartment living.