English Mastiff vs French Bulldog
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
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.
VS
French Bulldog
A playful, adaptable companion with bat-like ears and a charming personality. French Bulldogs thrive in city apartments and make excellent companions for singles and families alike.
Quick Answer
Choose English Mastiff if you want a great companion. Choose French Bulldog if you want more apartment-friendly and less shedding.
Quick Comparison
English Mastiff
Attribute
French Bulldog
giant
Size
small
54–100 kg (119–221 lbs)
Weight
8–13 kg (18–29 lbs)
70–91 cm (28–36 in)
Height
28–33 cm (11–13 in)
6–10 yrs
Lifespan
10–12 yrsBetter
3/5
Trainability
3/5
2/5
Energy
3/5
4/5
Good with Kids
4/5
3/5
Shedding
2/5Better
2/5
Grooming
1/5Better
1/5
Apartment
5/5Better
1/5
Health
2/5Better
Better$1,500–$3,500
Price
$1,500–$5,000
Attribute Comparison
English Mastiff and French Bulldog: Size and Appearance Compared
English Mastiff is the larger breed; French Bulldog is more compact.
English Mastiff
French Bulldog
Weight (kg)
54–100
vs8–13
Height (cm)
70–91
vs28–33
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 French Bulldog at 28–33 cm (11–13 in) and 8–13 kg (18–29 lbs).
Which Costs More to Own — English Mastiff or French Bulldog?
French Bulldog is less expensive to own annually.
English Mastiff
Avg. Purchase$2,500
Annual Food$1,800
Annual Vet$800
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$2,700
French Bulldog
Avg. Purchase$3,250
Annual Food$480
Annual Vet$800
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,380 ✓
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $1,500–$3,500 for a English Mastiff versus $1,500–$5,000 for a French Bulldog. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Exercise Needs: English Mastiff vs French Bulldog
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
English Mastiff
French Bulldog
Energy Level
2/5
vs3/5
Exercise Needs
2/5
vs2/5
Apartment Friendly
1/5
vs5/5Better
Exercise won't be the deciding factor here — both the English Mastiff and French Bulldog need low daily activity (2/5). Neither breed will overwhelm you with exercise demands.
Health Profile: English Mastiff and French Bulldog Compared
French Bulldog tends to be the healthier breed overall.
English Mastiff
French Bulldog
Lifespan (years)
6–10
vs10–12Better
Health Robustness
1/5
vs2/5Better
The lifespan difference is significant. French Bulldogs live 10–12 years on average, while English Mastiffs live 6–10 years.
Temperament: English Mastiff vs French Bulldog
English Mastiff is calmer; French Bulldog is more energetic.
English Mastiff
French Bulldog
Playfulness
2/5
vs4/5Better
Barking Level
2/5
vs2/5
Energy
2/5
vs3/5
When you live with a English Mastiff, you'll notice their calm, dignified and loyal character in everything they do. A French Bulldog, by contrast, shows a playful, adaptable and affectionate nature.
Grooming Differences: English Mastiff and French Bulldog
English Mastiff sheds more; French Bulldog is easier to maintain.
English Mastiff
French Bulldog
Shedding
3/5
vs2/5Better
Grooming Needs
2/5
vs1/5Better
The English Mastiff sheds a bit more (3/5) than the French Bulldog (2/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the French Bulldog has a slight edge.
Family Fit: English Mastiff vs French Bulldog With Kids and Other Pets
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
English Mastiff
French Bulldog
Good with Kids
4/5
vs4/5
Good with Dogs
3/5
vs3/5
Strangers
2/5
vs4/5Better
Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Which Is Easier to Train — English Mastiff or French Bulldog?
Both breeds score 3/5 for trainability — you'll have a similar experience training either one. Both are moderately responsive and benefit from consistent training sessions.
Summary: English Mastiff or French Bulldog?
On balance, the French Bulldog has the edge — it's more apartment-friendly (5/5), less shedding (2/5), better health profile (2/5). For most families, the French Bulldog is the more practical choice, particularly if you value low-maintenance ownership.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The English Mastiff and French Bulldog are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: French Bulldog is considerably better suited to apartment living. Annual ownership costs are lower for the French Bulldog by roughly $1300/year.
Choose English Mastiff if...
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Choose French Bulldog if...
- ✓You live in an apartment or don't have a yard — French Bulldogs adapt much better to smaller spaces (5/5 vs 1/5 apartment rating).
- ✓Budget matters to you — French Bulldogs cost roughly $1300 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
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, English Mastiff or French Bulldog?
The English Mastiff scores 4/5 for being good with kids, tying with the French Bulldog at 4/5. The English Mastiff is specifically recommended for families.
Is a English Mastiff or French Bulldog easier to train?
The English Mastiff is equally easy to train with a score of 3/5, matching the French Bulldog. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well.
Which costs more, a English Mastiff or French Bulldog?
A English Mastiff puppy costs $1,500–$3,500 while a French Bulldog costs $1,500–$5,000. Annual maintenance runs about $2,700 for the English Mastiff and $1,380 for the French Bulldog. The English Mastiff is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do English Mastiffs or French Bulldogs live longer?
The English Mastiff lives 6–10 years on average, while the French Bulldog lives 10–12 years. The French Bulldog tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a English Mastiff or French Bulldog live in an apartment?
The French Bulldog adapts better to apartment living (5/5) than the English Mastiff (1/5). The French Bulldog ranks among our best apartment breeds.