English Mastiff vs German Shepherd
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
German Shepherd
Courageous, confident, and incredibly intelligent, the German Shepherd is the world's premier working dog. They are fiercely loyal to their families and excel in police, military, and service roles.
Quick Answer
Choose English Mastiff if you want less shedding. Choose German Shepherd if you want easier to train and more apartment-friendly.
Quick Comparison
English Mastiff
Attribute
German Shepherd
giant
Size
large
54–100 kg (119–221 lbs)
Weight
22–40 kg (49–88 lbs)
70–91 cm (28–36 in)
Height
55–65 cm (22–26 in)
6–10 yrs
Lifespan
9–13 yrsBetter
3/5
Trainability
5/5Better
2/5
Energy
5/5
4/5
Good with Kids
4/5
Better3/5
Shedding
5/5
Better2/5
Grooming
3/5
1/5
Apartment
2/5Better
1/5
Health
3/5Better
$1,500–$3,500
Price
$1,000–$3,000Better
Attribute Comparison
Size & Build: English Mastiff vs German Shepherd
English Mastiff is the larger breed; German Shepherd is more compact.
English Mastiff
German Shepherd
Weight (kg)
54–100
vs22–40
Height (cm)
70–91
vs55–65
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 German Shepherd at 55–65 cm (22–26 in) and 22–40 kg (49–88 lbs).
Temperament Differences: English Mastiff and German Shepherd
English Mastiff is calmer; German Shepherd is more energetic.
English Mastiff
German Shepherd
Playfulness
2/5
vs4/5Better
Barking Level
Better2/5
vs4/5
Energy
2/5
vs5/5
The English Mastiff and German Shepherd bring very different personalities to the table. English Mastiffs are calm, dignified and loyal, while German Shepherds tend to be courageous, intelligent and loyal.
How Much Exercise Do English Mastiffs vs German Shepherds Need?
German Shepherd needs more exercise; English Mastiff is lower-maintenance.
English Mastiff
German Shepherd
Energy Level
2/5
vs5/5
Exercise Needs
2/5
vs5/5
Apartment Friendly
1/5
vs2/5Better
Activity needs are dramatically different here. The German Shepherd has very high energy (5/5) and needs very high exercise (5/5) — think long runs, hiking, or agility courses.
English Mastiff vs German Shepherd: Common Health Issues
German Shepherd tends to be the healthier breed overall.
English Mastiff
German Shepherd
Lifespan (years)
6–10
vs9–13Better
Health Robustness
1/5
vs3/5Better
The lifespan difference is significant. German Shepherds live 9–13 years on average, while English Mastiffs live 6–10 years.
Cost to Own: English Mastiff vs German Shepherd
German Shepherd 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
German Shepherd
Avg. Purchase$2,000
Annual Food$780
Annual Vet$600
Annual Grooming$200
Annual Total$1,580 ✓
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $1,500–$3,500 for a English Mastiff versus $1,000–$3,000 for a German Shepherd. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Training: English Mastiff vs German Shepherd
German Shepherd is generally easier to train.
English Mastiff
German Shepherd
Trainability
3/5
vs5/5Better
Intelligence
3/5
vs5/5Better
Training difficulty is a major difference. The German Shepherd (5/5) is eager to please and picks up commands quickly — one of the most trainable breeds out there.
English Mastiff vs German Shepherd: Grooming Routine and Shedding
German Shepherd sheds more; English Mastiff is easier to maintain.
English Mastiff
German Shepherd
Shedding
Better3/5
vs5/5
Grooming Needs
Better2/5
vs3/5
Shedding is a major differentiator. The German Shepherd is a prolific shedder (5/5) — expect fur on your clothes, furniture, and car seats year-round.
English Mastiff or German Shepherd for Your Family?
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
English Mastiff
German Shepherd
Good with Kids
4/5
vs4/5
Good with Dogs
3/5
vs3/5
Strangers
2/5
vs2/5
Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Summary — English Mastiff or German Shepherd: Which Is Right for You?
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the English Mastiff if you value lower exercise needs (2/5) and less shedding (3/5).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The English Mastiff and German Shepherd are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: German Shepherd needs significantly more daily exercise than English Mastiff, German Shepherd sheds considerably more. Annual ownership costs are lower for the German Shepherd by roughly $1100/year.
Choose English Mastiff if...
- ✓You lead a quieter lifestyle — English Mastiffs are happy with shorter walks and less vigorous exercise.
Choose German Shepherd if...
- ✓You're an active person who runs, hikes, or exercises daily — German Shepherds will keep up and thrive on that activity.
- ✓This is your first dog — German Shepherds are easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
- ✓Budget matters to you — German Shepherds cost roughly $1100 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, English Mastiff or German Shepherd?
The English Mastiff scores 4/5 for being good with kids, tying with the German Shepherd at 4/5. The English Mastiff is specifically recommended for families.
Is a English Mastiff or German Shepherd easier to train?
The German Shepherd is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the English Mastiff's 3/5. The German Shepherd's eagerness to please makes training sessions more productive.
Which costs more, a English Mastiff or German Shepherd?
A English Mastiff puppy costs $1,500–$3,500 while a German Shepherd costs $1,000–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $2,700 for the English Mastiff and $1,580 for the German Shepherd. The English Mastiff is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do English Mastiffs or German Shepherds live longer?
The English Mastiff lives 6–10 years on average, while the German Shepherd lives 9–13 years. The German Shepherd tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a English Mastiff or German Shepherd live in an apartment?
The German Shepherd adapts better to apartment living (2/5) than the English Mastiff (1/5). However, neither breed is an ideal apartment dog — daily outdoor exercise is essential.