BreedHealth

Bullmastiff vs Rottweiler — Complete Comparison

Choosing between the Bullmastiff and the Rottweiler comes down to lifestyle fit, living space, and the time you can commit to training and grooming. In terms of size, the Bullmastiff is giant while the Rottweiler is large, which affects exercise space requirements, feeding costs, and average lifespan. Both breeds have comparable exercise needs, though individual dogs will vary. Both breeds are well-suited to families with children.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Trait Bullmastiff Rottweiler
Size Giant Large
Weight 41–59 kg 35–60 kg
Height 61–69 cm 56–69 cm
Lifespan 7–9 yrs 9–10 yrs
Exercise Need
Moderate (3/5)
High (4/5)
Grooming Need
Very Low (1/5)
Low (2/5)
Shedding
Low (2/5)
Moderate (3/5)
Trainability
Moderate (3/5)
High (4/5)
Good with Children ✓ ✓
Good with Dogs ✗ ✗
Apartment Friendly ✗ ✗

Bold green indicates the better result for that trait. Exercise, grooming and shedding: lower is easier to manage. Trainability and lifespan: higher is better.

Health Comparison

Understanding each breed's health profile helps owners budget for insurance, schedule appropriate screening, and make informed decisions before purchasing.

Bullmastiff (5 conditions)

Rottweiler (5 conditions)

Conditions shared by both breeds: hip dysplasia , elbow dysplasia , bloat .

Which Breed Is Right for You?

Based on data across health, exercise, trainability, and temperament, here is how the two breeds compare across common owner priorities:

Best for families with children both Bullmastiff and Rottweiler
Best for apartment living neither breed — both thrive with access to outdoor space
Best for active owners Rottweiler (exercise level 4/5)
Best for first-time owners Rottweiler
Longer average lifespan Rottweiler (9–10 yrs vs 7–9 yrs)

Explore Each Breed in Depth

Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff was developed in 19th-century England by gamekeepers who needed a dog powerful enough to pin a poacher t…

giant · Working · 7–9 yrs

Rottweiler

Descended from Roman drover dogs used to herd livestock across Europe, the Rottweiler was refined in the German town of …

large · Working · 9–10 yrs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger — a Bullmastiff or a Rottweiler?

The Bullmastiff is the larger breed, typically weighing 41–59 kg compared to the Rottweiler's 35–60 kg.

Which breed lives longer — Bullmastiff or Rottweiler?

The Rottweiler generally has a longer lifespan (9–10 years) compared to the Bullmastiff (7–9 years). Smaller breeds typically outlive larger ones, and individual genetics, diet, and preventive care all play significant roles.

Are Bullmastiffs or Rottweilers easier to train?

The Rottweiler (trainability 4/5) is generally easier to train than the Bullmastiff (3/5). Rottweilers tend to respond quickly to reward-based training, while Bullmastiffs may require more patience and consistency.

Which needs more grooming — Bullmastiff or Rottweiler?

The Rottweiler requires considerably more grooming (2/5) than the Bullmastiff (1/5). The Rottweiler's short double coat needs more frequent brushing and professional grooming to stay in good condition.

Which breed is better for families — Bullmastiff or Rottweiler?

Both the Bullmastiff and Rottweiler are generally considered good family dogs and are typically patient and gentle with children. As always, early socialisation and teaching children how to interact respectfully with dogs are essential regardless of breed.

Do Bullmastiffs and Rottweilers have the same health problems?

Some health conditions are shared between both breeds, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat. The Bullmastiff has 5 documented conditions overall and the Rottweiler has 5. Pet insurance is strongly recommended for both.

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