Is the Bullmastiff or the Dogue de Bordeaux better for families with children?

Both the Bullmastiff and the Dogue de Bordeaux are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Bullmastiff or the Dogue de Bordeaux?

The Bullmastiff and Dogue de Bordeaux shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Bullmastiff or the Dogue de Bordeaux?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Bullmastiff or Dogue de Bordeaux bigger?

Bullmastiff and Dogue de Bordeaux are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Bullmastiff or Dogue de Bordeaux?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Bullmastiff or Dogue de Bordeaux?

For apartment or apartment living, Bullmastiff and Dogue de Bordeaux are an even match — either can work well.

Bullmastiff vs Dogue de Bordeaux: Which Guards Better?

Bullmastiff vs Dogue de Bordeaux: full comparison

Trait	Bullmastiff	Dogue de Bordeaux
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	Low	Low
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Very Low	Very Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Very High	High
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	9 years	8 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Bullmastiff is a large dog that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. By comparison, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a large dog that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Bullmastiff needs a modest daily walk and some light play to stay happy. The Dogue de Bordeaux needs a modest daily walk and some light play to stay happy. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Bullmastiff takes almost no grooming, since the odd brush keeps it tidy and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Dogue de Bordeaux takes almost no grooming, since the odd brush keeps it tidy and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Bullmastiff is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and suits families with children particularly well. The Dogue de Bordeaux is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, Bullmastiff carries a powerful guarding instinct, whereas Dogue de Bordeaux is naturally alert and defends its people.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Bullmastiff and Dogue de Bordeaux are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Bullmastiff and Dogue de Bordeaux are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Dogue de Bordeaux has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Bullmastiff has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Bullmastiff and Dogue de Bordeaux are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Bullmastiff if you want a more protective, watchful guardian or you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the Dogue de Bordeaux if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Bullmastiff on temperament, size and care.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Bullmastiff or the Dogue de Bordeaux better for families with children?: Both the Bullmastiff and the Dogue de Bordeaux are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Bullmastiff or the Dogue de Bordeaux?: The Bullmastiff and Dogue de Bordeaux shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Bullmastiff or the Dogue de Bordeaux?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Bullmastiff or Dogue de Bordeaux bigger?: Bullmastiff and Dogue de Bordeaux are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Bullmastiff or Dogue de Bordeaux?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Bullmastiff or Dogue de Bordeaux?: For apartment or apartment living, Bullmastiff and Dogue de Bordeaux are an even match — either can work well.

Bullmastiff vs Dogue de Bordeaux