Is the Bullmastiff or the Rottweiler better for families with children?

The Bullmastiff tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the Bullmastiff or the Rottweiler?

The Bullmastiff and Rottweiler shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Bullmastiff or the Rottweiler?

The Rottweiler is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Bullmastiff or Rottweiler bigger?

Bullmastiff and Rottweiler are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Bullmastiff or Rottweiler?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Bullmastiff or Rottweiler?

For apartment or apartment living, Bullmastiff has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Bullmastiff vs Rottweiler: Which Is Calmer?

Bullmastiff vs Rottweiler: full comparison

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

Size and living space

The Bullmastiff is a large and powerful breed that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. By comparison, the Rottweiler is a large and powerful breed that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. 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 light but regular activity to stay content. The Rottweiler thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Bullmastiff is about as low-effort to groom as dogs get and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Rottweiler is about as low-effort to groom as dogs get and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Bullmastiff is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and suits families with children particularly well. The Rottweiler is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and gets on with children when raised around them. On guarding instinct, Bullmastiff is a strong natural guardian with a powerful protective instinct, whereas Rottweiler is a strong natural guardian with a powerful protective instinct.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Bullmastiff has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Bullmastiff has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Rottweiler 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 Rottweiler are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Bullmastiff if you want the more child-friendly companion, you want a more outgoing, sociable dog, or you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

Choose the Rottweiler if you want an easier dog to train or you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Bullmastiff or the Rottweiler better for families with children?: The Bullmastiff tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Bullmastiff or the Rottweiler?: The Bullmastiff and Rottweiler shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Bullmastiff or the Rottweiler?: The Rottweiler is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Bullmastiff or Rottweiler bigger?: Bullmastiff and Rottweiler are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Bullmastiff or Rottweiler?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Bullmastiff or Rottweiler?: For apartment or apartment living, Bullmastiff has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Bullmastiff vs Rottweiler