Is the English Mastiff or the Mastidoodle better for families with children?

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

Which sheds more, the English Mastiff or the Mastidoodle?

The English Mastiff sheds more than the Mastidoodle. If shedding is a concern, the Mastidoodle is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the English Mastiff or the Mastidoodle?

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

Is English Mastiff or Mastidoodle bigger?

English Mastiff and Mastidoodle are a similar size (Giant).

Which barks more, English Mastiff or Mastidoodle?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, English Mastiff or Mastidoodle?

For apartment or flat living, English Mastiff and Mastidoodle are an even match — either can work well.

English Mastiff vs Mastidoodle: Which Needs Less Grooming?

English Mastiff vs Mastidoodle: full comparison

Trait	English Mastiff	Mastidoodle
Size	Giant	Very Large
Energy level	Low	Low
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	Very High	High
Grooming needs	Low	High
Shedding	Medium	Low
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	High	High
Adaptability	Low	Medium
Typical lifespan	8 years	9 years
Hypoallergenic	No	Yes

Key differences at a glance

The Mastidoodle has noticeably higher grooming than the English Mastiff.

Size and living space

The English Mastiff is a giant breed that needs a spacious home — its size alone means more room, a bigger car and higher food costs. By comparison, the Mastidoodle is a giant breed that needs a spacious home — its size alone means more room, a bigger car and higher food costs. 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 English Mastiff does well on one steady walk a day plus a little play. The Mastidoodle does well on one steady walk a day plus a little play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The English Mastiff needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Mastidoodle needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and drops very little hair. The Mastidoodle is also considered hypoallergenic, an advantage for allergy sufferers. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The English Mastiff is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, speaks up only now and then and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. The Mastidoodle is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, speaks up only now and then and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, English Mastiff is naturally alert and defends its people, whereas Mastidoodle is naturally alert and defends its people.

Which is better for…

For apartment or flat living, English Mastiff and Mastidoodle are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, English Mastiff has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Mastidoodle has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, English Mastiff and Mastidoodle are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Mastidoodle has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.

Which should you choose?

Choose the English Mastiff if you prefer lower grooming upkeep or you want the more child-friendly companion.

Choose the Mastidoodle if you need a hypoallergenic, low-dander coat, you want a more adaptable dog, or you want less shedding around the home.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the English Mastiff or the Mastidoodle better for families with children?: The English Mastiff tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialisation.
Which sheds more, the English Mastiff or the Mastidoodle?: The English Mastiff sheds more than the Mastidoodle. If shedding is a concern, the Mastidoodle is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the English Mastiff or the Mastidoodle?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is English Mastiff or Mastidoodle bigger?: English Mastiff and Mastidoodle are a similar size (Giant).
Which barks more, English Mastiff or Mastidoodle?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, English Mastiff or Mastidoodle?: For apartment or flat living, English Mastiff and Mastidoodle are an even match — either can work well.

English Mastiff vs Mastidoodle