Seeking a loyal, powerful companion with the gentle giant persona of a Bullmastiff? Their impressive size and protective instincts aren’t for everyone. But if a Bullmastiff’s temperament appeals to you, several other breeds share similar characteristics. Explore nine magnificent dog breeds that echo the Bullmastiff’s imposing presence, unwavering loyalty, and surprisingly affectionate nature. From muscular guardians to devoted family companions, discover the perfect breed to match your lifestyle and fill your home with love and four-legged charm.
The Bullmastiff, a large and powerful breed, was originally bred in England in the late 1800s to protect gamekeepers and their property from poachers. Despite their impressive size, Bullmastiffs are known for their gentle, loyal, and loving nature, making them wonderful companions. However, they are also highly protective, always looking out for their family and home, which adds to their role as natural guardians.
Though they may seem intimidating, Bullmastiffs are incredibly patient and affectionate, especially with children, making them great family dogs. Their protective instincts provide a sense of security for their loved ones, and their eagerness to learn makes training a rewarding experience.
For those who love the Bullmastiff’s mix of loyalty, protection, and affection but are curious about other breeds with similar qualities, there are several dogs that share these traits. In this article, we’ll explore 9 dog breeds that, like the Bullmastiff, are loyal protectors and devoted companions.
Dog Breeds Similar To Bullmastiffs
1. Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is a breed that shares the loyalty and dedication of the Bullmastiff, but with some distinct differences. While they are smaller in size, they are much more energetic and tend to form strong bonds with one particular individual rather than the entire family. Known for their incredible stamina and agility, Belgian Malinois thrive on physical activity and require plenty of exercise to keep both their minds and bodies engaged.
Unlike Bullmastiffs, which are more laid-back, the Malinois needs constant mental stimulation and enjoys having a task or job to do. They excel in activities like agility training and learning new tricks. Though they prefer open spaces to move around, they can adapt to apartment living as long as their high exercise needs are met.
If you’re looking for a dog with a strong work ethic, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty, the Belgian Malinois is a fantastic breed that shares many protective qualities with Bullmastiffs while bringing more energy and intensity into the mix.
2. Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a striking breed originally bred in Africa as a versatile hunter and home protector. Today, while they might not be chasing lions, they’re more likely to enjoy a cozy spot on the couch after a jog with their owners. Physically, Rhodesian Ridgebacks share similarities with Bullmastiffs, both being large, muscular dogs with an athletic build and comparable height and weight.
Like the Bullmastiff, Ridgebacks are easy to train and naturally protective of their territory, making them excellent guardians. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are known for their loyalty and affection toward their handlers, showing a gentle and loving side that makes them wonderful companions.
While they can be a bit more sensitive than some other breeds, they adapt well to lifestyle changes and different environments. They thrive in homes where someone is around during the day or in dog-friendly workspaces, ensuring they’re not left alone for long periods.
3. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a giant breed originating from the Western Alps, known for its gentle nature and devotion, much like the Bullmastiff. Historically bred to assist monks in search and rescue missions in dangerous mountain passes, these massive dogs weigh between 120 to 180 pounds and stand 26 to 30 inches tall.
Just like Bullmastiffs, Saint Bernards are fiercely protective of their territory, making them excellent guardians who will keep your home safe. Today, Saint Bernards are beloved family companions, known for their calm, friendly, and watchful temperament.
Their empathetic intelligence allows them to sense emotional changes in their owners, making them well-suited as service animals, especially for psychiatric support. Despite their imposing size, these affectionate dogs are gentle with everyone they meet, and their easygoing personality makes them a great fit for families—if you don’t mind a little extra drool!
4. Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff, originally bred in southern Italy as a family and guard dog, is now recognized as a massive and protective “gentle giant.” While Bullmastiffs are slightly smaller and less wrinkly than Neapolitan Mastiffs, both breeds share the same protective instincts, making them excellent guard dogs.
However, when it comes to temperament, Bullmastiffs tend to be more welcoming to strangers, whereas Neapolitan Mastiffs are more reserved and may not appreciate visitors in their home. Neapolitan Mastiffs are best suited for experienced dog owners due to their size and strong guarding instincts.
They require space and firm, confident training to thrive, which makes them less ideal for apartment living or first-time dog parents. Unlike Bullmastiffs, Neapolitan Mastiffs don’t adapt as easily to lifestyle changes or different environments, so it’s important to ensure they have a stable home and plenty of room to roam.
5. Great Dane
The Great Dane is an extra-large breed from Germany, renowned for its towering height and gentle temperament, often earning the nickname “gentle giant.” With their strong, muscular build and sleek body, Great Danes are impressive dogs, but much like Bullmastiffs, they are known for being affectionate, loyal, and great with families. Their protective instincts make them excellent guard dogs, while their easygoing nature and trainability ensure they fit well into family life.
Great Danes form strong bonds with their human companions, and despite their size, they are surprisingly low-energy indoors, often enjoying lounging and staying close to their owners. They are generally friendly with strangers and good with children, making them both reliable protectors and loving household pets.
Although they may seem like an unlikely choice for apartment living due to their size, their calm demeanor makes them suitable for smaller spaces, provided they get regular exercise to maintain their health and happiness. If you’re seeking a large but laid-back companion, the Great Dane could be the perfect fit.
6. Cane Corso
The Cane Corso and Bullmastiff are both gentle giants, and it’s natural to compare their appearance and personalities. Weighing up to 150 pounds and standing as tall as 27 inches on average, Cane Corso is a large, powerful breed that requires proper training to become a loving, loyal, and protective companion.
Both breeds share a strong prey drive, so homes with smaller pets may not be the best fit, as these dogs could view them as prey. However, both Cane Corsos and Bullmastiffs are exceptional guard dogs, making them ideal for families with older children who will enjoy their company and protective nature. Neither breed is recommended for first-time dog owners, as they need an experienced leader who understands how to train and socialize them properly.
Without the right level of experience, it can be difficult to manage their strong personalities. Cane Corsos, in particular, have a pack mentality, meaning they are highly protective of their family and may view strangers as potential threats. Socialization from an early age is essential to ensure both breeds become well-adjusted and confident dogs.
7. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher, a large and powerful working breed, was developed in Germany in the late 19th century by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a tax collector who needed protection while traveling through risky areas. The result was a loyal, fearless, and devoted dog, much like the Bullmastiff, known for its easy trainability and exceptional guarding instincts.
Dobermans are muscular and alert, making them excellent protectors, but they also have a softer, affectionate side, forming strong bonds with their handlers. Like Bullmastiffs, Dobermans thrive in structured environments, but they are sensitive to changes in routine, noisy households, and frequent visitors.
Their loyalty and loving nature make them wonderful companions, though they can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Early training and socialization are crucial for Dobermans, as their protective instincts and intelligence can lead to territorial behavior if not properly managed.
8. Rottweiler
When comparing the Bullmastiff and the Rottweiler, both breeds excel as guard dogs with similar protective instincts and a shared wariness of strangers. Rottweilers, with their sleek black coats, tend to be more affectionate and playful with their families, often enjoying fast-paced activities like running or vigorous play. In contrast, Bullmastiffs, which come in a variety of colors, prefer more moderate exercise, such as long daily walks.
Both breeds are large, powerful dogs with a strong sense of loyalty toward their families, though they can exhibit stubbornness due to their history of making independent decisions as guard dogs. Early socialization is critical for both breeds to build their confidence and help them adjust to new environments and people.
Both breeds thrive in homes where someone is around for most of the day, as they don’t do well being left alone for long periods. Rottweilers tend to be more playful and adaptable to new situations, while Bullmastiffs, though still loving a game of fetch, may not initiate play as frequently.
9. Mastiff
Mastiffs, one of the largest and most majestic dog breeds, share many qualities with Bullmastiffs, including their imposing size and gentle demeanor with their families. With a rich history as guard dogs, Mastiffs were used in ancient times to protect against wildlife and in warfare. Despite their intimidating presence, these gentle giants are known for their calm and affectionate temperament, preferring to use their size to deter threats rather than being aggressive.
Compared to Bullmastiffs, Mastiffs are generally more laid-back, slower, and less agile, but they share the same loyalty and protectiveness. They are happiest when they’re around their people and will gladly join in any work or activity, though they’re just as content lounging at your feet or on the couch. Both Mastiffs and Bullmastiffs require early socialization and obedience training to ensure they grow into well-rounded, confident dogs.
As natural guard dogs, they are loyal companions who thrive indoors alongside their families. Both breeds are intelligent, food-motivated, affectionate, and eager to please their loved ones, though they can be aloof with strangers. And while both breeds are known for their drooling, Mastiffs, with their larger and longer flews, tend to drool more than Bullmastiffs, giving them the edge in that department!
Conclusion
Many dog breeds share similarities with the Bullmastiff, offering a range of options for those seeking a loyal companion with protective instincts. Breeds like the English Mastiff and Italian Mastiffs, two of the largest dog breeds, are prime examples of working dogs known for their strength, size, and devotion to their families.
With their short coat and signature black mask, these large breeds are formidable protectors that require consistent training to ensure they become well-adjusted family members. Their sheer size and natural guarding instincts make them excellent companions for homes with plenty of space, though they may need supervision around other pets due to their strong prey drive for large prey.
Similar breeds such as Bulldogs or those hailing from the Swiss Alps often share a wrinkled forehead and come in colors like fawn or brindle. Like the Bullmastiff, these breeds were originally developed for specific tasks, from guarding livestock to protecting homes. Whether you’re drawn to the brindle patterns or the dignified black mask, these large and powerful dogs are loyal, gentle giants at heart. With proper socialization and training, they make loving companions and protectors who will happily be by your side through any challenge.
Several breeds share the Bullmastiff’s imposing stature and gentle-giant nature. From the closely related South African Boerboel to the wrinkled Neapolitan Mastiff, these breeds offer similar protective instincts and loyal companionship. Ultimately, the best “Bullmastiff-like” breed depends on individual preferences regarding size, temperament nuances, and grooming needs. Careful research, including breed-specific health concerns, is crucial before welcoming any of these powerful yet affectionate dogs into your home. A responsible match guarantees a fulfilling, lifelong bond with a devoted canine companion.