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Spanish Mastiff vs French Bulldog

Discover the differences between Spanish Mastiff and French Bulldog to make the best choice for your situation.

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Spanish Mastiff
Spain

Spanish Mastiff

Working Group
Large

Massive yet gentle, this loyal guardian forms strong bonds with family and thrives in calm environments. Calm, patient, and protective, it excels as a devoted companion.

French Bulldog
France

French Bulldog

Non-Sporting Group
Small

Compact, playful, and affectionate, this breed charms with its expressive face and easygoing personality. Ideal for city living, French Bulldogs make steadfast companions and loving family pets.

Quick comparison

Size:

Large

Male:

52–70 kg

Coat:

Dense, straight

Lifespan:

10–12 years

Female:

40–60 kg

Energy:

Low activity needs

Size:

Small

Male:

9–13 kg

Coat:

Short, smooth

Lifespan:

10–12 years

Female:

8–12 kg

Energy:

Low activity needs

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

Spanish Mastiff

Friendliness
4/5

Calm, gentle, and tolerant with familiar people

Intelligence
4/5

Learns commands steadily, responds to training

Energy Level
2/5

Low activity needs, prefers calm environments

Playfulness
2/5

Not highly playful, enjoys relaxed companionship

Adaptability
3/5

Adjusts moderately to new environments and changes

French Bulldog

Friendliness
5/5

Affectionate with people and enjoys companionship

Intelligence
4/5

Learns routines quickly but can be stubborn

Energy Level
2/5

Prefers short play sessions and moderate walks

Playfulness
4/5

Enjoys interactive games and gentle roughhousing

Adaptability
5/5

Comfortable in apartments and various environments

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

Spanish Mastiff

Grooming:
Minimal grooming needed (weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Seasonal shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Tolerates cold well
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, entropion

French Bulldog

Grooming:
Minimal grooming needed (weekly)
Exercise:
30–45 minutes daily
Shedding:
Light shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Struggles with heat
Health concerns:

Brachycephalic syndrome, skin allergies

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

Spanish Mastiff

First-time Owner
2/5

Challenging for novices

Requires experienced handling due to size and temperament

Apartment Living
1/5

Not suitable

Needs ample space and dislikes confined environments

Active Lifestyle
3/5

Moderately suitable

Enjoys moderate activity but prefers a calm lifestyle

Kids
4/5

Gentle guardian

Patient and protective with children, but may unintentionally knock over toddlers

Multiple Pets
3/5

Generally compatible

Can coexist with other pets if socialized early

Being Left Alone
1/5

Poor fit

Prone to separation anxiety and destructive behavior if left alone too long

French Bulldog

First-time Owner
5/5

Great choice

Easygoing temperament and manageable size suit first-time owners well

Apartment Living
5/5

Perfect fit

Quiet and compact, they adapt well to small apartments

Active Lifestyle
2/5

Not ideal

They tire quickly and don’t match very active lifestyles

Kids
5/5

Highly suitable

Gentle and playful, they are patient with young children

Multiple Pets
4/5

Very friendly

Generally sociable and get along with other pets if introduced properly

Being Left Alone
2/5

Prone to anxiety

They dislike being left alone for long periods and may develop separation issues

Breed strengths

What each breed excels at and their best qualities

Spanish Mastiff

  • Protective of family and property
  • Calm and gentle with children
  • Strong deterrent for intruders and predators
  • Adaptable to rural and farm environments
  • Low grooming needs despite heavy coat

French Bulldog

  • Affectionate with families and children
  • Adaptable to apartment living
  • Minimal grooming requirements
  • Generally quiet and not prone to barking
  • Strong loyalty to owners

Challenges & considerations

Potential challenges and considerations for each breed

Spanish Mastiff

  • Prone to drooling and slobbering
  • Needs significant space to roam comfortably
  • Can be stubborn during training sessions
  • High risk for hip and joint issues
  • May be wary or aloof with strangers

French Bulldog

  • Prone to breathing difficulties due to flat face
  • Sensitive to extreme heat and cold
  • May develop separation anxiety
  • Stubborn during training sessions
  • High risk of obesity without portion control

Ready to choose your perfect breed?

Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.

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