Both Bullmastiffs and German Shepherds are popular guard dogs famed for their ability to protect their owners. However, the Bullmastiff has a hard time getting along with other dogs. Therefore, owners should take a lot of caution when getting a companion for their Bullmastiff.
Bullmastiffs are a tough breed to get along with any other kind of dog in terms of compatibility. They tend to prefer being the sole guardian of a property and are highly territorial. It’s not that they don’t get along with German Shepherds in particular, but that they have a tough time with all dogs.
German Shepherds are a tough breed themselves, but a male of both breeds would cause each other to be highly competitive and aggressive. You’ll have to be careful getting the two together in the same room, which is not recommended.
Do differences in breeds affect their ability to get along?
Differences in dog breed make a considerable difference in which dogs can get along. For example, German Shepherds can get along with a wide range of dogs as they are highly obedient and trainable.
If there is any chance to get a Bullmastiff trained to be compatible with other dogs, it will require intense socialization from an early age, while it is still small and open-minded.
However, if the Bullmastiff can learn to get along with other dogs from a young age, there is a chance it will be ok in adulthood to deal with other dogs its own size.
It might still be too dangerous to bring smaller dogs around, as the Bullmastiff might bully smaller dogs. However, a German Shepherd at least could hold its own.
Luckily, Bullmastiffs were not bred to hurt other dogs or intruders. Instead, they were bred and trained to grab and hold onto intruders. This means they can be less dangerous than other breeds in that way.
Socialization and training can go a long way, especially when done early. Many Bullmastiffs will get along with other dogs if they are trained well and socialized.
Finally, gender does play a huge role. The worst combination is a male Bullmastiff with another male dog in the house. Any other combination is likely to be much more compatible.
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Size differences
Male Bullmastiffs are between 25 and 27 inches tall and weigh 110 to 130 pounds, while females are 24 to 26 inches and weigh 100 to 120 pounds.
Male German Shepherds are between 24 to 26 inches tall and weigh 85 to 95 pounds, while females are 22 to 24 inches and weigh 75 to 85 pounds.
This means Bullmastiffs are about ⅓ of a size bigger than German Shepherds on average. So they could beat them in a fight most of the time.
Temperament compared
Bullmastiffs are brave and confident. They are also smart and obedient but tend to be independent thinkers.
Their temperament is much better if they are socialized early on. This includes both people and dogs. Socialization is probably the most significant factor when it comes to compatibility.
A well-socialized dog of almost any breed will get along with other dogs and people, whereas a poorly socialized dog will not.
To help with early socialization, you can set them up with a puppy kindergarten or simply bring them along to meet people and dogs when they are young at dog parks or similar.
German Shepherds are aloof and not very aggressive normally. They are incredibly loyal to their owners and close friends. With family, they are easy-going, but when threatened, they are highly protective.
As one of the most popular dogs in America because they are brilliant and easy to train. In addition, they love having a job to do.
They are not good at being alone and tend to be very attached. They need companionship and exercise, or else they become bored and frustrated.
Guarding Instincts compared
Bullmastiffs are natural guard dogs and very quick to respond when threatened. They don’t bark much and act more as silent watchdogs. Bullmastiffs were bred to hold down intruders and not bite for damage. They really are a strong but silent type.
German Shepards are excellent watchdogs but aren’t good with long periods alone or chained up. They love companionship dearly and are very active when watching the house, unlike the Bullmastiff.
They are at their best when hanging out with the family indoors and when they have a large yard to run around in.
Are they Territorial?
Bullmastiffs are territorial, and it’s best to have a closed-in yard because of this. Otherwise, they are likely to treat any additional space as territory.
Unfortunately, their territorial nature is one of their more complex traits, as they tend to be highly protective of whatever they deem their territory. This can include a piece of furniture or a room in the house.
German Shepherds are also territorial by nature and want to protect the home. They mark their territory with urine like many dogs, which can frustrate some owners.
Unlike Bullmastiffs, who tend to guard their territory silently, German Shepherds will bark unless trained not to.
Are they Dominant?
Dominance in terms of being the “alpha” dog has been discredited from the original studies on captive wolves for a long time now.
However, you can be assured both Bullmastiffs and German Shepherds are obedient dogs that will listen to and become intensely loyal to their owners, especially if trained from a young age. In addition, both breeds are highly intelligent and easy to train, so you can be assured they will listen to you if trained well.
Bullmastiffs can be a little more independent-minded. However, both breeds are highly protective of the home and will act aggressively towards intruders.
Energy Levels compared
Bullmastiffs are low-energy dogs, which is excellent if you don’t have as much time to exercise or play with them. However, they also deal with more extended periods of time alone.
Low-energy dogs are easier to handle overall, but Bullmastiffs will get aggressive even if they don’t always look active.
German Shepherds, on the other hand, are very high-energy dogs. They love to exercise and play and are much more active guard dogs than Bullmastiffs. So you’ll need to be prepared to pay a lot more attention to their needs.
A highly active dog like a German Shepherd needs lots of time for exercise and huge play space. You’ll also need to play with them fairly often to keep them from getting bored and tearing up the house.
Training needs compared
Both Bullmastiffs and German Shepherds are working dogs and need some obedience training. Thankfully, as working dogs, they are very prepared and willing to be trained, so you’ll see results if you put the effort in.
Bullmastiffs can be quite protective and territorial. Without training and socialization, they can be dangerous. Therefore, it’s essential to get them in a training program early to control and temper any bad instincts early in their lives.
German Shepherds are less naturally aggressive than Bullmastiffs but are similarly protective. However, without proper training, they can also become a nuisance. This is especially true because of their high-energy levels. Thankfully, with appropriate training, they can be highly loyal and obedient dogs, which is why they are one of the most popular choices for police forces and the military.
Are Bullmastiff and German Shepherds Compatible?
Male Bullmastiffs do not get along well with other male dogs of any breed. They get along better with female dogs, but overall they are very difficult to house with any other dogs.
German Shepherds can get along with other dogs but do tend to get jealous. However, compared with the Bullmastiff, they are unlikely to be the problem between the two.
If you want to get the two dog breeds together, talk to a local professional and see what you can do to introduce them properly. Check to see if you’ll need to train and socialize them further, too.
Once introduced, there may be continued measures you’ll have to do to make sure everything is going smoothly. Make sure to follow any instructions you’ve been provided.
Overall, it will be challenging to pair the two as guard dogs for the same house, but possible.
Many owners of Bullmastiffs report them getting along with other dogs well, often having to do with excellent socialization from an early age.
Final thoughts
Ensuring Bullmastiffs and German Shepherds will get along is a tricky business. They need to be adequately socialized while young, and even then, they have an aggressive and territorial temperament.
If you get lucky with their personality and they are socialized young, a German Shepherd is an ok attempt at a compatible breed as they are roughly the same size and can handle each other.
Even so, you should consult with a proper dog trainer to see what can be done to get the two under the same roof before making any final decisions.
