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Bullmastiff vs Curly-Coated Retriever

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

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The bottom line

Bullmastiff vs Curly-Coated Retriever

People compare Bullmastiffs and Curly-Coated Retrievers because both are big, bold dogs with deep voices and a working background, but that’s where the similarities end. You’re not just choosing between coat types here. you’re picking a lifestyle. The Bullmastiff is the silent fortress. At 110 pounds of muscle and calm, he’s bred to intimidate, not bark. He’ll patrol your yard with quiet authority and bond fiercely with your family. especially if your kids are older and know how to respect a giant. He’s not hyper, but he needs structure, space, and a diet managed to avoid bloat. If you want a loyal guardian who’ll nap at your feet after a solid walk, this is your dog. But he’s not for rookies. His size alone demands experience. The Curly-Coated Retriever is the athlete in a perm. Lighter, tighter, and built for action, he lives to retrieve. He’ll swim in freezing lakes, track birds through brush, and still come in to cuddle with every kid in the house. He’s goofy, people-pleasing, and surprisingly adaptable. if you can keep him moving. His curly coat sheds less than you’d think, but he needs weather to justify that outdoor life. He’s not as rare a guard dog, but he’s more forgiving of active households. Here’s the real talk: Bullmastiffs look imposing but are often couch potatoes in disguise. Curly-Coats look wild but are eager to please. If you want presence and protection, go Bullmastiff. If you want a partner for outdoor adventures who adores kids, pick the Curly. Just know. both need space, both need you to be a leader, and neither will thrive in a studio apartment. Choose the dog that matches your rhythm, not just your yard size.

Bullmastiff
Curly-Coated Retriever
24–27 in
Height
23–27 in
100–130 lb
Weight
60–95 lb
7–9 yr
Lifespan
10–12 yr
$1.5–3.5k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
#51
AKC popularity
#162

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Bullmastiff Curly-Coated Retriever
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Young Children
Curly-Coated Retriever is better with kids (2-point difference)
Curly-Coated
Drooling Level
Curly-Coated Retriever drools less (2-point difference)
Curly-Coated
Barking Level
Bullmastiff barks less (2-point difference)
Bullmastiff
Affectionate w/ Family
Curly-Coated Retriever is more affectionate (1-point difference)
Curly-Coated
Shedding Level
Curly-Coated Retriever sheds less (1-point difference)
Curly-Coated
The verdict

Choose the Bullmastiff if…

  • Experienced dog owners
  • Families with older children
  • Homeowners with fenced yards
  • You value drooling levelBullmastiff scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Curly-Coated Retriever if…

  • Active families
  • Hunters and waterfowlers
  • Cold and wet climates
  • You value good with young childrenCurly-Coated Retriever scores higher here.
Bullmastiff Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Bullmastiff home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Curly-Coated Retriever Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Curly-Coated Retriever home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

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