PuppyBase

Bullmastiff vs Segugio Italiano

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

Perfect Puppy Quiz · 5 questions · 90 seconds

Not sure which breed fits your life?

Answer five questions about your home, your schedule, and your tolerance for shedding. We’ll match you to your top three breeds from over 200.

The bottom line

Bullmastiff vs Segugio Italiano

People compare Bullmastiffs and Segugio Italianos because both are serious, working dogs with deep loyalty and big personalities, but that’s where the similarities end. One’s a fortress, the other’s a compass. The Bullmastiff is your silent guardian. At over 100 pounds, he’s built like a tank, calm in the house but hyper-alert to threats. He doesn’t bark much, but when he moves, people notice. He’s deeply affectionate with his family, but slow to warm to strangers. You’ll need space, strength, and experience. this isn’t a dog that forgives poor training. He’s best for someone who wants a calm home protector and can manage his size and health risks like bloat and joint issues. Kids? Only if they’re older and respectful. The Segugio Italiano is all motion and nose. Lighter, leaner, built for miles in the Italian hills chasing hare by scent. He’s friendly, eager to please, but ruled by his nose. call him and he might not come if a trail’s hot. He barks. often and with purpose. This dog needs space to run, secure fencing, and a job. He’s better for active owners, hunters, or families with yards and time to burn his energy. Here’s the real difference: the Bullmastiff bonds to a home, the Segugio bonds to a hunt. One guards the castle, the other maps the woods. Choose the Bullmastiff if you want a stoic, loyal presence and can handle his health and space needs. Choose the Segugio if you live for the outdoors and want a partner who’s always tuned into the wind. Neither forgives negligence, but the Segugio won’t sit still for a lazy life. and the Bullmastiff won’t fit in a small world.

Bullmastiff
Segugio Italiano
24–27 in
Height
19–23 in
100–130 lb
Weight
40–60 lb
7–9 yr
Lifespan
11–13 yr
$1.5–3.5k
Puppy price
$1.0–2.5k
#51
AKC popularity

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 Segugio Italiano
Overlay

Where they diverge

Barking Level
Bullmastiff barks less (3-point difference)
Bullmastiff
Good with Other Dogs
Segugio Italiano is better with other dogs (2-point difference)
Segugio
Good with Strangers
Segugio Italiano is friendlier with strangers (2-point difference)
Segugio
Watchdog / Protective
Bullmastiff is more protective (2-point difference)
Bullmastiff
Drooling Level
Segugio Italiano drools less (1-point difference)
Segugio
The verdict

Choose the Bullmastiff if…

  • Experienced dog owners
  • Families with older children
  • Homeowners with fenced yards
  • You value watchdog / protectiveBullmastiff scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Segugio Italiano if…

  • hunters
  • active families
  • experienced hound owners
  • You value barking levelSegugio Italiano 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
Segugio Italiano Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Segugio Italiano 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

Other comparisons people run