Alaskan Malamute VS Bullmastiff

Quick Comparison

Rating Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Pulling heavy sleds over long distances in extreme Arctic conditions, as well as hunting seals and polar bears with the Mahlemut people.. Apprehending poachers on large English estates by tracking them silently at night, knocking them down, and holding them without biting until the gamekeeper arrived.. Both breeds remain popular in 2026, but they offer very different ownership experiences.

Size and Appearance

At 75–85 lbs and 23–25" tall, the Alaskan Malamute is a large-sized dog. The Bullmastiff stands 24–27" and weighs 100–130 lbs (giant size). This difference matters for living space, transportation, and physical handling.

Temperament

The Alaskan Malamute brings energy (4/5), trainability (2/5), and a kid-friendliness score of 3/5. The Bullmastiff offers energy (2/5), trainability (3/5), and kid-friendliness of 3/5. Affectionate and friendly with people but possesses strong pack hierarchy instincts; dominant with other dogs and has a high prey drive toward small animals. Docile, calm, and fearless with a natural protective instinct that requires no training; loyal and affectionate within the family but decisive when a threat appears.

Health and Lifespan

Alaskan Malamute: 10–14 years, watch for Hip Dysplasia. Bullmastiff: 7–9 years, watch for Lymphoma. Both breeds need health-tested parents to minimize genetic risks.

Cost

Initial cost: $1000–$2000 (Alaskan Malamute) vs. $1000–$2000 (Bullmastiff). Monthly: ~$177 vs. ~$235. First-year total: ~$5,097 (Alaskan Malamute) vs. ~$5,290 (Bullmastiff).

Grooming and Maintenance

Alaskan Malamute: double coat, grooming 4/5, shedding 5/5. Bullmastiff: short coat, grooming 1/5, shedding 2/5.

Living Situation

Apartment: 1/5 vs. 2/5. Exercise: 5/5 vs. 2/5. Barking: 3/5 vs. 2/5. Consider these factors carefully if you're in a shared-wall living situation.

Size and Physical Differences

When comparing the Alaskan Malamute and Bullmastiff side by side, the physical differences become immediately apparent and play a significant role in determining which breed suits your home environment. The Alaskan Malamute weighs 75–85 lbs, while the Bullmastiff comes in at 100–130 lbs. In terms of height, the Alaskan Malamute stands 23–25" tall compared to the Bullmastiff at 24–27". These measurements directly impact how much space the dog needs to move comfortably, the size of crate and bed required, and even the cost of food and medication dosing since larger dogs require proportionally more of both.

Lifespan is another critical physical factor - the Alaskan Malamute typically lives 10–14 yrs, whereas the Bullmastiff has an expected lifespan of 7–9 yrs. Larger breeds generally have shorter lifespans due to faster cellular aging and greater strain on joints and organs. This difference means a potentially longer commitment with one breed versus the other, affecting everything from total lifetime costs to the emotional timeline of companionship. Consider which lifespan range aligns with your family situation and long-term plans before making a decision between these two breeds.

Temperament and Lifestyle Fit

Beyond physical traits, the temperament profiles of the Alaskan Malamute and Bullmastiff reveal which breed integrates more naturally into your daily life. The Alaskan Malamute is the higher-energy breed at 4/5 compared to the Bullmastiff's 2/5, meaning it demands more daily exercise and mental stimulation to remain well-behaved. The Bullmastiff edges ahead in trainability at 3/5 compared to 2/5 for the Alaskan Malamute, suggesting faster learning during obedience training.

The Alaskan Malamute is the more vocal breed with a barking level of 3/5 compared to 2/5, which matters significantly for apartment dwellers or those with noise-sensitive neighbors. Consider which temperament profile aligns with your household dynamics, daily schedule, and activity preferences before choosing between these two breeds.

Cost of Ownership

The initial purchase price differs between these breeds: the Alaskan Malamute typically costs $1000–$2000, while the Bullmastiff runs $1000–$2000. However, the purchase price represents only a fraction of the total cost of dog ownership. First-year expenses including supplies, initial veterinary visits, vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, and early training classes typically add $1,000–$2,500 on top of the acquisition cost regardless of breed. Larger breeds generally incur higher ongoing costs because they consume more food, require larger doses of medications, and need bigger crates, beds, and accessories.

Monthly costs for either breed include food ($30–$100 depending on size and dietary needs), pet insurance ($30–$60), routine grooming ($0–$100 depending on coat type), and miscellaneous supplies. Annual veterinary care adds $300–$800 for healthy dogs, with senior dogs and those with chronic conditions requiring significantly more. Over a full lifespan, total ownership costs for medium to large breeds commonly reach $15,000–$30,000, not including emergency veterinary care. Before deciding between the Alaskan Malamute and Bullmastiff, create a realistic budget that accounts for these ongoing expenses to ensure you can provide excellent care throughout the dog's entire life without financial strain.

Hidden costs that prospective owners frequently overlook include professional training classes ($150–$500 for basic obedience), boarding or pet sitting during vacations ($30–$75 per night), dog-proofing your home ($100–$300), and replacement of items damaged during puppyhood. Renters should factor in pet deposits ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$75) that many landlords charge. Pet insurance at $30–$60 per month is strongly recommended regardless of which breed you choose, as a single emergency can easily cost $3,000–$8,000. Establishing an emergency veterinary fund alongside insurance provides a financial safety net that prevents care decisions from being driven by budget constraints during your dog's most vulnerable moments.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

Choose the Alaskan Malamute if: You are looking for a breed that matches the Alaskan Malamute's specific combination of traits and temperament characteristics outlined above. Consider this breed if your living situation, activity level, and experience with dogs align well with what the Alaskan Malamute demands. Prospective owners should visit our full Alaskan Malamute profile for detailed information on health issues, grooming requirements, training tips, and real ownership costs broken down by category.

Choose the Bullmastiff if: Your lifestyle and preferences align more closely with the Bullmastiff's temperament and physical characteristics. Review the complete Bullmastiff breed profile for in-depth coverage of health, temperament, cost breakdowns, and practical ownership advice. Spending time with both breeds before making a final decision is strongly recommended - attend breed-specific events, connect with local breed clubs, or visit reputable breeders and rescue organizations to interact with dogs of each breed in person.

Still undecided? Use our Dog Age Calculator and Puppy Weight Calculator to understand the growth and aging trajectory for each breed. Browse our expert guides for advice on training, nutrition, health care, and choosing the right breed for your specific situation. The right dog is not simply the most popular or the most attractive breed - it is the one whose daily needs, temperament, and care requirements align with what you can realistically provide over the next decade or more. Take the time to meet dogs of both breeds in person before committing - the investment in research and firsthand experience prevents the heartbreak of rehoming a dog that does not fit your lifestyle.