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With a star-studded history and loving yet protective personality, it’s easy to understand why German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular breeds around. These pups possess the perfect blend of gentle love and fierce watchfulness. As long as you’re safe and content, they will be too. Full-grown, they typically weigh 50-90 pounds and stand 22-26 inches tall.

German Shepherd Dogs are generally excellent with children of all ages. German Shepherd Dogs are ultra territorial, making them among the least likely of breeds to run away from a fight. German Shepherds get along fine with children and other animals, as long as they’ve been socialized, and they prefer to live in a home with family around. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

German Shepherd Dogs are happiest when they’re doing some type of work, such as agility, obedience, or any activity that taps into their herding instincts. This breed enjoys helping and having a job to do, so they're often used as guide dogs and police dogs. No matter what the activity is, be sure to keep your German Shepherd busy with mental and physical activities to prevent boredom. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.

There are three varieties of German Shepherds: coarse and short-haired, coarse and long-haired, and wavy and long-haired. The most common dogs are tan with a black back and mask, but German Shepherds come in a variety of colors, including solid black, grey, brown, and yellow, tricolor, or sable. They also have several kinds of markings, such as “pencilling” (black lines on the toes) and “tar heels” (black on the back of the leg). Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

German Shepherd Dogs are best suited for a home with a yard, though they can adapt to apartment life with enough exercise. German Shepherds get along fine with children and other animals, as long as they’ve been socialized, and they prefer to live in a home with family around. However, they don’t enjoy being with other dogs and would prefer to have the house to themselves. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.

Nothing is small about Bullmastiffs. Along with their immense size and dominant personalities, they have big hearts and are loyal protectors. They make great guard dogs, but their stubbornness can cause challenges with training and obedience. Show them who’s boss, and they’ll stay by your side through thick and thin. Full-grown, they typically weigh 100-130 pounds and stand 24-27 inches tall.

Bullmastiffs are generally okay with older children who know how to handle dogs. Bullmastiffs can be somewhat dominant toward other dogs in their breed, especially if both Bullmastiffs are male. However, they are good around kids and can get along with pets if they’re socialized at a young age. They're relatively quiet and don't bark much.

Although Bullmastiffs are big, they don’t require as much exercise as other large working breeds. A moderate amount of exercise, like a long walk or run, should do the trick to keep them fit and happy. Bullmastiffs walk well on a leash, but their size can make them hard to manage. Overall, their exercise needs are low.

Bullmastiffs have short coats that are red, light tan (“fawn”), or reddish-brown (“brindle”) with distinctive dark areas on the muzzle, ears, and eyes. Some dogs also have white fur on their chest. This breed doesn’t shed a lot, so their grooming needs are minimal. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

Bullmastiffs are best suited for a home with a yard, though they can adapt to apartment life with enough exercise. Bullmastiffs don’t do well in the heat or when they’re apart from their families, so it’s better to keep them in a cool indoor setting with a soft bed nearby. They are fairly easy to train.