The aim of this study was to evaluate the proteolytic activities of 14 strains of lactic acid bacteria and their impact on sensory characteristics of the resultant fermented cow and camel milk. The results showed that Lactobacillus rhamnosus PTCC 1637 and Lactobacillus fermentum PTCC 1638 had high protease activity and high mean values for sensory quality in fermented cow's and camel's milk. Lactobacillus plantarum PTCC 1058 revealed high protease activity and sensory scores in camel milk. Consequently, milk fermentation using such strains might be recommended for the development of dairy products containing bioactive peptides.