Which is Better Between the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff?

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Akbash Versus Spanish Mastiff: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Akbash and for the Spanish Mastiff. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Akbash or the Spanish Mastiff.

Akbash versus Spanish Mastiff: Overview

A very important difference between the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Akbash is a large-sized dog while the Spanish Mastiff is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff are Working Dogs. This means both the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Akbash versus Spanish Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Akbash to the Spanish Mastiff based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff

Factor Akbash Spanish Mastiff
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 12 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 3/5
Height 27 to 34 inches 26 to 35 inches
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Weight 75 to 140 pounds 140 to 220 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $610 $1050
Price Range $500 – $800 $1000 – $1050
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data

Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Akbash in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Spanish Mastiff. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

The Better-Pet score for the Akbash is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Spanish Mastiff is 83 out of 125.

Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Spanish Mastiff is not better or worse than the Akbash. So, you can get the Spanish Mastiff or the Akbash!

Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

The Similarities Between the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff

The Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff are most similar:

  • Both the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
  • Both the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff have low exercise needs.
  • Both the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff can be left alone for some time without problems.
  • Both the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

Size Comparison of Akbash versus Spanish Mastiff

Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff.

Akbashs weigh 75 to 140 pounds when fully grown. Akbashs are 27 to 34 inches when fully grown.

On the other hand, Spanish Mastiffs weigh 140 to 220 pounds when fully grown. Spanish Mastiffs are 26 to 35 inches when fully grown.

Lifespan of Akbash versus Spanish Mastiff

The lifespan of Akbashs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Akbashs is 11.0 years.

The lifespan of Spanish Mastiffs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Spanish Mastiffs is 11.0 years.

Price of Akbash versus Price of Spanish Mastiff

The average price of the Akbash puppy is $610. The price of the Akbash typically ranges from $500 – $800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 12 Akbash puppies listed for sale from various sources.

The average price of the Spanish Mastiff puppy is $1050. The price of the Spanish Mastiff typically ranges from $1000 – $1050. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 4 Spanish Mastiff puppies listed for sale from various sources.

The Spanish Mastiff is more expensive than the Akbash.

The charts below show the price distribution for the Akbash and Spanish Mastiff. For different price points, the charts show how many Akbash puppies or how many Spanish Mastiff puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

A breakdown of the prices of Akbashs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

A breakdown of the prices of Akbashs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

A breakdown of the prices of Spanish Mastiffs

A breakdown of the prices of Spanish Mastiffs

Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Akbash puppy or the Spanish Mastiff puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

Tolerates Being Alone: Akbash versus Spanish Mastiff

Akbashs can be left alone for some time without problems.

Spanish Mastiffs can be left alone only for a short time.

Do Akbashs shed more than Spanish Mastiffs?

Akbashs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

Spanish Mastiffs shed moderately.

Which one drools more, the Akbash or the Spanish Mastiff

Akbashs do have a very low tendency to drool.

Spanish Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.

Which is Easier to Groom, the Akbash or the Spanish Mastiff?

Akbashs are moderately easy to groom.

Spanish Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

Does the Akbash Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spanish Mastiff?

Akbashs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

Spanish Mastiffs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

Do Akbashs Bark and Howl? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

Akbashs bark and howl, but not very much.

Spanish Mastiffs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

Can Akbashs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

Akbashs can very well tolerate cold weather.

Spanish Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

Wanderlust Potential: Akbash vs. Spanish Mastiff

Akbashs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

Spanish Mastiffs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

Can Akbashs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

Akbashs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

Spanish Mastiffs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Akbash or the Spanish Mastiff?

Akbashs get along fairly well with other dogs.

Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

Are Akbashs good family dogs? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

Akbashs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

Spanish Mastiffs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

How Kid-friendly are Akbashs and Spanish Mastiffs?

Akbashs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

Spanish Mastiffs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

Is the Akbash Easier to Train than the Spanish Mastiff?

Akbashs are fairly easy to train.

Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.

Is the Akbash Better for Apartment Owners than the Spanish Mastiff?

Akbashs do not adapt well to apartment living.

Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Akbash or the Spanish Mastiff?

Akbashs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

Spanish Mastiffs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

Conclusion: Akbash versus Spanish Mastiff. Which One is a Better Pet?

In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Akbash and the Spanish Mastiff better suits you and your family.