Is the Basenji Better than the Spanish Mastiff as a Pet? Answer…

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Basenji Versus Spanish Mastiff: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Basenji 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 Basenji 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 Basenji and the Spanish Mastiff.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Basenji 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 Basenji 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 Basenji 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 Basenji or the Spanish Mastiff.

Basenji versus Spanish Mastiff: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Basenji belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

On the other hand, the Spanish Mastiff belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs 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.

Basenji versus Spanish Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Basenji 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 Basenji and the Spanish Mastiff

Factor Basenji Spanish Mastiff
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 12 years
Height 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder 26 to 35 inches
General Health 2/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 4/5
Weight 22 to 24 pounds 140 to 220 pounds
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $2320 $1050
Price Range $1450 – $1500 $1000 – $1050
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Basenji Night Blindness / PRA DNA Test
  • Eye Examination each year until 6, thereafter every 2 years
  • Fanconi syndrome
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • OFA/U of Missouri
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Basenji 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 Basenji 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 Basenji. So, you can get the Spanish Mastiff or the Basenji!

    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 Basenji and the Spanish Mastiff so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Basenji and the Spanish Mastiff

    Below is a list of where the Basenji and the Spanish Mastiff are most different:

  • Basenjis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Spanish Mastiffs can tolerate cold weather.
  • Basenjis are good for new dog owners. However, Spanish Mastiffs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Basenjis adapt well to apartment living. However, Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Basenjis are very friendly towards strangers. However, Spanish Mastiffs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Basenjis are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Spanish Mastiffs are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Basenjis have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Spanish Mastiffs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Basenjis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Spanish Mastiffs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • The Similarities Between the Basenji and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Both the Basenji and the Spanish Mastiff do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Basenji and the Spanish Mastiff are not easy to train.
  • Both the Basenji and the Spanish Mastiff are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Basenji and the Spanish Mastiff do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Basenji and the Spanish Mastiff are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Basenji and the Spanish Mastiff can be left alone for some time without problems.
  • Both the Basenji and the Spanish Mastiff can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Basenji and the Spanish Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Basenji and the Spanish Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Basenji and the Spanish Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Basenji versus Spanish Mastiff

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

    Basenjis weigh 22 to 24 pounds when fully grown. Basenjis are 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder 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 Basenji versus Spanish Mastiff

    The lifespan of Basenjis is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Basenjis 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 Basenji versus Price of Spanish Mastiff

    The average price of the Basenji puppy is $2320. The price of the Basenji typically ranges from $1450 – $1500. However, the price of a Basenji can be as low as $1400 and as high as $11920. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 14 Basenji 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. However, the price of the Spanish Mastiff can be as low as $1000 and as high as $1200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 4 Spanish Mastiff puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Basenji is more expensive than the Spanish Mastiff.

    Basenji Spanish Mastiff
    Average Price $2320 $1050
    Price Range $1450 to $1500 $1000 to $1050

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Basenjis. 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 Basenji 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: Basenji versus Spanish Mastiff

    Basenjis can be left alone for some time without problems.

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

    Do Basenjis shed more than Spanish Mastiffs?

    Basenjis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Spanish Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Basenji or the Spanish Mastiff

    Basenjis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Spanish Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Basenjis are very easy to groom.

    Spanish Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Basenjis have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not 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 Basenjis Bark and Howl? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

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

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

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

    Basenjis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Spanish Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Basenji vs. Spanish Mastiff

    Basenjis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    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 Basenjis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Basenjis can tolerate hot weather.

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

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

    Basenjis get along very well with other dogs.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Basenjis good family dogs? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Basenjis 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 Basenjis and Spanish Mastiffs?

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

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

    Is the Basenji Easier to Train than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Basenjis are not easy to train.

    Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.

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

    Basenjis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Basenjis are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Basenji

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Basenji that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Basenji:

  • Italian Greyhound (69 percent match with Basenji). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Italian Greyhound.
  • Whippet (69 percent match with Basenji). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Whippet.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Spanish Mastiff

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Spanish Mastiff that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Spanish Mastiff:

  • Akbash (78 percent match with Spanish Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Basenji vs Akbash.
  • Hovawart (81 percent match with Spanish Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Basenji vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Basenji and how the Spanish Mastiff compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Basenji and of the Spanish Mastiff to other breeds:

    Basenji Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Basenji versus Pyredoodle     Basenji versus Japanese Chin     Basenji versus Boykin Spaniel     Basenji versus Peek A Poo     Basenji versus Lowchen     Basenji versus Shih Tzu     Basenji versus Keeshond     Basenji versus Puggle     Basenji versus Silky Terrier     Basenji versus Bichon Frise     Basenji versus Golden Retriever     Basenji versus Finnish Spitz     Basenji versus Shiba Inu     Basenji versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Basenji versus English Setter     Basenji versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Basenji versus Bull Terrier     Basenji versus Frenchton     Basenji versus Saint Berdoodle     Basenji versus Boston Terrier     Basenji versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Basenji versus Belgian Malinois     Basenji versus Bouvier des Flandres     Basenji versus Berger Picard     Basenji versus Valley Bulldog     

    Spanish Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Spanish Mastiff versus Australian Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Fila Brasileiro     Spanish Mastiff versus Borzoi     Spanish Mastiff versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Spanish Mastiff versus Toy Fox Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Dalmatian     Spanish Mastiff versus Belgian Malinois     Spanish Mastiff versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Spanish Mastiff versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Spanish Mastiff versus Miniature Pinscher     Spanish Mastiff versus Sealyham Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Peek A Poo     Spanish Mastiff versus American Foxhound     Spanish Mastiff versus Mudi     Spanish Mastiff versus Fila Brasileiro     Spanish Mastiff versus Golden Retriever     Spanish Mastiff versus King Shepherd     Spanish Mastiff versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Spanish Mastiff versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Dalmatian     Spanish Mastiff versus Miniature Schnauzer     Spanish Mastiff versus Australian Cattle Dog     Spanish Mastiff versus Whippet     Spanish Mastiff versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Spanish Mastiff versus Karelian Bear Dog     

    Conclusion: Basenji 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 Basenji and the Spanish Mastiff better suits you and your family.