A Detailed Comparison of the Bulldog and the Spanish Mastiff.

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Bulldog Versus Spanish Mastiff: Introduction

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

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

Bulldog versus Spanish Mastiff: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Bulldog belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

Bulldog versus Spanish Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bulldog 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 Bulldog and the Spanish Mastiff

Factor Bulldog Spanish Mastiff
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 1/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 4/5
Height 12 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder 26 to 35 inches
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Weight 40 to 50 pounds 140 to 220 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 1/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 3/5
Life Span 8 to 12 years 10 to 12 years
Average Lifespan 10.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $4220 $1050
Price Range $3000 – $4500 $1000 – $1050
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • approved laboratory
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • HYPERURICOSURIA
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Tracheal Hypoplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Bulldog 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 Bulldog is 80 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 a better pet than the Bulldog. So, you should get the Spanish Mastiff!

    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 Bulldog 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 Bulldog and the Spanish Mastiff

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

    • Bulldogs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Spanish Mastiffs can tolerate cold weather.
    • Bulldogs are good for new dog owners. However, Spanish Mastiffs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Bulldogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Spanish Mastiffs are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Bulldogs adapt well to apartment living. However, Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Bulldogs are very friendly towards strangers. However, Spanish Mastiffs are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Bulldogs have a very high tendency to drool. However, Spanish Mastiffs do not have the tendency to drool.

    The Similarities Between the Bulldog and the Spanish Mastiff

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

    • Both the Bulldog 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 Bulldog and the Spanish Mastiff do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Bulldog and the Spanish Mastiff are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Bulldog and the Spanish Mastiff have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Bulldog and the Spanish Mastiff have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
    • Both the Bulldog and the Spanish Mastiff are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Bulldog and the Spanish Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Bulldog and the Spanish Mastiff are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Bulldog and the Spanish Mastiff are very playful.
    • Both the Bulldog and the Spanish Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Size Comparison of Bulldog versus Spanish Mastiff

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

    Bulldogs weigh 40 to 50 pounds when fully grown. Bulldogs are 12 to 15 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 Bulldog versus Spanish Mastiff

    The lifespan of Bulldogs is between 8 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Bulldogs is 10.0 years.

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

    Spanish Mastiffs live longer than Bulldogs.

    Price of Bulldog versus Price of Spanish Mastiff

    The average price of the Bulldog puppy is $4220. The price of the Bulldog typically ranges from $3000 – $4500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 595 Bulldog 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 Bulldog is more expensive than the Spanish Mastiff.

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Bulldogs. 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 Bulldog 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: Bulldog versus Spanish Mastiff

    Bulldogs can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Do Bulldogs shed more than Spanish Mastiffs?

    Bulldogs shed moderately.

    Spanish Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Bulldog or the Spanish Mastiff

    Bulldogs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Spanish Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Bulldogs are very easy to groom.

    Spanish Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Bulldogs 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 Bulldogs Bark and Howl? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Bulldogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

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

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

    Spanish Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bulldog vs. Spanish Mastiff

    Bulldogs 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 Bulldogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Bulldogs 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 Bulldog or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Bulldogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Bulldogs good family dogs? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Bulldogs 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 Bulldogs and Spanish Mastiffs?

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

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

    Is the Bulldog Easier to Train than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Bulldogs are fairly easy to train.

    Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.

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

    Bulldogs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Bulldogs are very good for new dog owners.

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

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