Which is Better Between the Bullmastiff and the Spinone Italiano?

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Bullmastiff Versus Spinone Italiano: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Bullmastiff and the Spinone Italiano? 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 Bullmastiff and the Spinone Italiano 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 Bullmastiff and the Spinone Italiano.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bullmastiff and the Spinone Italiano 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 Bullmastiff and for the Spinone Italiano. 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 Bullmastiff and the Spinone Italiano.

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

Bullmastiff versus Spinone Italiano: Overview

A very important difference between the Bullmastiff and the Spinone Italiano is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Bullmastiff is a giant-sized dog while the Spinone Italiano is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Bullmastiff 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.

On the other hand, the Spinone Italiano belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Bullmastiff versus Spinone Italiano: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bullmastiff to the Spinone Italiano 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 Bullmastiff and the Spinone Italiano

Factor Bullmastiff Spinone Italiano
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Weight 100 to 130 pounds 61 to 86 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
General Health 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 2/5
Height 24 to 27 inches at the shoulder 22 to 28 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 1/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Life Span 8 to 10 years 10 to 14 years
Average Lifespan 9.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $2230 $1090
Price Range $1500 – $3000 $1000 – $1000
Temperament Score 80.1 percent 50.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Kidney Disease
    		•
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Recommend annual exams beginning at 1 year of age
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Bullmastiff 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 Spinone Italiano. 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 Bullmastiff is 77 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Spinone Italiano is 86 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Spinone Italiano is a better pet than the Bullmastiff. So, you should get the Spinone Italiano!

    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 Bullmastiff and the Spinone Italiano so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bullmastiff and the Spinone Italiano

    Below is a list of where the Bullmastiff and the Spinone Italiano are most different:

    • Bullmastiffs are very easy to groom. However, Spinone Italianos require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • Bullmastiffs gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them. However, Spinone Italianos are not prone to gaining weight easily.

    The Similarities Between the Bullmastiff and the Spinone Italiano

    The Bullmastiff and the Spinone Italiano are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Bullmastiff and the Spinone Italiano are most similar:

    • Both the Bullmastiff and the Spinone Italiano do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Bullmastiff and the Spinone Italiano cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Bullmastiff and the Spinone Italiano have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
    • Both the Bullmastiff and the Spinone Italiano 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 Bullmastiff and the Spinone Italiano can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Bullmastiff and the Spinone Italiano get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Bullmastiff and the Spinone Italiano are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Bullmastiff and the Spinone Italiano get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Bullmastiff and the Spinone Italiano have a very high tendency to drool.
    • Both the Bullmastiff and the Spinone Italiano are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Bullmastiff versus Spinone Italiano

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Bullmastiff and the Spinone Italiano.

    Bullmastiffs weigh 100 to 130 pounds when fully grown. Bullmastiffs are 24 to 27 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Spinone Italianos weigh 61 to 86 pounds when fully grown. Spinone Italianos are 22 to 28 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Bullmastiff versus Spinone Italiano

    The lifespan of Bullmastiffs is between 8 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Bullmastiffs is 9.0 years.

    The lifespan of Spinone Italianos is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Spinone Italianos is 12.0 years.

    Spinone Italianos live longer than Bullmastiffs.

    Temperament of the Bullmastiff Versus the Spinone Italiano

    The Bullmastiff has a better temperament than the Spinone Italiano.

    This is because the temperament score for the Bullmastiff is 80.1 percent while the temperament score for the Spinone Italiano is 50.0 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 80.1 percent, the Bullmastiff has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 50.0 percent, the Spinone Italiano has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Bullmastiff and the Spinone Italiano by measuring the temperaments of 151 Bullmastiffs and 6 Spinone Italianos.

    Price of Bullmastiff versus Price of Spinone Italiano

    The average price of the Bullmastiff puppy is $2230. The price of the Bullmastiff typically ranges from $1500 – $3000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 94 Bullmastiff puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Spinone Italiano puppy is $1090. The price of the Spinone Italiano typically ranges from $1000 – $1000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 28 Spinone Italiano puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Bullmastiff is more expensive than the Spinone Italiano.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Bullmastiff and Spinone Italiano. For different price points, the charts show how many Bullmastiff puppies or how many Spinone Italiano puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Spinone Italianos

    A breakdown of the prices of Spinone Italianos

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Bullmastiff puppy or the Spinone Italiano 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.

    Health Problems of Bullmastiff versus Health Problems of Spinone Italiano

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Bullmastiff and the Spinone Italiano are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Bullmastiff is prone to more genetic health problems than the Spinone Italiano.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Bullmastiff than for the Spinone Italiano.

    6 health tests are recommended for Bullmastiff while 5 tests are recommended for the Spinone Italiano.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Bullmastiffs and in Spinone Italianos.

    Bullmastiff Health Problems

    Bullmastiffs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Bullmastiff puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Bullmastiff puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Bullmastiff breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Bullmastiffs for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Kidney Disease

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Bullmastiffs here.

    Spinone Italiano Health Problems

    Spinone Italianos are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Spinone Italiano puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Spinone Italiano puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Spinone Italiano breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Spinone Italianos for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Recommend annual exams beginning at 1 year of age
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Spinone Italianos here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bullmastiff versus Spinone Italiano

    Bullmastiffs do not like to be left alone.

    Spinone Italianos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Bullmastiffs shed more than Spinone Italianos?

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

    Spinone Italianos shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Bullmastiff or the Spinone Italiano

    Bullmastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Spinone Italianos have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Bullmastiff or the Spinone Italiano?

    Bullmastiffs are very easy to groom.

    Spinone Italianos require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Bullmastiff Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spinone Italiano?

    Bullmastiffs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Spinone Italianos 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.

    Do Bullmastiffs Bark and Howl? What about Spinone Italianos?

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

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

    Can Bullmastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spinone Italianos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Bullmastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Spinone Italianos can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bullmastiff vs. Spinone Italiano

    Bullmastiffs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Can Bullmastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spinone Italianos Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Spinone Italianos can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bullmastiff or the Spinone Italiano?

    Bullmastiffs get along very well with other dogs.

    Spinone Italianos get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Bullmastiffs good family dogs? What about Spinone Italianos?

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

    Spinone Italianos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Bullmastiffs and Spinone Italianos?

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

    Spinone Italianos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Bullmastiff Easier to Train than the Spinone Italiano?

    Bullmastiffs are fairly easy to train.

    Spinone Italianos are very easy to train.

    Is the Bullmastiff Better for Apartment Owners than the Spinone Italiano?

    Bullmastiffs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Spinone Italianos adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Bullmastiff or the Spinone Italiano?

    Bullmastiffs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Spinone Italianos are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Bullmastiff versus Spinone Italiano. 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 Bullmastiff and the Spinone Italiano better suits you and your family.