Is the Chesapeake Bay Retriever Better than the Spanish Mastiff as a Pet? Answer…

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Chesapeake Bay Retriever Versus Spanish Mastiff: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever 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 Chesapeake Bay Retriever 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 Chesapeake Bay Retriever 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 Chesapeake Bay Retriever or the Spanish Mastiff.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever versus Spanish Mastiff: Overview

A very important difference between the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the Spanish Mastiff is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a medium-sized dog while the Spanish Mastiff is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever 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.

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.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever versus Spanish Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Chesapeake Bay Retriever 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 Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the Spanish Mastiff

Factor Chesapeake Bay Retriever Spanish Mastiff
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 2/5
Height 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall at the s 26 to 35 inches
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 12 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 4/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Weight 55 to 80 pounds 140 to 220 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1060 $1050
Price Range $850 – $1200 $1000 – $1050
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chesapeake Bay Retriever 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 Chesapeake Bay Retriever is 65 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 Chesapeake Bay Retriever. 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 Chesapeake Bay Retriever 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 Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the Spanish Mastiff

    Below is a list of where the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the Spanish Mastiff are most different:

  • Chesapeake Bay Retrievers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Spanish Mastiffs do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • The Similarities Between the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Both the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the Spanish Mastiff do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the Spanish Mastiff are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the Spanish Mastiff do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the Spanish Mastiff are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the Spanish Mastiff do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the Spanish Mastiff can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the Spanish Mastiff can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the Spanish Mastiff are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the Spanish Mastiff gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the Spanish Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the Spanish Mastiff are very playful.
  • Both the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the Spanish Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Chesapeake Bay Retriever versus Spanish Mastiff

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the Spanish Mastiff.

    Chesapeake Bay Retrievers weigh 55 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall at the s 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 Chesapeake Bay Retriever versus Spanish Mastiff

    The lifespan of Chesapeake Bay Retrievers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Chesapeake Bay Retrievers 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 Chesapeake Bay Retriever versus Price of Spanish Mastiff

    The average price of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever puppy is $1060. The price of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever typically ranges from $850 – $1200. However, the price of a Chesapeake Bay Retriever can be as low as $400 and as high as $2300. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 126 Chesapeake Bay Retriever 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 Chesapeake Bay Retriever is more expensive than the Spanish Mastiff.

    Chesapeake Bay Retriever Spanish Mastiff
    Average Price $1060 $1050
    Price Range $850 to $1200 $1000 to $1050

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. 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 Chesapeake Bay Retriever 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: Chesapeake Bay Retriever versus Spanish Mastiff

    Chesapeake Bay Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Chesapeake Bay Retrievers shed more than Spanish Mastiffs?

    Chesapeake Bay Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Spanish Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever or the Spanish Mastiff

    Chesapeake Bay Retrievers drool moderately.

    Spanish Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Spanish Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Chesapeake Bay Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Chesapeake Bay Retrievers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Chesapeake Bay Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Chesapeake Bay Retrievers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Chesapeake Bay Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Chesapeake Bay Retrievers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Spanish Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Chesapeake Bay Retriever vs. Spanish Mastiff

    Chesapeake Bay Retrievers 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 Chesapeake Bay Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Chesapeake Bay Retrievers 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 Chesapeake Bay Retriever or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Chesapeake Bay Retrievers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Chesapeake Bay Retrievers good family dogs? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Chesapeake Bay Retrievers 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 Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and Spanish Mastiffs?

    Chesapeake Bay Retrievers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Chesapeake Bay Retriever Easier to Train than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are fairly easy to train.

    Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.

    Is the Chesapeake Bay Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Chesapeake Bay Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Chesapeake Bay Retriever

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Chesapeake Bay Retriever 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 Chesapeake Bay Retriever:

  • Hovawart (74 percent match with Chesapeake Bay Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Hovawart.
  • Karelian Bear Dog (73 percent match with Chesapeake Bay Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Karelian Bear Dog.
  • Boerboel (76 percent match with Chesapeake Bay Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Boerboel.
  • 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 Chesapeake Bay Retriever vs Akbash.
  • Hovawart (81 percent match with Spanish Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Chesapeake Bay Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Chesapeake Bay Retriever versus Tibetan Spaniel     Chesapeake Bay Retriever versus Alaskan Malamute     Chesapeake Bay Retriever versus Goldendoodle     Chesapeake Bay Retriever versus Schnoodle     Chesapeake Bay Retriever versus Tibetan Mastiff     Chesapeake Bay Retriever versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Chesapeake Bay Retriever versus English Setter     Chesapeake Bay Retriever versus Frenchton     Chesapeake Bay Retriever versus Akita Chow     Chesapeake Bay Retriever versus Aussiedoodle     Chesapeake Bay Retriever versus Finnish Lapphund     Chesapeake Bay Retriever versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Chesapeake Bay Retriever versus Bernedoodle     Chesapeake Bay Retriever versus Bichon Frise     Chesapeake Bay Retriever versus Pomeranian     Chesapeake Bay Retriever versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Chesapeake Bay Retriever versus Bouvier des Flandres     Chesapeake Bay Retriever versus Pomsky     Chesapeake Bay Retriever versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Chesapeake Bay Retriever versus Carolina Dog     Chesapeake Bay Retriever versus Dachshund     Chesapeake Bay Retriever versus Canaan Dog     Chesapeake Bay Retriever versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Chesapeake Bay Retriever versus Bull Terrier     Chesapeake Bay Retriever versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     

    Spanish Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Spanish Mastiff versus Norwegian Lundehund     Spanish Mastiff versus Scottish Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Doberman Pinscher     Spanish Mastiff versus Cairn Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Schipperke     Spanish Mastiff versus Siberian Husky     Spanish Mastiff versus Sheepadoodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Spanish Mastiff versus Basenji     Spanish Mastiff versus Bracco Italiano     Spanish Mastiff versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Spanish Mastiff versus American Eskimo Dog     Spanish Mastiff versus Karelian Bear Dog     Spanish Mastiff versus Chihuahua     Spanish Mastiff versus Toy Fox Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Airedale Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Jack Russell Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Kooikerhondje     Spanish Mastiff versus Airedale Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Newfoundland     Spanish Mastiff versus Cavapoo     Spanish Mastiff versus Cavachon     Spanish Mastiff versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Spanish Mastiff versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Spanish Mastiff versus Borzoi     

    Conclusion: Chesapeake Bay Retriever 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 Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the Spanish Mastiff better suits you and your family.