Differences and Similarities between the Dogo Argentino and the Spanish Mastiff.

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Dogo Argentino Versus Spanish Mastiff: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino or the Spanish Mastiff

Dogo Argentino versus Spanish Mastiff: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Dogo Argentino 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.

Dogo Argentino versus Spanish Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dogo Argentino 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.

Factor Dogo Argentino Spanish Mastiff
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 5/5
Height 23 to 27 inches 26 to 35 inches
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
Weight 80 to 100 pounds 140 to 220 pounds
Life Span 9 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $2510 $1050
Price Range $1500 – $2500 $1000 – $1050
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dogo Argentino 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 a Dogo Argentino is 67 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Spanish Mastiff is 83 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Spanish Mastiff is a better pet than the Dogo Argentino. 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Dogo Argentinos 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.

    • The Similarities Between the Dogo Argentino and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Spanish Mastiff do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Spanish Mastiff are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Spanish Mastiff do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Spanish Mastiff do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Spanish Mastiff are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Spanish Mastiff are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Spanish Mastiff are not easy to train.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Spanish Mastiff are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Spanish Mastiff are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Spanish Mastiff can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Spanish Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Spanish Mastiff are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Spanish Mastiff have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Spanish Mastiff require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Dogo Argentino versus Spanish Mastiff

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

    Dogo Argentinos weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Dogo Argentinos are 23 to 27 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.

    Price of Dogo Argentino versus Price of Spanish Mastiff

    The average price of the Dogo Argentino puppy is $2510. The price of the Dogo Argentino typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Dogo Argentino can be as low as $400 and as high as $6800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 114 Dogo Argentino 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 a 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 Dogo Argentino is more expensive than the Spanish Mastiff.

    Dogo Argentino Spanish Mastiff
    Average Price $2510 $1050
    Price Range $1500 to $2500 $1000 to $1050

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Dogo Argentinos. 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 Dogo Argentino 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

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

    Is the Dogo Argentino Better for Apartment Owners than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Dogo Argentinos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Do Dogo Argentinos shed more than Spanish Mastiffs?

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

    Spanish Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dogo Argentino versus Spanish Mastiff

    Dogo Argentinos do not like to be left alone.

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

    Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dogo Argentinos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Spanish Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    How Kid-friendly are Dogo Argentinos and Spanish Mastiffs?

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

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

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Is the Dogo Argentino Easier to Train than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Dogo Argentinos are not easy to train.

    Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.

    Do Dogo Argentinos Bark and Howl? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Which one drools more, the Dogo Argentino or the Spanish Mastiff

    Dogo Argentinos drool moderately.

    Spanish Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dogo Argentinos can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Are Dogo Argentinos good family dogs? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Dogo Argentinos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dogo Argentino or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Dogo Argentinos are very easy to groom.

    Spanish Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dogo Argentino vs. Spanish Mastiff

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Does the Dogo Argentino Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dogo Argentino

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino:

  • American Bulldog (78 percent match with Dogo Argentino). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs American Bulldog.
  • Fila Brasileiro (80 percent match with Dogo Argentino). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Fila Brasileiro.

    • 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 Dogo Argentino vs Akbash.
  • Hovawart (81 percent match with Spanish Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Dogo Argentino vs Hovawart.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dogo Argentino Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dogo Argentino versus Bich Poo     Dogo Argentino versus Puggle     Dogo Argentino versus Kishu Ken     Dogo Argentino versus Manchester Terrier     Dogo Argentino versus Boxerdoodle     Dogo Argentino versus Sealyham Terrier     Dogo Argentino versus Australian Kelpie     Dogo Argentino versus Kuvasz     Dogo Argentino versus Norwegian Lundehund     Dogo Argentino versus Toy Poodle     

    Spanish Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Spanish Mastiff versus Shiranian     Spanish Mastiff versus Boxerdoodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Portuguese Pointer     Spanish Mastiff versus Carolina Dog     Spanish Mastiff versus Whoodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Spanish Mastiff versus Italian Greyhound     Spanish Mastiff versus Chi-Poo     Spanish Mastiff versus Field Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Flat-Coated Retriever     

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