Fila Brasileiro versus Spanish Mastiff. Final Verdict on Which is a Better Pet.

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Fila Brasileiro Versus Spanish Mastiff: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro or the Spanish Mastiff

Fila Brasileiro versus Spanish Mastiff: Overview

Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Spanish Mastiff are similar in size. The Fila Brasileiro and the Spanish Mastiff are both giant-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Fila Brasileiro and the Spanish Mastiff are Working Dogs. This means both the Fila Brasileiro and the Spanish Mastiff 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.

Fila Brasileiro versus Spanish Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro Spanish Mastiff
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 4/5
Height 24 to 30 inches 26 to 35 inches
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 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
Life Span 9 to 12 years 10 to 12 years
Weight 90 to 180 pounds 140 to 220 pounds
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1270 $1050
Price Range $1000 – $1400 $1000 – $1050
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro is 62 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 Fila Brasileiro. 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Fila Brasileiros 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Spanish Mastiff do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Spanish Mastiff are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Spanish Mastiff are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Spanish Mastiff do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Spanish Mastiff do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Spanish Mastiff are not easy to train.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Spanish Mastiff are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Spanish Mastiff gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Spanish Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Spanish Mastiff have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Spanish Mastiff require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Fila Brasileiro versus Spanish Mastiff

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

    Fila Brasileiros weigh 90 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Fila Brasileiros are 24 to 30 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 Fila Brasileiro versus Price of Spanish Mastiff

    The average price of the Fila Brasileiro puppy is $1270. The price of the Fila Brasileiro typically ranges from $1000 – $1400. However, the price of a Fila Brasileiro can be as low as $1000 and as high as $1800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 3 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro is more expensive than the Spanish Mastiff.

    Fila Brasileiro Spanish Mastiff
    Average Price $1270 $1050
    Price Range $1000 to $1400 $1000 to $1050

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Fila Brasileiros. 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro Better for Apartment Owners than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Fila Brasileiros are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Spanish Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Do Fila Brasileiros shed more than Spanish Mastiffs?

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

    Spanish Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Easier to Train than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.

    Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Fila Brasileiro versus Spanish Mastiff

    Fila Brasileiros can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Are Fila Brasileiros good family dogs? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Fila Brasileiros are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Fila Brasileiros and Spanish Mastiffs?

    Fila Brasileiros get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Which one drools more, the Fila Brasileiro or the Spanish Mastiff

    Fila Brasileiros drool moderately.

    Spanish Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Fila Brasileiros Bark and Howl? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Fila Brasileiros bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Fila Brasileiro vs. Spanish Mastiff

    Fila Brasileiros have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Fila Brasileiro or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom.

    Spanish Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Fila Brasileiro Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Fila Brasileiros 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 Fila Brasileiro

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro:

  • Afador (75 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Afador.
  • Cane Corso (76 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Cane Corso.
  • Dogo Argentino (80 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Dogo Argentino.
  • Boerboel (78 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). 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 Fila Brasileiro vs Akbash.
  • Hovawart (81 percent match with Spanish Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Fila Brasileiro Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Fila Brasileiro versus Cockapoo     Fila Brasileiro versus Brussels Griffon     Fila Brasileiro versus Harrier     Fila Brasileiro versus Valley Bulldog     Fila Brasileiro versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Fila Brasileiro versus Carolina Dog     Fila Brasileiro versus Standard Poodle     Fila Brasileiro versus Alaskan Malamute     Fila Brasileiro versus Dachshund     Fila Brasileiro versus Irish Water Spaniel     

    Spanish Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Spanish Mastiff versus Sheepadoodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Collie     Spanish Mastiff versus Afghan Hound     Spanish Mastiff versus Black Mouth Cur     Spanish Mastiff versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Spanish Mastiff versus Newfoundland     Spanish Mastiff versus Shiloh Shepherd     Spanish Mastiff versus Bolognese     Spanish Mastiff versus Toy Poodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Briard     

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