Differences and Similarities between the Finnish Spitz and the Spanish Mastiff.

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Finnish Spitz Versus Spanish Mastiff: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz or the Spanish Mastiff

Finnish Spitz versus Spanish Mastiff: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Finnish Spitz 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.

Finnish Spitz versus Spanish Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz Spanish Mastiff
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Height 15 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 26 to 35 inches
Easy To Groom 2/5 3/5
Weight 20 to 35 pounds 140 to 220 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
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 Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $900 $1050
Price Range $600 – $1100 $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 Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz is 77 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 Finnish Spitz. 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 Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Finnish Spitzs get along well with other dogs. However, Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Finnish Spitzs 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.
  • The Similarities Between the Finnish Spitz and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Spanish Mastiff do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Spanish Mastiff require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Spanish Mastiff shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Spanish Mastiff are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Spanish Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Spanish Mastiff can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Spanish Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Spanish Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Spanish Mastiff are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Finnish Spitz versus Spanish Mastiff

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

    Finnish Spitzs weigh 20 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Finnish Spitzs are 15 to 20 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.

    Price of Finnish Spitz versus Price of Spanish Mastiff

    The average price of the Finnish Spitz puppy is $900. The price of the Finnish Spitz typically ranges from $600 – $1100. However, the price of a Finnish Spitz can be as low as $500 and as high as $1500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 3 Finnish Spitz 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 Spanish Mastiff is more expensive than the Finnish Spitz.

    Finnish Spitz Spanish Mastiff
    Average Price $900 $1050
    Price Range $600 to $1100 $1000 to $1050

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Finnish Spitzs. 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 Finnish Spitz 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Finnish Spitz versus Spanish Mastiff

    Finnish Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

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

    Which one drools more, the Finnish Spitz or the Spanish Mastiff

    Finnish Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Spanish Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Finnish Spitz or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Finnish Spitzs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Spanish Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Is the Finnish Spitz Better for Apartment Owners than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Finnish Spitzs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Finnish Spitzs are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Can Finnish Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Finnish Spitzs 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.

    Is the Finnish Spitz Easier to Train than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Finnish Spitzs are fairly easy to train.

    Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.

    Does the Finnish Spitz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Finnish Spitzs 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 Finnish Spitzs shed more than Spanish Mastiffs?

    Finnish Spitzs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Spanish Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Wanderlust Potential: Finnish Spitz vs. Spanish Mastiff

    Finnish Spitzs 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 Finnish Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Finnish Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Spanish Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Are Finnish Spitzs good family dogs? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Finnish Spitzs 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 Finnish Spitzs and Spanish Mastiffs?

    Finnish Spitzs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Finnish Spitz or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Finnish Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Do Finnish Spitzs Bark and Howl? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Finnish Spitzs 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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Finnish Spitz

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz:

  • Bearded Collie (78 percent match with Finnish Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Bearded Collie.
  • West Highland White Terrier (79 percent match with Finnish Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs West Highland White Terrier.
  • 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 Finnish Spitz vs Akbash.
  • Hovawart (81 percent match with Spanish Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Spitz vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Finnish Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Finnish Spitz versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Finnish Spitz versus Australian Cattle Dog     Finnish Spitz versus Shichon     Finnish Spitz versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Finnish Spitz versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Finnish Spitz versus Whoodle     Finnish Spitz versus Silky Terrier     Finnish Spitz versus Lhasapoo     Finnish Spitz versus Hovawart     Finnish Spitz versus Norfolk Terrier     

    Spanish Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Spanish Mastiff versus Australian Cattle Dog     Spanish Mastiff versus Alaskan Malamute     Spanish Mastiff versus Weimaraner     Spanish Mastiff versus Cane Corso     Spanish Mastiff versus Maltese     Spanish Mastiff versus Mastiff     Spanish Mastiff versus Bernedoodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Goldendoodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Weimaraner     Spanish Mastiff versus Akita Chow     

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