A Detailed Comparison of the Great Dane and the Spanish Mastiff.

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Great Dane Versus Spanish Mastiff: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Great Dane 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane or the Spanish Mastiff.

Great Dane versus Spanish Mastiff: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Great Dane and the Spanish Mastiff are Working Dogs. This means both the Great Dane 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.

Great Dane versus Spanish Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Great Dane 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 Great Dane and the Spanish Mastiff

Factor Great Dane Spanish Mastiff
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Weight 100 to 200 pounds 140 to 220 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Height 26 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder 26 to 35 inches
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 5/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Life Span 7 to 10 years 10 to 12 years
Average Lifespan 8.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1560 $1050
Price Range $1000 – $2000 $1000 – $1050
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Great Dane 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 Great Dane is 73 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 Great Dane. 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane and the Spanish Mastiff

    Below is a list of where the Great Dane and the Spanish Mastiff are most different:

  • Great Danes 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.
  • Great Danes get along well with other dogs. However, Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Great Danes are very friendly towards strangers. However, Spanish Mastiffs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Great Danes are very easy to train. However, Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.
  • Great Danes 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 Great Dane and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Both the Great Dane and the Spanish Mastiff do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Spanish Mastiff are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Spanish Mastiff are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Spanish Mastiff are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Spanish Mastiff are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Great Dane and the Spanish Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Spanish Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Spanish Mastiff are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Great Dane versus Spanish Mastiff

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Great Dane and the Spanish Mastiff.

    Great Danes weigh 100 to 200 pounds when fully grown. Great Danes are 26 to 34 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.

    Lifespan of Great Dane versus Spanish Mastiff

    The lifespan of Great Danes is between 7 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Great Danes is 8.5 years.

    The lifespan of Spanish Mastiffs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Spanish Mastiffs is 11.0 years.

    Spanish Mastiffs live longer than Great Danes.

    Price of Great Dane versus Price of Spanish Mastiff

    The average price of the Great Dane puppy is $1560. The price of the Great Dane typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of a Great Dane can be as low as $100 and as high as $5500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1324 Great Dane 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 Great Dane is more expensive than the Spanish Mastiff.

    Great Dane Spanish Mastiff
    Average Price $1560 $1050
    Price Range $1000 to $2000 $1000 to $1050

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Great Danes. 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 Great Dane 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: Great Dane versus Spanish Mastiff

    Great Danes do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Great Danes shed more than Spanish Mastiffs?

    Great Danes shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Spanish Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Great Dane or the Spanish Mastiff

    Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool.

    Spanish Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Great Dane or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Great Danes are very easy to groom.

    Spanish Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Great Dane Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Great Danes 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 Great Danes Bark and Howl? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Great Danes 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.

    Can Great Danes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Great Danes cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Spanish Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Great Dane vs. Spanish Mastiff

    Great Danes 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.

    Can Great Danes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Great Danes 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.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Great Dane or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Great Danes get along very well with other dogs.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Great Danes good family dogs? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Great Danes 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 Great Danes and Spanish Mastiffs?

    Great Danes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Great Dane Easier to Train than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Great Danes are very easy to train.

    Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.

    Is the Great Dane Better for Apartment Owners than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Great Danes do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Great Dane or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Great Danes 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 Great Dane

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Great Dane 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 Great Dane:

  • Flat-Coated Retriever (72 percent match with Great Dane). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Labrador Retriever (72 percent match with Great Dane). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Labrador Retriever.
  • Shiloh Shepherd (70 percent match with Great Dane). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Shiloh Shepherd.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Great Dane Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Great Dane versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Great Dane versus Scottish Deerhound     Great Dane versus Weimaraner     Great Dane versus Newfoundland     Great Dane versus Norwegian Buhund     Great Dane versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Great Dane versus Norwich Terrier     Great Dane versus Barbet     Great Dane versus Saint Bernard     Great Dane versus Norwegian Lundehund     Great Dane versus Akbash     Great Dane versus Sheepadoodle     Great Dane versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Great Dane versus Vizsla     Great Dane versus German Shepherd Dog     Great Dane versus Akbash     Great Dane versus Shiloh Shepherd     Great Dane versus Cairn Terrier     Great Dane versus Stabyhoun     Great Dane versus Miniature Pinscher     Great Dane versus Bordoodle     Great Dane versus Whippet     Great Dane versus Miniature Poodle     Great Dane versus Shiloh Shepherd     Great Dane versus Beaglier     

    Spanish Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Spanish Mastiff versus Pomeranian     Spanish Mastiff versus Finnish Lapphund     Spanish Mastiff versus Bluetick Coonhound     Spanish Mastiff versus Harrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Cocker Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Border Collie     Spanish Mastiff versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Spanish Mastiff versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Spanish Mastiff versus Aussiedoodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Leonberger     Spanish Mastiff versus Kuvasz     Spanish Mastiff versus Pyredoodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Lhasapoo     Spanish Mastiff versus Mudi     Spanish Mastiff versus American Hairless Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Chinook     Spanish Mastiff versus Harrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Jack Russell Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Silky Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Irish Setter     Spanish Mastiff versus Pekingese     Spanish Mastiff versus Bordoodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Toy Poodle     

    Conclusion: Great Dane 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 Great Dane and the Spanish Mastiff better suits you and your family.