Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Harrier Versus Mastiff: Introduction
- Harrier versus Mastiff: Overview
- Harrier versus Mastiff: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Harrier and the Mastiff
- The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Mastiff
- Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Mastiff
- Lifespan of Harrier versus Mastiff
- Adopting the Harrier versus Adopting the Mastiff
- The Popularity of Harrier versus Popularity of Mastiff
- Health Problems of Harrier versus Health Problems of Mastiff
- Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Mastiff
- Do Harriers shed more than Mastiffs?
- Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Mastiff
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Mastiff?
- Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mastiff?
- Do Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Mastiffs?
- Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Mastiff
- Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Harrier or the Mastiff?
- Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Mastiffs?
- How Kid-friendly are Harriers and Mastiffs?
- Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Mastiff?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mastiff
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Harrier versus Mastiff. Which One is a Better Pet?
Harrier Versus Mastiff: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Harrier and the 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 Harrier and the 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 Harrier and the Mastiff.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Harrier and the 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 Harrier and for the 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 Harrier and the Mastiff.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Harrier or the Mastiff.
Harrier versus Mastiff: Overview
A very important difference between the Harrier and the Mastiff is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Harrier is a medium-sized dog while the Mastiff is a giant-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Harrier belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
On the other hand, the 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.
Harrier versus Mastiff: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Harrier to the 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 Harrier and the Mastiff
| Factor | Harrier | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 6 to 10 years |
| Height | 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder | 27 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 60 pounds | 130 to 220 pounds |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 8.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1100 – $2200 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1740 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 183 | 28 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Harrier 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 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 Harrier is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mastiff is 72 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Harrier is a better pet than the Mastiff. So, you should get the Harrier!
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 Harrier and the Mastiff so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Harrier and the Mastiff
Below is a list of where the Harrier and the Mastiff are most different:
The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Mastiff
The Harrier and the Mastiff are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Harrier and the Mastiff are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Mastiff
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Harrier and the Mastiff.
Harriers weigh 45 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Harriers are 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Mastiffs weigh 130 to 220 pounds when fully grown. Mastiffs are 27 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Harrier versus Mastiff
The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Mastiffs is between 6 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Mastiffs is 8.0 years.
Harriers live longer than Mastiffs.
Adopting the Harrier versus Adopting the Mastiff
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Harriers and many Mastiffs are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male Harrier named Pilot that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Harriers like Pilot on pefinder.com.
Also, like Harriers, Mastiffs are also available for adoption. For example, Romo is a Male Mastiff that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Mastiffs like Romo that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Bailey is the name of another Harrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, ~Hagrid~ is an adorable Male Mastiff on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Harriers and Mastiffs that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Harrier versus Popularity of Mastiff
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Harrier and the Mastiff over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Mastiff is more popular with dog owners than the Harrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Mastiff is 28 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Harrier is 183 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Harrier
Popularity of Mastiff
| Year | Harrier Popularity Rank | Mastiff Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 173 | 26 |
| 2014 | 181 | 26 |
| 2015 | 183 | 25 |
| 2016 | 186 | 28 |
| 2017 | 183 | 28 |
| 2018 | 189 | 29 |
| 2019 | 186 | 32 |
| 2020 | 190 | 33 |
Health Problems of Harrier versus Health Problems of Mastiff
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Harrier and the Mastiff are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Mastiff is prone to more genetic health problems than the Harrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Mastiff than for the Harrier.
2 health tests are recommended for Harrier while 7 tests are recommended for the Mastiff.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Harriers and in Mastiffs.
Harrier Health Problems
Harriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Harrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Harrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Harrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Harriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Harriers here.
Mastiff Health Problems
Mastiffs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Mastiff puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Mastiff puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Mastiff breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Mastiffs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Mastiffs here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Harriers and Mastiffs
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Harrier Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Harrier ranks 76 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 375 Harriers, 58 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Harriers, and how common these diseases are in Harriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Mastiff Breed is Canine Multifocal Retinopathy problems.
This is because the Mastiff ranks 3 out of 6 dog breeds for Canine Multifocal Retinopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 891 Mastiffs, 14 of them had Canine Multifocal Retinopathy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Mastiffs, and how common these diseases are in Mastiffs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Harrier and in Mastiff and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Harrier and the Mastiff:
| Disease | Harrier Rank | Mastiff Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 76 out of 198 dog breeds | 39 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Canine Multifocal Retinopathy problems | Not Common | 3 out of 6 dog breeds |
| Cystinuria problems | Not Common | 3 out of 6 dog breeds |
| Shoulder problems | Not Common | 9 out of 22 dog breeds |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | Not Common | 12 out of 32 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 26 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | Not Common | 39 out of 71 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 43 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | Not Common | 49 out of 70 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 53 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 72 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 131 out of 145 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Mastiff
Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Mastiffs can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Harriers shed more than Mastiffs?
Harriers shed moderately.
Mastiffs shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Mastiff
Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Mastiff?
Harriers are very easy to groom.
Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mastiff?
Harriers 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.
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 Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Mastiffs?
Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Mastiffs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Mastiff
Harriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Mastiffs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Harriers can tolerate hot weather.
Mastiffs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Harrier or the Mastiff?
Harriers get along very well with other dogs.
Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Mastiffs?
Harriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Mastiffs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Harriers and Mastiffs?
Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Mastiffs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Mastiff?
Harriers are not easy to train.
Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.
Is the Harrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Mastiff?
Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Harrier or the Mastiff?
Harriers are OK for new dog owners.
Mastiffs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Harrier 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 Harrier:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mastiff
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the 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 Mastiff:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Harrier and how the Mastiff compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Harrier and of the Mastiff to other breeds:
Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Harrier versus Mastiff Harrier versus Berger Picard Harrier versus Canaan Dog Harrier versus Weimaraner Harrier versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Harrier versus Dalmatian Harrier versus Lancashire Heeler Harrier versus Lakeland Terrier Harrier versus Patterdale Terrier Harrier versus Dalmatian Harrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Harrier versus Rottweiler Harrier versus Frenchton Harrier versus Shiloh Shepherd Harrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Harrier versus Black Mouth Cur Harrier versus Havanese Harrier versus Giant Schnauzer Harrier versus Sloughi Harrier versus Stabyhoun Harrier versus Cocker Spaniel Harrier versus Pomapoo Harrier versus Australian Shepherd
Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds
Mastiff versus Welsh Terrier Mastiff versus American Staffordshire Terrier Mastiff versus Papillon Mastiff versus Whoodle Mastiff versus Skye Terrier Mastiff versus German Shorthaired Pointer Mastiff versus Bernedoodle Mastiff versus Flat-Coated Retriever Mastiff versus Alaskan Klee Kai Mastiff versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Mastiff versus German Shorthaired Pointer Mastiff versus Patterdale Terrier Mastiff versus Peek A Poo Mastiff versus Tibetan Spaniel Mastiff versus Brittany Mastiff versus Giant Schnauzer Mastiff versus Boxerdoodle Mastiff versus Bull Terrier Mastiff versus Lakeland Terrier Mastiff versus Mal Shi Mastiff versus Bull Terrier Mastiff versus Yorkipoo Mastiff versus Ibizan Hound Mastiff versus Lakeland Terrier Mastiff versus Beagle
Conclusion: Harrier versus 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 Harrier and the Mastiff better suits you and your family.