A Detailed Comparison of the Harrier and the Spanish Mastiff.

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Harrier Versus Spanish Mastiff: Introduction

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

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

Harrier versus Spanish Mastiff: Overview

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

Harrier versus Spanish Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Harrier 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 Harrier and the Spanish Mastiff

Factor Harrier Spanish Mastiff
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 12 years
Height 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder 26 to 35 inches
Easygoing 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
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 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Weight 45 to 60 pounds 140 to 220 pounds
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.0 years
Price Range No Data $1000 – $1050
Average Price No Data $1050
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data

    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 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 Harrier is 81 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 Harrier. 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 Harrier 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 Harrier and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Harriers 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.
  • Harriers 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.
  • Harriers get along well with other dogs. However, Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Harriers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Spanish Mastiffs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Harriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Spanish Mastiffs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Both the Harrier and the Spanish Mastiff do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Harrier and the Spanish Mastiff do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Harrier and the Spanish Mastiff are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle.
  • Both the Harrier and the Spanish Mastiff are not easy to train.
  • Both the Harrier and the Spanish Mastiff can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Harrier and the Spanish Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Harrier and the Spanish Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Harrier and the Spanish Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Harrier and the Spanish Mastiff are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Harrier and the Spanish Mastiff are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Spanish Mastiff

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Harrier and the Spanish 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, Spanish Mastiffs weigh 140 to 220 pounds when fully grown. Spanish Mastiffs are 26 to 35 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Harrier versus Spanish Mastiff

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Spanish Mastiff

    Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Do Harriers shed more than Spanish Mastiffs?

    Harriers shed moderately.

    Spanish Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Spanish Mastiff

    Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Spanish Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Harriers are very easy to groom.

    Spanish Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spanish 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.

    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 Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Harriers 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 Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Spanish Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Spanish Mastiff

    Harriers 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 Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Harriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

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

    Harriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Harriers 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 Harriers and Spanish Mastiffs?

    Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Harriers are not easy to train.

    Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.

    Is the Harrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Harriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Spanish 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:

  • American Foxhound (82 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs American Foxhound.
  • Black and Tan Coonhound (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Black and Tan Coonhound.
  • Black Mouth Cur (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Bluetick Coonhound (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Bluetick Coonhound.
  • 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 Harrier vs Akbash.
  • Hovawart (81 percent match with Spanish Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Harrier versus Cockalier     Harrier versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Harrier versus Afador     Harrier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Harrier versus Brittany     Harrier versus English Cocker Spaniel     Harrier versus German Pinscher     Harrier versus Biewer Terrier     Harrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Harrier versus Leonberger     Harrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Harrier versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Harrier versus Collie     Harrier versus Swedish Vallhund     Harrier versus American Eskimo Dog     Harrier versus Collie     Harrier versus Bluetick Coonhound     Harrier versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Harrier versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Harrier versus Maltese     Harrier versus Borzoi     Harrier versus American Foxhound     Harrier versus Boerboel     Harrier versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Harrier versus Irish Terrier     

    Spanish Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Spanish Mastiff versus Pomsky     Spanish Mastiff versus Sussex Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Belgian Malinois     Spanish Mastiff versus Whoodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Pomchi     Spanish Mastiff versus Bulldog     Spanish Mastiff versus American Water Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Chi-Poo     Spanish Mastiff versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Spanish Mastiff versus Border Collie     Spanish Mastiff versus Keeshond     Spanish Mastiff versus Cane Corso     Spanish Mastiff versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus French Bulldog     Spanish Mastiff versus Akita     Spanish Mastiff versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Brittany     Spanish Mastiff versus Portuguese Water Dog     Spanish Mastiff versus Welsh Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Chi-Poo     Spanish Mastiff versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Spanish Mastiff versus English Toy Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Pug     Spanish Mastiff versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     

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