Breed Comparison: Hovawart Versus Mastiff

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Hovawart Versus Mastiff: Introduction

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

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

Hovawart versus Mastiff

Hovawart versus Mastiff: Overview

A very important difference between the Hovawart and the Mastiff is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Hovawart is a large-sized dog while the Mastiff is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Hovawart and the Mastiff are Working Dogs. This means both the Hovawart and the 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.

Hovawart versus Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Mastiff

Factor Hovawart Mastiff
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 1/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 6 to 10 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 5/5
Height 23 to 29 inches 27 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Weight 55 to 110 pounds 130 to 220 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 8.0 years
Price Range No Data $1100 – $2200
Average Price No Data $1740
Temperament Score 91.7 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Cystinuria
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Minimum age 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • PennGen
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Hovawart 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 Hovawart is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mastiff is 72 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Hovawart is a better pet than the Mastiff. So, you should get the Hovawart!

    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 Hovawart and the Mastiff so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Hovawart versus Mastiff

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Hovawart and the Mastiff

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

  • Hovawarts do not have the tendency to drool. However, Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.
  • The Similarities Between the Hovawart and the Mastiff

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

  • Both the Hovawart and the Mastiff do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mastiff are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mastiff do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mastiff do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mastiff are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mastiff are not easy to train.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mastiff have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mastiff are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mastiff do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mastiff can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mastiff are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mastiff are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mastiff have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mastiff do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mastiff require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mastiff are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Hovawart versus Mastiff

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Hovawart and the Mastiff.

    Hovawarts weigh 55 to 110 pounds when fully grown. Hovawarts are 23 to 29 inches 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 Hovawart versus Mastiff

    The lifespan of Hovawarts is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Hovawarts is 12.0 years.

    The lifespan of Mastiffs is between 6 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Mastiffs is 8.0 years.

    Hovawarts live longer than Mastiffs.

    Hovawart versus Mastiff

    Temperament of the Mastiff Versus the Hovawart

    The Mastiff has a better temperament than the Hovawart.

    This is because the temperament score for the Mastiff is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Hovawart is 91.7 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 91.7 percent, the Hovawart has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Mastiff has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Hovawart and the Mastiff by measuring the temperaments of 24 Hovawarts and 8 Mastiffs.

    Hovawart versus Mastiff

    Tolerates Being Alone: Hovawart versus Mastiff

    Hovawarts do not like to be left alone.

    Mastiffs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Hovawarts shed more than Mastiffs?

    Hovawarts shed moderately.

    Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Hovawart or the Mastiff

    Hovawarts do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Hovawart or the Mastiff?

    Hovawarts are very easy to groom.

    Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Hovawart Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mastiff?

    Hovawarts 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.

    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 Hovawarts Bark and Howl? What about Mastiffs?

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

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

    Can Hovawarts Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Hovawarts can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Hovawart vs. Mastiff

    Hovawarts do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Mastiffs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Hovawarts Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Hovawarts can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Mastiffs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs.

    Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Hovawarts good family dogs? What about Mastiffs?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts and Mastiffs?

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

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

    Is the Hovawart Easier to Train than the Mastiff?

    Hovawarts are not easy to train.

    Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Hovawart Better for Apartment Owners than the Mastiff?

    Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Hovawarts are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Mastiffs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Hovawart

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

  • Catahoula Leopard Dog (78 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Mastiff vs Catahoula Leopard Dog.
  • Spanish Mastiff (81 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Mastiff vs Spanish Mastiff.
  • 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:

  • Black Russian Terrier (73 percent match with Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs Black Russian Terrier.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dog (72 percent match with Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs Caucasian Shepherd Dog.
  • Dogue de Bordeaux (72 percent match with Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs Dogue de Bordeaux.
  • Leonberger (73 percent match with Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs Leonberger.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Hovawart Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Hovawart versus Papipoo     Hovawart versus Japanese Spitz     Hovawart versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Hovawart versus Goldendoodle     Hovawart versus Goldendoodle     Hovawart versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Hovawart versus Giant Schnauzer     Hovawart versus Stabyhoun     Hovawart versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Hovawart versus French Bulldog     Hovawart versus Standard Poodle     Hovawart versus Black Russian Terrier     Hovawart versus Carolina Dog     Hovawart versus Chorkie     Hovawart versus Jack Russell Terrier     Hovawart versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Hovawart versus Australian Kelpie     Hovawart versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Hovawart versus Yorkipoo     Hovawart versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Hovawart versus Boerboel     Hovawart versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Hovawart versus Whippet     Hovawart versus Barbet     Hovawart versus Spanish Mastiff     

    Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mastiff versus Dachshund     Mastiff versus Beaglier     Mastiff versus Pomchi     Mastiff versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Mastiff versus Beagle     Mastiff versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Mastiff versus French Bulldog     Mastiff versus Samoyed     Mastiff versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Mastiff versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Mastiff versus Portuguese Water Dog     Mastiff versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Mastiff versus Standard Poodle     Mastiff versus Australian Terrier     Mastiff versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Mastiff versus Valley Bulldog     Mastiff versus Pointer     Mastiff versus Bernedoodle     Mastiff versus Lakeland Terrier     Mastiff versus Boxerdoodle     Mastiff versus Newfoundland     Mastiff versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Mastiff versus Vizsla     Mastiff versus Sloughi     Mastiff versus Whoodle     

    Conclusion: Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Mastiff better suits you and your family.