Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Irish Terrier Versus Spanish Mastiff: Introduction
- Irish Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff: Overview
- Irish Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff
- The Similarities Between the Irish Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff
- Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff
- Lifespan of Irish Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff
- Price of Irish Terrier versus Price of Spanish Mastiff
- Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff
- Do Irish Terriers shed more than Spanish Mastiffs?
- Which one drools more, the Irish Terrier or the Spanish Mastiff
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Terrier or the Spanish Mastiff?
- Does the Irish Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spanish Mastiff?
- Do Irish Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Spanish Mastiffs?
- Can Irish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Irish Terrier vs. Spanish Mastiff
- Can Irish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Terrier or the Spanish Mastiff?
- Are Irish Terriers good family dogs? What about Spanish Mastiffs?
- How Kid-friendly are Irish Terriers and Spanish Mastiffs?
- Is the Irish Terrier Easier to Train than the Spanish Mastiff?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Spanish Mastiff
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Irish Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff. Which One is a Better Pet?
Irish Terrier Versus Spanish Mastiff: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier or the Spanish Mastiff.
Irish Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff: Overview
A very important difference between the Irish Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Irish Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Spanish Mastiff is a giant-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Irish Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
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.
Irish Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff
| Factor | Irish Terrier | Spanish Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Dog Friendly | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 16 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Height | 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder | 26 to 35 inches |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 25 to 27 pounds | 140 to 220 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $1280 | $1050 |
| Price Range | $1000 – $1500 | $1000 – $1050 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data | No Data |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier is 78 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 Irish Terrier. 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 Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff
Below is a list of where the Irish Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff are most different:
The Similarities Between the Irish Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff
The Irish Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Irish Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Irish Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff.
Irish Terriers weigh 25 to 27 pounds when fully grown. Irish Terriers are 18 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.
Lifespan of Irish Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff
The lifespan of Irish Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Irish Terriers is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Spanish Mastiffs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Spanish Mastiffs is 11.0 years.
Irish Terriers live longer than Spanish Mastiffs.
Price of Irish Terrier versus Price of Spanish Mastiff
The average price of the Irish Terrier puppy is $1280. The price of the Irish Terrier typically ranges from $1000 – $1500. However, the price of a Irish Terrier can be as low as $450 and as high as $2800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 26 Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier is more expensive than the Spanish Mastiff.
| Irish Terrier | Spanish Mastiff | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1280 | $1050 |
| Price Range | $1000 to $1500 | $1000 to $1050 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Irish Terrier and Spanish Mastiff. For different price points, the charts show how many Irish Terrier puppies or how many Spanish Mastiff puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Irish Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Spanish Mastiffs
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Irish Terrier 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: Irish Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff
Irish Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Spanish Mastiffs can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Irish Terriers shed more than Spanish Mastiffs?
Irish Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Spanish Mastiffs shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Irish Terrier or the Spanish Mastiff
Irish Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Spanish Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Terrier or the Spanish Mastiff?
Irish Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Spanish Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Irish Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spanish Mastiff?
Irish Terriers 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.
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 Irish Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Spanish Mastiffs?
Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Irish Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Spanish Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Irish Terrier vs. Spanish Mastiff
Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terrier or the Spanish Mastiff?
Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Irish Terriers good family dogs? What about Spanish Mastiffs?
Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terriers and Spanish Mastiffs?
Irish Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Spanish Mastiffs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Irish Terrier Easier to Train than the Spanish Mastiff?
Irish Terriers are not easy to train.
Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.
Is the Irish Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Spanish Mastiff?
Irish Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Irish Terrier or the Spanish Mastiff?
Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Irish Terrier 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 Irish 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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Irish Terrier and how the Spanish Mastiff compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Irish Terrier and of the Spanish Mastiff to other breeds:
Irish Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Irish Terrier versus Great Pyrenees Irish Terrier versus Komondor Irish Terrier versus Schnoodle Irish Terrier versus Sealyham Terrier Irish Terrier versus Plott Irish Terrier versus Irish Water Spaniel Irish Terrier versus Borzoi Irish Terrier versus Borzoi Irish Terrier versus Biewer Terrier Irish Terrier versus Yorkshire Terrier Irish Terrier versus Whoodle Irish Terrier versus Dalmatian Irish Terrier versus Afador Irish Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog Irish Terrier versus Scottish Terrier Irish Terrier versus Harrier Irish Terrier versus Shiranian Irish Terrier versus American Hairless Terrier Irish Terrier versus Azawakh Irish Terrier versus Lakeland Terrier Irish Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel Irish Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound Irish Terrier versus Stabyhoun Irish Terrier versus Standard Poodle
Spanish Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds
Spanish Mastiff versus Affenpinscher Spanish Mastiff versus Dogue de Bordeaux Spanish Mastiff versus Pointer Spanish Mastiff versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Spanish Mastiff versus Chow Chow Spanish Mastiff versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Spanish Mastiff versus Collie Spanish Mastiff versus Shiba Inu Spanish Mastiff versus Bullmastiff Spanish Mastiff versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Spanish Mastiff versus Carolina Dog Spanish Mastiff versus Valley Bulldog Spanish Mastiff versus English Setter Spanish Mastiff versus Borzoi Spanish Mastiff versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Spanish Mastiff versus Sealyham Terrier Spanish Mastiff versus Siberian Husky Spanish Mastiff versus Border Collie Spanish Mastiff versus Braque du Bourbonnais Spanish Mastiff versus Black Russian Terrier Spanish Mastiff versus Chi-Poo Spanish Mastiff versus Norwegian Lundehund Spanish Mastiff versus Giant Schnauzer Spanish Mastiff versus Puli Spanish Mastiff versus Bergamasco Sheepdog
Conclusion: Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff better suits you and your family.