Is the Irish Water Spaniel Better than the Spanish Mastiff as a Pet? Answer…

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Irish Water Spaniel Versus Spanish Mastiff: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel or the Spanish Mastiff.

Irish Water Spaniel versus Spanish Mastiff: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Irish Water Spaniel belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

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 Water Spaniel versus Spanish Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel and the Spanish Mastiff

Factor Irish Water Spaniel Spanish Mastiff
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Height 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder 26 to 35 inches
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 12 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 4/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Weight 45 to 65 pounds 140 to 220 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
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
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniel. 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 Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel and the Spanish Mastiff

    Below is a list of where the Irish Water Spaniel and the Spanish Mastiff are most different:

  • Irish Water Spaniels 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.
  • Irish Water Spaniels are very friendly towards strangers. However, Spanish Mastiffs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Irish Water Spaniels are very easy to train. However, Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.
  • Irish Water Spaniels 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.

    • The Similarities Between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Spanish Mastiff are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Spanish Mastiff do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Spanish Mastiff are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Spanish Mastiff can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Spanish Mastiff can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Spanish Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Spanish Mastiff are very playful.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Spanish Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Spanish Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Water Spaniel versus Spanish Mastiff

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Spanish Mastiff.

    Irish Water Spaniels weigh 45 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Irish Water Spaniels are 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet 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 Water Spaniel versus Spanish Mastiff

    The lifespan of Irish Water Spaniels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Irish Water Spaniels 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: Irish Water Spaniel versus Spanish Mastiff

    Irish Water Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Do Irish Water Spaniels shed more than Spanish Mastiffs?

    Irish Water Spaniels do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Spanish Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Spanish Mastiff

    Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniel or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Irish Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    Spanish Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Irish Water Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Irish Water Spaniels 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 Irish Water Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Irish Water Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Spanish Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Water Spaniel vs. Spanish Mastiff

    Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniel or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Irish Water Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Irish Water Spaniels good family dogs? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniels and Spanish Mastiffs?

    Irish Water Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Irish Water Spaniel Easier to Train than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Irish Water Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.

    Is the Irish Water Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Irish Water Spaniels adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniel

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel:

  • Kerry Blue Terrier (78 percent match with Irish Water Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Kerry Blue 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:

  • Akbash (78 percent match with Spanish Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel vs Akbash.
  • Hovawart (81 percent match with Spanish Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel vs Hovawart.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Water Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Water Spaniel versus Bullmastiff     Irish Water Spaniel versus Cockapoo     Irish Water Spaniel versus Pomsky     Irish Water Spaniel versus Aussiedoodle     Irish Water Spaniel versus Cocker Spaniel     Irish Water Spaniel versus Peek A Poo     Irish Water Spaniel versus Jack Russell Terrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Irish Wolfhound     Irish Water Spaniel versus English Cocker Spaniel     Irish Water Spaniel versus German Pinscher     Irish Water Spaniel versus Cesky Terrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Gordon Setter     Irish Water Spaniel versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Irish Water Spaniel versus Xoloitzcuintli     Irish Water Spaniel versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Havanese     Irish Water Spaniel versus Cockapoo     Irish Water Spaniel versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Irish Water Spaniel versus Canaan Dog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Toy Poodle     Irish Water Spaniel versus Carolina Dog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Mastiff     Irish Water Spaniel versus Braque du Bourbonnais     

    Spanish Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Spanish Mastiff versus Peek A Poo     Spanish Mastiff versus Saint Bernard     Spanish Mastiff versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Spanish Mastiff versus Dutch Shepherd     Spanish Mastiff versus Skye Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Cockalier     Spanish Mastiff versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Scottish Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Pointer     Spanish Mastiff versus Collie     Spanish Mastiff versus Portuguese Water Dog     Spanish Mastiff versus Shichon     Spanish Mastiff versus Lowchen     Spanish Mastiff versus Beaglier     Spanish Mastiff versus Cane Corso     Spanish Mastiff versus Azawakh     Spanish Mastiff versus Sloughi     Spanish Mastiff versus Bloodhound     Spanish Mastiff versus Yorkshire Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Papillon     Spanish Mastiff versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Spanish Mastiff versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Spanish Mastiff versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Spanish Mastiff versus Norwegian Lundehund     Spanish Mastiff versus Sloughi     

    Conclusion: Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel and the Spanish Mastiff better suits you and your family.