Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Labrador Retriever Versus Spanish Mastiff: Introduction
- Labrador Retriever versus Spanish Mastiff: Overview
- Labrador Retriever versus Spanish Mastiff: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Labrador Retriever and the Spanish Mastiff
- The Similarities Between the Labrador Retriever and the Spanish Mastiff
- Size (Weight and Height) of Labrador Retriever versus Spanish Mastiff
- Lifespan of Labrador Retriever versus Spanish Mastiff
- Price of Labrador Retriever versus Price of Spanish Mastiff
- Tolerates Being Alone: Labrador Retriever versus Spanish Mastiff
- Do Labrador Retrievers shed more than Spanish Mastiffs?
- Which one drools more, the Labrador Retriever or the Spanish Mastiff
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Labrador Retriever or the Spanish Mastiff?
- Does the Labrador Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spanish Mastiff?
- Do Labrador Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Spanish Mastiffs?
- Can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Labrador Retriever vs. Spanish Mastiff
- Can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Labrador Retriever or the Spanish Mastiff?
- Are Labrador Retrievers good family dogs? What about Spanish Mastiffs?
- How Kid-friendly are Labrador Retrievers and Spanish Mastiffs?
- Is the Labrador Retriever Easier to Train than the Spanish Mastiff?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Labrador Retriever
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Spanish Mastiff
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Labrador Retriever versus Spanish Mastiff. Which One is a Better Pet?
Labrador Retriever Versus Spanish Mastiff: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and the Spanish Mastiff.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever or the Spanish Mastiff.
Labrador Retriever versus Spanish Mastiff: Overview
A very important difference between the Labrador Retriever and the Spanish Mastiff is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Labrador Retriever is a large-sized dog while the Spanish Mastiff is a giant-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Labrador Retriever 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.
Labrador Retriever versus Spanish Mastiff: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and the Spanish Mastiff
| Factor | Labrador Retriever | Spanish Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder | 26 to 35 inches |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 55 to 80 pounds | 140 to 220 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $1290 | $1050 |
| Price Range | $850 – $1500 | $1000 – $1050 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever is 74 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 Labrador Retriever. 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and the Spanish Mastiff
Below is a list of where the Labrador Retriever and the Spanish Mastiff are most different:
The Similarities Between the Labrador Retriever and the Spanish Mastiff
The Labrador Retriever and the Spanish Mastiff are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Labrador Retriever and the Spanish Mastiff are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Labrador Retriever versus Spanish Mastiff
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Labrador Retriever and the Spanish Mastiff.
Labrador Retrievers weigh 55 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Labrador Retrievers are 21 to 24 inches 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 Labrador Retriever versus Spanish Mastiff
The lifespan of Labrador Retrievers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Labrador Retrievers 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.
Price of Labrador Retriever versus Price of Spanish Mastiff
The average price of the Labrador Retriever puppy is $1290. The price of the Labrador Retriever typically ranges from $850 – $1500. However, the price of a Labrador Retriever can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1413 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever is more expensive than the Spanish Mastiff.
| Labrador Retriever | Spanish Mastiff | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1290 | $1050 |
| Price Range | $850 to $1500 | $1000 to $1050 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Labrador Retriever and Spanish Mastiff. For different price points, the charts show how many Labrador Retriever puppies or how many Spanish Mastiff puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Labrador Retrievers. 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 Labrador Retriever 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: Labrador Retriever versus Spanish Mastiff
Labrador Retrievers do not like to be left alone.
Spanish Mastiffs can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Labrador Retrievers shed more than Spanish Mastiffs?
Labrador Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Spanish Mastiffs shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Labrador Retriever or the Spanish Mastiff
Labrador Retrievers drool moderately.
Spanish Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Labrador Retriever or the Spanish Mastiff?
Labrador Retrievers are very easy to groom.
Spanish Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Labrador Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spanish Mastiff?
Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Spanish Mastiffs?
Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Labrador Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Spanish Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Labrador Retriever vs. Spanish Mastiff
Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Labrador Retrievers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Spanish Mastiffs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Labrador Retriever or the Spanish Mastiff?
Labrador Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.
Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Labrador Retrievers good family dogs? What about Spanish Mastiffs?
Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers and Spanish Mastiffs?
Labrador Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Spanish Mastiffs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Labrador Retriever Easier to Train than the Spanish Mastiff?
Labrador Retrievers are very easy to train.
Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.
Is the Labrador Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Spanish Mastiff?
Labrador Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Labrador Retriever or the Spanish Mastiff?
Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retriever
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever:
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 Labrador Retriever and how the Spanish Mastiff compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Labrador Retriever and of the Spanish Mastiff to other breeds:
Labrador Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds
Labrador Retriever versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Labrador Retriever versus French Spaniel Labrador Retriever versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Labrador Retriever versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Labrador Retriever versus Braque du Bourbonnais Labrador Retriever versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Labrador Retriever versus Maremma Sheepdog Labrador Retriever versus Canaan Dog Labrador Retriever versus Cesky Terrier Labrador Retriever versus French Spaniel Labrador Retriever versus Saluki Labrador Retriever versus Swedish Vallhund Labrador Retriever versus Manchester Terrier Labrador Retriever versus Pyredoodle Labrador Retriever versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Labrador Retriever versus Pomapoo Labrador Retriever versus Lhasapoo Labrador Retriever versus Field Spaniel Labrador Retriever versus Keeshond Labrador Retriever versus Havanese Labrador Retriever versus Giant Schnauzer Labrador Retriever versus Black Mouth Cur Labrador Retriever versus Pomeranian Labrador Retriever versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Labrador Retriever versus Spanish Mastiff
Spanish Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds
Spanish Mastiff versus Black Mouth Cur Spanish Mastiff versus Silky Terrier Spanish Mastiff versus Great Dane Spanish Mastiff versus Bernese Mountain Dog Spanish Mastiff versus King Shepherd Spanish Mastiff versus Morkie Spanish Mastiff versus Miniature Poodle Spanish Mastiff versus Catahoula Bulldog Spanish Mastiff versus Dachshund Spanish Mastiff versus Schnoodle Spanish Mastiff versus Doberman Pinscher Spanish Mastiff versus Labradoodle Spanish Mastiff versus Siberian Husky Spanish Mastiff versus Beagle Spanish Mastiff versus Standard Poodle Spanish Mastiff versus Korean Jindo Dog Spanish Mastiff versus Hovawart Spanish Mastiff versus Lakeland Terrier Spanish Mastiff versus Pyrenean Mastiff Spanish Mastiff versus Norfolk Terrier Spanish Mastiff versus Sloughi Spanish Mastiff versus Great Pyrenees Spanish Mastiff versus Shetland Sheepdog Spanish Mastiff versus Boykin Spaniel
Conclusion: Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and the Spanish Mastiff better suits you and your family.