Lancashire Heeler versus Mastiff. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Lancashire Heeler Versus Mastiff: Introduction

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

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

Lancashire Heeler versus Mastiff: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Lancashire Heeler belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, the 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.

Lancashire Heeler versus Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler and the Mastiff

Factor Lancashire Heeler Mastiff
Does NOT Drool 5/5 1/5
Height 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder 27 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight 13 to 15 pounds 130 to 220 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
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
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Life Span 9 to 14 years 6 to 10 years
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 8.0 years
Average Price $200 $1740
Price Range $200 – $200 $1100 – $2200
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • 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 Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler is a better pet than the Mastiff. So, you should get the Lancashire Heeler!

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Lancashire Heeler and the Mastiff

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

  • Lancashire Heelers do not have the tendency to drool. However, Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Lancashire Heelers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, 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 Lancashire Heeler and the Mastiff

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

  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Mastiff do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Mastiff are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Mastiff are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Mastiff have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Mastiff are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Mastiff are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Mastiff are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Mastiff gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Mastiff have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Mastiff do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Mastiff are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Lancashire Heeler versus Mastiff

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

    Lancashire Heelers weigh 13 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Lancashire Heelers are 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder 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 Lancashire Heeler versus Mastiff

    The lifespan of Lancashire Heelers is between 9 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Lancashire Heelers is 11.5 years.

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

    Lancashire Heelers live longer than Mastiffs.

    Price of Lancashire Heeler versus Price of Mastiff

    The average price of the Lancashire Heeler puppy is $200. The price of the Lancashire Heeler typically ranges from $200 – $200. However, the price of a Lancashire Heeler can be as low as $200 and as high as $200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 4 Lancashire Heeler puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Mastiff puppy is $1740. The price of the Mastiff typically ranges from $1100 – $2200. However, the price of the Mastiff can be as low as $200 and as high as $4600. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 248 Mastiff puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Mastiff is more expensive than the Lancashire Heeler.

    Lancashire Heeler Mastiff
    Average Price $200 $1740
    Price Range $200 to $200 $1100 to $2200

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Lancashire Heeler and Mastiff. For different price points, the charts show how many Lancashire Heeler puppies or how many Mastiff puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Lancashire Heelers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Lancashire Heelers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Mastiffs

    A breakdown of the prices of Mastiffs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Lancashire Heeler puppy or the 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.

    Adopting the Lancashire Heeler versus Adopting the Mastiff

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Lancashire Heelers and many Mastiffs are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Lancashire Heeler named Harvey that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Lancashire Heelers like Harvey on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Lancashire Heelers, Mastiffs are also available for adoption. For example, Hawk is a Male Mastiff that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Mastiffs like Hawk that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Lancashire Heeler and the Mastiff can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Badger is the name of another Lancashire Heeler (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Max is an adorable Male Mastiff on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Lancashire Heelers and Mastiffs are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Lancashire Heelers and Mastiffs that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Health Problems of Lancashire Heeler versus Health Problems of Mastiff

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Lancashire Heeler and the Mastiff are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Mastiff is prone to more genetic health problems than the Lancashire Heeler.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Mastiff than for the Lancashire Heeler.

    3 health tests are recommended for Lancashire Heeler while 7 tests are recommended for the Mastiff.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Lancashire Heelers and in Mastiffs.

    Lancashire Heeler Health Problems

    Lancashire Heelers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Lancashire Heeler puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Lancashire Heeler puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Lancashire Heeler breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Lancashire Heelers for:

  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Lancashire Heelers here.

    Mastiff Health Problems

    Mastiffs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Mastiff puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Mastiff puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Mastiff breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Mastiffs for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Cystinuria
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Minimum age 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • PennGen
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Mastiffs here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Lancashire Heeler versus Mastiff

    Lancashire Heelers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Mastiffs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Lancashire Heelers shed more than Mastiffs?

    Lancashire Heelers shed moderately.

    Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Lancashire Heeler or the Mastiff

    Lancashire Heelers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Lancashire Heeler or the Mastiff?

    Lancashire Heelers are very easy to groom.

    Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Lancashire Heeler Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mastiff?

    Lancashire Heelers 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 Lancashire Heelers Bark and Howl? What about Mastiffs?

    Lancashire Heelers 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 Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Lancashire Heelers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Lancashire Heeler vs. Mastiff

    Lancashire Heelers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Lancashire Heelers 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 Lancashire Heeler or the Mastiff?

    Lancashire Heelers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Lancashire Heelers good family dogs? What about Mastiffs?

    Lancashire Heelers 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 Lancashire Heelers and Mastiffs?

    Lancashire Heelers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Lancashire Heeler Easier to Train than the Mastiff?

    Lancashire Heelers are fairly easy to train.

    Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Lancashire Heeler Better for Apartment Owners than the Mastiff?

    Lancashire Heelers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Lancashire Heelers 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 Lancashire Heeler

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

  • Dalmatian (77 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). Here is our comparison of the Mastiff vs Dalmatian.
  • Boxerdoodle (79 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). Here is our comparison of the Mastiff vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Hovawart (77 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). Here is our comparison of the Mastiff vs Hovawart.
  • 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 Lancashire Heeler vs Black Russian Terrier.
  • Caucasian Shepherd Dog (72 percent match with Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Lancashire Heeler vs Caucasian Shepherd Dog.
  • Dogue de Bordeaux (72 percent match with Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Lancashire Heeler vs Dogue de Bordeaux.
  • Leonberger (73 percent match with Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Lancashire Heeler vs Leonberger.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Lancashire Heeler Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lancashire Heeler versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Lancashire Heeler versus Portuguese Pointer     Lancashire Heeler versus Shih Tzu     Lancashire Heeler versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Lancashire Heeler versus Lhasapoo     Lancashire Heeler versus Valley Bulldog     Lancashire Heeler versus Catahoula Bulldog     Lancashire Heeler versus Saluki     Lancashire Heeler versus Weimaraner     Lancashire Heeler versus Brussels Griffon     Lancashire Heeler versus Carolina Dog     Lancashire Heeler versus Sussex Spaniel     Lancashire Heeler versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Lancashire Heeler versus Samoyed     Lancashire Heeler versus French Spaniel     Lancashire Heeler versus German Longhaired Pointer     Lancashire Heeler versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Lancashire Heeler versus Chow Chow     Lancashire Heeler versus Affenhuahua     Lancashire Heeler versus Pyredoodle     Lancashire Heeler versus Briard     Lancashire Heeler versus Dalmatian     Lancashire Heeler versus King Shepherd     Lancashire Heeler versus Patterdale Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Puli     

    Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mastiff versus Bloodhound     Mastiff versus Biewer Terrier     Mastiff versus Standard Poodle     Mastiff versus Affenpinscher     Mastiff versus Bracco Italiano     Mastiff versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Mastiff versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Mastiff versus Lhasa Apso     Mastiff versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Mastiff versus Bouvier des Flandres     Mastiff versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Mastiff versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Mastiff versus Akita Chow     Mastiff versus Cane Corso     Mastiff versus Whoodle     Mastiff versus Mal Shi     Mastiff versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Mastiff versus Briard     Mastiff versus Standard Schnauzer     Mastiff versus Akita     Mastiff versus Shetland Sheepdog     Mastiff versus Lowchen     Mastiff versus Pomapoo     Mastiff versus Irish Terrier     Mastiff versus Akita Chow     

    Conclusion: Lancashire Heeler 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 Lancashire Heeler and the Mastiff better suits you and your family.