Breed Comparison: Leonberger Versus Spanish Mastiff

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Leonberger Versus Spanish Mastiff: Introduction

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

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

Leonberger versus Spanish Mastiff: Overview

Both the Leonberger and the Spanish Mastiff are similar in size. The Leonberger and the Spanish Mastiff are both giant-sized dogs.

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

Leonberger versus Spanish Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Leonberger 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 Leonberger and the Spanish Mastiff

Factor Leonberger Spanish Mastiff
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 1/5 3/5
General Health 1/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 12 years
Weight 120 to 170 pounds 140 to 220 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Height 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder 26 to 35 inches
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 4/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $870 $1050
Price Range $300 – $1150 $1000 – $1050
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • CGC
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy (LPN1)
  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy 2
  • Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP)
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Leonberger 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 Leonberger is 63 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 Leonberger. 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Leonbergers have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Spanish Mastiffs are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Leonbergers 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 Leonberger and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Both the Leonberger and the Spanish Mastiff do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Spanish Mastiff are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Spanish Mastiff do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Spanish Mastiff are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Spanish Mastiff are not easy to train.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Spanish 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger and the Spanish Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Spanish Mastiff are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Spanish Mastiff gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Spanish Mastiff have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Spanish Mastiff require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Spanish Mastiff are very playful.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Spanish Mastiff can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Leonberger and the Spanish Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Leonberger versus Spanish Mastiff

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

    Leonbergers weigh 120 to 170 pounds when fully grown. Leonbergers are 25 to 31 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 Leonberger versus Spanish Mastiff

    The lifespan of Leonbergers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Leonbergers 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 Leonberger versus Price of Spanish Mastiff

    The average price of the Leonberger puppy is $870. The price of the Leonberger typically ranges from $300 – $1150. However, the price of a Leonberger can be as low as $300 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 3 Leonberger 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 Spanish Mastiff is more expensive than the Leonberger.

    Leonberger Spanish Mastiff
    Average Price $870 $1050
    Price Range $300 to $1150 $1000 to $1050

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

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Spanish Mastiffs

    A breakdown of the prices of Spanish Mastiffs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Leonberger 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: Leonberger versus Spanish Mastiff

    Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Leonbergers shed more than Spanish Mastiffs?

    Leonbergers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Spanish Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Leonberger or the Spanish Mastiff

    Leonbergers drool moderately.

    Spanish Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Leonberger or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Leonbergers are very easy to groom.

    Spanish Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Leonberger Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Leonbergers 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 Leonbergers Bark and Howl? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Spanish Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Leonberger vs. Spanish Mastiff

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

    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 Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Spanish Mastiffs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Leonbergers good family dogs? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Leonbergers 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 Leonbergers and Spanish Mastiffs?

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

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

    Is the Leonberger Easier to Train than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Leonbergers are not easy to train.

    Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.

    Is the Leonberger Better for Apartment Owners than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Leonbergers 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 Leonberger

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

  • Bernese Mountain Dog (75 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Bernese Mountain Dog.
  • Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (75 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
  • Mastiff (73 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Mastiff.

    • 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 Leonberger vs Akbash.
  • Hovawart (81 percent match with Spanish Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Leonberger vs Hovawart.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Leonberger versus Akita     Leonberger versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Leonberger versus Lakeland Terrier     Leonberger versus Greyhound     Leonberger versus Pug     Leonberger versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Leonberger versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Leonberger versus Bracco Italiano     Leonberger versus Whoodle     Leonberger versus Lowchen     Leonberger versus Tibetan Mastiff     Leonberger versus English Toy Spaniel     Leonberger versus Saint Berdoodle     Leonberger versus Brittany     Leonberger versus American Bulldog     Leonberger versus Airedale Terrier     Leonberger versus Borzoi     Leonberger versus Dogo Argentino     Leonberger versus Irish Terrier     Leonberger versus Morkie     Leonberger versus German Longhaired Pointer     Leonberger versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Leonberger versus Dutch Shepherd     Leonberger versus Field Spaniel     Leonberger versus Cairn Terrier     

    Spanish Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Spanish Mastiff versus Cane Corso     Spanish Mastiff versus Italian Greyhound     Spanish Mastiff versus Cockalier     Spanish Mastiff versus Finnish Lapphund     Spanish Mastiff versus Puggle     Spanish Mastiff versus Akita Chow     Spanish Mastiff versus Bouvier des Flandres     Spanish Mastiff versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Spanish Mastiff versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Spanish Mastiff versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Spanish Mastiff versus Boxer     Spanish Mastiff versus Newfoundland     Spanish Mastiff versus Belgian Malinois     Spanish Mastiff versus Aussiedoodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Spanish Mastiff versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Collie     Spanish Mastiff versus Mountain Cur     Spanish Mastiff versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Spanish Mastiff versus Chow Chow     Spanish Mastiff versus Clumber Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Cavapoo     Spanish Mastiff versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Spanish Mastiff versus Dogo Argentino     Spanish Mastiff versus Lakeland Terrier     

    Conclusion: Leonberger 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 Leonberger and the Spanish Mastiff better suits you and your family.