Is the Lhasa Apso Better than the Spanish Mastiff as a Pet? Answer…

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Lhasa Apso Versus Spanish Mastiff: Introduction

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

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

Lhasa Apso versus Spanish Mastiff: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Lhasa Apso belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

Lhasa Apso versus Spanish Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso and the Spanish Mastiff

Factor Lhasa Apso Spanish Mastiff
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 3/5
Weight 12 to 15 pounds 140 to 220 pounds
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 1/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Height 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 26 to 35 inches
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1780 $1050
Price Range $1500 – $1996 $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 Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso is 79 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 Lhasa Apso. 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 Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Lhasa Apsos 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.
  • Lhasa Apsos 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.
  • Lhasa Apsos adapt well to apartment living. However, Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Lhasa Apsos are good for new dog owners. However, Spanish Mastiffs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • The Similarities Between the Lhasa Apso and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Both the Lhasa Apso and the Spanish Mastiff do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Lhasa Apso and the Spanish Mastiff cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Lhasa Apso and the Spanish Mastiff are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso and the Spanish Mastiff can be left alone for some time without problems.
  • Both the Lhasa Apso and the Spanish Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Lhasa Apso and the Spanish Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Lhasa Apso and the Spanish Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Lhasa Apso and the Spanish Mastiff have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Lhasa Apso and the Spanish Mastiff are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Lhasa Apso versus Spanish Mastiff

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

    Lhasa Apsos weigh 12 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Lhasa Apsos are 9 to 11 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 Lhasa Apso versus Spanish Mastiff

    The lifespan of Lhasa Apsos is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Lhasa Apsos is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Spanish Mastiffs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Spanish Mastiffs is 11.0 years.

    Lhasa Apsos live longer than Spanish Mastiffs.

    Price of Lhasa Apso versus Price of Spanish Mastiff

    The average price of the Lhasa Apso puppy is $1780. The price of the Lhasa Apso typically ranges from $1500 – $1996. However, the price of a Lhasa Apso can be as low as $200 and as high as $3499. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 104 Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso is more expensive than the Spanish Mastiff.

    Lhasa Apso Spanish Mastiff
    Average Price $1780 $1050
    Price Range $1500 to $1996 $1000 to $1050

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Lhasa Apsos. 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 Lhasa Apso 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: Lhasa Apso versus Spanish Mastiff

    Lhasa Apsos can be left alone for some time without problems.

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

    Do Lhasa Apsos shed more than Spanish Mastiffs?

    Lhasa Apsos shed moderately.

    Spanish Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Lhasa Apso or the Spanish Mastiff

    Lhasa Apsos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Spanish Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Lhasa Apso or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Lhasa Apsos require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Spanish Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Lhasa Apso Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Lhasa Apsos 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 Lhasa Apsos Bark and Howl? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Lhasa Apsos 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 Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Lhasa Apsos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Spanish Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Lhasa Apso vs. Spanish Mastiff

    Lhasa Apsos 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 Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Lhasa Apsos 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 Lhasa Apso or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Lhasa Apsos get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Lhasa Apsos good family dogs? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Lhasa Apsos 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 Lhasa Apsos and Spanish Mastiffs?

    Lhasa Apsos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Lhasa Apso Easier to Train than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Lhasa Apsos are fairly easy to train.

    Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.

    Is the Lhasa Apso Better for Apartment Owners than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Lhasa Apsos adapt very well to apartment living.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Lhasa Apsos are very good for new dog owners.

    Spanish Mastiffs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lhasa Apso

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

  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (77 percent match with Lhasa Apso). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
  • Peek A Poo (79 percent match with Lhasa Apso). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Peek A Poo.
  • 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 Lhasa Apso vs Akbash.
  • Hovawart (81 percent match with Spanish Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Lhasa Apso vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Lhasa Apso Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lhasa Apso versus Hovawart     Lhasa Apso versus Field Spaniel     Lhasa Apso versus Afghan Hound     Lhasa Apso versus Cavapoo     Lhasa Apso versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Lhasa Apso versus Schnoodle     Lhasa Apso versus Newfoundland     Lhasa Apso versus Japanese Spitz     Lhasa Apso versus Pekingese     Lhasa Apso versus English Springer Spaniel     Lhasa Apso versus Airedale Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus Leonberger     Lhasa Apso versus English Setter     Lhasa Apso versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Lhasa Apso versus Dachshund     Lhasa Apso versus Labrador Retriever     Lhasa Apso versus Chinese Crested     Lhasa Apso versus Akbash     Lhasa Apso versus Yorkipoo     Lhasa Apso versus Sheepadoodle     Lhasa Apso versus Chow Chow     Lhasa Apso versus Scottish Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus Bullmastiff     Lhasa Apso versus Pharaoh Hound     Lhasa Apso versus Chinook     

    Spanish Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Spanish Mastiff versus Japanese Chin     Spanish Mastiff versus Silky Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus American Eskimo Dog     Spanish Mastiff versus Miniature Poodle     Spanish Mastiff versus King Shepherd     Spanish Mastiff versus Saluki     Spanish Mastiff versus Pharaoh Hound     Spanish Mastiff versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Spanish Mastiff versus Westiepoo     Spanish Mastiff versus Kishu Ken     Spanish Mastiff versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Spanish Mastiff versus Maremma Sheepdog     Spanish Mastiff versus Norwegian Lundehund     Spanish Mastiff versus Cavachon     Spanish Mastiff versus Cockalier     Spanish Mastiff versus Ibizan Hound     Spanish Mastiff versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Australian Cattle Dog     Spanish Mastiff versus Pomchi     Spanish Mastiff versus Italian Greyhound     Spanish Mastiff versus Maltipoo     Spanish Mastiff versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Labrador Retriever     Spanish Mastiff versus Mudi     Spanish Mastiff versus Korean Jindo Dog     

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