Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Mastiff Versus Puli: Introduction
- Mastiff versus Puli: Overview
- Mastiff versus Puli: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Mastiff and the Puli
- The Similarities Between the Mastiff and the Puli
- Size (Weight and Height) of Mastiff versus Puli
- Lifespan of Mastiff versus Puli
- Temperament of the Mastiff Versus the Puli
- Price of Mastiff versus Price of Puli
- The Intelligence of the Mastiff versus the Intelligence of the Puli
- The Popularity of Mastiff versus Popularity of Puli
- Health Problems of Mastiff versus Health Problems of Puli
- Tolerates Being Alone: Mastiff versus Puli
- Do Mastiffs shed more than Pulis?
- Which one drools more, the Mastiff or the Puli
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Mastiff or the Puli?
- Does the Mastiff Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Puli?
- Do Mastiffs Bark and Howl? What about Pulis?
- Can Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pulis Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Mastiff vs. Puli
- Can Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pulis Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Mastiff or the Puli?
- Are Mastiffs good family dogs? What about Pulis?
- How Kid-friendly are Mastiffs and Pulis?
- Is the Mastiff Easier to Train than the Puli?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mastiff
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Puli
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Mastiff versus Puli. Which One is a Better Pet?
Mastiff Versus Puli: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Mastiff and the Puli? 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 Mastiff and the Puli 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 Mastiff and the Puli.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Mastiff and the Puli 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 Mastiff and for the Puli. 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 Mastiff and the Puli.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Mastiff or the Puli.
Mastiff versus Puli: Overview
A very important difference between the Mastiff and the Puli is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Mastiff is a giant-sized dog while the Puli is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, 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.
On the other hand, the Puli 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.
Mastiff versus Puli: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Mastiff to the Puli 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 Mastiff and the Puli
| Factor | Mastiff | Puli |
|---|---|---|
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 130 to 220 pounds | 25 to 35 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 27 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder | 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 6 to 10 years | 10 to 15 years |
| Average Lifespan | 8.0 years | 12.5 years |
| Average Price | $1740 | $2250 |
| Price Range | $1100 – $2200 | $1875 – $2750 |
| Temperament Score | 100.0 percent | 92.3 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 28 | 150 |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 72 | 27 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Mastiff 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 Puli. 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 Mastiff is 72 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Puli is 74 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Puli is a better pet than the Mastiff. So, you should get the Puli!
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 Mastiff and the Puli so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Mastiff and the Puli
Below is a list of where the Mastiff and the Puli are most different:
The Similarities Between the Mastiff and the Puli
The Mastiff and the Puli are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Mastiff and the Puli are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Mastiff versus Puli
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Mastiff and the Puli.
Mastiffs weigh 130 to 220 pounds when fully grown. Mastiffs are 27 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Pulis weigh 25 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Pulis are 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Mastiff versus Puli
The lifespan of Mastiffs is between 6 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Mastiffs is 8.0 years.
The lifespan of Pulis is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pulis is 12.5 years.
Pulis live longer than Mastiffs.
Temperament of the Mastiff Versus the Puli
The Mastiff has a better temperament than the Puli.
This is because the temperament score for the Mastiff is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Puli is 92.3 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Mastiff has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 92.3 percent, the Puli has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Mastiff and the Puli by measuring the temperaments of 8 Mastiffs and 26 Pulis.
Price of Mastiff versus Price of Puli
The average price of the Mastiff puppy is $1740. The price of the Mastiff typically ranges from $1100 – $2200. However, the price of a Mastiff can be as low as $200 and as high as $4600. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 248 Mastiff puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Puli puppy is $2250. The price of the Puli typically ranges from $1875 – $2750. However, the price of the Puli can be as low as $1250 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 3 Puli puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Puli is more expensive than the Mastiff.
| Mastiff | Puli | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1740 | $2250 |
| Price Range | $1100 to $2200 | $1875 to $2750 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Mastiff and Puli. For different price points, the charts show how many Mastiff puppies or how many Puli puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Mastiffs. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Pulis
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Mastiff puppy or the Puli 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.
The Intelligence of the Mastiff versus the Intelligence of the Puli
| Mastiff | Puli | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 72 out of 130 dog breeds | 27 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 80 To 100 Repetitions Or More! | Tend To Learn New Commands After 15 To 25 Repetitions |
Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.
According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.
This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.
To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.
Prof. Coren found that the Mastiff has an obedience intelligence rank of 72 out of 130 dog breeds. The Mastiff belongs to the `Lowest Degree of Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Mastiffs tend to learn new commands after 80 to 100 repetitions or more!.
The Puli has an obedience intelligence rank of 27 out of 130 dog breeds. The Puli belongs to the `Above Average Working Dogs` category. This means that Pulis tend to learn new commands after 15 to 25 repetitions.
The Puli is more intelligent than the Mastiff.
However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.
The Popularity of Mastiff versus Popularity of Puli
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Mastiff and the Puli over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Mastiff is more popular with dog owners than the Puli. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Mastiff is 28 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Puli is 150 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Mastiff
Popularity of Puli
| Year | Mastiff Popularity Rank | Puli Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 26 | 136 |
| 2014 | 26 | 151 |
| 2015 | 25 | 154 |
| 2016 | 28 | 159 |
| 2017 | 28 | 142 |
| 2018 | 29 | 160 |
| 2019 | 32 | 160 |
| 2020 | 33 | 143 |
Health Problems of Mastiff versus Health Problems of Puli
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 Mastiff and the Puli 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 Puli is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Mastiff.
7 health tests are recommended for Mastiff while 7 tests are recommended for the Puli.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Mastiffs and in Pulis.
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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Mastiffs here.
Puli Health Problems
Pulis are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Puli 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 Puli puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Puli 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 Pulis for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pulis here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Mastiffs and Pulis
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Mastiff Breed is Canine Multifocal Retinopathy problems.
This is because the Mastiff ranks 3 out of 6 dog breeds for Canine Multifocal Retinopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 891 Mastiffs, 14 of them had Canine Multifocal Retinopathy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Mastiffs, and how common these diseases are in Mastiffs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Puli Breed is Degenerative Myelopathy problems.
This is because the Puli ranks 37 out of 70 dog breeds for Degenerative Myelopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 201 Pulis, 6 of them had Degenerative Myelopathy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pulis, and how common these diseases are in Pulis relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Mastiff and in Puli and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Mastiff and the Puli:
| Disease | Mastiff Rank | Puli Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Canine Multifocal Retinopathy problems | 3 out of 6 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Cystinuria problems | 3 out of 6 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Shoulder problems | 9 out of 22 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | 12 out of 32 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 26 out of 144 dog breeds | 70 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 39 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 39 out of 198 dog breeds | 115 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 43 out of 182 dog breeds | 144 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 49 out of 70 dog breeds | 37 out of 70 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 53 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 72 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 131 out of 145 dog breeds | 39 out of 145 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Mastiff versus Puli
Mastiffs can be left alone only for a short time.
Pulis do not like to be left alone.
Do Mastiffs shed more than Pulis?
Mastiffs shed moderately.
Pulis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Mastiff or the Puli
Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.
Pulis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Mastiff or the Puli?
Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.
Pulis require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Mastiff Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Puli?
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.
Pulis 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.
Do Mastiffs Bark and Howl? What about Pulis?
Mastiffs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Pulis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pulis Tolerate Cold Weather?
Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Pulis can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Mastiff vs. Puli
Mastiffs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Pulis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pulis Tolerate Hot Weather?
Mastiffs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Pulis can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Mastiff or the Puli?
Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.
Pulis get along very well with other dogs.
Are Mastiffs good family dogs? What about Pulis?
Mastiffs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Pulis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Mastiffs and Pulis?
Mastiffs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Pulis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Mastiff Easier to Train than the Puli?
Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.
Pulis are not easy to train.
Is the Mastiff Better for Apartment Owners than the Puli?
Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Pulis adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Mastiff or the Puli?
Mastiffs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Pulis are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Puli
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Puli 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 Puli:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Mastiff and how the Puli compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Mastiff and of the Puli to other breeds:
Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds
Mastiff versus Shihpoo Mastiff versus Harrier Mastiff versus Australian Terrier Mastiff versus Fila Brasileiro Mastiff versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Mastiff versus Pomsky Mastiff versus Golden Cocker Retriever Mastiff versus Schipperke Mastiff versus Keeshond Mastiff versus Boerboel Mastiff versus Tibetan Spaniel Mastiff versus Mal Shi Mastiff versus German Shorthaired Pointer Mastiff versus Korean Jindo Dog Mastiff versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Mastiff versus Shihpoo Mastiff versus Cesky Terrier Mastiff versus Cockapoo Mastiff versus Xoloitzcuintli Mastiff versus Boston Terrier Mastiff versus Kai Ken Mastiff versus Scottish Terrier Mastiff versus Golden Retriever Mastiff versus Norwegian Buhund
Puli Versus Other Dog Breeds
Puli versus Cockalier Puli versus Irish Wolfhound Puli versus Dogue de Bordeaux Puli versus Newfoundland Puli versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Puli versus Bich Poo Puli versus Spanish Mastiff Puli versus Lagotto Romagnolo Puli versus American Water Spaniel Puli versus Mudi Puli versus Havanese Puli versus Pyrenean Shepherd Puli versus Tibetan Mastiff Puli versus Patterdale Terrier Puli versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Puli versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Puli versus Samoyed Puli versus Chorkie Puli versus Scottish Deerhound Puli versus Australian Cattle Dog Puli versus English Setter Puli versus Affenhuahua Puli versus Basset Hound Puli versus Finnish Spitz Puli versus Saluki
Conclusion: Mastiff versus Puli. 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 Mastiff and the Puli better suits you and your family.