Norfolk Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Norfolk Terrier Versus Spanish Mastiff: Introduction

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

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

Norfolk Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Norfolk Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

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.

Norfolk Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Norfolk Terrier 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 Norfolk Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff

Factor Norfolk Terrier Spanish Mastiff
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 5/5
Weight 11 to 12 pounds 140 to 220 pounds
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Height 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder 26 to 35 inches
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $2500 $1050
Price Range $2500 – $2500 $1000 – $1050
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Ichthyosis
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Norfolk Terrier 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 Norfolk Terrier is 94 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Spanish Mastiff is 83 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Norfolk Terrier is a better pet than the Spanish Mastiff. So, you should get the Norfolk Terrier!

    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 Norfolk Terrier 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 Norfolk Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Norfolk Terriers are good for new dog owners. However, Spanish Mastiffs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Norfolk Terriers get along well with other dogs. However, Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Norfolk Terriers are very easy to train. However, Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Norfolk Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier 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 Norfolk Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Norfolk Terrier and the Spanish Mastiff are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Norfolk Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff

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

    Norfolk Terriers weigh 11 to 12 pounds when fully grown. Norfolk Terriers are 9 to 10 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 Norfolk Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff

    The lifespan of Norfolk Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Norfolk Terriers 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.

    Norfolk Terriers live longer than Spanish Mastiffs.

    Price of Norfolk Terrier versus Price of Spanish Mastiff

    The average price of the Norfolk Terrier puppy is $2500. The price of the Norfolk Terrier typically ranges from $2500 – $2500. However, the price of a Norfolk Terrier can be as low as $2500 and as high as $2500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1 Norfolk Terrier 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 Norfolk Terrier is more expensive than the Spanish Mastiff.

    Norfolk Terrier Spanish Mastiff
    Average Price $2500 $1050
    Price Range $2500 to $2500 $1000 to $1050

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Norfolk Terriers. 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 Norfolk Terrier 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: Norfolk Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff

    Norfolk Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Do Norfolk Terriers shed more than Spanish Mastiffs?

    Norfolk Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Spanish Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Norfolk Terrier or the Spanish Mastiff

    Norfolk Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Spanish Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Norfolk Terrier or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Norfolk Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Spanish Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Norfolk Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Norfolk Terriers 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 Norfolk Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Norfolk Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Norfolk Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Spanish Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Norfolk Terrier vs. Spanish Mastiff

    Norfolk Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily 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 Norfolk Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Norfolk Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

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

    Norfolk Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Norfolk Terriers good family dogs? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Norfolk Terriers 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 Norfolk Terriers and Spanish Mastiffs?

    Norfolk Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Norfolk Terrier Easier to Train than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Norfolk Terriers are very easy to train.

    Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.

    Is the Norfolk Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Norfolk Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Norfolk Terriers 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 Norfolk Terrier

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

  • Boston Terrier (77 percent match with Norfolk Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Boston Terrier.
  • Cockapoo (75 percent match with Norfolk Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Cockapoo.
  • 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 Norfolk Terrier vs Akbash.
  • Hovawart (81 percent match with Spanish Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Norfolk Terrier vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Norfolk Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norfolk Terrier versus Great Pyrenees     Norfolk Terrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Norfolk Terrier versus Westiepoo     Norfolk Terrier versus Chinese Crested     Norfolk Terrier versus Cockalier     Norfolk Terrier versus Valley Bulldog     Norfolk Terrier versus Standard Poodle     Norfolk Terrier versus Pomeranian     Norfolk Terrier versus Weimaraner     Norfolk Terrier versus Great Pyrenees     Norfolk Terrier versus Bloodhound     Norfolk Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel     Norfolk Terrier versus Bullmastiff     Norfolk Terrier versus Pekingese     Norfolk Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel     Norfolk Terrier versus Kooikerhondje     Norfolk Terrier versus Maltipoo     Norfolk Terrier versus Border Collie     Norfolk Terrier versus Afghan Hound     Norfolk Terrier versus Morkie     Norfolk Terrier versus Beagle     Norfolk Terrier versus Pekingese     Norfolk Terrier versus Belgian Malinois     Norfolk Terrier versus Akita Chow     Norfolk Terrier versus Lakeland Terrier     

    Spanish Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Spanish Mastiff versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Spanish Mastiff versus Doberman Pinscher     Spanish Mastiff versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Spanish Mastiff versus Harrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Bordoodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Yorkipoo     Spanish Mastiff versus Mudi     Spanish Mastiff versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Spanish Mastiff versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Spanish Mastiff versus Black Russian Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Miniature Schnauzer     Spanish Mastiff versus Whoodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Black Russian Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Bordoodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Spanish Mastiff versus Scottish Deerhound     Spanish Mastiff versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Spanish Mastiff versus Pomsky     Spanish Mastiff versus Cockalier     Spanish Mastiff versus Cane Corso     Spanish Mastiff versus Saint Berdoodle     Spanish Mastiff versus English Toy Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Labradoodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Greyhound     

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