Breed Comparison: Norwegian Buhund Versus Spanish Mastiff

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Norwegian Buhund Versus Spanish Mastiff: Introduction

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

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

Norwegian Buhund versus Spanish Mastiff: Overview

A very important difference between the Norwegian Buhund and the Spanish Mastiff is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Norwegian Buhund is a medium-sized dog while the Spanish Mastiff is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Norwegian Buhund 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 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.

Norwegian Buhund versus Spanish Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Norwegian Buhund 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 Norwegian Buhund and the Spanish Mastiff

Factor Norwegian Buhund Spanish Mastiff
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Height 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder 26 to 35 inches
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 5/5
Weight 26 to 40 pounds 140 to 220 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Price Range No Data $1000 – $1050
Average Price No Data $1050
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Norwegian Buhund 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 Norwegian Buhund is 81 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 Norwegian Buhund. 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 Norwegian Buhund 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 Norwegian Buhund and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Norwegian Buhunds 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.
  • The Similarities Between the Norwegian Buhund and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Spanish Mastiff do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Spanish Mastiff cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Spanish Mastiff require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Spanish Mastiff have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Spanish Mastiff can be left alone for some time without problems.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Spanish Mastiff are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Spanish Mastiff have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Spanish Mastiff can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Spanish Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Spanish Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Spanish Mastiff are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Norwegian Buhund versus Spanish Mastiff

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

    Norwegian Buhunds weigh 26 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Norwegian Buhunds are 16 to 18 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 Norwegian Buhund versus Spanish Mastiff

    The lifespan of Norwegian Buhunds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Norwegian Buhunds 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.

    Norwegian Buhunds live longer than Spanish Mastiffs.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Norwegian Buhund versus Spanish Mastiff

    Norwegian Buhunds can be left alone for some time without problems.

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

    Do Norwegian Buhunds shed more than Spanish Mastiffs?

    Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.

    Spanish Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Norwegian Buhund or the Spanish Mastiff

    Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Spanish Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Norwegian Buhund or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Norwegian Buhunds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Spanish Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Norwegian Buhund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Norwegian Buhunds 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 Norwegian Buhunds Bark and Howl? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Norwegian Buhunds 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 Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Spanish Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Norwegian Buhund vs. Spanish Mastiff

    Norwegian Buhunds 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 Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Norwegian Buhunds 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 Norwegian Buhund or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Norwegian Buhunds good family dogs? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Norwegian Buhunds 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 Norwegian Buhunds and Spanish Mastiffs?

    Norwegian Buhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Norwegian Buhund Easier to Train than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.

    Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.

    Is the Norwegian Buhund Better for Apartment Owners than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Norwegian Buhunds are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Norwegian Buhund

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

  • Pyredoodle (78 percent match with Norwegian Buhund). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Pyredoodle.
  • 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 Norwegian Buhund vs Akbash.
  • Hovawart (81 percent match with Spanish Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Norwegian Buhund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norwegian Buhund versus Pointer     Norwegian Buhund versus Lancashire Heeler     Norwegian Buhund versus Beagle     Norwegian Buhund versus Bullmastiff     Norwegian Buhund versus Samoyed     Norwegian Buhund versus Berger Picard     Norwegian Buhund versus Pointer     Norwegian Buhund versus Lowchen     Norwegian Buhund versus Akita Chow     Norwegian Buhund versus Karelian Bear Dog     Norwegian Buhund versus Gordon Setter     Norwegian Buhund versus Borzoi     Norwegian Buhund versus Mastiff     Norwegian Buhund versus Karelian Bear Dog     Norwegian Buhund versus Mountain Cur     Norwegian Buhund versus American Water Spaniel     Norwegian Buhund versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Norwegian Buhund versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Norwegian Buhund versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Norwegian Buhund versus Kooikerhondje     Norwegian Buhund versus Shichon     Norwegian Buhund versus Keeshond     Norwegian Buhund versus Shih Tzu     Norwegian Buhund versus Standard Poodle     Norwegian Buhund versus Manchester Terrier     

    Spanish Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Spanish Mastiff versus Kooikerhondje     Spanish Mastiff versus Spinone Italiano     Spanish Mastiff versus Australian Kelpie     Spanish Mastiff versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Spanish Mastiff versus Yorkshire Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Clumber Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus French Bulldog     Spanish Mastiff versus Leonberger     Spanish Mastiff versus Toy Poodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Great Pyrenees     Spanish Mastiff versus Plott     Spanish Mastiff versus American Water Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Tibetan Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus English Cocker Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Borzoi     Spanish Mastiff versus Belgian Malinois     Spanish Mastiff versus Scottish Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Aussiedoodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Portuguese Pointer     Spanish Mastiff versus Lhasapoo     Spanish Mastiff versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Spanish Mastiff versus Clumber Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Patterdale Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus American Eskimo Dog     Spanish Mastiff versus Greyhound     

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