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

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Papillon Versus Spanish Mastiff: Introduction

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

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

Papillon versus Spanish Mastiff: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Papillon 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.

Papillon versus Spanish Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Papillon 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 Papillon and the Spanish Mastiff

Factor Papillon Spanish Mastiff
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 10 to 12 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 5/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Weight 4 to 9 pounds 140 to 220 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Height 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 26 to 35 inches
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1800 $1050
Price Range $1400 – $2000 $1000 – $1050
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination- recommend screening every 2 years
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Papillon 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 Papillon is 89 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Spanish Mastiff is 83 out of 125.

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

    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 Papillon 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 Papillon and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Papillons 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.
  • Papillons adapt well to apartment living. However, Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Papillons are good for new dog owners. However, Spanish Mastiffs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Papillons are very friendly towards strangers. However, Spanish Mastiffs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Papillons are very easy to train. However, Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Papillon and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Both the Papillon and the Spanish Mastiff do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Papillon 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 Papillon and the Spanish Mastiff do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Papillon and the Spanish Mastiff are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Papillon and the Spanish Mastiff can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Papillon and the Spanish Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Papillon and the Spanish Mastiff have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Papillon and the Spanish Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Papillon and the Spanish Mastiff are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Papillon versus Spanish Mastiff

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

    Papillons weigh 4 to 9 pounds when fully grown. Papillons are 8 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 Papillon versus Spanish Mastiff

    The lifespan of Papillons is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Papillons is 14.0 years.

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

    Papillons live longer than Spanish Mastiffs.

    Price of Papillon versus Price of Spanish Mastiff

    The average price of the Papillon puppy is $1800. The price of the Papillon typically ranges from $1400 – $2000. However, the price of a Papillon can be as low as $700 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 108 Papillon 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 Papillon is more expensive than the Spanish Mastiff.

    Papillon Spanish Mastiff
    Average Price $1800 $1050
    Price Range $1400 to $2000 $1000 to $1050

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Papillons. 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 Papillon 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: Papillon versus Spanish Mastiff

    Papillons do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Papillons shed more than Spanish Mastiffs?

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

    Spanish Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Papillon or the Spanish Mastiff

    Papillons do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Spanish Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Papillons are moderately easy to groom.

    Spanish Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Papillons 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 Papillons Bark and Howl? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

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

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

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

    Papillons cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Spanish Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Papillon vs. Spanish Mastiff

    Papillons 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 Papillons Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Papillons 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 Papillon or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Papillons get along very well with other dogs.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Papillons good family dogs? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Papillons 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 Papillons and Spanish Mastiffs?

    Papillons get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Papillon Easier to Train than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Papillons are very easy to train.

    Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.

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

    Papillons adapt very well to apartment living.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Papillons 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 Papillon

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

  • Bichon Frise (78 percent match with Papillon). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Bichon Frise.
  • Cavachon (78 percent match with Papillon). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Cavachon.
  • Havanese (79 percent match with Papillon). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Havanese.
  • Papipoo (86 percent match with Papillon). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Papipoo.
  • 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 Papillon vs Akbash.
  • Hovawart (81 percent match with Spanish Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Papillon vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Papillon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Papillon versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Papillon versus Whippet     Papillon versus Finnish Spitz     Papillon versus Greyhound     Papillon versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Papillon versus Afador     Papillon versus English Springer Spaniel     Papillon versus American Hairless Terrier     Papillon versus Pekingese     Papillon versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Papillon versus Finnish Spitz     Papillon versus Cesky Terrier     Papillon versus English Cocker Spaniel     Papillon versus Borzoi     Papillon versus Affenpinscher     Papillon versus Keeshond     Papillon versus Boxerdoodle     Papillon versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Papillon versus Azawakh     Papillon versus Irish Setter     Papillon versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Papillon versus Shiba Inu     Papillon versus Hovawart     Papillon versus Brittany     Papillon versus Boxer     

    Spanish Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Spanish Mastiff versus Afghan Hound     Spanish Mastiff versus Norwich Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Mudi     Spanish Mastiff versus Bichon Frise     Spanish Mastiff versus Norfolk Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Valley Bulldog     Spanish Mastiff versus Bedlington Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Dalmatian     Spanish Mastiff versus Great Dane     Spanish Mastiff versus Chow Chow     Spanish Mastiff versus Sheepadoodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Japanese Spitz     Spanish Mastiff versus Weimaraner     Spanish Mastiff versus Puli     Spanish Mastiff versus Bich Poo     Spanish Mastiff versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Spanish Mastiff versus Sloughi     Spanish Mastiff versus Finnish Spitz     Spanish Mastiff versus Scottish Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Chi-Poo     Spanish Mastiff versus Cane Corso     Spanish Mastiff versus English Cocker Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Komondor     Spanish Mastiff versus Silky Terrier     

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