Breed Comparison: Pointer Versus Spanish Mastiff

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Pointer Versus Spanish Mastiff: Introduction

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

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

Pointer versus Spanish Mastiff: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Pointer belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

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.

Pointer versus Spanish Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Pointer 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 Pointer and the Spanish Mastiff

Factor Pointer Spanish Mastiff
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Height 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the 26 to 35 inches
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Weight 45 to 75 pounds 140 to 220 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1080 $1050
Price Range $800 – $1300 $1000 – $1050
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Pointer 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 Pointer is 75 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 Pointer. 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 Pointer 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 Pointer and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Pointers get along well with other dogs. However, Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Pointers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Spanish Mastiffs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Pointers are very easy to train. However, Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.
  • Pointers are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Spanish Mastiffs are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Pointers 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.
  • Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Spanish Mastiffs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Pointers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Spanish Mastiffs do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • The Similarities Between the Pointer and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Both the Pointer and the Spanish Mastiff do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Pointer and the Spanish Mastiff are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Pointer and the Spanish Mastiff do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Pointer and the Spanish Mastiff can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Pointer and the Spanish Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Pointer and the Spanish Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Pointer and the Spanish Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Pointer and the Spanish Mastiff are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Pointer versus Spanish Mastiff

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

    Pointers weigh 45 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Pointers are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the 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 Pointer versus Spanish Mastiff

    The lifespan of Pointers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pointers 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.

    Pointers live longer than Spanish Mastiffs.

    Price of Pointer versus Price of Spanish Mastiff

    The average price of the Pointer puppy is $1080. The price of the Pointer typically ranges from $800 – $1300. However, the price of a Pointer can be as low as $300 and as high as $1700. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 16 Pointer 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 Pointer is more expensive than the Spanish Mastiff.

    Pointer Spanish Mastiff
    Average Price $1080 $1050
    Price Range $800 to $1300 $1000 to $1050

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Pointers. 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 Pointer 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: Pointer versus Spanish Mastiff

    Pointers do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Pointers shed more than Spanish Mastiffs?

    Pointers shed moderately.

    Spanish Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Pointer or the Spanish Mastiff

    Pointers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Spanish Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Spanish Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Pointers 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 Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

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

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

    Spanish Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Pointer vs. Spanish Mastiff

    Pointers 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 Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Pointers 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 Pointer or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Pointers good family dogs? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Pointers 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 Pointers and Spanish Mastiffs?

    Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Pointer Easier to Train than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Pointers are very easy to train.

    Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.

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

    Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pointer

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

  • German Shorthaired Pointer (81 percent match with Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs German Shorthaired Pointer.
  • English Springer Spaniel (75 percent match with Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs English Springer Spaniel.
  • Field Spaniel (77 percent match with Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Field Spaniel.
  • 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 Pointer vs Akbash.
  • Hovawart (81 percent match with Spanish Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Pointer vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pointer versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Pointer versus American Water Spaniel     Pointer versus Belgian Sheepdog     Pointer versus Valley Bulldog     Pointer versus Biewer Terrier     Pointer versus Shichon     Pointer versus Boston Terrier     Pointer versus Leonberger     Pointer versus Catahoula Bulldog     Pointer versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Pointer versus Bracco Italiano     Pointer versus Lakeland Terrier     Pointer versus Stabyhoun     Pointer versus Norwich Terrier     Pointer versus Kuvasz     Pointer versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Pointer versus Redbone Coonhound     Pointer versus American Hairless Terrier     Pointer versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Pointer versus Weimaraner     Pointer versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Pointer versus Mudi     Pointer versus Pekingese     Pointer versus Schnoodle     Pointer versus Estrela Mountain Dog     

    Spanish Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Spanish Mastiff versus Chi-Poo     Spanish Mastiff versus German Pinscher     Spanish Mastiff versus Cane Corso     Spanish Mastiff versus Cavachon     Spanish Mastiff versus Lancashire Heeler     Spanish Mastiff versus Pomeranian     Spanish Mastiff versus Collie     Spanish Mastiff versus Chorkie     Spanish Mastiff versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Spanish Mastiff versus Australian Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Bearded Collie     Spanish Mastiff versus Border Collie     Spanish Mastiff versus Lhasapoo     Spanish Mastiff versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Spanish Mastiff versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Spanish Mastiff versus Shetland Sheepdog     Spanish Mastiff versus Silky Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Puggle     Spanish Mastiff versus Azawakh     Spanish Mastiff versus Puggle     Spanish Mastiff versus Standard Poodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Gordon Setter     Spanish Mastiff versus Tibetan Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Pomeranian     

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