A Detailed Comparison of the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Spanish Mastiff.

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Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Spanish Mastiff: Introduction

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

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

Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Spanish Mastiff: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Rhodesian Ridgeback belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

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.

Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Spanish Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Spanish Mastiff

Factor Rhodesian Ridgeback Spanish Mastiff
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 12 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Height 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder 26 to 35 inches
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 70 to 85 pounds 140 to 220 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1620 $1050
Price Range $1250 – $1900 $1000 – $1050
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination. Exams are recommended annually to age 9, annual recertifcation is required
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback is 74 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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.
  • Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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.

    • The Similarities Between the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Spanish Mastiff do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Spanish Mastiff do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Spanish Mastiff are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Spanish Mastiff are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Spanish Mastiff do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Spanish Mastiff are not easy to train.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Spanish Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Spanish Mastiff shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Spanish Mastiff are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Spanish Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Spanish Mastiff have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Spanish Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Spanish Mastiff are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Spanish Mastiff

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks weigh 70 to 85 pounds when fully grown. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are 24 to 27 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Spanish Mastiff

    The lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is 11.0 years.

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

    Price of Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Price of Spanish Mastiff

    The average price of the Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy is $1620. The price of the Rhodesian Ridgeback typically ranges from $1250 – $1900. However, the price of a Rhodesian Ridgeback can be as low as $500 and as high as $2850. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 175 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback is more expensive than the Spanish Mastiff.

    Rhodesian Ridgeback Spanish Mastiff
    Average Price $1620 $1050
    Price Range $1250 to $1900 $1000 to $1050

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Rhodesian Ridgebacks. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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: Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Spanish Mastiff

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed more than Spanish Mastiffs?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Spanish Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Spanish Mastiff

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Spanish Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.

    Spanish Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Rhodesian Ridgeback Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks Bark and Howl? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Spanish Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Rhodesian Ridgeback vs. Spanish Mastiff

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along very well with other dogs.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks good family dogs? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Spanish Mastiffs?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Rhodesian Ridgeback Easier to Train than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.

    Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.

    Is the Rhodesian Ridgeback Better for Apartment Owners than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

  • Black Mouth Cur (79 percent match with Rhodesian Ridgeback). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Bracco Italiano (80 percent match with Rhodesian Ridgeback). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Bracco Italiano.

    • 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Akbash.
  • Hovawart (81 percent match with Spanish Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hovawart.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Mudi     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Giant Schnauzer     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Maltipoo     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Golden Retriever     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Aussiedoodle     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Akbash     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Irish Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Keeshond     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Dutch Shepherd     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Norwich Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Gordon Setter     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Silky Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Papillon     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Field Spaniel     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Standard Schnauzer     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Scottish Deerhound     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Borzoi     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pug     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Gordon Setter     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Cockalier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Peek A Poo     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Toy Fox Terrier     

    Spanish Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Spanish Mastiff versus Portuguese Water Dog     Spanish Mastiff versus Norwegian Buhund     Spanish Mastiff versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Keeshond     Spanish Mastiff versus Aussiedoodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Spanish Mastiff versus Swedish Vallhund     Spanish Mastiff versus Rottweiler     Spanish Mastiff versus Giant Schnauzer     Spanish Mastiff versus Sheepadoodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Mastiff     Spanish Mastiff versus Kai Ken     Spanish Mastiff versus Pharaoh Hound     Spanish Mastiff versus English Cocker Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Silky Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus English Springer Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Belgian Sheepdog     Spanish Mastiff versus Shiranian     Spanish Mastiff versus Yorkshire Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Papipoo     Spanish Mastiff versus Pomchi     Spanish Mastiff versus Irish Water Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Peek A Poo     Spanish Mastiff versus Frenchton     Spanish Mastiff versus Collie     

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