Differences and Similarities between the Rottweiler and the Spanish Mastiff.

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Rottweiler Versus Spanish Mastiff: Introduction

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

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

Rottweiler versus Spanish Mastiff: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Rottweiler and the Spanish Mastiff are Working Dogs. This means both the Rottweiler and the Spanish Mastiff 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.

Rottweiler versus Spanish Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Rottweiler 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 Rottweiler and the Spanish Mastiff

FactorRottweilerSpanish Mastiff
Good For Novice Owners1/51/5
Tolerates Being Alone1/53/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living2/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather2/54/5
Dog Friendly2/52/5
General Health2/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander4/54/5
Height22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder26 to 35 inches
Tolerates Hot Weather3/53/5
Does NOT chew on things3/54/5
Easygoing2/53/5
Kid-Friendly4/54/5
Friendly Toward Strangers4/52/5
Does NOT Shed2/53/5
Does NOT Drool2/54/5
Easy To Train4/52/5
Low Prey Drive2/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/55/5
NOT Rambunctious2/53/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor2/54/5
Minimal Exercise Needs2/53/5
Affectionate With Family5/54/5
Easy To Groom5/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight1/53/5
Intelligence5/54/5
Potential For Playfulness5/54/5
Life Span8 to 11 years10 to 12 years
Weight85 to 130 pounds140 to 220 pounds
Average Lifespan9.5 years11.0 years
Average Price$1740$1050
Price Range$1300 – $2000$1000 – $1050
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation (note minimum age of 24 months as requested by ARC effective 8/1/16)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination (note minimum age of 24 months as requested by ARC effective 8/1/16)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy (JLPP)
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Rottweiler 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 Rottweiler is 69 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 Rottweiler. 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 Rottweiler 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 Rottweiler and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Rottweilers 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.
  • Rottweilers 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 Rottweiler and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Both the Rottweiler and the Spanish Mastiff are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Rottweiler and the Spanish Mastiff do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Rottweiler and the Spanish Mastiff do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Rottweiler 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 Rottweiler 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 Rottweiler and the Spanish Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Rottweiler and the Spanish Mastiff shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Rottweiler and the Spanish Mastiff have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Rottweiler and the Spanish Mastiff require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Rottweiler and the Spanish Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Rottweiler and the Spanish Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Rottweiler and the Spanish Mastiff are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Rottweiler versus Spanish Mastiff

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

    Rottweilers weigh 85 to 130 pounds when fully grown. Rottweilers are 22 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 Rottweiler versus Spanish Mastiff

    The lifespan of Rottweilers is between 8 to 11 years. The average lifespan of Rottweilers is 9.5 years.

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

    Spanish Mastiffs live longer than Rottweilers.

    Price of Rottweiler versus Price of Spanish Mastiff

    The average price of the Rottweiler puppy is $1740. The price of the Rottweiler typically ranges from $1300 – $2000. However, the price of a Rottweiler can be as low as $100 and as high as $4650. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 365 Rottweiler 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 Rottweiler is more expensive than the Spanish Mastiff.

    `
    Rottweiler Spanish Mastiff
    Average Price $1740 $1050
    Price Range $1300 to $2000 $1000 to $1050

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Rottweilers. 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 Rottweiler 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: Rottweiler versus Spanish Mastiff

    Rottweilers do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Rottweilers shed more than Spanish Mastiffs?

    Rottweilers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Spanish Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Rottweiler or the Spanish Mastiff

    Rottweilers have a very high tendency to drool.

    Spanish Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Rottweilers are very easy to groom.

    Spanish Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Rottweilers 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 Rottweilers Bark and Howl? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Rottweilers 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 Rottweilers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Spanish Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Rottweiler vs. Spanish Mastiff

    Rottweilers 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 Rottweilers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Rottweilers 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 Rottweiler or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Rottweilers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Rottweilers good family dogs? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Rottweilers 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 Rottweilers and Spanish Mastiffs?

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

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

    Is the Rottweiler Easier to Train than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Rottweilers are very easy to train.

    Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.

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

    Rottweilers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Rottweilers 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 Rottweiler

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

  • Boxer (75 percent match with Rottweiler). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Boxer.
  • Portuguese Pointer (74 percent match with Rottweiler). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Portuguese Pointer.
  • 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 Rottweiler vs Akbash.
  • Hovawart (81 percent match with Spanish Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Rottweiler vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Rottweiler Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Rottweiler versus Jack Russell Terrier     Rottweiler versus Catahoula Bulldog     Rottweiler versus Australian Cattle Dog     Rottweiler versus Bolognese     Rottweiler versus Carolina Dog     Rottweiler versus Clumber Spaniel     Rottweiler versus Pomchi     Rottweiler versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Rottweiler versus Greyhound     Rottweiler versus Briard     Rottweiler versus Boykin Spaniel     Rottweiler versus Azawakh     Rottweiler versus Dogo Argentino     Rottweiler versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Rottweiler versus Cavachon     Rottweiler versus Canaan Dog     Rottweiler versus Bull Terrier     Rottweiler versus Saint Bernard     Rottweiler versus Valley Bulldog     Rottweiler versus Berger Picard     Rottweiler versus Papipoo     Rottweiler versus Italian Greyhound     Rottweiler versus American Hairless Terrier     Rottweiler versus Saluki     Rottweiler versus Maremma Sheepdog     

    Spanish Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Spanish Mastiff versus Lhasa Apso     Spanish Mastiff versus English Toy Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Shiranian     Spanish Mastiff versus Boxerdoodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Pomeranian     Spanish Mastiff versus Sheepadoodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Bolognese     Spanish Mastiff versus Shiranian     Spanish Mastiff versus Kishu Ken     Spanish Mastiff versus Belgian Sheepdog     Spanish Mastiff versus Afador     Spanish Mastiff versus Carolina Dog     Spanish Mastiff versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Spanish Mastiff versus Silky Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Kooikerhondje     Spanish Mastiff versus Bouvier des Flandres     Spanish Mastiff versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Spanish Mastiff versus Basenji     Spanish Mastiff versus Pyredoodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Spanish Mastiff versus Aussiedoodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Spanish Mastiff versus Basenji     Spanish Mastiff versus Border Collie     Spanish Mastiff versus Rottweiler     

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