A Detailed Comparison of the Shetland Sheepdog and the Spanish Mastiff.

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Shetland Sheepdog Versus Spanish Mastiff: Introduction

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

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

Shetland Sheepdog versus Spanish Mastiff: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Shetland Sheepdog 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.

Shetland Sheepdog versus Spanish Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog and the Spanish Mastiff

Factor Shetland Sheepdog Spanish Mastiff
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Height 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder 26 to 35 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Weight Starts at 20 pounds 140 to 220 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1590 $1050
Price Range $1000 – $2000 $1000 – $1050
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- Recommend evaluation every year until age 5, every 2 years thereafter until age 9.
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Spanish Mastiff is 83 out of 125.

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

    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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Shetland Sheepdogs 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.
  • Shetland Sheepdogs are very friendly towards strangers. However, Spanish Mastiffs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train. However, Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.

    • The Similarities Between the Shetland Sheepdog and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Spanish Mastiff do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Spanish Mastiff are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Spanish Mastiff do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Spanish Mastiff do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Spanish Mastiff require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog and the Spanish Mastiff do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Spanish Mastiff can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Spanish Mastiff are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Spanish Mastiff have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Spanish Mastiff require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Spanish Mastiff are very playful.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Spanish Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Spanish Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Shetland Sheepdog and the Spanish Mastiff are highly intelligent.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Shetland Sheepdog versus Spanish Mastiff

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs weigh Starts at 20 pounds when fully grown. Shetland Sheepdogs are 13 to 16 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 Shetland Sheepdog versus Spanish Mastiff

    The lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs 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.

    Shetland Sheepdogs live longer than Spanish Mastiffs.

    Price of Shetland Sheepdog versus Price of Spanish Mastiff

    The average price of the Shetland Sheepdog puppy is $1590. The price of the Shetland Sheepdog typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of a Shetland Sheepdog can be as low as $500 and as high as $3145. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 153 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog is more expensive than the Spanish Mastiff.

    Shetland Sheepdog Spanish Mastiff
    Average Price $1590 $1050
    Price Range $1000 to $2000 $1000 to $1050

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Shetland Sheepdogs. 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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: Shetland Sheepdog versus Spanish Mastiff

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Shetland Sheepdogs shed more than Spanish Mastiffs?

    Shetland Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Spanish Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Shetland Sheepdog or the Spanish Mastiff

    Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Spanish Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Shetland Sheepdog or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Shetland Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Spanish Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Shetland Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Shetland Sheepdogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Shetland Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Spanish Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Shetland Sheepdog vs. Spanish Mastiff

    Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdog or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Shetland Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdogs and Spanish Mastiffs?

    Shetland Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Shetland Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

    Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.

    Is the Shetland Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdog

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

  • Collie (81 percent match with Shetland Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Collie.
  • Pembroke Welsh Corgi (79 percent match with Shetland Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Shetland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shetland Sheepdog versus Yorkipoo     Shetland Sheepdog versus Miniature Pinscher     Shetland Sheepdog versus Italian Greyhound     Shetland Sheepdog versus Schnoodle     Shetland Sheepdog versus Border Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Scottish Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Lhasa Apso     Shetland Sheepdog versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Shetland Sheepdog versus Mal Shi     Shetland Sheepdog versus Pharaoh Hound     Shetland Sheepdog versus Chow Chow     Shetland Sheepdog versus Silky Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Bloodhound     Shetland Sheepdog versus American Bulldog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Schipperke     Shetland Sheepdog versus Giant Schnauzer     Shetland Sheepdog versus Black Mouth Cur     Shetland Sheepdog versus Doberman Pinscher     Shetland Sheepdog versus Karelian Bear Dog     Shetland Sheepdog versus German Longhaired Pointer     Shetland Sheepdog versus Tibetan Mastiff     Shetland Sheepdog versus Patterdale Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Afghan Hound     Shetland Sheepdog versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     

    Spanish Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Spanish Mastiff versus Affenhuahua     Spanish Mastiff versus Cocker Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Leonberger     Spanish Mastiff versus Cavapoo     Spanish Mastiff versus Greyhound     Spanish Mastiff versus Bouvier des Flandres     Spanish Mastiff versus Bull Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Barbet     Spanish Mastiff versus American Hairless Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Spanish Mastiff versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Spanish Mastiff versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Spanish Mastiff versus Portuguese Pointer     Spanish Mastiff versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Spanish Mastiff versus Newfoundland     Spanish Mastiff versus Afador     Spanish Mastiff versus Shiranian     Spanish Mastiff versus Dutch Shepherd     Spanish Mastiff versus Sealyham Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Silky Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Barbet     Spanish Mastiff versus Brussels Griffon     Spanish Mastiff versus Labrador Retriever     Spanish Mastiff versus Kai Ken     

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