Breed Comparison: Spanish Mastiff Versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier

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Spanish Mastiff Versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Spanish Mastiff and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier 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 Spanish Mastiff and for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. 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 Spanish Mastiff and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Spanish Mastiff or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Spanish Mastiff versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Overview

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

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Spanish Mastiff versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Spanish Mastiff to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier 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 Spanish Mastiff and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Factor Spanish Mastiff Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 14 years
Weight 140 to 220 pounds 24 to 38 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Height 26 to 35 inches 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1050 $1890
Price Range $1000 – $1050 $1000 – $2425
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination – min age 1 year
  • Hereditary Cataracts DNA Test
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • L2HGA DNA Test
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Spanish Mastiff 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier. 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 Spanish Mastiff is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is 75 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Spanish Mastiff is a better pet than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. 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 Spanish Mastiff and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Spanish Mastiff and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Spanish Mastiff and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are most different:

  • Spanish Mastiffs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are very friendly towards strangers.
  • The Similarities Between the Spanish Mastiff and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

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

  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are not easy to train.
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Spanish Mastiff versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Spanish Mastiff and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

    Spanish Mastiffs weigh 140 to 220 pounds when fully grown. Spanish Mastiffs are 26 to 35 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Staffordshire Bull Terriers weigh 24 to 38 pounds when fully grown. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Spanish Mastiff versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier

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

    The lifespan of Staffordshire Bull Terriers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Staffordshire Bull Terriers is 13.0 years.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers live longer than Spanish Mastiffs.

    Price of Spanish Mastiff versus Price of Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    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 a Spanish Mastiff can be as low as $1000 and as high as $1200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 4 Spanish Mastiff puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy is $1890. The price of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier typically ranges from $1000 – $2425. However, the price of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier can be as low as $300 and as high as $6500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 56 Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is more expensive than the Spanish Mastiff.

    Spanish Mastiff Staffordshire Bull Terrier
    Average Price $1050 $1890
    Price Range $1000 to $1050 $1000 to $2425

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

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Staffordshire Bull Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Staffordshire Bull Terriers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Spanish Mastiff puppy or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier 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: Spanish Mastiff versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier

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

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Spanish Mastiffs shed more than Staffordshire Bull Terriers?

    Spanish Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Spanish Mastiff or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    Spanish Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Spanish Mastiff or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

    Spanish Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Spanish Mastiff Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

    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.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers 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 Spanish Mastiffs Bark and Howl? What about Staffordshire Bull Terriers?

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

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Staffordshire Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Spanish Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Spanish Mastiff vs. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    Spanish Mastiffs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Staffordshire Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Spanish Mastiff or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

    Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Spanish Mastiffs good family dogs? What about Staffordshire Bull Terriers?

    Spanish Mastiffs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Spanish Mastiffs and Staffordshire Bull Terriers?

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

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Spanish Mastiff Easier to Train than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

    Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers are not easy to train.

    Is the Spanish Mastiff Better for Apartment Owners than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

    Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Spanish Mastiff or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

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

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Akbash.
  • Hovawart (81 percent match with Spanish Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Hovawart.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier:

  • Boxer (71 percent match with Staffordshire Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Boxer.
  • Schipperke (72 percent match with Staffordshire Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Schipperke.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Spanish Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Spanish Mastiff versus English Toy Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus King Shepherd     Spanish Mastiff versus Lancashire Heeler     Spanish Mastiff versus Pomsky     Spanish Mastiff versus Bull Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Spanish Mastiff versus Japanese Spitz     Spanish Mastiff versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Spanish Mastiff versus Beagle     Spanish Mastiff versus Maltese     Spanish Mastiff versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Briard     Spanish Mastiff versus Field Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Belgian Malinois     Spanish Mastiff versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Spanish Mastiff versus Bordoodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Morkie     Spanish Mastiff versus Puli     Spanish Mastiff versus Portuguese Water Dog     Spanish Mastiff versus Mal Shi     Spanish Mastiff versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Spanish Mastiff versus Alaskan Malamute     Spanish Mastiff versus Affenpinscher     Spanish Mastiff versus Tibetan Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Bullmastiff     

    Staffordshire Bull Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Pharaoh Hound     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Siberian Husky     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Aussiedoodle     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Pug     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Bulldog     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Field Spaniel     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Papillon     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Skye Terrier     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Shiba Inu     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Boxer     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Mudi     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Tibetan Mastiff     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Valley Bulldog     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Maltese     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Schnoodle     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Sloughi     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Border Collie     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     

    Conclusion: Spanish Mastiff versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier. 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 Spanish Mastiff and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier better suits you and your family.