Breed Comparison: Spanish Mastiff Versus Swedish Vallhund

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Spanish Mastiff Versus Swedish Vallhund: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Spanish Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund. 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 Swedish Vallhund.

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 Swedish Vallhund.

Spanish Mastiff versus Swedish Vallhund: Overview

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

Spanish Mastiff versus Swedish Vallhund: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Spanish Mastiff to the Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund

Factor Spanish Mastiff Swedish Vallhund
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 15 years
Weight 140 to 220 pounds 22 to 35 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 2/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Height 26 to 35 inches 11 inches to 1 foot, 1 inch tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1050 $2500
Price Range $1000 – $1050 $2500 – $2500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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 Swedish Vallhund. 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 Swedish Vallhund is 86 out of 125.

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

    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 Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund

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

  • Spanish Mastiffs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Swedish Vallhunds have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Spanish Mastiffs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Swedish Vallhunds are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train. However, Swedish Vallhunds are very easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Spanish Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund

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

  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Spanish Mastiff versus Swedish Vallhund

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

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

    On the other hand, Swedish Vallhunds weigh 22 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Swedish Vallhunds are 11 inches to 1 foot, 1 inch tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Spanish Mastiff versus Swedish Vallhund

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

    The lifespan of Swedish Vallhunds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Swedish Vallhunds is 13.5 years.

    Swedish Vallhunds live longer than Spanish Mastiffs.

    Price of Spanish Mastiff versus Price of Swedish Vallhund

    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 Swedish Vallhund puppy is $2500. The price of the Swedish Vallhund typically ranges from $2500 – $2500. However, the price of the Swedish Vallhund can be as low as $2500 and as high as $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 2 Swedish Vallhund puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Swedish Vallhund is more expensive than the Spanish Mastiff.

    Spanish Mastiff Swedish Vallhund
    Average Price $1050 $2500
    Price Range $1000 to $1050 $2500 to $2500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Spanish Mastiff and Swedish Vallhund. For different price points, the charts show how many Spanish Mastiff puppies or how many Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhunds

    A breakdown of the prices of Swedish Vallhunds

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Spanish Mastiff puppy or the Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund

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

    Swedish Vallhunds can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Spanish Mastiffs shed more than Swedish Vallhunds?

    Spanish Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Swedish Vallhunds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Spanish Mastiff or the Swedish Vallhund

    Spanish Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Swedish Vallhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Spanish Mastiff or the Swedish Vallhund?

    Spanish Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Swedish Vallhunds are very easy to groom.

    Does the Spanish Mastiff Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Swedish Vallhund?

    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.

    Swedish Vallhunds 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.

    Do Spanish Mastiffs Bark and Howl? What about Swedish Vallhunds?

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

    Swedish Vallhunds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Swedish Vallhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Spanish Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Swedish Vallhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Spanish Mastiff vs. Swedish Vallhund

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

    Swedish Vallhunds have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Swedish Vallhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Swedish Vallhunds can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Spanish Mastiff or the Swedish Vallhund?

    Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Swedish Vallhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Spanish Mastiffs good family dogs? What about Swedish Vallhunds?

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

    Swedish Vallhunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Spanish Mastiffs and Swedish Vallhunds?

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

    Swedish Vallhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Spanish Mastiff Easier to Train than the Swedish Vallhund?

    Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.

    Swedish Vallhunds are very easy to train.

    Is the Spanish Mastiff Better for Apartment Owners than the Swedish Vallhund?

    Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Swedish Vallhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Dalmatian (75 percent match with Swedish Vallhund). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Dalmatian.
  • German Longhaired Pointer (74 percent match with Swedish Vallhund). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs German Longhaired Pointer.
  • Aussiedoodle (74 percent match with Swedish Vallhund). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Border Collie (75 percent match with Swedish Vallhund). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Border Collie.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Spanish Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Spanish Mastiff versus American Eskimo Dog     Spanish Mastiff versus Cocker Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Belgian Tervuren     Spanish Mastiff versus Akita     Spanish Mastiff versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Spanish Mastiff versus Irish Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Japanese Chin     Spanish Mastiff versus Irish Wolfhound     Spanish Mastiff versus Shih Tzu     Spanish Mastiff versus Boston Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Spanish Mastiff versus West Highland White Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Cavapoo     Spanish Mastiff versus Havanese     Spanish Mastiff versus Maltipoo     Spanish Mastiff versus Catahoula Bulldog     Spanish Mastiff versus Belgian Sheepdog     Spanish Mastiff versus Labrador Retriever     Spanish Mastiff versus Whippet     Spanish Mastiff versus Dutch Shepherd     Spanish Mastiff versus Weimaraner     Spanish Mastiff versus Cavapoo     Spanish Mastiff versus Bull Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus American Foxhound     Spanish Mastiff versus Saluki     

    Swedish Vallhund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Swedish Vallhund versus Sheepadoodle     Swedish Vallhund versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Swedish Vallhund versus American Water Spaniel     Swedish Vallhund versus Sussex Spaniel     Swedish Vallhund versus Papipoo     Swedish Vallhund versus Spinone Italiano     Swedish Vallhund versus Manchester Terrier     Swedish Vallhund versus Silky Terrier     Swedish Vallhund versus Pekingese     Swedish Vallhund versus Xoloitzcuintli     Swedish Vallhund versus Shetland Sheepdog     Swedish Vallhund versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Swedish Vallhund versus Spanish Mastiff     Swedish Vallhund versus Black Mouth Cur     Swedish Vallhund versus Sealyham Terrier     Swedish Vallhund versus Shiloh Shepherd     Swedish Vallhund versus Bulldog     Swedish Vallhund versus Irish Wolfhound     Swedish Vallhund versus Whippet     Swedish Vallhund versus Vizsla     Swedish Vallhund versus Peek A Poo     Swedish Vallhund versus Miniature Schnauzer     Swedish Vallhund versus Affenpinscher     Swedish Vallhund versus Alaskan Malamute     Swedish Vallhund versus Miniature Pinscher     

    Conclusion: Spanish Mastiff versus Swedish Vallhund. 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 Swedish Vallhund better suits you and your family.