Differences and Similarities between the Spanish Mastiff and the Whippet.

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Spanish Mastiff Versus Whippet: Introduction

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

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

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 Whippet.

Spanish Mastiff versus Whippet: Overview

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

Spanish Mastiff versus Whippet: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Spanish Mastiff to the Whippet 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 Whippet

Factor Spanish Mastiff Whippet
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 15 years
Weight 140 to 220 pounds 18 to 48 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Height 26 to 35 inches 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1050 $2120
Price Range $1000 – $1050 $1600 – $2600
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • 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 Whippet. 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 Whippet is 86 out of 125.

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

    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 Whippet 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 Whippet

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

  • Spanish Mastiffs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Whippets have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Whippets adapt well to apartment living.
  • Spanish Mastiffs can tolerate cold weather. However, Whippets cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • The Similarities Between the Spanish Mastiff and the Whippet

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

  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Whippet are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Whippet do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Whippet do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Whippet are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Whippet get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Whippet are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Whippet are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Spanish Mastiff and the Whippet are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Spanish Mastiff versus Whippet

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

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

    On the other hand, Whippets weigh 18 to 48 pounds when fully grown. Whippets are 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Spanish Mastiff versus Whippet

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

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

    Whippets live longer than Spanish Mastiffs.

    Price of Spanish Mastiff versus Price of Whippet

    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 Whippet puppy is $2120. The price of the Whippet typically ranges from $1600 – $2600. However, the price of the Whippet can be as low as $400 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 121 Whippet puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Whippet is more expensive than the Spanish Mastiff.

    Spanish Mastiff Whippet
    Average Price $1050 $2120
    Price Range $1000 to $1050 $1600 to $2600

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Whippets

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

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

    Whippets do not like to be left alone.

    Do Spanish Mastiffs shed more than Whippets?

    Spanish Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Whippets do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Spanish Mastiff or the Whippet

    Spanish Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Whippets do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Spanish Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Whippets are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Whippets 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 Whippets?

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

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

    Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Whippets Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Spanish Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Spanish Mastiff vs. Whippet

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

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

    Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Whippets Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Whippets can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Whippets get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Spanish Mastiffs good family dogs? What about Whippets?

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

    Whippets are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Spanish Mastiffs and Whippets?

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

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

    Is the Spanish Mastiff Easier to Train than the Whippet?

    Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.

    Whippets are very easy to train.

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

    Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Whippets adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Ibizan Hound (86 percent match with Whippet). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Ibizan Hound.
  • Italian Greyhound (78 percent match with Whippet). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Italian Greyhound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Spanish Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Spanish Mastiff versus Whoodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Spanish Mastiff versus Doberman Pinscher     Spanish Mastiff versus Silky Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Bouvier des Flandres     Spanish Mastiff versus Tibetan Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Japanese Chin     Spanish Mastiff versus Tibetan Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Swedish Vallhund     Spanish Mastiff versus Kai Ken     Spanish Mastiff versus Bulldog     Spanish Mastiff versus Giant Schnauzer     Spanish Mastiff versus Pyredoodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Redbone Coonhound     Spanish Mastiff versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Spanish Mastiff versus Pomapoo     Spanish Mastiff versus Xoloitzcuintli     Spanish Mastiff versus Brussels Griffon     Spanish Mastiff versus Bordoodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Cavachon     Spanish Mastiff versus Kuvasz     Spanish Mastiff versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Spanish Mastiff versus Berger Picard     Spanish Mastiff versus Japanese Spitz     Spanish Mastiff versus Xoloitzcuintli     

    Whippet Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Whippet versus Sealyham Terrier     Whippet versus Dalmatian     Whippet versus French Spaniel     Whippet versus Ibizan Hound     Whippet versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Whippet versus Goldador     Whippet versus Weimaraner     Whippet versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Whippet versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Whippet versus Pyredoodle     Whippet versus Border Collie     Whippet versus Border Terrier     Whippet versus Cockalier     Whippet versus Goldendoodle     Whippet versus Shiba Inu     Whippet versus Yorkipoo     Whippet versus Biewer Terrier     Whippet versus Chinese Crested     Whippet versus Shichon     Whippet versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Whippet versus Schnoodle     Whippet versus Clumber Spaniel     Whippet versus Silky Terrier     Whippet versus English Setter     Whippet versus Bedlington Terrier     

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