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Spanish Mastiff vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Mastín de España or Alsatian wolf dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Spanish Mastiff vs German Shepherd" Compare Spanish Mastiff and German Shepherd. Which is better: Spanish Mastiff or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Spanish Mastiff German Shepherd
OriginsSpain flagSpain Germany flagGermany
Group Guard Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank2032
Reviews121
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Spanish Mastiff and German Shepherd. What other names are these breeds known by?
Mastín de España
Mastin de Extremadura
Mastin de la Mancha
Mastin de Leon
Mastin Espanol
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Spanish Mastiff and a German Shepherd. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Spanish Mastiff vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Spanish Mastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Giant Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Spanish Mastiff and a German Shepherd. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 185-220 pounds (90-100 kg), Female: 145-170 pounds (52-77 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 202.5 pounds (95 kg), Female: 157.5 pounds (64.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Spanish Mastiff or German Shepherd? Is a Spanish Mastiff taller than a German Shepherd?
28-35 inches (72-88 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
31.5 inches (80 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Spanish Mastiff vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Spanish Mastiff and a German Shepherd. Which breed costs more?
$600-$800 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Spanish Mastiff or German Shepherd?
Average: The Spanish Mastiff is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Spanish Mastiff vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Spanish Mastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Spanish Mastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare training requirements.
Spanish Mastiff dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Spanish Mastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare alertness levels.
Spanish Mastiff dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Spanish Mastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare territorial behaviors.
Spanish Mastiff dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Spanish Mastiff vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Spanish Mastiff and a German Shepherd. How do their temperaments differ?
Intelligent
Affectionate
Selfish
Determined
Noble
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Spanish Mastiff vs German Shepherd?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Spanish Mastiff vs German Shepherd?
High: Spanish Mastiff dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Spanish Mastiff vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Spanish Mastiff dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Spanish Mastiff vs German Shepherd?
Spanish Mastiff dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Spanish Mastiff vs German Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting?
Spanish Mastiff dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Spanish Mastiff vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Spanish Mastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The Spanish Mastiff rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Spanish Mastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Spanish Mastiffs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Spanish Mastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare living space needs.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Spanish Mastiff breed.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.

Spanish Mastiff vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Spanish Mastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare adaptability levels.
Average: Spanish Mastiff dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Spanish Mastiff or German Shepherd?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Spanish Mastiff vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Spanish Mastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Spanish Mastiff has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Spanish Mastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Spanish Mastiff dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Spanish Mastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare bite force PSI.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Spanish Mastiff bite force: The Strongest.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Spanish Mastiff vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Spanish Mastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare average lifespans.
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Spanish Mastiff: 11 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Spanish Mastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare climate tolerances.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Spanish Mastiff and a German Shepherd. Which breed is healthier?
Spanish Mastiffs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Spanish Mastiff vs German Shepherd?
Frequent
The Spanish Mastiff should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Spanish Mastiff vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Spanish Mastiff vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Bloat
Heart Problems
Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Obesity
Dental Problems
Panosteitis
Joint Dysplasia
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo

Spanish Mastiff vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Spanish Mastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare activity levels.
Spanish Mastiff dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Spanish Mastiff vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Spanish Mastiff or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Spanish Mastiff dogs have an average exercise need.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Spanish Mastiff or German Shepherd?
Spanish Mastiff dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Spanish Mastiff vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Spanish Mastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare obesity risks.
High: The Spanish Mastiff breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Spanish Mastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare daily food needs.
8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Spanish Mastiff vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Spanish Mastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Spanish Mastiff and German Shepherd? Compare breed colors.
Black
Fawn
Sable
Yellow
Brindle
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Spanish Mastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare maintenance needs.
Easy to groom: The Spanish Mastiff doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Spanish Mastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare drooling amounts.
The Spanish Mastiff drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
See more.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Spanish Mastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare natural smell levels.

High 🔼

The Spanish Mastiff has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Spanish Mastiff and a German Shepherd? Compare fur types.
Dense
Thick
Straight
Fuzzy
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Spanish Mastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare bathing frequencies.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Spanish Mastiff or German Shepherd? Do Spanish Mastiff dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs?
Spanish Mastiff dogs shed moderately.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.

Spanish Mastiff vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Spanish Mastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare kid-friendliness.
Spanish Mastiff dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Spanish Mastiff dogs are generally with other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Spanish Mastiff or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Spanish Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Spanish Mastiff or German Shepherd?
Spanish Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Spanish Mastiff or German Shepherd? Can a Spanish Mastiff and a German Shepherd be friends? Do Spanish Mastiff dogs get along with German Shepherd dogs?
Spanish Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Spanish Mastiff vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Spanish Mastiff dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Spanish Mastiff is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Spanish Mastiffs are usually recommended for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Spanish Mastiff vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Spanish Mastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare service capabilities.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Spanish Mastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare therapy capabilities.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Spanish Mastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Spanish Mastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare SAR abilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Spanish Mastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Spanish Mastiff breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Spanish Mastiff or a German Shepherd? Compare draft work capabilities.

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between Spanish Mastiff and German Shepherd. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Spanish Mastiff vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Spanish Mastiff and German Shepherd. Which has larger litters?
3-6 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Spanish Mastiff and German Shepherd breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Spanish Mastiff and German Shepherd. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Spanish Mastiff vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Spanish Mastiff and German Shepherd. Which groups do they belong to?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Spanish Mastiff and German Shepherd. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Spanish Mastiff and German Shepherd. Which is more widely recognized?
American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Rare Breed Association
Foundation Stock Service
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

Rate This Comparsion - Spanish Mastiff vs German Shepherd

Reviews

  • Andrew William Zhu

    Jul 23, 2020, 2:17:50 AM:

    I Really love Spanish Mastiffs and German Shepherds, so I rate this 5 stars.