Dogo Argentino vs Spanish Mastiff
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Dogo Argentino
Working Group
Spanish Mastiff
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Dogo Argentino Overview
Powerful and athletic, the Dogo Argentino showcases a muscular build with a pure white coat. Their broad head features a strong jaw and alert expression, while their deep chest and strong limbs reflect their hunting heritage. Known for combining strength with agility, these dogs display a balanced temperament, being both protective and affectionate with family.
Spanish Mastiff Overview
Majestic Spanish Mastiffs possess a commanding presence with their massive build and dignified bearing. Their thick, muscular frame supports a large head with pendulous jowls and a distinctive wrinkled brow. The dense coat comes in various colors, predominantly fawn and brindle. Despite their imposing size, these gentle giants display remarkable gentleness and patience, particularly with family members.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Dogo Argentinos are more energetic than Spanish Mastiffs, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Dogo Argentinos require less grooming attention compared to Spanish Mastiffs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Dogo Argentinos tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Spanish Mastiffs.
- Trainability: Spanish Mastiffs may be slightly easier to train due to their Spanish Mastiff's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Spanish Mastiffs adapt better to apartment living, while Dogo Argentinos typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Dogo Argentino and Spanish Mastiff, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Dogo Argentino | Spanish Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Giant |
| Life Expectancy | 9-15 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Dogo Argentino | Spanish Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-27 inches 61-67 cm | 28-35 inches 71-89 cm |
| Weight | 88-100 lbs 40-45 kg | 140-200 lbs 64-91 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Dogo Argentino | Spanish Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Cheerful, Humble | Affectionate, Intelligent, Kind |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Dogo Argentino | Spanish Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Dogo Argentino Temperament
The Dogo Argentino is known for being friendly, cheerful, humble, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Spanish Mastiff Temperament
The Spanish Mastiff is characterized by being affectionate, intelligent, kind, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Dogo Argentino and Spanish Mastiff, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Dogo Argentino
Rating: 3/5
Spanish Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Dogo Argentino
Rating: 3/5
Spanish Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Dogo Argentino
Rating: 5/5
Spanish Mastiff
Rating: 2/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Dogo Argentino
Rating: 1/5
Spanish Mastiff
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Dogo Argentino
Rating: 2/5
Spanish Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Dogo Argentino Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Dogo Argentinos require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Dogo Argentinos require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Spanish Mastiff Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Spanish Mastiffs need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Spanish Mastiffs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Dogo Argentino Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Deafness
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Skin Allergies
Spanish Mastiff Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart issues
- Eye problems
Pros & Cons
Dogo Argentino
Pros
- Loyal and protective
- Athletic and strong
- Good with family
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Strong prey drive
- Not for novice owners
- Can be stubborn
Spanish Mastiff
Pros
- Excellent guardian breed
- Gentle with family
- Patient temperament
- Low exercise needs
Cons
- Heavy drooling
- Significant food costs
- Space requirements
- Health issues
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Dogo Argentino and Spanish Mastiff, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.