Lancashire Heeler vs Mastiff
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Lancashire Heeler
Miscellaneous Class
Mastiff
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Lancashire Heeler Overview
Lancashire Heelers are compact, muscular dogs with distinctive black and tan coloring. Their alert expression and sturdy build reflect their heritage as skilled herding dogs. Standing 10-12 inches at the shoulder with a weather-resistant double coat, these dogs possess powerful shoulders and strong hindquarters that enable remarkable agility and quick movements.
Mastiff Overview
Massive and powerful, the Mastiff embodies strength with a gentle soul. Their distinctive wrinkled forehead and broad skull create an imposing yet noble appearance. Standing up to 30 inches at the shoulder with a deep chest and muscular build, these giants possess a short fawn or apricot coat with a dark mask. Despite their intimidating size, Mastiffs display remarkable gentleness and dignified composure.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Lancashire Heelers are more energetic than Mastiffs, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Lancashire Heelers require less grooming attention compared to Mastiffs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Lancashire Heelers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Mastiffs.
- Trainability: Mastiffs may be slightly easier to train due to their Mastiff's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Lancashire Heelers adapt better to apartment living, while Mastiffs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Lancashire Heeler and Mastiff, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Lancashire Heeler | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Giant |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 6-10 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Miscellaneous Class | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Lancashire Heeler | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-12 inches 25-30 cm | 27-30 inches 70-76 cm |
| Weight | 9-17 lbs 4-8 kg | 120-230 lbs 54-104 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Medium coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Medium |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Lancashire Heeler | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Versatile, Intelligent | Courageous, Dignified, Good-Natured |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Lancashire Heeler | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Lancashire Heeler Temperament
The Lancashire Heeler is known for being affectionate, versatile, intelligent, making them excellent family dogs. 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.
Mastiff Temperament
The Mastiff is characterized by being courageous, dignified, good-natured, 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 Lancashire Heeler and 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
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 5/5
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 5/5
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 4/5
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 1/5
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 2/5
Mastiff
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Lancashire Heeler Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Lancashire Heelers 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, Lancashire Heelers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Mastiff Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
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 medium coat coat, Mastiffs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Lancashire Heeler Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patella Luxation
- Eye Problems
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Primary Lens Luxation
- Heart Issues
Mastiff Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Elbow Dysplasia
Pros & Cons
Lancashire Heeler
Pros
- Intelligent
- Adaptable
- Low grooming needs
- Good with families
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- High exercise needs
- May chase small animals
- Can be vocal
Mastiff
Pros
- Gentle and patient nature
- Excellent guard dog
- Good with family
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Heavy drooling
- Shorter lifespan
- Requires significant space
- High food costs
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Lancashire Heeler and Mastiff, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.