Mastiff vs Afghan Hound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Mastiff
Working Group
Afghan Hound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Afghan Hound Overview
Afghan Hounds possess a regal bearing with their distinctive long, silky coat and proud head carriage. Their elegant frame combines strength and agility, featuring a deep chest, prominent hipbones, and a curved tail. These aristocratic sighthouds display a unique combination of speed, power, and grace in their movement, with their flowing coat creating a striking spectacle as they run.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Mastiffs are less energetic than Afghan Hounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Mastiffs require less grooming attention compared to Afghan Hounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Mastiffs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Afghan Hounds.
- Trainability: Mastiffs may be slightly easier to train due to their Mastiff's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Afghan Hounds 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 Mastiff and Afghan Hound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Mastiff | Afghan Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Giant | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 6-10 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Mastiff | Afghan Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 27-30 inches 70-76 cm | 25-27 inches 64-69 cm |
| Weight | 120-230 lbs 54-104 kg | 50-60 lbs 23-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Medium coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Medium | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Mastiff | Afghan Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Courageous, Dignified, Good-Natured | Dignified, Profoundly Loyal, Aristocratic |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Mastiff | Afghan Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Mastiff Temperament
The Mastiff is known for being courageous, dignified, good-natured, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Afghan Hound Temperament
The Afghan Hound is characterized by being dignified, profoundly loyal, aristocratic, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Mastiff and Afghan Hound, 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
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Afghan Hound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Afghan Hound
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Afghan Hound
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Afghan Hound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Mastiff
Rating: 2/5
Afghan Hound
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Mastiff Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Mastiffs require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can 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 prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Afghan Hound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Afghan Hounds need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Afghan Hounds require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Mastiff Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Elbow Dysplasia
Afghan Hound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Hypothyroidism
- Allergies
- Chylothorax
Pros & Cons
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
Afghan Hound
Pros
- Elegant and graceful appearance
- Independent nature
- Low shedding coat
- Athletic ability
- Loyal to family
Cons
- High grooming maintenance
- Challenging to train
- Strong prey drive
- Expensive upkeep
- Requires significant exercise
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Mastiff and Afghan Hound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.