Mastiff vs Biewer Terrier
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
Biewer Terrier
Miscellaneous Class
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.
Biewer Terrier Overview
Biewer Terriers captivate with their elegant tri-colored coats featuring black, white, and gold markings. These diminutive companions stand 7-11 inches tall, displaying a graceful silhouette and flowing hair that reaches the ground. Their bright, inquisitive eyes and dainty frame reflect their Yorkshire Terrier heritage, while their distinctive coloring sets them apart as a unique breed.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Mastiffs are more energetic than Biewer Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Mastiffs require less grooming attention compared to Biewer Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Mastiffs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Biewer Terriers.
- Trainability: Mastiffs may be slightly easier to train due to their Mastiff's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Biewer Terriers 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 Biewer Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Mastiff | Biewer Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Giant | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 6-10 years | 16-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Miscellaneous Class |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Mastiff | Biewer Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 27-30 inches 70-76 cm | 7-11 inches 18-28 cm |
| Weight | 120-230 lbs 54-104 kg | 4-8 lbs 2-4 kg |
| Coat Type | Medium coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Medium | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Unknown |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Mastiff | Biewer Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Courageous, Dignified, Good-Natured | Intelligent, Devoted, Amusing |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Mastiff | Biewer Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Biewer Terrier Temperament
The Biewer Terrier is characterized by being intelligent, devoted, amusing, 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 Mastiff and Biewer Terrier, 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
Biewer Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Biewer Terrier
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Biewer Terrier
Rating: 2/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Biewer Terrier
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Mastiff
Rating: 2/5
Biewer Terrier
Rating: 4/5
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.
Biewer Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Biewer Terriers 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, Biewer Terriers 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
Biewer Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Liver Shunts
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Bladder Stones
- Heart Defects
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
Biewer Terrier
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Minimal exercise needs
- Good for apartment living
- Hypoallergenic coat
Cons
- Regular grooming required
- Can be stubborn
- Delicate build
- Potential dental issues
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Mastiff and Biewer Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.