Mastiff vs Italian Greyhound
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
Italian Greyhound
Toy 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.
Italian Greyhound Overview
Italian Greyhounds embody elegance with their slender build, fine-boned structure, and graceful gait. Standing 13-15 inches tall, these refined canines feature a sleek coat, long legs, and distinctive arched back. Their large, expressive eyes and small, folded ears contribute to their alert, aristocratic appearance. Despite their delicate frame, they possess remarkable agility and speed.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Mastiffs are less energetic than Italian Greyhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Mastiffs require less grooming attention compared to Italian Greyhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Mastiffs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Italian Greyhounds.
- Trainability: Mastiffs may be slightly easier to train due to their Mastiff's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Italian Greyhounds 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 Italian Greyhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Mastiff | Italian Greyhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Giant | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 6-10 years | 14-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Mastiff | Italian Greyhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 27-30 inches 70-76 cm | 13-15 inches 33-38 cm |
| Weight | 120-230 lbs 54-104 kg | 7-14 lbs 3-6 kg |
| Coat Type | Medium coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Medium | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Mastiff | Italian Greyhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Courageous, Dignified, Good-Natured | Playful, Alert, Sensitive |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Mastiff | Italian Greyhound |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Italian Greyhound Temperament
The Italian Greyhound is characterized by being playful, alert, sensitive, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. 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 Italian Greyhound, 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
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Mastiff
Rating: 2/5
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 2/5
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.
Italian Greyhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Italian Greyhounds 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, Italian Greyhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Mastiff Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Elbow Dysplasia
Italian Greyhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Dental Disease
- Leg Fractures
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
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
Italian Greyhound
Pros
- Gentle and affectionate
- Low grooming needs
- Excellent apartment dog
- Minimal shedding
Cons
- Fragile bone structure
- Cold sensitivity
- Challenging to housebreak
- Separation anxiety prone
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Mastiff and Italian Greyhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.