Mastiff vs Japanese Chin
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
Japanese Chin
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.
Japanese Chin Overview
Japanese Chin dogs feature distinctive large round eyes, flat faces, and feathered ears that create an endearing expression. Their elegant silhouette combines a small, square body with a profuse, silky coat that flows gracefully. Refined and aristocratic in bearing, these companions display a dignified demeanor while maintaining a playful spirit that charms their families.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Mastiffs are less energetic than Japanese Chins, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Mastiffs require less grooming attention compared to Japanese Chins.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Mastiffs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Japanese Chins.
- Trainability: Mastiffs may be slightly easier to train due to their Mastiff's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Japanese Chins 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 Japanese Chin, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Mastiff | Japanese Chin |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Giant | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 6-10 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Mastiff | Japanese Chin |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 27-30 inches 70-76 cm | 8-11 inches 20-28 cm |
| Weight | 120-230 lbs 54-104 kg | 7-11 lbs 3-5 kg |
| Coat Type | Medium coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Medium | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Mastiff | Japanese Chin |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Courageous, Dignified, Good-Natured | Charming, Noble, Loving |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Mastiff | Japanese Chin |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Japanese Chin Temperament
The Japanese Chin is characterized by being charming, noble, loving, 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 Japanese Chin, 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
Japanese Chin
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Japanese Chin
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Japanese Chin
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Japanese Chin
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Mastiff
Rating: 2/5
Japanese Chin
Rating: 3/5
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.
Japanese Chin Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Japanese Chins 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, Japanese Chins 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
Japanese Chin Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Heart murmurs
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
- Respiratory issues
- Dental problems
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
Japanese Chin
Pros
- Excellent apartment dog
- Gentle disposition
- Low exercise needs
- Good with other pets
- Elegant appearance
Cons
- Delicate health
- Difficult to housebreak
- Temperature sensitive
- Regular grooming needed
- Can be stubborn
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Mastiff and Japanese Chin, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.