Siberian Husky vs Mastiff
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Siberian Husky
Working Group
Mastiff
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Siberian Husky Overview
Siberian Huskies are striking sled dogs with distinctive masks, erect triangular ears, and thick double coats in various colors. Their medium-sized, athletic build reflects their endurance heritage, while their almond-shaped eyes often showcase a unique blue or bi-colored appearance. Athletic and graceful in movement, they maintain a friendly yet independent spirit, combining their working dog legacy with an affectionate family companion nature.
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: Siberian Huskys are more energetic than Mastiffs, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Siberian Huskys require more grooming attention compared to Mastiffs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Siberian Huskys 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: Mastiffs adapt better to apartment living, while Siberian Huskys typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Siberian Husky and Mastiff, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Siberian Husky | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Giant |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 6-10 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Siberian Husky | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 20-24 inches 51-60 cm | 27-30 inches 70-76 cm |
| Weight | 35-60 lbs 16-27 kg | 120-230 lbs 54-104 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Medium coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Medium |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Siberian Husky | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Mischievous, Outgoing | Courageous, Dignified, Good-Natured |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Siberian Husky | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Siberian Husky Temperament
The Siberian Husky is known for being loyal, mischievous, outgoing, 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 Siberian Husky 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
Siberian Husky
Rating: 5/5
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Siberian Husky
Rating: 5/5
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Siberian Husky
Rating: 4/5
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Siberian Husky
Rating: 3/5
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Siberian Husky
Rating: 3/5
Mastiff
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Siberian Husky Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Siberian Huskys 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, Siberian Huskys 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
Siberian Husky Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Von Willebrand's
- Zinc Deficiency
Mastiff Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Elbow Dysplasia
Pros & Cons
Siberian Husky
Pros
- Excellent endurance
- Good with children
- Low aggression levels
- Minimal grooming needs
- Independent nature
Cons
- High prey drive
- Challenging to train
- Heavy shedding
- Escape artists
- Not ideal guard dogs
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 Siberian Husky and Mastiff, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.