Spanish Mastiff vs Labrador Retriever

Spanish Mastiff
Spanish Mastiff

Affectionate, Intelligent, Kind

Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever

Friendly, Active, Outgoing

Breed Compatibility

70% Compatible

Energy Level

Spanish Mastiff: Calm0.4
Labrador Retriever: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Less Compatible

Trainability

Spanish Mastiff: N/A
Labrador Retriever: Eager to Please1.0
Less Compatible

Grooming Needs

Spanish Mastiff: N/A
Labrador Retriever: Weekly Brushing0.4
Moderately Compatible

Cost Category

Luxury
Premium
Very Compatible

Compatibility with Others

Good with Children
Spanish Mastiff3/5
Labrador Retriever5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Spanish Mastiff3/5
Labrador Retriever5/5
Good with Strangers
Spanish Mastiff3/5
Labrador Retriever5/5

Living Requirements

Health & Care Comparison

Spanish Mastiff

Hip dysplasia: Joint malformation issue
Elbow dysplasia: Joint development problem
Bloat: Gastric torsion risk
Heart issues: Cardiac health concerns
Eye problems: Various ocular conditions
Obesity: Weight management challenges

Labrador Retriever

Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint development issue
PRA: Progressive eye deterioration
Exercise-Induced Collapse: Activity limit
Bloat: Digestive emergency risk
Heart Issues: Cardiac health concerns

Pros & Cons Comparison

Spanish Mastiff

Pros
Excellent guardian breed
Gentle with family
Patient temperament
Low exercise needs
Cons
Heavy drooling
Significant food costs
Space requirements
Health issues

Labrador Retriever

Pros
Excellent family dog
Highly trainable
Great with children
Versatile working ability
Cons
Heavy shedding
High exercise needs
Prone to weight gain
Chewing tendency in puppyhood

Spanish Mastiff Fun Fact

Spanish Mastiffs were historically used in groups of five to protect sheep flocks from wolves and bears.

Labrador Retriever Fun Fact

Labrador Retrievers have a special gene that makes them obsessed with food, contributing to their trainability!

Heritage & Purpose

Spanish Mastiff

Origin:

Medieval Spain saw these mastiffs guarding livestock against wolves and bears in the Mesta system. Their impressive size and protective nature made them invaluable guardians of sheep flocks.

Labrador Retriever

Origin:

Developed in Newfoundland during the 1800s, these dogs worked alongside fishermen retrieving nets and fish, later refined in England as sporting and hunting companions.

Special Considerations

Spanish Mastiff

Regular grooming needed during shedding seasons. Moderate exercise requirements must be met consistently. Health monitoring is essential due to size-related issues.

Labrador Retriever

Regular grooming needed during heavy shedding seasons. Exercise requirements must be met daily. Weight management crucial to prevent obesity-related health issues.

Shedding

Seasonal

Shedding

Regularly

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