Spanish Mastiff vs Otterhound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Spanish Mastiff
Foundation Stock Service
Otterhound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Spanish Mastiff Overview
Majestic Spanish Mastiffs possess a commanding presence with their massive build and dignified bearing. Their thick, muscular frame supports a large head with pendulous jowls and a distinctive wrinkled brow. The dense coat comes in various colors, predominantly fawn and brindle. Despite their imposing size, these gentle giants display remarkable gentleness and patience, particularly with family members.
Otterhound Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Otterhound stands out with its rough double coat and impressive webbed feet. Their large, athletic build features a broad head, substantial bone structure, and loose-hanging skin that creates distinctive facial expressions. Possessing keen swimming abilities and an exceptional nose, these hounds combine strength with agility, while their waterproof coat protects them in various weather conditions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Spanish Mastiffs are less energetic than Otterhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Spanish Mastiffs require less grooming attention compared to Otterhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Spanish Mastiffs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Otterhounds.
- Trainability: Otterhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Otterhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Otterhounds adapt better to apartment living, while Spanish Mastiffs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Spanish Mastiff and Otterhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Spanish Mastiff | Otterhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Giant | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 10-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Spanish Mastiff | Otterhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 28-35 inches 71-89 cm | 24-27 inches 61-69 cm |
| Weight | 140-200 lbs 64-91 kg | 80-115 lbs 36-52 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Spanish Mastiff | Otterhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Intelligent, Kind | Even-Tempered, Amiable, Boisterous |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Spanish Mastiff | Otterhound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Spanish Mastiff Temperament
The Spanish Mastiff is known for being affectionate, intelligent, kind, 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.
Otterhound Temperament
The Otterhound is characterized by being even-tempered, amiable, boisterous, 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 Spanish Mastiff and Otterhound, 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
Spanish Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Spanish Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Spanish Mastiff
Rating: 2/5
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Spanish Mastiff
Rating: 2/5
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Spanish Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Spanish Mastiff Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Spanish 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 short, dense coat coat, Spanish Mastiffs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Otterhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Otterhounds 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, Otterhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Spanish Mastiff Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart issues
- Eye problems
Otterhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Glaucoma
Pros & Cons
Spanish Mastiff
Pros
- Excellent guardian breed
- Gentle with family
- Patient temperament
- Low exercise needs
Cons
- Heavy drooling
- Significant food costs
- Space requirements
- Health issues
Otterhound
Pros
- Excellent swimming ability
- Friendly temperament
- Good with families
- Strong tracking abilities
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Requires lots of exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Rare and expensive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Spanish Mastiff and Otterhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.