Differences and Similarities between the Collie and the Spanish Mastiff.

Last Updated: May 01, 2022

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Collie Versus Spanish Mastiff: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Collie and the Spanish Mastiff? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Collie and the Spanish Mastiff better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Collie and the Spanish Mastiff.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Collie and the Spanish Mastiff is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Collie and for the Spanish Mastiff. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Collie and the Spanish Mastiff.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Collie or the Spanish Mastiff.

Note that the Collie breed comes in two varieties based on coat texture. There is the smooth collie and the rough collie. Read our article on rough collie versus smooth collie.

Furthermore, the border collie dog breed is very different from the collie dog breed. Learn about the differences between these two dog breeds in our border collie versus collie article.

See this article that compares the Border Collie to the Spanish Mastiff.

Finally, just like the collie, the border collie also comes in two varieties. There is the rough border collie and the smooth border collie. To learn about the differences and similarities between them, check out our article on rough-coat border collie versus smooth-coat border collie.

Collie versus Spanish Mastiff: Overview

A very important difference between the Collie and the Spanish Mastiff is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Collie is a medium-sized dog while the Spanish Mastiff is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Collie belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, the Spanish Mastiff belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Collie versus Spanish Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Collie to the Spanish Mastiff based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Collie and the Spanish Mastiff

FactorCollieSpanish Mastiff
Does NOT Drool5/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander5/54/5
Life Span10 to 14 years10 to 12 years
Tolerates Being Alone2/53/5
Easy To Groom2/53/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/54/5
Height22 to 26 inches all at the shoulder26 to 35 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living3/52/5
Tolerates Hot Weather3/53/5
General Health3/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/53/5
Does NOT chew on things3/54/5
NOT Rambunctious3/53/5
Minimal Exercise Needs3/53/5
Good For Novice Owners4/51/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/54/5
Dog Friendly4/52/5
Friendly Toward Strangers4/52/5
Easy To Train4/52/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Low Prey Drive2/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/55/5
Potential For Playfulness4/54/5
Easygoing1/53/5
Affectionate With Family5/54/5
Kid-Friendly5/54/5
Does NOT Shed1/53/5
Weight50 to 70 pounds140 to 220 pounds
Average Lifespan12.0 years11.0 years
Average Price$1480$1010
Price Range$1000 – $1800$900 – $1100
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Dermatomyositis
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • No Data
    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Collie in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Spanish Mastiff. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Collie is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Spanish Mastiff is 83 out of 125.

    Despite the equal Better-Pet score of the Collie and the Spanish Mastiff, we still think that the Collie is a better pet than the Spanish Mastiff.

    This is because Collies are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Collie will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the Collie :-). We are for the Collie. So get a Collie!

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Collie and the Spanish Mastiff

    Below is a list of where the Collie and the Spanish Mastiff are most different:

  • Collies are good for new dog owners. However, Spanish Mastiffs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Collies have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Spanish Mastiffs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Collies are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Spanish Mastiffs are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • The Similarities Between the Collie and the Spanish Mastiff

    The Collie and the Spanish Mastiff are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Collie and the Spanish Mastiff are most similar:

  • Both the Collie and the Spanish Mastiff do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Collie and the Spanish Mastiff do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Collie and the Spanish Mastiff do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Collie and the Spanish Mastiff require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Collie and the Spanish Mastiff do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Collie and the Spanish Mastiff can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Collie and the Spanish Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Collie and the Spanish Mastiff are very playful.
  • Both the Collie and the Spanish Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Collie and the Spanish Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Size Comparison of the Collie versus Spanish Mastiff

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Collie and the Spanish Mastiff.

    The Collie weighs 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The Collie is 22 to 26 inches all at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, the Spanish Mastiff weighs 140 to 220 pounds when fully grown. The Spanish Mastiff is 26 to 35 inches when fully grown.

    Size of Collie versus Size of Spanish Mastiff

    Lifespan of Collie versus Spanish Mastiff

    The lifespan of the Collie is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Collie is 12.0 years.

    The lifespan of the Spanish Mastiff is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of the Spanish Mastiff is 11.0 years.

    The Collie live longer than the Spanish Mastiff.

    Price of Collie versus Price of Spanish Mastiff

    The average price of the Collie puppy is $1480. The price of the Collie typically ranges from $1000 – $1800. However, the price of a Collie can be as low as $300 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 356 Collie puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Spanish Mastiff puppy is $1010. The price of the Spanish Mastiff typically ranges from $900 – $1100. However, the price of the Spanish Mastiff can be as low as $800 and as high as $1250. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 7 Spanish Mastiff puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Collie is more expensive than the Spanish Mastiff.

    Collie Spanish Mastiff
    Average Price $1480 $1010
    Price Range $1000 to $1800 $900 to $1100

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Collie and Spanish Mastiff. For different price points, the charts show how many Collie puppies or how many Spanish Mastiff puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Collies. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Collies. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Spanish Mastiffs

    A breakdown of the prices of Spanish Mastiffs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Collie puppy or the Spanish Mastiff puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Check out our list of best Collie breeders here

    Tolerates Being Alone: Collie versus Spanish Mastiff

    Collies do not like to be left alone.

    Spanish Mastiffs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Collies shed more than Spanish Mastiffs?

    Collies shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Spanish Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Collie or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Collies require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Spanish Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Collie or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Collies get along very well with other dogs.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Collies good family dogs? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Collies are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Spanish Mastiffs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Collie Easier to Train than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Collies are very easy to train.

    Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Collie or the Spanish Mastiff

    Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Spanish Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Collies and Spanish Mastiffs?

    Collies get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Spanish Mastiffs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Collies have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Spanish Mastiffs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Collies Bark and Howl? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Collies are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Spanish Mastiffs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Spanish Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Collie vs. Spanish Mastiff

    Collies do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Collies can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Spanish Mastiffs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Is the Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Collies adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Collie or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Collies are very good for new dog owners.

    Spanish Mastiffs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Collie compares to other breeds aside from the Spanish Mastiff. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Collie to other breeds:

    Collie versus Spanish Mastiff     Collie versus Valley Bulldog     Collie versus Bouvier des Flandres     Collie versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Collie versus Newfoundland     Collie versus Cavapoo     Collie versus Mal Shi     Collie versus Rottweiler     Collie versus Bolognese     Collie versus Bich Poo     Collie versus Beagle     Collie versus Papipoo     Collie versus Schnoodle     Collie versus Saluki     Collie versus Catahoula Bulldog     Collie versus Weimaraner     Collie versus King Shepherd     

    Conclusion: Collie versus Spanish Mastiff. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Collie and the Spanish Mastiff better suits you and your family.