Bernese Mountain Dog Versus Spanish Mastiff. Differences and Similarities

Last Updated: Nov 06, 2022

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Bernese Mountain Dog Versus Spanish Mastiff: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog and the Spanish Mastiff.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog or the Spanish Mastiff.

Bernese Mountain Dog versus Spanish Mastiff

Bernese Mountain Dog versus Spanish Mastiff: Overview

Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Spanish Mastiff are similar in size. The Bernese Mountain Dog and the Spanish Mastiff are both giant-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Spanish Mastiff are Working Dogs. This means both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Spanish Mastiff 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.

Bernese Mountain Dog versus Spanish Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog and the Spanish Mastiff

FactorBernese Mountain DogSpanish Mastiff
Adapts Well To Apartment Living1/52/5
Tolerates Being Alone1/53/5
Tolerates Hot Weather1/53/5
General Health1/54/5
Good For Novice Owners2/51/5
Height23 to 28 inches26 to 35 inches
Dog Friendly3/52/5
Easy To Groom3/53/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/54/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/54/5
Minimal Exercise Needs3/53/5
Easygoing2/53/5
Does NOT Drool2/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/53/5
Easy To Train4/52/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/55/5
NOT Rambunctious2/53/5
Potential For Playfulness4/54/5
Tolerates Cold Weather5/54/5
Affectionate With Family5/54/5
Kid-Friendly5/54/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/52/5
Does NOT Shed1/53/5
Does NOT chew on things1/54/5
Low Prey Drive1/55/5
Life Span6 to 10 years10 to 12 years
Weight70 to 115 pounds140 to 220 pounds
Average Lifespan8.0 years11.0 years
Average Price$2390$1010
Price Range$1500 – $2995$900 – $1100
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • AKC DNA Profile
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degeneratative Mylopathy (DM) DNA results for both SOD1-A and SOD1-B, or an at-risk result for either SOD1-A or SOD1-B registered with the OFA.
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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 Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog is 66 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Spanish Mastiff is 83 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Spanish Mastiff, we still believe that the Bernese Mountain Dog is a better pet than the Spanish Mastiff.

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

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

    Bernese Mountain Dog versus Spanish Mastiff

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Spanish Mastiff

    Below is a list of where the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Spanish Mastiff are most different:

  • Bernese Mountain Dogs have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Spanish Mastiffs are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Bernese Mountain Dogs 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.
  • Bernese Mountain Dogs are very friendly towards strangers. However, Spanish Mastiffs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Spanish Mastiffs are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Bernese Mountain Dogs 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.
  • The Similarities Between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Spanish Mastiff do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Spanish Mastiff are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Spanish Mastiff are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Spanish Mastiff gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Spanish Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Spanish Mastiff have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Spanish Mastiff are very playful.
  • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Spanish Mastiff can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Spanish Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Spanish Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Size Comparison of the Bernese Mountain Dog versus Spanish Mastiff

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Spanish Mastiff.

    The Bernese Mountain Dog weighs 70 to 115 pounds when fully grown. The Bernese Mountain Dog is 23 to 28 inches 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 Bernese Mountain Dog versus Size of Spanish Mastiff

    Lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Spanish Mastiff

    The lifespan of the Bernese Mountain Dog is between 6 to 10 years. The average lifespan of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 8.0 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 Spanish Mastiff lives longer than the Bernese Mountain Dog.

    Bernese Mountain Dog versus Spanish Mastiff

    Price of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Price of Spanish Mastiff

    The average price of the Bernese Mountain Dog puppy is $2390. The price of the Bernese Mountain Dog typically ranges from $1500 – $2995. However, the price of a Bernese Mountain Dog can be as low as $300 and as high as $10000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 920 Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog is more expensive than the Spanish Mastiff.

    Bernese Mountain Dog Spanish Mastiff
    Average Price $2390 $1010
    Price Range $1500 to $2995 $900 to $1100

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Bernese Mountain Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Bernese Mountain Dogs. 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 Bernese Mountain Dog 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.

    Bernese Mountain Dog versus Spanish Mastiff

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bernese Mountain Dog versus Spanish Mastiff

    Bernese Mountain Dogs do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed more than Spanish Mastiffs?

    Bernese Mountain Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Spanish Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Bernese Mountain Dogs are moderately easy to groom.

    Spanish Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Bernese Mountain Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good family dogs? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Bernese Mountain Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Is the Bernese Mountain Dog Easier to Train than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Bernese Mountain Dogs are very easy to train.

    Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Spanish Mastiff

    Bernese Mountain Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Spanish Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Bernese Mountain Dogs and Spanish Mastiffs?

    Bernese Mountain Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Does the Bernese Mountain Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Bernese Mountain Dogs 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 Bernese Mountain Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Bernese Mountain Dogs 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 Bernese Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Bernese Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Spanish Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bernese Mountain Dog vs. Spanish Mastiff

    Bernese Mountain Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    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 Bernese Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Bernese Mountain Dogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Is the Bernese Mountain Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Bernese Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Bernese Mountain Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Bernese Mountain Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

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

    Bernese Mountain Dog versus Bullmastiff     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Saint Bernard     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Leonberger     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Labrador Retriever     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Irish Wolfhound     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Tibetan Mastiff     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Bernedoodle     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Rottweiler     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Alaskan Malamute     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Mastiff     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Cane Corso     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Newfoundland     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Great Pyrenees     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Dalmatian     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Golden Retriever     Bernese Mountain Dog versus Vizsla     

    Conclusion: Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog and the Spanish Mastiff better suits you and your family.