Breed Comparison: American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Estrela Mountain Dog

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American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Estrela Mountain Dog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog? 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and for the Estrela Mountain Dog. 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Estrela Mountain Dog.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog: Overview

A very important difference between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Estrela Mountain Dog is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the American Pit Bull Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Estrela Mountain Dog 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.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Pit Bull Terrier to the Estrela Mountain Dog 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog

Factor American Pit Bull Terrier Estrela Mountain Dog
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 11 to 15 years
Height 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder 24 to 30 inches
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Weight 30 to 85 pounds 75 to 130 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1160 No Data
Price Range $450 – $1200 No Data
Temperament Score 87.4 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 Estrela Mountain Dog. 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 American Pit Bull Terrier is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Estrela Mountain Dog is 85 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Estrela Mountain Dog is a better pet than the American Pit Bull Terrier. So, you should get the Estrela Mountain Dog!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog

    Below is a list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog are most different:

    • American Pit Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Estrela Mountain Dogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
    • American Pit Bull Terriers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Estrela Mountain Dogs are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom. However, Estrela Mountain Dogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • American Pit Bull Terriers are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Estrela Mountain Dogs are not prone to nip and chew at things.

    The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog

    The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog are most similar:

    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog are very easy to train.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog are highly intelligent.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Size Comparison of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog.

    American Pit Bull Terriers weigh 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown. American Pit Bull Terriers are 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Estrela Mountain Dogs weigh 75 to 130 pounds when fully grown. Estrela Mountain Dogs are 24 to 30 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog

    The lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of Estrela Mountain Dogs is between 11 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Estrela Mountain Dogs is 13.0 years.

    American Pit Bull Terriers live longer than Estrela Mountain Dogs.

    Temperament of the Estrela Mountain Dog Versus the American Pit Bull Terrier

    The Estrela Mountain Dog has a better temperament than the American Pit Bull Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Estrela Mountain Dog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 87.4 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 87.4 percent, the American Pit Bull Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Estrela Mountain Dog has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog by measuring the temperaments of 931 American Pit Bull Terriers and 1 Estrela Mountain Dogs.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Estrela Mountain Dogs?

    American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Estrela Mountain Dog

    American Pit Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs 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 American Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Estrela Mountain Dogs?

    American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Estrela Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Estrela Mountain Dog

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Estrela Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Estrela Mountain Dogs?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are American Pit Bull Terriers and Estrela Mountain Dogs?

    American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are very easy to train.

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog. 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Estrela Mountain Dog better suits you and your family.