American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Pyrenean Shepherd: 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 Pyrenean Shepherd? 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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Pyrenean Shepherd.

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 Pyrenean Shepherd.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Overview

A very important difference between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Pyrenean Shepherd is a small-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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Pit Bull Terrier to the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd

Factor American Pit Bull Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 15 to 17 years
Height 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 1/5
Weight 30 to 85 pounds 25 to 30 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
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 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 16.0 years
Average Price $1140 No Data
Price Range $400 – $1200 No Data
Temperament Score 87.4 percent 75.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
  • 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 Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Pyrenean Shepherd is 72 out of 125.

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

    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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd

    Below is a list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are most different:

  • American Pit Bull Terriers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Pyrenean Shepherds are not very friendly towards strangers.

    • The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd

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

  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are highly intelligent.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd.

    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, Pyrenean Shepherds weigh 25 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Pyrenean Shepherds are 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd

    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 Pyrenean Shepherds is between 15 to 17 years. The average lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is 16.0 years.

    Pyrenean Shepherds live longer than American Pit Bull Terriers.

    Temperament of the American Pit Bull Terrier Versus the Pyrenean Shepherd

    The American Pit Bull Terrier has a better temperament than the Pyrenean Shepherd.

    This is because the temperament score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 87.4 percent while the temperament score for the Pyrenean Shepherd is 75.0 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 75.0 percent, the Pyrenean Shepherd has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 931 American Pit Bull Terriers and 4 Pyrenean Shepherds.

    Adopting the American Pit Bull Terrier versus Adopting the Pyrenean Shepherd

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many American Pit Bull Terriers and many Pyrenean Shepherds are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male American Pit Bull Terrier named Brutus that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable American Pit Bull Terriers like Brutus on pefinder.com.

    Also, like American Pit Bull Terriers, Pyrenean Shepherds are also available for adoption. For example, Boone is a Male Pyrenean Shepherd that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Pyrenean Shepherds like Boone that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Duke is the name of another American Pit Bull Terrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    You can find more American Pit Bull Terriers and Pyrenean Shepherds that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Pyrenean Shepherds?

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Pyrenean Shepherd

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Pyrenean Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Shepherd?

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds 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.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?

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

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

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Pyrenean Shepherd

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherd?

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are American Pit Bull Terriers and Pyrenean Shepherds?

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.

    Pyrenean Shepherds are not easy to train.

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Pyrenean Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Pyrenean Shepherd?

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the American Pit Bull Terrier:

  • American Staffordshire Terrier (76 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Shepherd vs American Staffordshire Terrier.
  • American Water Spaniel (74 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Shepherd vs American Water Spaniel.
  • German Shepherd Dog (77 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Shepherd vs German Shepherd Dog.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Pyrenean Shepherd:

  • Cairn Terrier (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs Cairn Terrier.
  • Lakeland Terrier (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Pomsky (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs Pomsky.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the American Pit Bull Terrier and how the Pyrenean Shepherd compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier and of the Pyrenean Shepherd to other breeds:

    American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Briard     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Komondor     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Bullmastiff     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Akita     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Morkie     American Pit Bull Terrier versus French Bulldog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Norwich Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Chinese Crested     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Greyhound     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Samoyed     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Finnish Spitz     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Affenpinscher     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Plott     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Lhasapoo     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Chinese Shar-Pei     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Boerboel     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Yorkipoo     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Dogue de Bordeaux     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Border Collie     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Bolognese     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Beagle     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Saluki     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Labrador Retriever     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     

    Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pyrenean Shepherd versus Affenpinscher     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Great Dane     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Mudi     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Chorkie     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Irish Setter     Pyrenean Shepherd versus German Longhaired Pointer     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Irish Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Weimaraner     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Pyrenean Shepherd versus French Bulldog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus French Bulldog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus French Spaniel     Pyrenean Shepherd versus German Shepherd Dog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Greyhound     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Barbet     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Belgian Sheepdog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Puggle     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Briard     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Maltese     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Stabyhoun     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Giant Schnauzer     

    Conclusion: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Pyrenean Shepherd better suits you and your family.