Is the American Staffordshire Terrier Better than the Pyrenean Shepherd as a Pet? Our Answer.

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American Staffordshire Terrier Versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire Terrier or the Pyrenean Shepherd.

American Staffordshire Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Overview

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

Furthermore, the American Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd

Factor American Staffordshire Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd
Life Span 10 to 15 years 15 to 17 years
Height 16 to 19 inches 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Weight 40 to 60 pounds 25 to 30 pounds
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 1/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 16.0 years
Average Price $1340 No Data
Price Range $575 – $2000 No Data
Temperament Score 85.5 percent 75.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • NCL-A (Cerebellar Ataxia)
    		•
  • 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 Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire Terrier is 74 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 Staffordshire Terrier is a better pet than the Pyrenean Shepherd. So, you should get the American Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd

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

    • American Staffordshire Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Pyrenean Shepherds adapt well to apartment living.

    The Similarities Between the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd

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

    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are very easy to groom.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are highly intelligent.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are very playful.
    • Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.

    Size Comparison of American Staffordshire Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd

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

    American Staffordshire Terriers weigh 40 to 60 pounds when fully grown. American Staffordshire Terriers are 16 to 19 inches 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 Staffordshire Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd

    The lifespan of American Staffordshire Terriers is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of American Staffordshire Terriers is 12.5 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 Staffordshire Terriers.

    Temperament of the Pyrenean Shepherd Versus the American Staffordshire Terrier

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

    This is because the temperament score for the American Staffordshire Terrier is 85.5 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 85.5 percent, the American Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 743 American Staffordshire Terriers and 4 Pyrenean Shepherds.

    Health Problems of American Staffordshire Terrier versus Health Problems of Pyrenean Shepherd

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the American Staffordshire Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Pyrenean Shepherd.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the American Staffordshire Terrier than for the Pyrenean Shepherd.

    7 health tests are recommended for American Staffordshire Terrier while 5 tests are recommended for the Pyrenean Shepherd.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in American Staffordshire Terriers and in Pyrenean Shepherds.

    American Staffordshire Terrier Health Problems

    American Staffordshire Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing American Staffordshire Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a American Staffordshire Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your American Staffordshire Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen American Staffordshire Terriers for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • NCL-A (Cerebellar Ataxia)

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for American Staffordshire Terriers here.

    Pyrenean Shepherd Health Problems

    Pyrenean Shepherds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Pyrenean Shepherd puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Pyrenean Shepherd puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Pyrenean Shepherd breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Pyrenean Shepherds for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pyrenean Shepherds here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Staffordshire Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd

    American Staffordshire Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Pyrenean Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do American Staffordshire Terriers shed more than Pyrenean Shepherds?

    American Staffordshire Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Pyrenean Shepherds shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Pyrenean Shepherd

    American Staffordshire Terriers drool moderately.

    Pyrenean Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    American Staffordshire Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Pyrenean Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

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

    American Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?

    American Staffordshire Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Can American Staffordshire Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Staffordshire Terrier vs. Pyrenean Shepherd

    American Staffordshire Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 Staffordshire Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire Terrier or the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    American Staffordshire Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Pyrenean Shepherds do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are American Staffordshire Terriers good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?

    American Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire Terriers and Pyrenean Shepherds?

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

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

    Is the American Staffordshire Terrier Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    American Staffordshire Terriers are very easy to train.

    Pyrenean Shepherds are not easy to train.

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

    American Staffordshire Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pyrenean Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

    Conclusion: American Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd better suits you and your family.