Guide on Deciding Betweeen the Belgian Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Belgian Sheepdog Versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Belgian Sheepdog and the Pyrenean 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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Pyrenean 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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Belgian Sheepdog and the Pyrenean 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 Belgian Sheepdog and for the Pyrenean 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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff.

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

Belgian Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Overview

A very important difference between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Belgian Sheepdog is a large-sized dog while the Pyrenean Mastiff is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Belgian Sheepdog 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 Pyrenean 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.

Belgian Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Belgian Sheepdog to the Pyrenean 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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff

Factor Belgian Sheepdog Pyrenean Mastiff
Does NOT Drool 5/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 13 years
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Height 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 24 to 31 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Weight 60 to 75 pounds 130 to 200 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1430 No Data
Price Range $800 – $1725 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Belgian Sheepdog 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 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 Belgian Sheepdog is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Pyrenean Mastiff is 78 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Belgian Sheepdog is a better pet than the Pyrenean Mastiff. So, you should get the Belgian Sheepdog!

    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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff

    Below is a list of where the Belgian Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff are most different:

    • Belgian Sheepdogs do not have the tendency to drool. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.
    • Belgian Sheepdogs are very friendly towards strangers. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Belgian Sheepdogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
    • Belgian Sheepdogs have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.

    The Similarities Between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff

    The Belgian Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Belgian Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff are most similar:

    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Pyrenean 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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.

    Size Comparison of Belgian Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff.

    Belgian Sheepdogs weigh 60 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Belgian Sheepdogs are 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Pyrenean Mastiffs weigh 130 to 200 pounds when fully grown. Pyrenean Mastiffs are 24 to 31 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Belgian Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    The lifespan of Belgian Sheepdogs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Belgian Sheepdogs is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Pyrenean Mastiffs is between 10 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Pyrenean Mastiffs is 11.5 years.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs live longer than Belgian Sheepdogs.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Belgian Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    Belgian Sheepdogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do Belgian Sheepdogs shed more than Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Belgian Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Belgian Sheepdog or the Pyrenean Mastiff

    Belgian Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Belgian Sheepdog or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Belgian Sheepdogs are moderately easy to groom.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Belgian Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Belgian Sheepdogs 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.

    Pyrenean 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 Belgian Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Belgian Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Belgian Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Belgian Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Belgian Sheepdog vs. Pyrenean Mastiff

    Belgian Sheepdogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Can Belgian Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Belgian Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Belgian Sheepdog or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Belgian Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Belgian Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Belgian Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Belgian Sheepdogs and Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Belgian Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Belgian Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Belgian Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Belgian Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Belgian Sheepdogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Belgian Sheepdog or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Belgian Sheepdogs are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Conclusion: Belgian Sheepdog versus Pyrenean 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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff better suits you and your family.