A Detailed Comparison of the Bracco Italiano and the Pyrenean Shepherd.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Bracco Italiano Versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano or the Pyrenean Shepherd.

Bracco Italiano versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Overview

A very important difference between the Bracco Italiano and the Pyrenean Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Bracco Italiano is a large-sized dog while the Pyrenean Shepherd is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Bracco Italiano belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

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.

Bracco Italiano versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano and the Pyrenean Shepherd

Factor Bracco Italiano Pyrenean Shepherd
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 15 to 17 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
General Health 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 1/5
Height 22 to 26 inches 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Weight 55 to 90 pounds 25 to 30 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 16.0 years
Average Price $2500 No Data
Price Range $2500 – $2500 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination – annual exam recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • 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 Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Pyrenean Shepherd is 72 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Bracco Italiano is a better pet than the Pyrenean Shepherd. So, you should get the Bracco Italiano!

    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 Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano and the Pyrenean Shepherd

    Below is a list of where the Bracco Italiano and the Pyrenean Shepherd are most different:

    • Bracco Italianos do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Pyrenean Shepherds adapt well to apartment living.
    • Bracco Italianos are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Pyrenean Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Bracco Italianos get along well with other dogs. However, Pyrenean Shepherds do not get along well with other dogs.

    The Similarities Between the Bracco Italiano and the Pyrenean Shepherd

    The Bracco Italiano and the Pyrenean Shepherd are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Bracco Italiano and the Pyrenean Shepherd are most similar:

    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Pyrenean Shepherd are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Pyrenean Shepherd do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Pyrenean Shepherd have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Pyrenean Shepherd are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano and the Pyrenean Shepherd get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Pyrenean Shepherd are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Pyrenean Shepherd have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Pyrenean Shepherd do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Pyrenean Shepherd are very playful.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Pyrenean Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Pyrenean Shepherd have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Pyrenean Shepherd require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of Bracco Italiano versus Pyrenean Shepherd

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Bracco Italiano and the Pyrenean Shepherd.

    Bracco Italianos weigh 55 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Bracco Italianos are 22 to 26 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 Bracco Italiano versus Pyrenean Shepherd

    The lifespan of Bracco Italianos is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Bracco Italianos is 12.0 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 Bracco Italianos.

    Health Problems of Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano 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 Pyrenean Shepherd is prone to more genetic health problems than the Bracco Italiano.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Pyrenean Shepherd than for the Bracco Italiano.

    4 health tests are recommended for Bracco Italiano while 5 tests are recommended for the Pyrenean Shepherd.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Bracco Italianos and in Pyrenean Shepherds.

    Bracco Italiano Health Problems

    Bracco Italianos are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italianos for:

  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination – annual exam recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Bracco Italianos 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: Bracco Italiano versus Pyrenean Shepherd

    Bracco Italianos can be left alone only for a short time.

    Pyrenean Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Bracco Italianos shed more than Pyrenean Shepherds?

    Bracco Italianos shed moderately.

    Pyrenean Shepherds shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Bracco Italiano or the Pyrenean Shepherd

    Bracco Italianos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pyrenean Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Bracco Italiano or the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Bracco Italianos are very easy to groom.

    Pyrenean Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Bracco Italiano Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Bracco Italianos 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 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 Bracco Italianos Bark and Howl? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?

    Bracco Italianos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Can Bracco Italianos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Bracco Italianos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Pyrenean Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bracco Italiano vs. Pyrenean Shepherd

    Bracco Italianos 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 Bracco Italianos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Bracco Italianos 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 Bracco Italiano or the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Bracco Italianos get along very well with other dogs.

    Pyrenean Shepherds do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Bracco Italianos good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?

    Bracco Italianos 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 Bracco Italianos and Pyrenean Shepherds?

    Bracco Italianos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Bracco Italiano Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Bracco Italianos are fairly easy to train.

    Pyrenean Shepherds are not easy to train.

    Is the Bracco Italiano Better for Apartment Owners than the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Bracco Italianos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pyrenean Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Bracco Italiano or the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Bracco Italianos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Conclusion: Bracco Italiano 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 Bracco Italiano and the Pyrenean Shepherd better suits you and your family.