Which is Better between the Cairn Terrier and the Pyrenean Mastiff? A Very Detailed Review.

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Cairn Terrier Versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier or the Pyrenean Mastiff.

Cairn Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Overview

A very important difference between the Cairn Terrier and the Pyrenean Mastiff is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cairn Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Pyrenean Mastiff is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Cairn 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 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.

Cairn Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier and the Pyrenean Mastiff

Factor Cairn Terrier Pyrenean Mastiff
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 1/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 13 years
Weight 13 to 14 pounds 130 to 200 pounds
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Height 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder 24 to 31 inches
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1600 No Data
Price Range $1475 – $1750 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy (GCL)
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cairn 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 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 Cairn Terrier is 86 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Pyrenean Mastiff is 78 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Cairn Terrier is a better pet than the Pyrenean Mastiff. So, you should get the Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier and the Pyrenean Mastiff

    Below is a list of where the Cairn Terrier and the Pyrenean Mastiff are most different:

  • Cairn Terriers do not like to be left alone. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs can be left alone for some time without problems.
  • Cairn Terriers do not have the tendency to drool. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Cairn Terriers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Cairn Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Pyrenean Mastiff

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

  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Pyrenean Mastiff are not easy to train.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Pyrenean Mastiff can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Pyrenean Mastiff can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Pyrenean Mastiff get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Pyrenean Mastiff are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Pyrenean Mastiff are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Pyrenean Mastiff do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Pyrenean Mastiff require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Pyrenean Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Pyrenean Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Pyrenean Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Pyrenean Mastiff have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Cairn Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cairn Terrier and the Pyrenean Mastiff.

    Cairn Terriers weigh 13 to 14 pounds when fully grown. Cairn Terriers are 9 to 10 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 Cairn Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    The lifespan of Cairn Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cairn Terriers is 13.5 years.

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

    Cairn Terriers live longer than Pyrenean Mastiffs.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cairn Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    Cairn Terriers do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Cairn Terriers shed moderately.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Pyrenean Mastiff

    Cairn Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cairn Terrier or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Cairn Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Cairn Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Cairn Terriers 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 Cairn Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Pyrenean Mastiffs?

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

    Pyrenean Mastiffs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cairn Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Pyrenean Mastiff

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

    Cairn Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cairn Terrier or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Cairn Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Cairn Terriers 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 Cairn Terriers and Pyrenean Mastiffs?

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

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

    Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Cairn Terriers are not easy to train.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Cairn Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Cairn Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cairn Terrier or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Cairn Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cairn Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier:

  • Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (81 percent match with Cairn Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pyrenean Mastiff

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Pyrenean Mastiff 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 Mastiff:

  • Central Asian Shepherd Dog (74 percent match with Pyrenean Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Estrela Mountain Dog (75 percent match with Pyrenean Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Estrela Mountain Dog.
  • Spanish Mastiff (72 percent match with Pyrenean Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Spanish Mastiff.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Cairn Terrier and how the Pyrenean Mastiff compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cairn Terrier and of the Pyrenean Mastiff to other breeds:

    Cairn Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cairn Terrier versus Affenhuahua     Cairn Terrier versus Pomapoo     Cairn Terrier versus Spinone Italiano     Cairn Terrier versus Schnoodle     Cairn Terrier versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Cairn Terrier versus Redbone Coonhound     Cairn Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Cairn Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel     Cairn Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel     Cairn Terrier versus Samoyed     Cairn Terrier versus Cockapoo     Cairn Terrier versus Collie     Cairn Terrier versus Norfolk Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Cairn Terrier versus Silky Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher     Cairn Terrier versus Norwegian Lundehund     Cairn Terrier versus Manchester Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Basenji     Cairn Terrier versus Mal Shi     Cairn Terrier versus Irish Setter     Cairn Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd     Cairn Terrier versus Puli     Cairn Terrier versus Kishu Ken     Cairn Terrier versus Morkie     

    Pyrenean Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pyrenean Mastiff versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Keeshond     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Leonberger     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Maltese     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Japanese Chin     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Bedlington Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Scottish Deerhound     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Barbet     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Boxer     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Australian Shepherd     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Dachshund     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Belgian Malinois     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Spinone Italiano     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Bolognese     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Rottweiler     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Affenhuahua     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Cockapoo     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Dachshund     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Flat-Coated Retriever     

    Conclusion: Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier and the Pyrenean Mastiff better suits you and your family.