Is the Fila Brasileiro Better than the Pyrenean Shepherd as a Pet? Answer…

Fila Brasileiro versus Pyrenean Shepherd

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Fila Brasileiro Versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Fila Brasileiro and the Pyrenean Shepherd? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Pyrenean Shepherd.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro or the Pyrenean Shepherd

Fila Brasileiro versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Overview

A very important difference between the Fila Brasileiro and the Pyrenean Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Fila Brasileiro is a giant-sized dog while the Pyrenean Shepherd is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Fila Brasileiro 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.

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.

Fila Brasileiro versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Fila Brasileiro 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.

Factor Fila Brasileiro Pyrenean Shepherd
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Height 24 to 30 inches 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Life Span 9 to 12 years 15 to 17 years
Weight 90 to 180 pounds 25 to 30 pounds
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 16.0 years
Average Price $1270 No Data
Price Range $1000 – $1400 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Fila Brasileiro 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 a Fila Brasileiro is 62 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Pyrenean Shepherd is 72 out of 125.

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

    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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Pyrenean Shepherd

    Below is a list of where the Fila Brasileiro and the Pyrenean Shepherd are most different:

  • Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Pyrenean Shepherds adapt well to apartment living.
  • Fila Brasileiros not very playful. However, Pyrenean Shepherds are very playful.
  • The Similarities Between the Fila Brasileiro and the Pyrenean Shepherd

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

  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Pyrenean Shepherd are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Pyrenean Shepherd are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Pyrenean Shepherd do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Pyrenean Shepherd do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Pyrenean Shepherd are not easy to train.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Pyrenean Shepherd are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Pyrenean Shepherd gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Pyrenean Shepherd are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Pyrenean Shepherd have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Pyrenean Shepherd do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Pyrenean Shepherd require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Pyrenean Shepherd have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Fila Brasileiro versus Pyrenean Shepherd

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Fila Brasileiro and the Pyrenean Shepherd.

    Fila Brasileiros weigh 90 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Fila Brasileiros are 24 to 30 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.

    Adopting the Fila Brasileiro versus Adopting the Pyrenean Shepherd

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Fila Brasileiros 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 Fila Brasileiro named Maverick that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Fila Brasileiros like Maverick on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Fila Brasileiros, 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Pyrenean Shepherd can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Fila Brasileiros and Pyrenean Shepherds that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Better for Apartment Owners than the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pyrenean Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Fila Brasileiro or the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Fila Brasileiros are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Pyrenean Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Fila Brasileiro or the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.

    Pyrenean Shepherds do not get along well with other dogs.

    Do Fila Brasileiros shed more than Pyrenean Shepherds?

    Fila Brasileiros do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Pyrenean Shepherds shed moderately.

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.

    Pyrenean Shepherds are not easy to train.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Fila Brasileiro versus Pyrenean Shepherd

    Fila Brasileiros can be left alone only for a short time.

    Pyrenean Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

    Are Fila Brasileiros good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?

    Fila Brasileiros are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Fila Brasileiros and Pyrenean Shepherds?

    Fila Brasileiros get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Which one drools more, the Fila Brasileiro or the Pyrenean Shepherd

    Fila Brasileiros drool moderately.

    Pyrenean Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Fila Brasileiros Bark and Howl? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?

    Fila Brasileiros bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Fila Brasileiro vs. Pyrenean Shepherd

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Fila Brasileiro or the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom.

    Pyrenean Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Fila Brasileiro Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Fila Brasileiro

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro:

  • Afador (75 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Shepherd vs Afador.
  • Cane Corso (76 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Shepherd vs Cane Corso.
  • Dogo Argentino (80 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Shepherd vs Dogo Argentino.
  • Boerboel (78 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Shepherd vs Boerboel.
  • 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 Fila Brasileiro vs Cairn Terrier.
  • Lakeland Terrier (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Pomsky (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Pomsky.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Fila Brasileiro and how the Pyrenean Shepherd compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Fila Brasileiro and of the Pyrenean Shepherd to other breeds:

    Fila Brasileiro Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Fila Brasileiro versus Pyredoodle     Fila Brasileiro versus Papipoo     Fila Brasileiro versus Goldador     Fila Brasileiro versus Bearded Collie     Fila Brasileiro versus Westiepoo     Fila Brasileiro versus Silky Terrier     Fila Brasileiro versus Bordoodle     Fila Brasileiro versus Collie     Fila Brasileiro versus Saluki     Fila Brasileiro versus Chorkie     

    Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pyrenean Shepherd versus Dachshund     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Airedale Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Hovawart     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Puggle     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shetland Sheepdog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Kai Ken     Pyrenean Shepherd versus English Cocker Spaniel     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Chinese Crested     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shiranian     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Brittany     

    Conclusion: Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Pyrenean Shepherd better suits you and your family.