Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Finnish Spitz Versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Introduction
- Finnish Spitz versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Overview
- Finnish Spitz versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Finnish Spitz and the Pyrenean Shepherd
- The Similarities Between the Finnish Spitz and the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Size (Weight and Height) of Finnish Spitz versus Pyrenean Shepherd
- The Popularity of Finnish Spitz versus Popularity of Pyrenean Shepherd
- Tolerates Being Alone: Finnish Spitz versus Pyrenean Shepherd
- Which one drools more, the Finnish Spitz or the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Finnish Spitz or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Can Finnish Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Is the Finnish Spitz Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Does the Finnish Spitz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Do Finnish Spitzs shed more than Pyrenean Shepherds?
- Wanderlust Potential: Finnish Spitz vs. Pyrenean Shepherd
- Can Finnish Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Are Finnish Spitzs good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?
- How Kid-friendly are Finnish Spitzs and Pyrenean Shepherds?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Finnish Spitz or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Do Finnish Spitzs Bark and Howl? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Finnish Spitz
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Finnish Spitz versus Pyrenean Shepherd. Which One is a Better Pet?
Finnish Spitz Versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz and the Pyrenean Shepherd.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz or the Pyrenean Shepherd
Finnish Spitz versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Overview
A very important difference between the Finnish Spitz and the Pyrenean Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Finnish Spitz is a medium-sized dog while the Pyrenean Shepherd is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Finnish Spitz 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.
Finnish Spitz versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Finnish Spitz 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 | Finnish Spitz | Pyrenean Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 15 to 17 years |
| Height | 15 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder | 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 20 to 35 pounds | 25 to 30 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 16.0 years |
| Average Price | $900 | No Data |
| Price Range | $600 – $1100 | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 179 | 178 |
*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 Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz is 77 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Pyrenean Shepherd is 72 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Finnish Spitz is a better pet than the Pyrenean Shepherd. So, you should get the Finnish Spitz!
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 Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz and the Pyrenean Shepherd
Below is a list of where the Finnish Spitz and the Pyrenean Shepherd are most different:
The Similarities Between the Finnish Spitz and the Pyrenean Shepherd
The Finnish Spitz and the Pyrenean Shepherd are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Finnish Spitz and the Pyrenean Shepherd are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Finnish Spitz versus Pyrenean Shepherd
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Finnish Spitz and the Pyrenean Shepherd.
Finnish Spitzs weigh 20 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Finnish Spitzs are 15 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 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.
The Popularity of Finnish Spitz versus Popularity of Pyrenean Shepherd
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Finnish Spitz and the Pyrenean Shepherd over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Pyrenean Shepherd is more popular with dog owners than the Finnish Spitz. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Pyrenean Shepherd is 178 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Finnish Spitz is 179 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Finnish Spitz
Popularity of Pyrenean Shepherd
| Year | Finnish Spitz Popularity Rank | Pyrenean Shepherd Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 170 | 169 |
| 2014 | 174 | 178 |
| 2015 | 178 | 176 |
| 2016 | 179 | 176 |
| 2017 | 177 | 180 |
| 2018 | 184 | 181 |
| 2019 | 183 | 182 |
| 2020 | 187 | 182 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Finnish Spitz versus Pyrenean Shepherd
Finnish Spitzs do not like to be left alone.
Pyrenean Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Which one drools more, the Finnish Spitz or the Pyrenean Shepherd
Finnish Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Pyrenean Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Finnish Spitz or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Finnish Spitzs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Pyrenean Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.
Is the Finnish Spitz Better for Apartment Owners than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Finnish Spitzs adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Pyrenean Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Finnish Spitz or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Finnish Spitzs are OK for new dog owners.
Pyrenean Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Can Finnish Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Finnish Spitzs 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.
Is the Finnish Spitz Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Finnish Spitzs are fairly easy to train.
Pyrenean Shepherds are not easy to train.
Does the Finnish Spitz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Finnish Spitzs 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 Finnish Spitzs shed more than Pyrenean Shepherds?
Finnish Spitzs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Pyrenean Shepherds shed moderately.
Wanderlust Potential: Finnish Spitz vs. Pyrenean Shepherd
Finnish Spitzs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily 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 Finnish Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Finnish Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Pyrenean Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Are Finnish Spitzs good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?
Finnish Spitzs 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 Finnish Spitzs and Pyrenean Shepherds?
Finnish Spitzs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Pyrenean Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Finnish Spitz or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Finnish Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.
Pyrenean Shepherds do not get along well with other dogs.
Do Finnish Spitzs Bark and Howl? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?
Finnish Spitzs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Pyrenean Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Finnish Spitz
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz:
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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Finnish Spitz and how the Pyrenean Shepherd compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Finnish Spitz and of the Pyrenean Shepherd to other breeds:
Finnish Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds
Finnish Spitz versus Lakeland Terrier Finnish Spitz versus French Bulldog Finnish Spitz versus Bull Terrier Finnish Spitz versus Bullmastiff Finnish Spitz versus Berger Picard Finnish Spitz versus Cairn Terrier Finnish Spitz versus Keeshond Finnish Spitz versus Icelandic Sheepdog Finnish Spitz versus Great Dane Finnish Spitz versus Tibetan Terrier
Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
Pyrenean Shepherd versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shetland Sheepdog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Gordon Setter Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bolognese Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bernedoodle Pyrenean Shepherd versus Standard Poodle Pyrenean Shepherd versus Border Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Yorkshire Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Dogo Argentino Pyrenean Shepherd versus Affenpinscher
Conclusion: Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz and the Pyrenean Shepherd better suits you and your family.