Differences and Similarities between the Golden Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Golden Retriever Versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever or the Pyrenean Mastiff.

Golden Retriever versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Overview

A very important difference between the Golden Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Golden Retriever is a medium-sized dog while the Pyrenean Mastiff is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Golden Retriever 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 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.

Golden Retriever versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff

Factor Golden Retriever Pyrenean Mastiff
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 13 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 3/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Height 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder 24 to 31 inches
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 1/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 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 55 to 75 pounds 130 to 200 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1870 No Data
Price Range $1500 – $2200 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination (evaluations annually for the dog`s lifetime)
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever is 73 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Pyrenean Mastiff is 78 out of 125.

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

    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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff

    Below is a list of where the Golden Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff are most different:

  • Golden Retrievers do not like to be left alone. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs can be left alone for some time without problems.
  • Golden Retrievers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Golden Retrievers gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Golden Retrievers are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs are not prone to nip and chew at things.

    • The Similarities Between the Golden Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff

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

  • Both the Golden Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Golden Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Golden Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Golden Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Both the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Golden Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Golden Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Golden Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Golden Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff.

    Golden Retrievers weigh 55 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Golden Retrievers are 21 to 24 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 Golden Retriever versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    The lifespan of Golden Retrievers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retrievers.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Golden Retriever versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    Golden Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Golden Retrievers shed more than Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Golden Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Golden Retriever or the Pyrenean Mastiff

    Golden Retrievers have a very high tendency to drool.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Golden Retriever or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Golden Retrievers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Golden Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Golden Retrievers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Golden Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Golden Retrievers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Golden Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Golden Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Golden Retriever vs. Pyrenean Mastiff

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

    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 Golden Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retriever or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Golden Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Golden Retrievers good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retrievers and Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Golden Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Golden Retriever Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Golden Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Golden Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Golden Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Golden Retriever or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Golden Retrievers are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Golden Retriever

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever:

  • Aussiedoodle (74 percent match with Golden Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Irish Setter (72 percent match with Golden Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs Irish Setter.
  • Labrador Retriever (75 percent match with Golden Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs Labrador 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 Golden Retriever vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Estrela Mountain Dog (75 percent match with Pyrenean Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Golden Retriever vs Estrela Mountain Dog.
  • Spanish Mastiff (72 percent match with Pyrenean Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Golden Retriever vs Spanish Mastiff.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Golden Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Golden Retriever versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Golden Retriever versus Goldador     Golden Retriever versus Cockapoo     Golden Retriever versus Ibizan Hound     Golden Retriever versus Vizsla     Golden Retriever versus Yorkipoo     Golden Retriever versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Golden Retriever versus Coton de Tulear     Golden Retriever versus Siberian Husky     Golden Retriever versus German Longhaired Pointer     Golden Retriever versus Plott     Golden Retriever versus Miniature Poodle     Golden Retriever versus Weimaraner     Golden Retriever versus French Bulldog     Golden Retriever versus Maltipoo     Golden Retriever versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Golden Retriever versus Morkie     Golden Retriever versus Morkie     Golden Retriever versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Golden Retriever versus Fila Brasileiro     Golden Retriever versus Ibizan Hound     Golden Retriever versus Westiepoo     Golden Retriever versus Australian Kelpie     Golden Retriever versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Golden Retriever versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     

    Pyrenean Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pyrenean Mastiff versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Pyredoodle     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Azawakh     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Jack Russell Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Pharaoh Hound     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Portuguese Pointer     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Norwich Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus English Springer Spaniel     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Puggle     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Chihuahua     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Briard     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Clumber Spaniel     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Bordoodle     Pyrenean Mastiff versus English Toy Spaniel     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Whoodle     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Miniature Pinscher     

    Conclusion: Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff better suits you and your family.