Differences and Similarities between the Great Pyrenees and the Pyrenean Mastiff.

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Great Pyrenees Versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees or the Pyrenean Mastiff.

Great Pyrenees versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Overview

Both the Great Pyrenees and the Pyrenean Mastiff are similar in size. The Great Pyrenees and the Pyrenean Mastiff are both giant-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Great Pyrenees and the Pyrenean Mastiff are Working Dogs. This means both the Great Pyrenees and the Pyrenean Mastiff 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.

Great Pyrenees versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees and the Pyrenean Mastiff

Factor Great Pyrenees Pyrenean Mastiff
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Easy To Train 1/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 13 years
Does NOT Drool 4/5 1/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Height 25 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder 24 to 31 inches
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Weight 85 to 160 pounds 130 to 200 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.5 years
Average Price $830 No Data
Price Range $500 – $1000 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Auburn
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Optigen
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees is 63 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 Great Pyrenees. 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 Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees and the Pyrenean Mastiff

    Below is a list of where the Great Pyrenees and the Pyrenean Mastiff are most different:

  • Great Pyreneess do not have the tendency to drool. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Great Pyreneess have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Great Pyreneess have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    • The Similarities Between the Great Pyrenees and the Pyrenean Mastiff

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

  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Pyrenean Mastiff do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Pyrenean Mastiff are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Pyrenean Mastiff are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees and the Pyrenean Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Pyrenean Mastiff get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Pyrenean Mastiff are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Pyrenean Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Pyrenean Mastiff are very playful.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Pyrenean Mastiff can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Pyrenean Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Pyrenean Mastiff have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Pyrenean Mastiff do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Great Pyrenees versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Great Pyrenees and the Pyrenean Mastiff.

    Great Pyreneess weigh 85 to 160 pounds when fully grown. Great Pyreneess are 25 to 32 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 Great Pyrenees versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    The lifespan of Great Pyreneess is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyreneess.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Great Pyrenees versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    Great Pyreneess can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Do Great Pyreneess shed more than Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Great Pyreneess shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Great Pyrenees or the Pyrenean Mastiff

    Great Pyreneess do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Great Pyrenees or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Great Pyreneess are very easy to groom.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Great Pyrenees Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyreneess Bark and Howl? What about Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Great Pyreneess are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Great Pyreneess Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Great Pyreneess can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Great Pyrenees vs. Pyrenean Mastiff

    Great Pyreneess have a high tendency to wander. They are easily 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 Great Pyreneess Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyrenees or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Great Pyreneess get along very well with other dogs.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Great Pyreneess good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyreneess and Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Great Pyreneess get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Great Pyrenees Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Great Pyreneess are not easy to train.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Great Pyrenees Better for Apartment Owners than the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Great Pyreneess do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Great Pyrenees or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Great Pyreneess are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Great Pyrenees

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees:

  • Black and Tan Coonhound (73 percent match with Great Pyrenees). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs Black and Tan Coonhound.
  • Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (72 percent match with Great Pyrenees). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
  • Treeing Walker Coonhound (75 percent match with Great Pyrenees). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs Treeing Walker Coonhound.

    • 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 Great Pyrenees vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Estrela Mountain Dog (75 percent match with Pyrenean Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Great Pyrenees vs Estrela Mountain Dog.
  • Spanish Mastiff (72 percent match with Pyrenean Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Great Pyrenees vs Spanish Mastiff.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Great Pyrenees Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Great Pyrenees versus Swedish Vallhund     Great Pyrenees versus Cavachon     Great Pyrenees versus Maremma Sheepdog     Great Pyrenees versus Spanish Mastiff     Great Pyrenees versus Pharaoh Hound     Great Pyrenees versus Leonberger     Great Pyrenees versus Boerboel     Great Pyrenees versus Field Spaniel     Great Pyrenees versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Great Pyrenees versus Black Russian Terrier     Great Pyrenees versus Pekingese     Great Pyrenees versus Carolina Dog     Great Pyrenees versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Great Pyrenees versus Irish Terrier     Great Pyrenees versus Briard     Great Pyrenees versus Mudi     Great Pyrenees versus English Setter     Great Pyrenees versus Norwegian Lundehund     Great Pyrenees versus Mudi     Great Pyrenees versus Irish Terrier     Great Pyrenees versus Bouvier des Flandres     Great Pyrenees versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Great Pyrenees versus Xoloitzcuintli     Great Pyrenees versus Harrier     Great Pyrenees versus Saint Berdoodle     

    Pyrenean Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pyrenean Mastiff versus Kishu Ken     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Goldendoodle     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Irish Setter     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Canaan Dog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Samoyed     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Standard Poodle     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Ibizan Hound     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Bolognese     Pyrenean Mastiff versus West Highland White Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Beaglier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Gordon Setter     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Bloodhound     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Lhasa Apso     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Afghan Hound     Pyrenean Mastiff versus American Hairless Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Berger Picard     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Saluki     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Shiranian     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Afador     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Chi-Poo     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Mastiff     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     

    Conclusion: Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees and the Pyrenean Mastiff better suits you and your family.