Is the Great Pyrenees Better than the Spanish Mastiff as a Pet? Answer…

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Great Pyrenees Versus Spanish Mastiff: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Great Pyrenees and the Spanish 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 Spanish 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 Spanish 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 Spanish Mastiff.

Great Pyrenees versus Spanish Mastiff: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Great Pyrenees and the Spanish Mastiff are Working Dogs. This means both the Great Pyrenees and the Spanish 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 Spanish Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Great Pyrenees to the Spanish 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 Spanish Mastiff

Factor Great Pyrenees Spanish Mastiff
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Easy To Train 1/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 12 years
Does NOT Drool 4/5 4/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Height 25 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder 26 to 35 inches
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
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 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Weight 85 to 160 pounds 140 to 220 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $830 $1050
Price Range $500 – $1000 $1000 – $1050
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 Spanish 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 Spanish Mastiff is 83 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Spanish Mastiff is a better pet than the Great Pyrenees. So, you should get the Spanish 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 Spanish 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 Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Great Pyreneess have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Spanish Mastiffs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Great Pyreneess are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Spanish Mastiffs are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Great Pyreneess have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Spanish Mastiffs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Great Pyreneess do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Spanish Mastiffs do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.

    • The Similarities Between the Great Pyrenees and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Spanish Mastiff do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Spanish Mastiff are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Spanish Mastiff are not easy to train.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Spanish Mastiff do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Spanish Mastiff are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Spanish 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 Spanish Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Spanish Mastiff are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Spanish Mastiff gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Spanish Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Spanish Mastiff are very playful.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Spanish Mastiff can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Spanish Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Great Pyrenees and the Spanish 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, Spanish Mastiffs weigh 140 to 220 pounds when fully grown. Spanish Mastiffs are 26 to 35 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Great Pyrenees versus Spanish 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 Spanish Mastiffs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Spanish Mastiffs is 11.0 years.

    Price of Great Pyrenees versus Price of Spanish Mastiff

    The average price of the Great Pyrenees puppy is $830. The price of the Great Pyrenees typically ranges from $500 – $1000. However, the price of a Great Pyrenees can be as low as $195 and as high as $2825. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 352 Great Pyrenees puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Spanish Mastiff puppy is $1050. The price of the Spanish Mastiff typically ranges from $1000 – $1050. However, the price of the Spanish Mastiff can be as low as $1000 and as high as $1200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 4 Spanish Mastiff puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Spanish Mastiff is more expensive than the Great Pyrenees.

    Great Pyrenees Spanish Mastiff
    Average Price $830 $1050
    Price Range $500 to $1000 $1000 to $1050

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Great Pyrenees and Spanish Mastiff. For different price points, the charts show how many Great Pyrenees puppies or how many Spanish Mastiff puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Great Pyreneess. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Great Pyreneess. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Spanish Mastiffs?

    A breakdown of the prices of Spanish Mastiffs?

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Great Pyrenees puppy or the Spanish Mastiff puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Great Pyrenees versus Spanish Mastiff

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

    Spanish Mastiffs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Great Pyreneess shed more than Spanish Mastiffs?

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

    Spanish Mastiffs shed moderately.

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

    Great Pyreneess do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Spanish Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Great Pyreneess are very easy to groom.

    Spanish Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Great Pyrenees Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spanish 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.

    Spanish 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 Spanish Mastiffs?

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

    Spanish Mastiffs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Great Pyreneess can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Spanish Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Great Pyrenees vs. Spanish Mastiff

    Great Pyreneess have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Spanish 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 Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Great Pyreneess can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Spanish 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 Spanish Mastiff?

    Great Pyreneess get along very well with other dogs.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

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

    Great Pyreneess are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Spanish Mastiffs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Great Pyreneess and Spanish Mastiffs?

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

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

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

    Great Pyreneess are not easy to train.

    Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.

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

    Great Pyreneess do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

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

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Akbash (78 percent match with Spanish Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Great Pyrenees vs Akbash.
  • Hovawart (81 percent match with Spanish Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Great Pyrenees vs Hovawart.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Great Pyrenees Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Great Pyrenees versus Berger Picard     Great Pyrenees versus Azawakh     Great Pyrenees versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Great Pyrenees versus Korean Jindo Dog     Great Pyrenees versus Stabyhoun     Great Pyrenees versus Xoloitzcuintli     Great Pyrenees versus Pomapoo     Great Pyrenees versus Border Terrier     Great Pyrenees versus Portuguese Water Dog     Great Pyrenees versus Yorkipoo     Great Pyrenees versus Great Dane     Great Pyrenees versus Cavapoo     Great Pyrenees versus Basenji     Great Pyrenees versus Aussiedoodle     Great Pyrenees versus Pomchi     Great Pyrenees versus Bichon Frise     Great Pyrenees versus Shetland Sheepdog     Great Pyrenees versus Italian Greyhound     Great Pyrenees versus Tibetan Mastiff     Great Pyrenees versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Great Pyrenees versus Boxerdoodle     Great Pyrenees versus Portuguese Pointer     Great Pyrenees versus Puli     Great Pyrenees versus Lakeland Terrier     Great Pyrenees versus Norwich Terrier     

    Spanish Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Spanish Mastiff versus Giant Schnauzer     Spanish Mastiff versus Italian Greyhound     Spanish Mastiff versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Spanish Mastiff versus Coton de Tulear     Spanish Mastiff versus Bich Poo     Spanish Mastiff versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Spanish Mastiff versus Dogo Argentino     Spanish Mastiff versus Skye Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Spanish Mastiff versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Spanish Mastiff versus Saint Berdoodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Hovawart     Spanish Mastiff versus Briard     Spanish Mastiff versus Japanese Spitz     Spanish Mastiff versus Silky Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Spanish Mastiff versus Bichon Frise     Spanish Mastiff versus Bearded Collie     Spanish Mastiff versus Bearded Collie     Spanish Mastiff versus Sheepadoodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Spanish Mastiff versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Hovawart     Spanish Mastiff versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Spanish Mastiff versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     

    Conclusion: Great Pyrenees versus Spanish 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 Spanish Mastiff better suits you and your family.