Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Harrier Versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Introduction
- Harrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Overview
- Harrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Harrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd
- The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd
- Lifespan of Harrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd
- Adopting the Harrier versus Adopting the Pyrenean Shepherd
- The Popularity of Harrier versus Popularity of Pyrenean Shepherd
- Health Problems of Harrier versus Health Problems of Pyrenean Shepherd
- Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd
- Do Harriers shed more than Pyrenean Shepherds?
- Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Do Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?
- Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Pyrenean Shepherd
- Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Harrier or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?
- How Kid-friendly are Harriers and Pyrenean Shepherds?
- Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Harrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd. Which One is a Better Pet?
Harrier Versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Harrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd? 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 Harrier 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 Harrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Harrier 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 Harrier 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 with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Harrier 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 Harrier or the Pyrenean Shepherd.
Harrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Overview
A very important difference between the Harrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Harrier is a medium-sized dog while the Pyrenean Shepherd is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Harrier belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
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.
Harrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Harrier 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.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Harrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd
| Factor | Harrier | Pyrenean Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 15 to 17 years |
| Height | 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder | 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 60 pounds | 25 to 30 pounds |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 16.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | No Data |
| Average Price | No Data | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 183 | 178 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Harrier 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 the Harrier is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Pyrenean Shepherd is 72 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Harrier is a better pet than the Pyrenean Shepherd. So, you should get the Harrier!
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 Harrier 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 Harrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd
Below is a list of where the Harrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are most different:
The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd
The Harrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Harrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Harrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd.
Harriers weigh 45 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Harriers are 19 to 21 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.
Lifespan of Harrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd
The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is between 15 to 17 years. The average lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is 16.0 years.
Pyrenean Shepherds live longer than Harriers.
Adopting the Harrier versus Adopting the Pyrenean Shepherd
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Harriers 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 Harrier named Bailey that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Harriers like Bailey on pefinder.com.
Also, like Harriers, 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.
Pilot is the name of another Harrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
You can find more Harriers and Pyrenean Shepherds that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier. 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 Harrier is 183 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Harrier
Popularity of Pyrenean Shepherd
| Year | Harrier Popularity Rank | Pyrenean Shepherd Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 173 | 169 |
| 2014 | 181 | 178 |
| 2015 | 183 | 176 |
| 2016 | 186 | 176 |
| 2017 | 183 | 180 |
| 2018 | 189 | 181 |
| 2019 | 186 | 182 |
| 2020 | 190 | 182 |
Health Problems of Harrier versus Health Problems of Pyrenean Shepherd
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Harrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Pyrenean Shepherd is prone to more genetic health problems than the Harrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Pyrenean Shepherd than for the Harrier.
2 health tests are recommended for Harrier while 5 tests are recommended for the Pyrenean Shepherd.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Harriers and in Pyrenean Shepherds.
Harrier Health Problems
Harriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Harrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Harrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Harrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Harriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Harriers here.
Pyrenean Shepherd Health Problems
Pyrenean Shepherds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Pyrenean Shepherd puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Pyrenean Shepherd puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Pyrenean Shepherd breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Pyrenean Shepherds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pyrenean Shepherds here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Harriers and Pyrenean Shepherds
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Harrier Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Harrier ranks 76 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 375 Harriers, 58 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Harriers, and how common these diseases are in Harriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Pyrenean Shepherd Breed is Dentition Database problems.
This is because the Pyrenean Shepherd ranks 24 out of 49 dog breeds for Dentition Database problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 79 Pyrenean Shepherds, 4 of them had Dentition Database problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pyrenean Shepherds, and how common these diseases are in Pyrenean Shepherds relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Harrier and in Pyrenean Shepherd and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Harrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd:
| Disease | Harrier Rank | Pyrenean Shepherd Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 76 out of 198 dog breeds | 71 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Dentition Database problems | Not Common | 24 out of 49 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 27 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 44 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 72 out of 145 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd
Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Pyrenean Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Do Harriers shed more than Pyrenean Shepherds?
Harriers shed moderately.
Pyrenean Shepherds shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Pyrenean Shepherd
Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Pyrenean Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Harriers are very easy to groom.
Pyrenean Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Harriers 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.
Do Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?
Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Pyrenean Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Pyrenean Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Pyrenean Shepherd
Harriers 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 Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Harriers can tolerate hot weather.
Pyrenean Shepherds can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Harrier or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Harriers get along very well with other dogs.
Pyrenean Shepherds do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?
Harriers 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 Harriers and Pyrenean Shepherds?
Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Pyrenean Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Harriers are not easy to train.
Pyrenean Shepherds are not easy to train.
Is the Harrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Pyrenean Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Harrier or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Harriers are OK for new dog owners.
Pyrenean Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Harrier 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 Harrier:
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 Harrier and how the Pyrenean Shepherd compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Harrier and of the Pyrenean Shepherd to other breeds:
Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Harrier versus Standard Poodle Harrier versus Shichon Harrier versus Komondor Harrier versus Rottweiler Harrier versus Labrador Retriever Harrier versus Shichon Harrier versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Harrier versus Borzoi Harrier versus Cesky Terrier Harrier versus American Hairless Terrier Harrier versus Japanese Chin Harrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Harrier versus French Spaniel Harrier versus Sheepadoodle Harrier versus Bluetick Coonhound Harrier versus King Shepherd Harrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Harrier versus Spanish Mastiff Harrier versus Ibizan Hound Harrier versus Plott Harrier versus Bullmastiff Harrier versus Gordon Setter Harrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff Harrier versus Portuguese Pointer Harrier versus French Spaniel
Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
Pyrenean Shepherd versus Doberman Pinscher Pyrenean Shepherd versus Labradoodle Pyrenean Shepherd versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Havanese Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bich Poo Pyrenean Shepherd versus Alaskan Malamute Pyrenean Shepherd versus Scottish Deerhound Pyrenean Shepherd versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Puli Pyrenean Shepherd versus Australian Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Chihuahua Pyrenean Shepherd versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Barbet Pyrenean Shepherd versus Barbet Pyrenean Shepherd versus Doberman Pinscher Pyrenean Shepherd versus Catahoula Bulldog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Pug Pyrenean Shepherd versus Greyhound Pyrenean Shepherd versus Samoyed Pyrenean Shepherd versus Catahoula Bulldog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Mudi Pyrenean Shepherd versus French Bulldog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Sussex Spaniel
Conclusion: Harrier 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 Harrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd better suits you and your family.