Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Hovawart Versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Introduction
- Hovawart versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Overview
- Hovawart versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Hovawart and the Pyrenean Shepherd
- The Similarities Between the Hovawart and the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Size (Weight and Height) of Hovawart versus Pyrenean Shepherd
- Lifespan of Hovawart versus Pyrenean Shepherd
- Temperament of the Hovawart Versus the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Tolerates Being Alone: Hovawart versus Pyrenean Shepherd
- Do Hovawarts shed more than Pyrenean Shepherds?
- Which one drools more, the Hovawart or the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Hovawart or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Does the Hovawart Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Do Hovawarts Bark and Howl? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?
- Can Hovawarts Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Hovawart vs. Pyrenean Shepherd
- Can Hovawarts Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Hovawart or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Are Hovawarts good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?
- How Kid-friendly are Hovawarts and Pyrenean Shepherds?
- Is the Hovawart Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Hovawart
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Hovawart versus Pyrenean Shepherd. Which One is a Better Pet?
Hovawart Versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Hovawart 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 Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Pyrenean Shepherd.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Hovawart 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 Hovawart 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 Hovawart 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 Hovawart or the Pyrenean Shepherd.
Hovawart versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Overview
A very important difference between the Hovawart and the Pyrenean Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Hovawart is a large-sized dog while the Pyrenean Shepherd is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Hovawart 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.
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.
Hovawart versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Pyrenean Shepherd
| Factor | Hovawart | Pyrenean Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 14 years | 15 to 17 years |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 23 to 29 inches | 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 55 to 110 pounds | 25 to 30 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 16.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | No Data |
| Average Price | No Data | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 91.7 percent | 75.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
|
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Hovawart 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 Hovawart is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Pyrenean Shepherd is 72 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Hovawart is a better pet than the Pyrenean Shepherd. So, you should get the Hovawart!
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 Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Pyrenean Shepherd
Below is a list of where the Hovawart and the Pyrenean Shepherd are most different:
The Similarities Between the Hovawart and the Pyrenean Shepherd
The Hovawart and the Pyrenean Shepherd are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Hovawart and the Pyrenean Shepherd are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Hovawart versus Pyrenean Shepherd
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Hovawart and the Pyrenean Shepherd.
Hovawarts weigh 55 to 110 pounds when fully grown. Hovawarts are 23 to 29 inches 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 Hovawart versus Pyrenean Shepherd
The lifespan of Hovawarts is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Hovawarts is 12.0 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 Hovawarts.
Temperament of the Hovawart Versus the Pyrenean Shepherd
The Hovawart has a better temperament than the Pyrenean Shepherd.
This is because the temperament score for the Hovawart is 91.7 percent while the temperament score for the Pyrenean Shepherd is 75.0 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 91.7 percent, the Hovawart has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 75.0 percent, the Pyrenean Shepherd has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Hovawart and the Pyrenean Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 24 Hovawarts and 4 Pyrenean Shepherds.
Tolerates Being Alone: Hovawart versus Pyrenean Shepherd
Hovawarts do not like to be left alone.
Pyrenean Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Do Hovawarts shed more than Pyrenean Shepherds?
Hovawarts shed moderately.
Pyrenean Shepherds shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Hovawart or the Pyrenean Shepherd
Hovawarts do have a very low tendency to drool.
Pyrenean Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Hovawart or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Hovawarts are very easy to groom.
Pyrenean Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Hovawart Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Hovawarts 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.
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 Hovawarts Bark and Howl? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?
Hovawarts are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Pyrenean Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Hovawarts Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Hovawarts can very well tolerate cold weather.
Pyrenean Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Hovawart vs. Pyrenean Shepherd
Hovawarts do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
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 Hovawarts Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Hovawarts 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.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Hovawart or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs.
Pyrenean Shepherds do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Hovawarts good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?
Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts and Pyrenean Shepherds?
Hovawarts get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Pyrenean Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Hovawart Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Hovawarts are not easy to train.
Pyrenean Shepherds are not easy to train.
Is the Hovawart Better for Apartment Owners than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living.
Pyrenean Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Hovawart or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Hovawarts are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Pyrenean Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Hovawart
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Hovawart 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 Hovawart:
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 Hovawart and how the Pyrenean Shepherd compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Hovawart and of the Pyrenean Shepherd to other breeds:
Hovawart Versus Other Dog Breeds
Hovawart versus Bernese Mountain Dog Hovawart versus Sloughi Hovawart versus Saluki Hovawart versus Coton de Tulear Hovawart versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Hovawart versus Westiepoo Hovawart versus American Foxhound Hovawart versus Yorkipoo Hovawart versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Hovawart versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Hovawart versus Shichon Hovawart versus Collie Hovawart versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Hovawart versus English Setter Hovawart versus French Bulldog Hovawart versus Field Spaniel Hovawart versus Finnish Lapphund Hovawart versus Westiepoo Hovawart versus Beagle Hovawart versus Bloodhound Hovawart versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Hovawart versus Puli Hovawart versus Braque du Bourbonnais Hovawart versus Lancashire Heeler Hovawart versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
Pyrenean Shepherd versus American Bulldog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Lhasa Apso Pyrenean Shepherd versus Borzoi Pyrenean Shepherd versus Chinese Shar-Pei Pyrenean Shepherd versus Giant Schnauzer Pyrenean Shepherd versus Akita Chow Pyrenean Shepherd versus Pug Pyrenean Shepherd versus Skye Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Giant Schnauzer Pyrenean Shepherd versus Cocker Spaniel Pyrenean Shepherd versus Italian Greyhound Pyrenean Shepherd versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Pyrenean Shepherd versus Sussex Spaniel Pyrenean Shepherd versus Peek A Poo Pyrenean Shepherd versus Puggle Pyrenean Shepherd versus Maltese Pyrenean Shepherd versus Karelian Bear Dog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Akita Chow Pyrenean Shepherd versus French Bulldog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Alaskan Klee Kai Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shiloh Shepherd Pyrenean Shepherd versus English Setter Pyrenean Shepherd versus English Toy Spaniel Pyrenean Shepherd versus Norwegian Buhund Pyrenean Shepherd versus Skye Terrier
Conclusion: Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Pyrenean Shepherd better suits you and your family.