Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Better than the Pyrenean Mastiff as a Pet? Answer…

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Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog or the Pyrenean Mastiff.

Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Icelandic Sheepdog 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.

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.

Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff

Factor Icelandic Sheepdog Pyrenean Mastiff
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 3/5
Life Span 14 to 15 years 10 to 13 years
Height 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder 24 to 31 inches
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 1/5
Weight 20 to 30 pounds 130 to 200 pounds
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 14.5 years 11.5 years
Price Range No Data No Data
Average Price No Data No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog is 68 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 Icelandic Sheepdog. 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff

    Below is a list of where the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff are most different:

  • Icelandic Sheepdogs do not have the tendency to drool. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff

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

  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff are very playful.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs weigh 20 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Icelandic Sheepdogs are 16 to 18 inchestall 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 Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    The lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is between 14 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is 14.5 years.

    The lifespan of Pyrenean Mastiffs is between 10 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Pyrenean Mastiffs is 11.5 years.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs live longer than Pyrenean Mastiffs.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Pyrenean Mastiff

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Icelandic Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Pyrenean Mastiff

    Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs and Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog:

  • Kai Ken (78 percent match with Icelandic Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs Kai Ken.
  • Scottish Deerhound (75 percent match with Icelandic Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs Scottish Deerhound.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Icelandic Sheepdog versus Coton de Tulear     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Lowchen     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Karelian Bear Dog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Korean Jindo Dog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Sheepadoodle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Border Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Karelian Bear Dog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Finnish Lapphund     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Australian Cattle Dog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Basset Hound     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Australian Kelpie     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Akita     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Redbone Coonhound     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pug     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bedlington Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Hovawart     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Goldendoodle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Icelandic Sheepdog versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Whoodle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Toy Poodle     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bulldog     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bloodhound     Icelandic Sheepdog versus Yorkipoo     

    Pyrenean Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pyrenean Mastiff versus Keeshond     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Chorkie     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Azawakh     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Korean Jindo Dog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Irish Setter     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Pomeranian     Pyrenean Mastiff versus American Water Spaniel     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Redbone Coonhound     Pyrenean Mastiff versus French Spaniel     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Saluki     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Bull Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Shiloh Shepherd     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Pyrenean Mastiff versus German Longhaired Pointer     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Saint Berdoodle     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Papipoo     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Afghan Hound     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Chorkie     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Cane Corso     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Tibetan Mastiff     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Kooikerhondje     

    Conclusion: Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff better suits you and your family.