Is the Irish Setter Better than the Pyrenean Mastiff as a Pet? Answer…

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Irish Setter Versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter or the Pyrenean Mastiff.

Irish Setter versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Overview

A very important difference between the Irish Setter and the Pyrenean Mastiff is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Irish Setter is a large-sized dog while the Pyrenean Mastiff is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Irish Setter belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

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.

Irish Setter versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Pyrenean Mastiff

Factor Irish Setter Pyrenean Mastiff
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Life Span 11 to 15 years 10 to 13 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 1/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Height 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho 24 to 31 inches
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 1/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Weight 60 to 70 pounds 130 to 200 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1680 No Data
Price Range $1200 – $2200 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter is 73 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 Irish Setter. 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 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Pyrenean Mastiff

    Below is a list of where the Irish Setter and the Pyrenean Mastiff are most different:

  • Irish Setters do not have the tendency to drool. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Irish Setters are very friendly towards strangers. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Irish Setters are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Irish Setters 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.
  • Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter and the Pyrenean Mastiff

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

  • Both the Irish Setter and the Pyrenean Mastiff do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Pyrenean Mastiff can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Pyrenean Mastiff shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Pyrenean Mastiff are very easy to train.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Pyrenean Mastiff are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Pyrenean Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Pyrenean Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Pyrenean Mastiff get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Pyrenean Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Pyrenean Mastiff have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Setter versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Irish Setter and the Pyrenean Mastiff.

    Irish Setters weigh 60 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Irish Setters are 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho 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 Irish Setter versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    The lifespan of Irish Setters is between 11 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Irish Setters is 13.0 years.

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

    Irish Setters live longer than Pyrenean Mastiffs.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Setter versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    Irish Setters do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Irish Setters shed more than Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Irish Setters shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Irish Setter or the Pyrenean Mastiff

    Irish Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Setter or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Irish Setters are moderately easy to groom.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Irish Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters Bark and Howl? What about Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Irish Setters are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Irish Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Irish Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Setter vs. Pyrenean Mastiff

    Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Irish Setters get along very well with other dogs.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Irish Setters good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters and Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Irish Setters get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Irish Setter Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Irish Setters are very easy to train.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Irish Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Irish Setter or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Irish Setters are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Setter

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter:

  • Curly-Coated Retriever (82 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs Curly-Coated Retriever.
  • English Setter (83 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs English Setter.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Setter versus Patterdale Terrier     Irish Setter versus Pomeranian     Irish Setter versus Boxerdoodle     Irish Setter versus Kai Ken     Irish Setter versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Irish Setter versus Peek A Poo     Irish Setter versus French Bulldog     Irish Setter versus Whoodle     Irish Setter versus Irish Wolfhound     Irish Setter versus Bracco Italiano     Irish Setter versus Puli     Irish Setter versus American Bulldog     Irish Setter versus Karelian Bear Dog     Irish Setter versus Newfoundland     Irish Setter versus Briard     Irish Setter versus Rottweiler     Irish Setter versus Saint Berdoodle     Irish Setter versus Bracco Italiano     Irish Setter versus Collie     Irish Setter versus American Bulldog     Irish Setter versus Pomchi     Irish Setter versus Borzoi     Irish Setter versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Irish Setter versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Irish Setter versus Korean Jindo Dog     

    Pyrenean Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pyrenean Mastiff versus Great Dane     Pyrenean Mastiff versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Bulldog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Irish Wolfhound     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Beaglier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Saint Berdoodle     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Pomeranian     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Cocker Spaniel     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Border Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus German Shepherd Dog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Shiranian     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Great Dane     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Korean Jindo Dog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus American Eskimo Dog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Pointer     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Cavachon     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Boston Terrier     

    Conclusion: Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Pyrenean Mastiff better suits you and your family.