A Detailed Comparison of the Irish Wolfhound and the Pyrenean Mastiff.

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Irish Wolfhound Versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Introduction

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

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

Irish Wolfhound versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Overview

Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Pyrenean Mastiff are similar in size. The Irish Wolfhound and the Pyrenean Mastiff are both giant-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Irish Wolfhound 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 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 Wolfhound versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Comparison Table

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

Factor Irish Wolfhound Pyrenean Mastiff
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 1/5
General Health 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 3/5
Weight 115 to 180 pounds 130 to 200 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 3/5
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
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
Height 32 to 35 inches tall at the shoulder 24 to 31 inches
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 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
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Life Span 6 to 8 years 10 to 13 years
Average Lifespan 7.0 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1930 No Data
Price Range $1500 – $2400 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound is 82 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Pyrenean Mastiff is 78 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Irish Wolfhound is a better pet than the Pyrenean Mastiff. So, you should get the Irish Wolfhound!

    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 Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound and the Pyrenean Mastiff

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

  • Irish Wolfhounds do not have the tendency to drool. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Irish Wolfhounds have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Irish Wolfhounds are very friendly towards strangers. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Irish Wolfhounds 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.
  • The Similarities Between the Irish Wolfhound and the Pyrenean Mastiff

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

  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Pyrenean Mastiff do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Pyrenean Mastiff are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Pyrenean Mastiff cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Pyrenean Mastiff can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Pyrenean Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Pyrenean Mastiff require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Pyrenean Mastiff are very playful.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Pyrenean Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Pyrenean Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Pyrenean Mastiff get along well with other dogs.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Wolfhound versus Pyrenean Mastiff

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

    Irish Wolfhounds weigh 115 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Irish Wolfhounds are 32 to 35 inches tall 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 Irish Wolfhound versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    The lifespan of Irish Wolfhounds is between 6 to 8 years. The average lifespan of Irish Wolfhounds is 7.0 years.

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

    Pyrenean Mastiffs live longer than Irish Wolfhounds.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Wolfhound versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    Irish Wolfhounds do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Irish Wolfhounds shed more than Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Irish Wolfhounds shed moderately.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs shed moderately.

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

    Irish Wolfhounds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.

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

    Irish Wolfhounds are moderately easy to groom.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

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

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

    Irish Wolfhounds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Irish Wolfhounds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Wolfhound vs. Pyrenean Mastiff

    Irish Wolfhounds have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 Wolfhounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Irish Wolfhounds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Wolfhound or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Irish Wolfhounds get along very well with other dogs.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs get along very well with other dogs.

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

    Irish Wolfhounds 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 Wolfhounds and Pyrenean Mastiffs?

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

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

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

    Irish Wolfhounds are fairly easy to train.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.

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

    Irish Wolfhounds 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 Wolfhound or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Irish Wolfhounds 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 Irish Wolfhound

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

  • Bracco Italiano (74 percent match with Irish Wolfhound). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs Bracco Italiano.
  • Cavapoo (72 percent match with Irish Wolfhound). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs Cavapoo.
  • 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 Wolfhound vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Estrela Mountain Dog (75 percent match with Pyrenean Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Irish Wolfhound vs Estrela Mountain Dog.
  • Spanish Mastiff (72 percent match with Pyrenean Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Irish Wolfhound vs Spanish Mastiff.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Wolfhound Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Wolfhound versus Portuguese Pointer     Irish Wolfhound versus Cesky Terrier     Irish Wolfhound versus Silky Terrier     Irish Wolfhound versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Irish Wolfhound versus Boxer     Irish Wolfhound versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Irish Wolfhound versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Irish Wolfhound versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Irish Wolfhound versus Finnish Spitz     Irish Wolfhound versus Jack Russell Terrier     Irish Wolfhound versus Cane Corso     Irish Wolfhound versus Chinook     Irish Wolfhound versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Irish Wolfhound versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Irish Wolfhound versus Tibetan Spaniel     Irish Wolfhound versus Pekingese     Irish Wolfhound versus Sealyham Terrier     Irish Wolfhound versus Bordoodle     Irish Wolfhound versus Peek A Poo     Irish Wolfhound versus Bedlington Terrier     Irish Wolfhound versus Maltese     Irish Wolfhound versus Harrier     Irish Wolfhound versus Komondor     Irish Wolfhound versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Irish Wolfhound versus Tibetan Spaniel     

    Pyrenean Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pyrenean Mastiff versus Miniature Pinscher     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Belgian Tervuren     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Gordon Setter     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Pomapoo     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Shiloh Shepherd     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Keeshond     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Greyhound     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Korean Jindo Dog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Plott     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Australian Kelpie     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Barbet     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Black Russian Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Puggle     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Lowchen     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Lancashire Heeler     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Tibetan Mastiff     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Tibetan Mastiff     Pyrenean Mastiff versus American Eskimo Dog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Mal Shi     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Bluetick Coonhound     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     

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