Differences and Similarities between the Italian Greyhound and the Pyrenean Mastiff.

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Italian Greyhound Versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound or the Pyrenean Mastiff.

Italian Greyhound versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Overview

A very important difference between the Italian Greyhound and the Pyrenean Mastiff is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Italian Greyhound is a small-sized dog while the Pyrenean Mastiff is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Italian Greyhound belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

Italian Greyhound versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound and the Pyrenean Mastiff

Factor Italian Greyhound Pyrenean Mastiff
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 1/5
Height 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder 24 to 31 inches
Life Span 14 to 15 years 10 to 13 years
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 2/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Weight 6 to 15 pounds 130 to 200 pounds
Average Lifespan 14.5 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1930 No Data
Price Range $1500 – $2250 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination at 36 months, recommend annual testing to age 10
  • Hip Dysplasia/Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound is a better pet than the Pyrenean Mastiff. So, you should get the Italian Greyhound!

    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 Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound and the Pyrenean Mastiff

    Below is a list of where the Italian Greyhound and the Pyrenean Mastiff are most different:

  • Italian Greyhounds do not like to be left alone. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs can be left alone for some time without problems.
  • Italian Greyhounds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs can tolerate cold weather.
  • Italian Greyhounds do not have the tendency to drool. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Italian Greyhounds are very friendly towards strangers. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Italian Greyhounds adapt well to apartment living. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Italian Greyhounds are good for new dog owners. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Italian Greyhounds 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 Italian Greyhound and the Pyrenean Mastiff

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

  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Pyrenean Mastiff do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Pyrenean Mastiff are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Pyrenean Mastiff get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Pyrenean Mastiff have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Pyrenean Mastiff require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Pyrenean Mastiff are very playful.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound and the Pyrenean Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Pyrenean Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Italian Greyhound versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Italian Greyhound and the Pyrenean Mastiff.

    Italian Greyhounds weigh 6 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Italian Greyhounds are 13 to 15 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 Italian Greyhound versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    The lifespan of Italian Greyhounds is between 14 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Italian Greyhounds 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.

    Italian Greyhounds live longer than Pyrenean Mastiffs.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Italian Greyhound versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    Italian Greyhounds do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Italian Greyhounds shed more than Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Italian Greyhounds do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Italian Greyhound or the Pyrenean Mastiff

    Italian Greyhounds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Italian Greyhound or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Italian Greyhounds are very easy to groom.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Italian Greyhound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Italian Greyhounds 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 Italian Greyhounds Bark and Howl? What about Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Italian Greyhounds bark and howl, but not very much.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Italian Greyhounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Italian Greyhounds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Italian Greyhound vs. Pyrenean Mastiff

    Italian Greyhounds 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 Italian Greyhounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Italian Greyhounds 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 Italian Greyhound or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Italian Greyhounds get along very well with other dogs.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Italian Greyhounds good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Italian Greyhounds 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 Italian Greyhounds and Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Italian Greyhounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Italian Greyhound Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Italian Greyhounds are fairly easy to train.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Italian Greyhound Better for Apartment Owners than the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Italian Greyhounds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Italian Greyhound or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Italian Greyhounds are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Italian Greyhound

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound:

  • Whippet (78 percent match with Italian Greyhound). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs Whippet.
  • 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 Italian Greyhound vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Estrela Mountain Dog (75 percent match with Pyrenean Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Italian Greyhound vs Estrela Mountain Dog.
  • Spanish Mastiff (72 percent match with Pyrenean Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Italian Greyhound vs Spanish Mastiff.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Italian Greyhound Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Italian Greyhound versus Whippet     Italian Greyhound versus French Bulldog     Italian Greyhound versus Golden Retriever     Italian Greyhound versus Schipperke     Italian Greyhound versus Irish Water Spaniel     Italian Greyhound versus Basenji     Italian Greyhound versus Dalmatian     Italian Greyhound versus Finnish Lapphund     Italian Greyhound versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Italian Greyhound versus Beagle     Italian Greyhound versus Australian Shepherd     Italian Greyhound versus Maremma Sheepdog     Italian Greyhound versus Redbone Coonhound     Italian Greyhound versus Maltese     Italian Greyhound versus Bordoodle     Italian Greyhound versus Ibizan Hound     Italian Greyhound versus Labrador Retriever     Italian Greyhound versus Carolina Dog     Italian Greyhound versus Bich Poo     Italian Greyhound versus Yorkshire Terrier     Italian Greyhound versus Patterdale Terrier     Italian Greyhound versus Australian Cattle Dog     Italian Greyhound versus Puli     Italian Greyhound versus Bluetick Coonhound     Italian Greyhound versus Puli     

    Pyrenean Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pyrenean Mastiff versus Puggle     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Harrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Shiranian     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Westiepoo     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Cavapoo     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Australian Kelpie     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Beagle     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Standard Schnauzer     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Cockapoo     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Chinook     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Plott     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Portuguese Pointer     Pyrenean Mastiff versus American Bulldog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Hovawart     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Yorkshire Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Manchester Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Puli     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Pyrenean Mastiff versus West Highland White Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Chinese Crested     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Finnish Lapphund     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Boerboel     

    Conclusion: Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound and the Pyrenean Mastiff better suits you and your family.