A Detailed Comparison of the Labrador Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff.

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Labrador Retriever Versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever or the Pyrenean Mastiff.

Labrador Retriever versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Labrador Retriever 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.

Labrador Retriever versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff

Factor Labrador Retriever Pyrenean Mastiff
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 13 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 4/5
Height 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder 24 to 31 inches
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 1/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
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
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Weight 55 to 80 pounds 130 to 200 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1290 No Data
Price Range $850 – $1500 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Centronuclear Myopathy
  • D Locus (Dilute) DNA Test
  • EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • prcd-PRA DNA Test
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever is 74 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 Labrador Retriever. 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff

    Below is a list of where the Labrador Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff are most different:

  • Labrador Retrievers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Labrador Retrievers gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Labrador Retrievers are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs are not prone to nip and chew at things.

    • The Similarities Between the Labrador Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff

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

  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Labrador Retriever versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Labrador Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff.

    Labrador Retrievers weigh 55 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Labrador Retrievers are 21 to 24 inches 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 Labrador Retriever versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    The lifespan of Labrador Retrievers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Labrador Retrievers is 11.0 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 Labrador Retrievers.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Labrador Retriever versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    Labrador Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Labrador Retrievers shed more than Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Labrador Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Labrador Retriever or the Pyrenean Mastiff

    Labrador Retrievers drool moderately.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Labrador Retriever or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Labrador Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Labrador Retrievers 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 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 Labrador Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Labrador Retrievers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Labrador Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Labrador Retriever vs. Pyrenean Mastiff

    Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retriever or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Labrador Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Labrador Retrievers good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers and Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Labrador Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Labrador Retriever Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Labrador Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Labrador Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Labrador Retriever or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retriever

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever:

  • Golden Retriever (75 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs Golden Retriever.
  • Aussiedoodle (73 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Flat-Coated Retriever (77 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Shiloh Shepherd (79 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs Shiloh Shepherd.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Labrador Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Labrador Retriever versus English Setter     Labrador Retriever versus Coton de Tulear     Labrador Retriever versus Mountain Cur     Labrador Retriever versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Labrador Retriever versus Dalmatian     Labrador Retriever versus German Pinscher     Labrador Retriever versus Basset Hound     Labrador Retriever versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Labrador Retriever versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Labrador Retriever versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Labrador Retriever versus Cockalier     Labrador Retriever versus Beaglier     Labrador Retriever versus American Foxhound     Labrador Retriever versus Cockalier     Labrador Retriever versus American Foxhound     Labrador Retriever versus Dogo Argentino     Labrador Retriever versus Plott     Labrador Retriever versus Bullmastiff     Labrador Retriever versus Golden Retriever     Labrador Retriever versus Boxerdoodle     Labrador Retriever versus Hovawart     Labrador Retriever versus Clumber Spaniel     Labrador Retriever versus Norwich Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Norwegian Lundehund     Labrador Retriever versus Vizsla     

    Pyrenean Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pyrenean Mastiff versus Scottish Deerhound     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Mal Shi     Pyrenean Mastiff versus German Pinscher     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Schnoodle     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Silky Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus American Bulldog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Kishu Ken     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Cane Corso     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Finnish Spitz     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Manchester Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Greyhound     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Saluki     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Bull Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Whoodle     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Collie     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Pomsky     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Great Dane     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Miniature Schnauzer     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Canaan Dog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Fila Brasileiro     Pyrenean Mastiff versus King Shepherd     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Dogo Argentino     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Japanese Spitz     

    Conclusion: Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and the Pyrenean Mastiff better suits you and your family.