Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Lowchen Versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Introduction
- Lowchen versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Overview
- Lowchen versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Lowchen and the Pyrenean Shepherd
- The Similarities Between the Lowchen and the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Size (Weight and Height) of Lowchen versus Pyrenean Shepherd
- Lifespan of Lowchen versus Pyrenean Shepherd
- Temperament of the Pyrenean Shepherd Versus the Lowchen
- The Popularity of Lowchen versus Popularity of Pyrenean Shepherd
- Health Problems of Lowchen versus Health Problems of Pyrenean Shepherd
- Tolerates Being Alone: Lowchen versus Pyrenean Shepherd
- Do Lowchens shed more than Pyrenean Shepherds?
- Which one drools more, the Lowchen or the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Lowchen or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Does the Lowchen Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Do Lowchens Bark and Howl? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?
- Can Lowchens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Lowchen vs. Pyrenean Shepherd
- Can Lowchens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Lowchen or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Are Lowchens good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?
- How Kid-friendly are Lowchens and Pyrenean Shepherds?
- Is the Lowchen Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lowchen
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Lowchen versus Pyrenean Shepherd. Which One is a Better Pet?
Lowchen Versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Lowchen and the Pyrenean Shepherd? 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 Lowchen and the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Lowchen and the Pyrenean Shepherd.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Lowchen and the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Lowchen and for the Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Lowchen and the Pyrenean Shepherd.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Lowchen or the Pyrenean Shepherd.
Lowchen versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Overview
A very important difference between the Lowchen and the Pyrenean Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Lowchen is a tiny-sized dog while the Pyrenean Shepherd is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Lowchen 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 Shepherd 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.
Lowchen versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Lowchen to the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Lowchen and the Pyrenean Shepherd
| Factor | Lowchen | Pyrenean Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder | 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 13 to 15 years | 15 to 17 years |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 9 to 18 pounds | 25 to 30 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 16.0 years |
| Average Price | $2870 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1642 – $4500 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 75.0 percent | 75.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 163 | 178 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Lowchen 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 Shepherd. 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 Lowchen is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Pyrenean Shepherd is 72 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Lowchen is a better pet than the Pyrenean Shepherd. So, you should get the Lowchen!
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 Lowchen and the Pyrenean Shepherd so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Lowchen and the Pyrenean Shepherd
Below is a list of where the Lowchen and the Pyrenean Shepherd are most different:
The Similarities Between the Lowchen and the Pyrenean Shepherd
The Lowchen and the Pyrenean Shepherd are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Lowchen and the Pyrenean Shepherd are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Lowchen versus Pyrenean Shepherd
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Lowchen and the Pyrenean Shepherd.
Lowchens weigh 9 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Lowchens are 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Pyrenean Shepherds weigh 25 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Pyrenean Shepherds are 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Lowchen versus Pyrenean Shepherd
The lifespan of Lowchens is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Lowchens is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is between 15 to 17 years. The average lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is 16.0 years.
Pyrenean Shepherds live longer than Lowchens.
Temperament of the Pyrenean Shepherd Versus the Lowchen
The Lowchen has the same temperament score as the Pyrenean Shepherd.
This is because the temperament score for the Lowchen is 75.0 percent while the temperament score for the Pyrenean Shepherd is 75.0 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 75.0 percent, the Lowchen has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 75.0 percent, the Pyrenean Shepherd has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Lowchen and the Pyrenean Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 12 Lowchens and 4 Pyrenean Shepherds.
The Popularity of Lowchen versus Popularity of Pyrenean Shepherd
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Lowchen and the Pyrenean Shepherd over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Lowchen is more popular with dog owners than the Pyrenean Shepherd. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Lowchen is 163 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Pyrenean Shepherd is 178 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Lowchen
Popularity of Pyrenean Shepherd
| Year | Lowchen Popularity Rank | Pyrenean Shepherd Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 154 | 169 |
| 2014 | 165 | 178 |
| 2015 | 161 | 176 |
| 2016 | 171 | 176 |
| 2017 | 169 | 180 |
| 2018 | 168 | 181 |
| 2019 | 158 | 182 |
| 2020 | 161 | 182 |
Health Problems of Lowchen versus Health Problems of Pyrenean Shepherd
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Lowchen and the Pyrenean Shepherd are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Pyrenean Shepherd is prone to more genetic health problems than the Lowchen.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Pyrenean Shepherd than for the Lowchen.
3 health tests are recommended for Lowchen while 5 tests are recommended for the Pyrenean Shepherd.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Lowchens and in Pyrenean Shepherds.
Lowchen Health Problems
Lowchens are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Lowchen puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Lowchen puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Lowchen breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Lowchens for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Lowchens here.
Pyrenean Shepherd Health Problems
Pyrenean Shepherds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Pyrenean Shepherd puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Pyrenean Shepherd puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Pyrenean Shepherd breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Pyrenean Shepherds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pyrenean Shepherds here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Lowchens and Pyrenean Shepherds
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Lowchen Breed is Patella problems.
This is because the Lowchen ranks 19 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 149 Lowchens, 9 of them had Patella problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Lowchens, and how common these diseases are in Lowchens relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Pyrenean Shepherd Breed is Dentition Database problems.
This is because the Pyrenean Shepherd ranks 24 out of 49 dog breeds for Dentition Database problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 79 Pyrenean Shepherds, 4 of them had Dentition Database problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pyrenean Shepherds, and how common these diseases are in Pyrenean Shepherds relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Lowchen and in Pyrenean Shepherd and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Lowchen and the Pyrenean Shepherd:
| Disease | Lowchen Rank | Pyrenean Shepherd Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Patella problems | 19 out of 145 dog breeds | 72 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 42 out of 182 dog breeds | 44 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 163 out of 198 dog breeds | 71 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Dentition Database problems | Not Common | 24 out of 49 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 27 out of 159 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Lowchen versus Pyrenean Shepherd
Lowchens do not like to be left alone.
Pyrenean Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Do Lowchens shed more than Pyrenean Shepherds?
Lowchens shed moderately.
Pyrenean Shepherds shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Lowchen or the Pyrenean Shepherd
Lowchens do have a very low tendency to drool.
Pyrenean Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Lowchen or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Lowchens are moderately easy to groom.
Pyrenean Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Lowchen Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Lowchens 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 Shepherds 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.
Do Lowchens Bark and Howl? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?
Lowchens are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Pyrenean Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Lowchens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Lowchens can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Pyrenean Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Lowchen vs. Pyrenean Shepherd
Lowchens have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Pyrenean Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Lowchens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Lowchens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Pyrenean Shepherds can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Lowchen or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Lowchens get along very well with other dogs.
Pyrenean Shepherds do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Lowchens good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?
Lowchens are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Pyrenean Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Lowchens and Pyrenean Shepherds?
Lowchens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Pyrenean Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Lowchen Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Lowchens are very easy to train.
Pyrenean Shepherds are not easy to train.
Is the Lowchen Better for Apartment Owners than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Lowchens adapt very well to apartment living.
Pyrenean Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Lowchen or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Lowchens are very good for new dog owners.
Pyrenean Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lowchen
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Lowchen 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 Lowchen:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Shepherd:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Lowchen and how the Pyrenean Shepherd compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Lowchen and of the Pyrenean Shepherd to other breeds:
Lowchen Versus Other Dog Breeds
Lowchen versus English Cocker Spaniel Lowchen versus Braque du Bourbonnais Lowchen versus Saluki Lowchen versus Bernese Mountain Dog Lowchen versus English Setter Lowchen versus Greyhound Lowchen versus Alaskan Malamute Lowchen versus Komondor Lowchen versus Rottweiler Lowchen versus Bich Poo Lowchen versus Carolina Dog Lowchen versus Cavapoo Lowchen versus Cockalier Lowchen versus Pug Lowchen versus Black and Tan Coonhound Lowchen versus Puli Lowchen versus Irish Setter Lowchen versus Beagle Lowchen versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Lowchen versus Lakeland Terrier Lowchen versus Pyrenean Shepherd Lowchen versus Skye Terrier Lowchen versus Australian Cattle Dog Lowchen versus Akita Lowchen versus Pomsky
Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
Pyrenean Shepherd versus American Foxhound Pyrenean Shepherd versus German Longhaired Pointer Pyrenean Shepherd versus King Shepherd Pyrenean Shepherd versus Toy Poodle Pyrenean Shepherd versus Pug Pyrenean Shepherd versus Kishu Ken Pyrenean Shepherd versus German Wirehaired Pointer Pyrenean Shepherd versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Pyrenean Shepherd versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Pyrenean Shepherd versus Scottish Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Chinese Crested Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bulldog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Pyrenean Shepherd versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Chihuahua Pyrenean Shepherd versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bullmastiff Pyrenean Shepherd versus Chihuahua Pyrenean Shepherd versus Black Russian Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bloodhound Pyrenean Shepherd versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Dogo Argentino Pyrenean Shepherd versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Pyrenean Shepherd versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Japanese Chin
Conclusion: Lowchen versus Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Lowchen and the Pyrenean Shepherd better suits you and your family.