Differences and Similarities between the Patterdale Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Patterdale Terrier Versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier or the Pyrenean Shepherd.

Patterdale Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd

Patterdale Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Overview

Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are similar in size. The Patterdale Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are both small-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Patterdale Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

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.

Patterdale Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd

Factor Patterdale Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Weight 11 to 13 pounds 25 to 30 pounds
Life Span 11 to 14 years 15 to 17 years
Height 12 to 15 inches 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 16.0 years
Average Price $680 No Data
Price Range $550 – $950 No Data
Temperament Score 80.0 percent 75.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier is 77 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Pyrenean Shepherd is 72 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Patterdale Terrier is a better pet than the Pyrenean Shepherd. So, you should get the Patterdale Terrier!

    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 Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd

    Below is a list of where the Patterdale Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are most different:

  • Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Pyrenean Shepherds adapt well to apartment living.
  • Patterdale Terriers are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Pyrenean Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • The Similarities Between the Patterdale Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd

    The Patterdale Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Patterdale Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are most similar:

  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Patterdale Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are very playful.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Patterdale Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Patterdale Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Patterdale Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd.

    Patterdale Terriers weigh 11 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Patterdale Terriers are 12 to 15 inches 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 Patterdale Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd

    The lifespan of Patterdale Terriers is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Patterdale Terriers is 12.5 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 Patterdale Terriers.

    Temperament of the Patterdale Terrier Versus the Pyrenean Shepherd

    The Patterdale Terrier has a better temperament than the Pyrenean Shepherd.

    This is because the temperament score for the Patterdale Terrier is 80.0 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 80.0 percent, the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 5 Patterdale Terriers and 4 Pyrenean Shepherds.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Patterdale Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd

    Patterdale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Pyrenean Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Patterdale Terriers shed more than Pyrenean Shepherds?

    Patterdale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Pyrenean Shepherds shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Patterdale Terrier or the Pyrenean Shepherd

    Patterdale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pyrenean Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Patterdale Terrier or the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Patterdale Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Pyrenean Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Patterdale Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?

    Patterdale Terriers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Pyrenean Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Patterdale Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Pyrenean Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Patterdale Terrier vs. Pyrenean Shepherd

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Patterdale Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Patterdale Terrier or the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Patterdale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Pyrenean Shepherds do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Patterdale Terriers good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terriers and Pyrenean Shepherds?

    Patterdale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Patterdale Terrier Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Patterdale Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Pyrenean Shepherds are not easy to train.

    Is the Patterdale Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pyrenean Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Patterdale Terrier or the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Patterdale Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Patterdale Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier:

  • Field Spaniel (79 percent match with Patterdale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Shepherd vs Field Spaniel.
  • Portuguese Pointer (78 percent match with Patterdale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Shepherd vs Portuguese Pointer.
  • 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:

  • Cairn Terrier (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Patterdale Terrier vs Cairn Terrier.
  • Lakeland Terrier (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Patterdale Terrier vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Pomsky (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Patterdale Terrier vs Pomsky.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Patterdale Terrier and how the Pyrenean Shepherd compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Patterdale Terrier and of the Pyrenean Shepherd to other breeds:

    Patterdale Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Patterdale Terrier versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Affenhuahua     Patterdale Terrier versus English Springer Spaniel     Patterdale Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Patterdale Terrier versus Great Pyrenees     Patterdale Terrier versus Vizsla     Patterdale Terrier versus Schipperke     Patterdale Terrier versus Scottish Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer     Patterdale Terrier versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Patterdale Terrier versus Standard Poodle     Patterdale Terrier versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Patterdale Terrier versus Newfoundland     Patterdale Terrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Patterdale Terrier versus Miniature Poodle     Patterdale Terrier versus Frenchton     Patterdale Terrier versus Gordon Setter     Patterdale Terrier versus American Eskimo Dog     Patterdale Terrier versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Patterdale Terrier versus Xoloitzcuintli     Patterdale Terrier versus Lakeland Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Japanese Chin     Patterdale Terrier versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     

    Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pyrenean Shepherd versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Fila Brasileiro     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Tibetan Mastiff     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shetland Sheepdog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Field Spaniel     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bichon Frise     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Kuvasz     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Australian Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Cocker Spaniel     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Border Collie     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Golden Retriever     Pyrenean Shepherd versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Boxer     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bearded Collie     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Cockalier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Maremma Sheepdog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Catahoula Bulldog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Borzoi     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Plott     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Beaglier     

    Conclusion: Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier and the Pyrenean Shepherd better suits you and your family.