A Detailed Comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog and the Pyrenean Mastiff.

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Portuguese Water Dog Versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog or the Pyrenean Mastiff.

Portuguese Water Dog versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Overview

A very important difference between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Pyrenean Mastiff is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized dog while the Pyrenean Mastiff is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Portuguese Water Dog and the Pyrenean Mastiff are Working Dogs. This means both the Portuguese Water Dog and the Pyrenean Mastiff 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.

Portuguese Water Dog versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog and the Pyrenean Mastiff

Factor Portuguese Water Dog Pyrenean Mastiff
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 1/5
Height 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the 24 to 31 inches
Life Span 10 to 14 years 10 to 13 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Weight 35 to 60 pounds 130 to 200 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 11.5 years
Average Price $2860 No Data
Price Range $2500 – $3300 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- recommend annual exams until age 10
  • GM1 GANGLIOSIDOSIS
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy – Univ of Pennsylvania –
  • NYU
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Sebaceous Adenitis
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Pyrenean Mastiff is 78 out of 125.

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

    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 Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog and the Pyrenean Mastiff

    Below is a list of where the Portuguese Water Dog and the Pyrenean Mastiff are most different:

  • Portuguese Water Dogs do not have the tendency to drool. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Portuguese Water Dogs are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs are not prone to nip and chew at things.

    • The Similarities Between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Pyrenean Mastiff

    The Portuguese Water Dog and the Pyrenean Mastiff are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Portuguese Water Dog and the Pyrenean Mastiff are most similar:

  • Both the Portuguese Water Dog and the Pyrenean Mastiff require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog and the Pyrenean Mastiff can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Portuguese Water Dog and the Pyrenean Mastiff are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Portuguese Water Dog and the Pyrenean Mastiff are very easy to train.
  • Both the Portuguese Water Dog and the Pyrenean Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Portuguese Water Dog and the Pyrenean Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Portuguese Water Dog and the Pyrenean Mastiff get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Portuguese Water Dog and the Pyrenean Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Portuguese Water Dog and the Pyrenean Mastiff have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Portuguese Water Dog versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Pyrenean Mastiff.

    Portuguese Water Dogs weigh 35 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Water Dogs are 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the 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 Portuguese Water Dog versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    The lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is 12.0 years.

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs live longer than Pyrenean Mastiffs.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Portuguese Water Dog versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Portuguese Water Dogs shed more than Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Pyrenean Mastiff

    Portuguese Water Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Portuguese Water Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Portuguese Water Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Portuguese Water Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Portuguese Water Dog vs. Pyrenean Mastiff

    Portuguese Water Dogs 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 Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Portuguese Water Dogs 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 Portuguese Water Dog or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Portuguese Water Dogs good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Portuguese Water Dogs 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 Portuguese Water Dogs and Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Portuguese Water Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Portuguese Water Dog Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Portuguese Water Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Portuguese Water Dog or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Portuguese Water Dogs 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 Portuguese Water Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog:

  • Bernedoodle (83 percent match with Portuguese Water Dog). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs Bernedoodle.
  • Polish Lowland Sheepdog (79 percent match with Portuguese Water Dog). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Water Dog versus Swedish Vallhund     Portuguese Water Dog versus French Bulldog     Portuguese Water Dog versus Havanese     Portuguese Water Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Portuguese Water Dog versus Chi-Poo     Portuguese Water Dog versus Mal Shi     Portuguese Water Dog versus Bichon Frise     Portuguese Water Dog versus Jack Russell Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Shih Tzu     Portuguese Water Dog versus Maltipoo     Portuguese Water Dog versus Komondor     Portuguese Water Dog versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Portuguese Water Dog versus Newfoundland     Portuguese Water Dog versus Karelian Bear Dog     Portuguese Water Dog versus Black Mouth Cur     Portuguese Water Dog versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Portuguese Water Dog versus Belgian Tervuren     Portuguese Water Dog versus Goldendoodle     Portuguese Water Dog versus Silky Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Newfoundland     Portuguese Water Dog versus Schipperke     Portuguese Water Dog versus Canaan Dog     Portuguese Water Dog versus Lakeland Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus American Eskimo Dog     Portuguese Water Dog versus French Spaniel     

    Pyrenean Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pyrenean Mastiff versus Morkie     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Irish Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Bouvier des Flandres     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Belgian Sheepdog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Cairn Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus American Bulldog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Boxer     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Boerboel     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Pomapoo     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Bulldog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Mudi     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Lowchen     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Maltipoo     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Norfolk Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Beaglier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Canaan Dog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Manchester Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Cocker Spaniel     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Mal Shi     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Tibetan Spaniel     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Shichon     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Lhasa Apso     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     

    Conclusion: Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog and the Pyrenean Mastiff better suits you and your family.