Breed Comparison: Pyrenean Mastiff Versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

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Pyrenean Mastiff Versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Pyrenean Mastiff and for the Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Pyrenean Mastiff and the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Pyrenean Mastiff or the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Pyrenean Mastiff versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Overview

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

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Rhodesian Ridgeback belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Pyrenean Mastiff versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Pyrenean Mastiff to the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Pyrenean Mastiff and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

Factor Pyrenean Mastiff Rhodesian Ridgeback
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 1/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 10 to 12 years
Weight 130 to 200 pounds 70 to 85 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Height 24 to 31 inches 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 1/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 11.0 years
Price Range No Data $1250 – $1900
Average Price No Data $1620
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination. Exams are recommended annually to age 9, annual recertifcation is required
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Pyrenean Mastiff 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Pyrenean Mastiff is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 74 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Pyrenean Mastiff is a better pet than the Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Pyrenean Mastiff and the Rhodesian Ridgeback so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Below is a list of where the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are most different:

  • Pyrenean Mastiffs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not have the tendency to drool.

    • The Similarities Between the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Rhodesian Ridgeback do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Pyrenean Mastiff and the Rhodesian Ridgeback can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Rhodesian Ridgeback get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Rhodesian Ridgeback get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Rhodesian Ridgeback have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Rhodesian Ridgeback do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Pyrenean Mastiff versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs weigh 130 to 200 pounds when fully grown. Pyrenean Mastiffs are 24 to 31 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Rhodesian Ridgebacks weigh 70 to 85 pounds when fully grown. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Pyrenean Mastiff versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

    The lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is 11.0 years.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs live longer than Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Pyrenean Mastiff versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not like to be left alone.

    Do Pyrenean Mastiffs shed more than Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Pyrenean Mastiff or the Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Pyrenean Mastiff or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.

    Does the Pyrenean Mastiff Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    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.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Pyrenean Mastiffs Bark and Howl? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Pyrenean Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Pyrenean Mastiff vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Pyrenean Mastiffs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Pyrenean Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Pyrenean Mastiff or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs get along very well with other dogs.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Pyrenean Mastiffs good family dogs? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Pyrenean Mastiffs and Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Pyrenean Mastiff Easier to Train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.

    Is the Pyrenean Mastiff Better for Apartment Owners than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Pyrenean Mastiff or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback:

  • Black Mouth Cur (79 percent match with Rhodesian Ridgeback). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Bracco Italiano (80 percent match with Rhodesian Ridgeback). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs Bracco Italiano.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Pyrenean Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pyrenean Mastiff versus Shiloh Shepherd     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Irish Water Spaniel     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Ibizan Hound     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Bolognese     Pyrenean Mastiff versus American Water Spaniel     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Peek A Poo     Pyrenean Mastiff versus English Springer Spaniel     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Mastiff     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Italian Greyhound     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Irish Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Border Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Bolognese     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Tibetan Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Pyrenean Mastiff versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Great Pyrenees     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Sussex Spaniel     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Beaglier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Rottweiler     Pyrenean Mastiff versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Chow Chow     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Aussiedoodle     

    Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Toy Poodle     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Doberman Pinscher     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Chow Chow     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Basset Hound     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bouvier des Flandres     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Labrador Retriever     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Labradoodle     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Yorkipoo     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bluetick Coonhound     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Cocker Spaniel     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Berger Picard     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Akbash     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Norwich Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Lowchen     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bichon Frise     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Finnish Spitz     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Affenhuahua     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pomeranian     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Miniature Pinscher     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Scottish Terrier     Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Belgian Sheepdog     

    Conclusion: Pyrenean Mastiff versus Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Pyrenean Mastiff and the Rhodesian Ridgeback better suits you and your family.