Which is Better between the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Saint Bernard? A Very Detailed Review.

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Pyrenean Mastiff Versus Saint Bernard: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard. 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 Saint Bernard.

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 Saint Bernard.

Pyrenean Mastiff versus Saint Bernard: Overview

Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Saint Bernard are similar in size. The Pyrenean Mastiff and the Saint Bernard are both giant-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Saint Bernard are Working Dogs. This means both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Saint Bernard 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.

Pyrenean Mastiff versus Saint Bernard: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Pyrenean Mastiff to the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard

Factor Pyrenean Mastiff Saint Bernard
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 8 to 10 years
Weight 130 to 200 pounds 120 to 180 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 5/5
Height 24 to 31 inches 2 feet, 2 inches to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the s
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 1/5 1/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 9.0 years
Price Range No Data $875 – $1525
Average Price No Data $1320
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation – Min Age 24 Months
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia – Min Age 24 Months
  • Eye Examination – Min Age 22 Months
  • Hip Dysplasia – Min Age 24 Months
    		•

    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 Saint Bernard. 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 Saint Bernard is 81 out of 125.

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

    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 Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard

    Below is a list of where the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Saint Bernard are most different:

  • Pyrenean Mastiffs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Saint Bernards are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Pyrenean Mastiffs can be left alone for some time without problems. However, Saint Bernards do not like to be left alone.

    • The Similarities Between the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Saint Bernard

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

  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Saint Bernard do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Saint Bernard do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Saint Bernard are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Saint Bernard are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Saint Bernard have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Saint Bernard are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Saint Bernard get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Saint Bernard get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Saint Bernard are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Saint Bernard have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Saint Bernard have a very high tendency to drool.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Pyrenean Mastiff versus Saint Bernard

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Saint Bernard.

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

    On the other hand, Saint Bernards weigh 120 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Saint Bernards are 2 feet, 2 inches to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the s when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Pyrenean Mastiff versus Saint Bernard

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

    The lifespan of Saint Bernards is between 8 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Saint Bernards is 9.0 years.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs live longer than Saint Bernards.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Pyrenean Mastiff versus Saint Bernard

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

    Saint Bernards do not like to be left alone.

    Do Pyrenean Mastiffs shed more than Saint Bernards?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Saint Bernards shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Pyrenean Mastiff or the Saint Bernard

    Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Saint Bernards have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Pyrenean Mastiff or the Saint Bernard?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Saint Bernards require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Pyrenean Mastiff Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Saint Bernard?

    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.

    Saint Bernards 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 Pyrenean Mastiffs Bark and Howl? What about Saint Bernards?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Saint Bernards are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Pyrenean Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Saint Bernards Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Saint Bernards can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Pyrenean Mastiff vs. Saint Bernard

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

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

    Can Pyrenean Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Saint Bernards Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Saint Bernards cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Pyrenean Mastiff or the Saint Bernard?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs get along very well with other dogs.

    Saint Bernards get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Pyrenean Mastiffs good family dogs? What about Saint Bernards?

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

    Saint Bernards are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Pyrenean Mastiffs and Saint Bernards?

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

    Saint Bernards get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Pyrenean Mastiff Easier to Train than the Saint Bernard?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.

    Saint Bernards are not easy to train.

    Is the Pyrenean Mastiff Better for Apartment Owners than the Saint Bernard?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Saint Bernards adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Pyrenean Mastiff or the Saint Bernard?

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

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

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Saint Bernard

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard:

  • Newfoundland (68 percent match with Saint Bernard). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs Newfoundland.
  • King Shepherd (71 percent match with Saint Bernard). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs King Shepherd.
  • Spinone Italiano (68 percent match with Saint Bernard). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs Spinone Italiano.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Pyrenean Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pyrenean Mastiff versus Pomapoo     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Clumber Spaniel     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Pekingese     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Norfolk Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Cavapoo     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Cairn Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Weimaraner     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Affenpinscher     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Harrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Afador     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Cockapoo     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Westiepoo     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Tibetan Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Lowchen     Pyrenean Mastiff versus English Springer Spaniel     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Greyhound     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Karelian Bear Dog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Papipoo     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Peek A Poo     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Kishu Ken     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Australian Shepherd     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Bichon Frise     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Kishu Ken     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Karelian Bear Dog     

    Saint Bernard Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Saint Bernard versus Norwegian Lundehund     Saint Bernard versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Saint Bernard versus Clumber Spaniel     Saint Bernard versus English Cocker Spaniel     Saint Bernard versus Pomeranian     Saint Bernard versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Saint Bernard versus Affenhuahua     Saint Bernard versus Bullmastiff     Saint Bernard versus Affenhuahua     Saint Bernard versus Bolognese     Saint Bernard versus Cockapoo     Saint Bernard versus Papillon     Saint Bernard versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Saint Bernard versus Tibetan Mastiff     Saint Bernard versus English Springer Spaniel     Saint Bernard versus English Toy Spaniel     Saint Bernard versus Scottish Terrier     Saint Bernard versus Lakeland Terrier     Saint Bernard versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Saint Bernard versus Affenpinscher     Saint Bernard versus Pomeranian     Saint Bernard versus Giant Schnauzer     Saint Bernard versus Doberman Pinscher     Saint Bernard versus Biewer Terrier     Saint Bernard versus Black and Tan Coonhound     

    Conclusion: Pyrenean Mastiff versus Saint Bernard. 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 Saint Bernard better suits you and your family.