Which is Better between the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Shih Tzu? A Very Detailed Review.

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Pyrenean Mastiff Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu.

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 Shih Tzu.

Pyrenean Mastiff versus Shih Tzu: Overview

A very important difference between the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Pyrenean Mastiff is a giant-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-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 Shih Tzu 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.

Pyrenean Mastiff versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Pyrenean Mastiff to the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu

Factor Pyrenean Mastiff Shih Tzu
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 10 to 16 years
Weight 130 to 200 pounds 9 to 16 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Height 24 to 31 inches 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 1/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 3/5
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 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 1/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data $1200 – $2300
Average Price No Data $1820
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data

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 Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu is 86 out of 125.

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

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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu

Below is a list of where the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Shih Tzu are most different:

  • Pyrenean Mastiffs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Shih Tzus are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Pyrenean Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shih Tzus adapt well to apartment living.
  • Pyrenean Mastiffs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Shih Tzus are good for new dog owners.
  • Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool. However, Shih Tzus do not have the tendency to drool.
  • The Similarities Between the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Shih Tzu

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

  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu can be left alone for some time without problems.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Shih Tzu can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Shih Tzu are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Shih Tzu get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Shih Tzu get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Shih Tzu are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Shih Tzu are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Shih Tzu do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Pyrenean Mastiff versus Shih Tzu

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Shih Tzu.

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

    On the other hand, Shih Tzus weigh 9 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shih Tzus are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Pyrenean Mastiff versus Shih Tzu

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

    The lifespan of Shih Tzus is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shih Tzus is 13.0 years.

    Shih Tzus live longer than Pyrenean Mastiffs.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Pyrenean Mastiff versus Shih Tzu

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

    Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Pyrenean Mastiffs shed more than Shih Tzus?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Shih Tzus shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Pyrenean Mastiff or the Shih Tzu

    Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Pyrenean Mastiff or the Shih Tzu?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Pyrenean Mastiff Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?

    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.

    Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Pyrenean Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Pyrenean Mastiff vs. Shih Tzu

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

    Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Shih Tzus cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Pyrenean Mastiff or the Shih Tzu?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs get along very well with other dogs.

    Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Pyrenean Mastiffs good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?

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

    Shih Tzus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Pyrenean Mastiffs and Shih Tzus?

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

    Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Pyrenean Mastiff Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.

    Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Pyrenean Mastiff Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Pyrenean Mastiff or the Shih Tzu?

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

    Shih Tzus are very good 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 Shih Tzu vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Estrela Mountain Dog (75 percent match with Pyrenean Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Shih Tzu vs Estrela Mountain Dog.
  • Spanish Mastiff (72 percent match with Pyrenean Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Shih Tzu vs Spanish Mastiff.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu:

  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier (79 percent match with Shih Tzu). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Pyrenean Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pyrenean Mastiff versus Mudi     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Italian Greyhound     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Berger Picard     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Lowchen     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Sussex Spaniel     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Field Spaniel     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Cavapoo     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Bernedoodle     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Ibizan Hound     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Labradoodle     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Bluetick Coonhound     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Portuguese Water Dog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Australian Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Swedish Vallhund     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Spanish Mastiff     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Lhasapoo     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Alaskan Malamute     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Belgian Malinois     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Field Spaniel     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Saint Bernard     Pyrenean Mastiff versus English Toy Spaniel     

    Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shih Tzu versus Scottish Deerhound     Shih Tzu versus Redbone Coonhound     Shih Tzu versus Miniature Pinscher     Shih Tzu versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Shih Tzu versus Belgian Tervuren     Shih Tzu versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Shih Tzu versus Komondor     Shih Tzu versus Great Dane     Shih Tzu versus Swedish Vallhund     Shih Tzu versus Fila Brasileiro     Shih Tzu versus Golden Retriever     Shih Tzu versus Maltese     Shih Tzu versus Siberian Husky     Shih Tzu versus Coton de Tulear     Shih Tzu versus Chorkie     Shih Tzu versus Briard     Shih Tzu versus Havanese     Shih Tzu versus American Foxhound     Shih Tzu versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Shih Tzu versus Australian Cattle Dog     Shih Tzu versus Puggle     Shih Tzu versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Shih Tzu versus West Highland White Terrier     Shih Tzu versus Ibizan Hound     Shih Tzu versus Shetland Sheepdog     

    Conclusion: Pyrenean Mastiff versus Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.