Pyrenean Mastiff versus Swedish Vallhund. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Pyrenean Mastiff Versus Swedish Vallhund: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund. 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 Swedish Vallhund.

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 Swedish Vallhund.

Pyrenean Mastiff versus Swedish Vallhund: Overview

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

Pyrenean Mastiff versus Swedish Vallhund: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Pyrenean Mastiff to the Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund

Factor Pyrenean Mastiff Swedish Vallhund
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 12 to 15 years
Weight 130 to 200 pounds 22 to 35 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Height 24 to 31 inches 11 inches to 1 foot, 1 inch 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 5/5
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 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 1/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 13.5 years
Price Range No Data $2500 – $2500
Average Price No Data $2500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Eye Examination
  • 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 Swedish Vallhund. 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 Swedish Vallhund is 86 out of 125.

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

    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 Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund

    Below is a list of where the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund are most different:

  • Pyrenean Mastiffs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Swedish Vallhunds are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool. However, Swedish Vallhunds do not have the tendency to drool.
  • The Similarities Between the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund

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

  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund can be left alone for some time without problems.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Pyrenean Mastiff versus Swedish Vallhund

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Swedish Vallhund.

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

    On the other hand, Swedish Vallhunds weigh 22 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Swedish Vallhunds are 11 inches to 1 foot, 1 inch tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Pyrenean Mastiff versus Swedish Vallhund

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

    The lifespan of Swedish Vallhunds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Swedish Vallhunds is 13.5 years.

    Swedish Vallhunds live longer than Pyrenean Mastiffs.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Pyrenean Mastiff versus Swedish Vallhund

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

    Swedish Vallhunds can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Pyrenean Mastiffs shed more than Swedish Vallhunds?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Swedish Vallhunds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Pyrenean Mastiff or the Swedish Vallhund

    Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Swedish Vallhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Pyrenean Mastiff or the Swedish Vallhund?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Swedish Vallhunds are very easy to groom.

    Does the Pyrenean Mastiff Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Swedish Vallhund?

    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.

    Swedish Vallhunds 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 Swedish Vallhunds?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Swedish Vallhunds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Pyrenean Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Swedish Vallhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Swedish Vallhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Pyrenean Mastiff vs. Swedish Vallhund

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

    Swedish Vallhunds have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Pyrenean Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Swedish Vallhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Swedish Vallhunds 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 Swedish Vallhund?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs get along very well with other dogs.

    Swedish Vallhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Pyrenean Mastiffs good family dogs? What about Swedish Vallhunds?

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

    Swedish Vallhunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Pyrenean Mastiffs and Swedish Vallhunds?

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

    Swedish Vallhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Pyrenean Mastiff Easier to Train than the Swedish Vallhund?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.

    Swedish Vallhunds are very easy to train.

    Is the Pyrenean Mastiff Better for Apartment Owners than the Swedish Vallhund?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Swedish Vallhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Pyrenean Mastiff or the Swedish Vallhund?

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

    Swedish Vallhunds 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 Swedish Vallhund vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Estrela Mountain Dog (75 percent match with Pyrenean Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Swedish Vallhund vs Estrela Mountain Dog.
  • Spanish Mastiff (72 percent match with Pyrenean Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Swedish Vallhund vs Spanish Mastiff.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Swedish Vallhund

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Swedish Vallhund 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 Swedish Vallhund:

  • Dalmatian (75 percent match with Swedish Vallhund). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs Dalmatian.
  • German Longhaired Pointer (74 percent match with Swedish Vallhund). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs German Longhaired Pointer.
  • Aussiedoodle (74 percent match with Swedish Vallhund). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Border Collie (75 percent match with Swedish Vallhund). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs Border Collie.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Pyrenean Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pyrenean Mastiff versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Bolognese     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Basset Hound     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Standard Schnauzer     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Saluki     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Manchester Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Stabyhoun     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Cockapoo     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Bracco Italiano     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Newfoundland     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Gordon Setter     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Miniature Schnauzer     Pyrenean Mastiff versus German Pinscher     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Shiloh Shepherd     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Samoyed     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Pomchi     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Shiloh Shepherd     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Gordon Setter     

    Swedish Vallhund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Swedish Vallhund versus Irish Wolfhound     Swedish Vallhund versus Standard Schnauzer     Swedish Vallhund versus Valley Bulldog     Swedish Vallhund versus Bull Terrier     Swedish Vallhund versus Xoloitzcuintli     Swedish Vallhund versus Tibetan Terrier     Swedish Vallhund versus Puli     Swedish Vallhund versus Border Collie     Swedish Vallhund versus Siberian Husky     Swedish Vallhund versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Swedish Vallhund versus French Bulldog     Swedish Vallhund versus American Hairless Terrier     Swedish Vallhund versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Swedish Vallhund versus Japanese Spitz     Swedish Vallhund versus Yorkshire Terrier     Swedish Vallhund versus Cairn Terrier     Swedish Vallhund versus Barbet     Swedish Vallhund versus Pomsky     Swedish Vallhund versus Plott     Swedish Vallhund versus Border Terrier     Swedish Vallhund versus Irish Terrier     Swedish Vallhund versus Redbone Coonhound     Swedish Vallhund versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Swedish Vallhund versus Belgian Sheepdog     Swedish Vallhund versus German Shorthaired Pointer     

    Conclusion: Pyrenean Mastiff versus Swedish Vallhund. 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 Swedish Vallhund better suits you and your family.