Breed Comparison: Pyrenean Mastiff Versus West Highland White Terrier

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Pyrenean Mastiff Versus West Highland White Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Pyrenean Mastiff and the West Highland White Terrier? 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 West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Pyrenean Mastiff and the West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier. 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 West Highland White Terrier.

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 West Highland White Terrier.

Pyrenean Mastiff versus West Highland White Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Pyrenean Mastiff and the West Highland White Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Pyrenean Mastiff is a giant-sized dog while the West Highland White Terrier is a small-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 West Highland White Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Pyrenean Mastiff versus West Highland White Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Pyrenean Mastiff to the West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier

Factor Pyrenean Mastiff West Highland White Terrier
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 12 to 16 years
Weight 130 to 200 pounds 13 to 22 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
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 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
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 14.0 years
Price Range No Data $1600 – $2700
Average Price No Data $2220
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Eye Examination- Recommend annual exams until at least age 8yrs (96mo)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • 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 West Highland White Terrier. 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 West Highland White Terrier is 80 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the West Highland White Terrier is a better pet than the Pyrenean Mastiff. So, you should get the West Highland White Terrier!

    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 West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Pyrenean Mastiff and the West Highland White Terrier are most different:

  • Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool. However, West Highland White Terriers do not have the tendency to drool.
  • The Similarities Between the Pyrenean Mastiff and the West Highland White Terrier

    The Pyrenean Mastiff and the West Highland White Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Pyrenean Mastiff and the West Highland White Terrier are most similar:

  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the West Highland White Terrier are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the West Highland White Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the West Highland White Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the West Highland White Terrier get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the West Highland White Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the West Highland White Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the West Highland White Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the West Highland White Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Pyrenean Mastiff versus West Highland White Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Pyrenean Mastiff and the West Highland White Terrier.

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

    On the other hand, West Highland White Terriers weigh 13 to 22 pounds when fully grown. West Highland White Terriers are 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Pyrenean Mastiff versus West Highland White Terrier

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

    The lifespan of West Highland White Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of West Highland White Terriers is 14.0 years.

    West Highland White Terriers live longer than Pyrenean Mastiffs.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Pyrenean Mastiff versus West Highland White Terrier

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

    West Highland White Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Pyrenean Mastiffs shed more than West Highland White Terriers?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs shed moderately.

    West Highland White Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Pyrenean Mastiff or the West Highland White Terrier

    Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.

    West Highland White Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Pyrenean Mastiff or the West Highland White Terrier?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    West Highland White Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Pyrenean Mastiff Have a Higher Prey Drive than the West Highland White Terrier?

    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.

    West Highland White Terriers 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 West Highland White Terriers?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs bark and howl, but not very much.

    West Highland White Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Pyrenean Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can West Highland White Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    West Highland White Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Pyrenean Mastiff vs. West Highland White Terrier

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

    West Highland White Terriers 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 West Highland White Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    West Highland White Terriers 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 West Highland White Terrier?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs get along very well with other dogs.

    West Highland White Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Pyrenean Mastiffs good family dogs? What about West Highland White Terriers?

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

    West Highland White Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Pyrenean Mastiffs and West Highland White Terriers?

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

    West Highland White Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Pyrenean Mastiff Easier to Train than the West Highland White Terrier?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.

    West Highland White Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the Pyrenean Mastiff Better for Apartment Owners than the West Highland White Terrier?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    West Highland White Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Pyrenean Mastiff or the West Highland White Terrier?

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

    West Highland White Terriers 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 West Highland White Terrier vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Estrela Mountain Dog (75 percent match with Pyrenean Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the West Highland White Terrier vs Estrela Mountain Dog.
  • Spanish Mastiff (72 percent match with Pyrenean Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the West Highland White Terrier vs Spanish Mastiff.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the West Highland White Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier:

  • Bearded Collie (82 percent match with West Highland White Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs Bearded Collie.
  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (84 percent match with West Highland White Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Pyrenean Mastiff and how the West Highland White Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff and of the West Highland White Terrier to other breeds:

    Pyrenean Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pyrenean Mastiff versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Pug     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Vizsla     Pyrenean Mastiff versus American Eskimo Dog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Belgian Malinois     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Finnish Lapphund     Pyrenean Mastiff versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Giant Schnauzer     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Boykin Spaniel     Pyrenean Mastiff versus German Longhaired Pointer     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Pomeranian     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Affenhuahua     Pyrenean Mastiff versus King Shepherd     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Tibetan Spaniel     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Lhasa Apso     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Kooikerhondje     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Bloodhound     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Cavapoo     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Cockapoo     Pyrenean Mastiff versus American Foxhound     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Chorkie     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Boxer     

    West Highland White Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    West Highland White Terrier versus Redbone Coonhound     West Highland White Terrier versus Lakeland Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus Australian Shepherd     West Highland White Terrier versus Afghan Hound     West Highland White Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel     West Highland White Terrier versus Leonberger     West Highland White Terrier versus Labrador Retriever     West Highland White Terrier versus Papillon     West Highland White Terrier versus Aussiedoodle     West Highland White Terrier versus Basset Hound     West Highland White Terrier versus Beaglier     West Highland White Terrier versus Braque du Bourbonnais     West Highland White Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund     West Highland White Terrier versus Papillon     West Highland White Terrier versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     West Highland White Terrier versus Australian Shepherd     West Highland White Terrier versus Papipoo     West Highland White Terrier versus Bolognese     West Highland White Terrier versus Maltese     West Highland White Terrier versus Vizsla     West Highland White Terrier versus English Springer Spaniel     West Highland White Terrier versus Standard Poodle     West Highland White Terrier versus Great Pyrenees     West Highland White Terrier versus Maltipoo     West Highland White Terrier versus Standard Schnauzer     

    Conclusion: Pyrenean Mastiff versus West Highland White Terrier. 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 West Highland White Terrier better suits you and your family.