Is the Pyrenean Mastiff Better than the Whippet as a Pet? Answer…

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Pyrenean Mastiff Versus Whippet: Introduction

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

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

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 Whippet.

Pyrenean Mastiff versus Whippet: Overview

A very important difference between the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Whippet is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Pyrenean Mastiff is a giant-sized dog while the Whippet 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 Whippet 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 Whippet: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Pyrenean Mastiff to the Whippet 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 Whippet

Factor Pyrenean Mastiff Whippet
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 12 to 15 years
Weight 130 to 200 pounds 18 to 48 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Height 24 to 31 inches 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
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 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 1/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 13.5 years
Price Range No Data $1600 – $2600
Average Price No Data $2120
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • 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 Whippet. 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 Whippet is 86 out of 125.

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

    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 Whippet 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 Whippet

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

  • Pyrenean Mastiffs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Whippets are very friendly towards strangers.
  • 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, Whippets have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Pyrenean Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Whippets adapt well to apartment living.
  • Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Whippets have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Pyrenean Mastiffs can tolerate cold weather. However, Whippets cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool. However, Whippets do not have the tendency to drool.
  • The Similarities Between the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Whippet

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

  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Whippet are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Whippet are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Whippet 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 Whippet are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Whippet get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Whippet get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Whippet are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Whippet are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Pyrenean Mastiff and the Whippet have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Pyrenean Mastiff versus Whippet

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

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

    On the other hand, Whippets weigh 18 to 48 pounds when fully grown. Whippets are 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Pyrenean Mastiff versus Whippet

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

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

    Whippets live longer than Pyrenean Mastiffs.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Pyrenean Mastiff versus Whippet

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

    Whippets do not like to be left alone.

    Do Pyrenean Mastiffs shed more than Whippets?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Whippets do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Pyrenean Mastiff or the Whippet

    Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Whippets do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Pyrenean Mastiff or the Whippet?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Whippets are very easy to groom.

    Does the Pyrenean Mastiff Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Whippet?

    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.

    Whippets 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 Whippets?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Pyrenean Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Whippets Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Whippets cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Pyrenean Mastiff vs. Whippet

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

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

    Can Pyrenean Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Whippets Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Whippets can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Pyrenean Mastiffs get along very well with other dogs.

    Whippets get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Pyrenean Mastiffs good family dogs? What about Whippets?

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

    Whippets are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Pyrenean Mastiffs and Whippets?

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

    Whippets get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Pyrenean Mastiff Easier to Train than the Whippet?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.

    Whippets are very easy to train.

    Is the Pyrenean Mastiff Better for Apartment Owners than the Whippet?

    Pyrenean Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Whippets adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Ibizan Hound (86 percent match with Whippet). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs Ibizan Hound.
  • Italian Greyhound (78 percent match with Whippet). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff vs Italian Greyhound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Pyrenean Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pyrenean Mastiff versus Whippet     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Manchester Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Whoodle     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Afador     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Xoloitzcuintli     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Dachshund     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Frenchton     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Irish Wolfhound     Pyrenean Mastiff versus English Cocker Spaniel     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Bichon Frise     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Chihuahua     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Manchester Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Peek A Poo     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Swedish Vallhund     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Norwich Terrier     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Boerboel     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Standard Poodle     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Pyredoodle     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Redbone Coonhound     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Scottish Deerhound     Pyrenean Mastiff versus Manchester Terrier     

    Whippet Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Whippet versus Pointer     Whippet versus Manchester Terrier     Whippet versus Spanish Mastiff     Whippet versus Shih Tzu     Whippet versus French Bulldog     Whippet versus Irish Wolfhound     Whippet versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Whippet versus Welsh Terrier     Whippet versus Harrier     Whippet versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Whippet versus American Eskimo Dog     Whippet versus Affenhuahua     Whippet versus Pomapoo     Whippet versus Clumber Spaniel     Whippet versus Briard     Whippet versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Whippet versus Shiranian     Whippet versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Whippet versus Bouvier des Flandres     Whippet versus Bedlington Terrier     Whippet versus Xoloitzcuintli     Whippet versus Shichon     Whippet versus Australian Terrier     Whippet versus Boxer     Whippet versus Papillon     

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