Differences and Similarities between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Spanish Mastiff.

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Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Spanish Mastiff: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Spanish Mastiff 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 Shepherd and for the Spanish Mastiff. 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 Shepherd and the Spanish Mastiff.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Spanish Mastiff.

Pyrenean Shepherd versus Spanish Mastiff: Overview

A very important difference between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Spanish Mastiff is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Pyrenean Shepherd is a small-sized dog while the Spanish Mastiff is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Pyrenean Shepherd 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.

On the other hand, the Spanish 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.

Pyrenean Shepherd versus Spanish Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Pyrenean Shepherd to the Spanish Mastiff 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 Shepherd and the Spanish Mastiff

Factor Pyrenean Shepherd Spanish Mastiff
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Life Span 15 to 17 years 10 to 12 years
Height 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder 26 to 35 inches
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Weight 25 to 30 pounds 140 to 220 pounds
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 16.0 years 11.0 years
Price Range No Data $1000 – $1050
Average Price No Data $1050
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Spanish Mastiff. 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 Shepherd is 72 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Spanish Mastiff is 83 out of 125.

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

    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 Shepherd and the Spanish Mastiff so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Pyrenean Shepherds have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Spanish Mastiffs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Pyrenean Shepherds adapt well to apartment living. However, Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Pyrenean Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Spanish Mastiffs are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Pyrenean Shepherds do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Spanish Mastiffs do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.

    • The Similarities Between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Spanish Mastiff do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Spanish Mastiff are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Spanish Mastiff do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Spanish Mastiff are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Spanish Mastiff are not easy to train.
  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Spanish Mastiff 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 Shepherd and the Spanish Mastiff 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 Shepherd and the Spanish Mastiff can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Spanish Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Spanish Mastiff have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Spanish Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Spanish Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Spanish Mastiff are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Spanish Mastiff

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds weigh 25 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Pyrenean Shepherds are 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Spanish Mastiffs weigh 140 to 220 pounds when fully grown. Spanish Mastiffs are 26 to 35 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Spanish Mastiff

    The lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is between 15 to 17 years. The average lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is 16.0 years.

    The lifespan of Spanish Mastiffs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Spanish Mastiffs is 11.0 years.

    Pyrenean Shepherds live longer than Spanish Mastiffs.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Pyrenean Shepherd versus Spanish Mastiff

    Pyrenean Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Spanish Mastiffs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Pyrenean Shepherds shed more than Spanish Mastiffs?

    Pyrenean Shepherds shed moderately.

    Spanish Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Spanish Mastiff

    Pyrenean Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Spanish Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Pyrenean Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    Spanish Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Pyrenean Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Pyrenean Shepherds 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.

    Spanish 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.

    Do Pyrenean Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Pyrenean Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Pyrenean Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Spanish Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Pyrenean Shepherd vs. Spanish Mastiff

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

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

    Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

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

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds do not get along well with other dogs.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Pyrenean Shepherds good family dogs? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Pyrenean Shepherds and Spanish Mastiffs?

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

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

    Is the Pyrenean Shepherd Easier to Train than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Pyrenean Shepherds are not easy to train.

    Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.

    Is the Pyrenean Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Pyrenean Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd

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

  • Cairn Terrier (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Cairn Terrier.
  • Lakeland Terrier (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Pomsky (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Spanish Mastiff vs Pomsky.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Akbash (78 percent match with Spanish Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Shepherd vs Akbash.
  • Hovawart (81 percent match with Spanish Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Shepherd vs Hovawart.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pyrenean Shepherd versus Cocker Spaniel     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Lakeland Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus American Bulldog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus English Cocker Spaniel     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bordoodle     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Black Russian Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Cockapoo     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Affenhuahua     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Belgian Sheepdog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Irish Setter     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Fila Brasileiro     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Belgian Sheepdog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Alaskan Malamute     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Dogo Argentino     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Pomsky     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Puggle     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Finnish Lapphund     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Beagle     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Kooikerhondje     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Akita     

    Spanish Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Spanish Mastiff versus Jack Russell Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Chow Chow     Spanish Mastiff versus Bouvier des Flandres     Spanish Mastiff versus Basset Hound     Spanish Mastiff versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Spanish Mastiff versus Finnish Lapphund     Spanish Mastiff versus German Shepherd Dog     Spanish Mastiff versus Cesky Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Airedale Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Italian Greyhound     Spanish Mastiff versus Valley Bulldog     Spanish Mastiff versus Dachshund     Spanish Mastiff versus Scottish Deerhound     Spanish Mastiff versus Boston Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Spanish Mastiff versus Chorkie     Spanish Mastiff versus Scottish Deerhound     Spanish Mastiff versus Bullmastiff     Spanish Mastiff versus Greyhound     Spanish Mastiff versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Spanish Mastiff versus Akbash     Spanish Mastiff versus Borzoi     Spanish Mastiff versus Tibetan Mastiff     Spanish Mastiff versus Pug     Spanish Mastiff versus Karelian Bear Dog     

    Conclusion: Pyrenean Shepherd versus Spanish Mastiff. 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 Shepherd and the Spanish Mastiff better suits you and your family.