Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Spinone Italiano: Introduction
- Pyrenean Shepherd versus Spinone Italiano: Overview
- Pyrenean Shepherd versus Spinone Italiano: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Spinone Italiano
- The Similarities Between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Spinone Italiano
- Size (Weight and Height) of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Spinone Italiano
- Lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Spinone Italiano
- Temperament of the Pyrenean Shepherd Versus the Spinone Italiano
- The Popularity of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Popularity of Spinone Italiano
- Health Problems of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Health Problems of Spinone Italiano
- Tolerates Being Alone: Pyrenean Shepherd versus Spinone Italiano
- Do Pyrenean Shepherds shed more than Spinone Italianos?
- Which one drools more, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Spinone Italiano
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Spinone Italiano?
- Does the Pyrenean Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spinone Italiano?
- Do Pyrenean Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Spinone Italianos?
- Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spinone Italianos Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Pyrenean Shepherd vs. Spinone Italiano
- Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spinone Italianos Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Spinone Italiano?
- Are Pyrenean Shepherds good family dogs? What about Spinone Italianos?
- How Kid-friendly are Pyrenean Shepherds and Spinone Italianos?
- Is the Pyrenean Shepherd Easier to Train than the Spinone Italiano?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Spinone Italiano
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Pyrenean Shepherd versus Spinone Italiano. Which One is a Better Pet?
Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Spinone Italiano: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Spinone Italiano? 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 Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano. 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 Spinone Italiano.
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 Spinone Italiano.
Pyrenean Shepherd versus Spinone Italiano: Overview
A very important difference between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Spinone Italiano is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Pyrenean Shepherd is a small-sized dog while the Spinone Italiano is a large-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 Spinone Italiano belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
Pyrenean Shepherd versus Spinone Italiano: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Pyrenean Shepherd to the Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano
| Factor | Pyrenean Shepherd | Spinone Italiano |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 15 to 17 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Height | 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder | 22 to 28 inches |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 25 to 30 pounds | 61 to 86 pounds |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 16.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1000 – $1000 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1180 |
| Temperament Score | 75.0 percent | 50.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 178 | 112 |
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 Spinone Italiano. 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 Spinone Italiano is 86 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Spinone Italiano is a better pet than the Pyrenean Shepherd. So, you should get the Spinone Italiano!
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 Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano
Below is a list of where the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Spinone Italiano are most different:
The Similarities Between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Spinone Italiano
The Pyrenean Shepherd and the Spinone Italiano are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Spinone Italiano are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Spinone Italiano
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Spinone Italiano.
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, Spinone Italianos weigh 61 to 86 pounds when fully grown. Spinone Italianos are 22 to 28 inches when fully grown.
Lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Spinone Italiano
The lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is between 15 to 17 years. The average lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is 16.0 years.
The lifespan of Spinone Italianos is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Spinone Italianos is 12.0 years.
Pyrenean Shepherds live longer than Spinone Italianos.
Temperament of the Pyrenean Shepherd Versus the Spinone Italiano
The Pyrenean Shepherd has a better temperament than the Spinone Italiano.
This is because the temperament score for the Pyrenean Shepherd is 75.0 percent while the temperament score for the Spinone Italiano is 50.0 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 75.0 percent, the Pyrenean Shepherd has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 50.0 percent, the Spinone Italiano has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Spinone Italiano by measuring the temperaments of 4 Pyrenean Shepherds and 6 Spinone Italianos.
The Popularity of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Popularity of Spinone Italiano
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Spinone Italiano over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Spinone Italiano is more popular with dog owners than the Pyrenean Shepherd. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Spinone Italiano is 112 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Pyrenean Shepherd is 178 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Pyrenean Shepherd
Popularity of Spinone Italiano
| Year | Pyrenean Shepherd Popularity Rank | Spinone Italiano Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 169 | 117 |
| 2014 | 178 | 118 |
| 2015 | 176 | 112 |
| 2016 | 176 | 105 |
| 2017 | 180 | 111 |
| 2018 | 181 | 109 |
| 2019 | 182 | 116 |
| 2020 | 182 | 110 |
Health Problems of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Health Problems of Spinone Italiano
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Spinone Italiano are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Spinone Italiano is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Pyrenean Shepherd.
5 health tests are recommended for Pyrenean Shepherd while 5 tests are recommended for the Spinone Italiano.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Pyrenean Shepherds and in Spinone Italianos.
Pyrenean Shepherd Health Problems
Pyrenean Shepherds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Pyrenean Shepherd puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Pyrenean Shepherd puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Pyrenean Shepherd breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Pyrenean Shepherds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pyrenean Shepherds here.
Spinone Italiano Health Problems
Spinone Italianos are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Spinone Italiano puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Spinone Italiano puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Spinone Italiano breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Spinone Italianos for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Spinone Italianos here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Pyrenean Shepherds and Spinone Italianos
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Pyrenean Shepherd Breed is Dentition Database problems.
This is because the Pyrenean Shepherd ranks 24 out of 49 dog breeds for Dentition Database problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 79 Pyrenean Shepherds, 4 of them had Dentition Database problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pyrenean Shepherds, and how common these diseases are in Pyrenean Shepherds relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Spinone Italiano Breed is Shoulder problems.
This is because the Spinone Italiano ranks 5 out of 22 dog breeds for Shoulder problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 50 Spinone Italianos, 2 of them had Shoulder problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Spinone Italianos, and how common these diseases are in Spinone Italianos relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Pyrenean Shepherd and in Spinone Italiano and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Spinone Italiano:
| Disease | Pyrenean Shepherd Rank | Spinone Italiano Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Dentition Database problems | 24 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 27 out of 159 dog breeds | 20 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 44 out of 182 dog breeds | 164 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 71 out of 198 dog breeds | 77 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | 72 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Shoulder problems | Not Common | 5 out of 22 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 16 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 61 out of 144 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Pyrenean Shepherd versus Spinone Italiano
Pyrenean Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Spinone Italianos do not like to be left alone.
Do Pyrenean Shepherds shed more than Spinone Italianos?
Pyrenean Shepherds shed moderately.
Spinone Italianos shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Spinone Italiano
Pyrenean Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Spinone Italianos have a very high tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Spinone Italiano?
Pyrenean Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.
Spinone Italianos require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Pyrenean Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spinone Italiano?
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.
Spinone Italianos 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 Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Spinone Italianos?
Pyrenean Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Spinone Italianos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spinone Italianos Tolerate Cold Weather?
Pyrenean Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Spinone Italianos can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Pyrenean Shepherd vs. Spinone Italiano
Pyrenean Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Spinone Italianos 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 Spinone Italianos Tolerate Hot Weather?
Pyrenean Shepherds can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Spinone Italianos 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 Spinone Italiano?
Pyrenean Shepherds do not get along well with other dogs.
Spinone Italianos get along very well with other dogs.
Are Pyrenean Shepherds good family dogs? What about Spinone Italianos?
Pyrenean Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Spinone Italianos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Pyrenean Shepherds and Spinone Italianos?
Pyrenean Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Spinone Italianos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Pyrenean Shepherd Easier to Train than the Spinone Italiano?
Pyrenean Shepherds are not easy to train.
Spinone Italianos are very easy to train.
Is the Pyrenean Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Spinone Italiano?
Pyrenean Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.
Spinone Italianos adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Spinone Italiano?
Pyrenean Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Spinone Italianos are very good 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Spinone Italiano
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Pyrenean Shepherd and how the Spinone Italiano compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Pyrenean Shepherd and of the Spinone Italiano to other breeds:
Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
Pyrenean Shepherd versus Valley Bulldog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Pyrenean Shepherd versus Dalmatian Pyrenean Shepherd versus Australian Kelpie Pyrenean Shepherd versus Korean Jindo Dog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Pyrenean Shepherd versus Norwegian Buhund Pyrenean Shepherd versus Saluki Pyrenean Shepherd versus Pomchi Pyrenean Shepherd versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Pyrenean Shepherd versus Peek A Poo Pyrenean Shepherd versus Maremma Sheepdog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Icelandic Sheepdog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Kai Ken Pyrenean Shepherd versus Aussiedoodle Pyrenean Shepherd versus Dachshund Pyrenean Shepherd versus Catahoula Bulldog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Affenpinscher Pyrenean Shepherd versus Pyrenean Mastiff Pyrenean Shepherd versus Chinook Pyrenean Shepherd versus Belgian Sheepdog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Cockapoo Pyrenean Shepherd versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Canaan Dog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Sealyham Terrier
Spinone Italiano Versus Other Dog Breeds
Spinone Italiano versus Boykin Spaniel Spinone Italiano versus Dalmatian Spinone Italiano versus Basset Hound Spinone Italiano versus Borzoi Spinone Italiano versus Sheepadoodle Spinone Italiano versus Mudi Spinone Italiano versus Valley Bulldog Spinone Italiano versus Cavapoo Spinone Italiano versus Komondor Spinone Italiano versus Pomapoo Spinone Italiano versus Boxerdoodle Spinone Italiano versus Italian Greyhound Spinone Italiano versus Chi-Poo Spinone Italiano versus Chi-Poo Spinone Italiano versus Labrador Retriever Spinone Italiano versus Puggle Spinone Italiano versus Komondor Spinone Italiano versus German Shorthaired Pointer Spinone Italiano versus Chihuahua Spinone Italiano versus Standard Schnauzer Spinone Italiano versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Spinone Italiano versus Plott Spinone Italiano versus Pomapoo Spinone Italiano versus Akita Spinone Italiano versus Shetland Sheepdog
Conclusion: Pyrenean Shepherd versus Spinone Italiano. 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 Spinone Italiano better suits you and your family.