Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Vizsla: Introduction
- Pyrenean Shepherd versus Vizsla: Overview
- Pyrenean Shepherd versus Vizsla: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Vizsla
- The Similarities Between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Vizsla
- Size (Weight and Height) of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Vizsla
- Lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Vizsla
- Temperament of the Pyrenean Shepherd Versus the Vizsla
- The Popularity of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Popularity of Vizsla
- Health Problems of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Health Problems of Vizsla
- Tolerates Being Alone: Pyrenean Shepherd versus Vizsla
- Do Pyrenean Shepherds shed more than Vizslas?
- Which one drools more, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Vizsla
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Vizsla?
- Does the Pyrenean Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Vizsla?
- Do Pyrenean Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Vizslas?
- Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Vizslas Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Pyrenean Shepherd vs. Vizsla
- Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Vizslas Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Vizsla?
- Are Pyrenean Shepherds good family dogs? What about Vizslas?
- How Kid-friendly are Pyrenean Shepherds and Vizslas?
- Is the Pyrenean Shepherd Easier to Train than the Vizsla?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Vizsla
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Pyrenean Shepherd versus Vizsla. Which One is a Better Pet?
Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Vizsla: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Vizsla? 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 Vizsla 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 Vizsla.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Vizsla 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 Vizsla. 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 Vizsla.
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 Vizsla.
Pyrenean Shepherd versus Vizsla: Overview
A very important difference between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Vizsla is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Pyrenean Shepherd is a small-sized dog while the Vizsla is a medium-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 Vizsla 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 Vizsla: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Pyrenean Shepherd to the Vizsla 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 Vizsla
| Factor | Pyrenean Shepherd | Vizsla |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 15 to 17 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Height | 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder | 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 25 to 30 pounds | 45 to 65 pounds |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 16.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1200 – $1800 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1590 |
| Temperament Score | 75.0 percent | 85.2 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 178 | 32 |
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 Vizsla. 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 Vizsla is 79 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Vizsla is a better pet than the Pyrenean Shepherd. So, you should get the Vizsla!
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 Vizsla 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 Vizsla
Below is a list of where the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Vizsla are most different:
The Similarities Between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Vizsla
The Pyrenean Shepherd and the Vizsla are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Vizsla are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Vizsla
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Vizsla.
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, Vizslas weigh 45 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Vizslas are 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Vizsla
The lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is between 15 to 17 years. The average lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is 16.0 years.
The lifespan of Vizslas is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Vizslas is 12.0 years.
Pyrenean Shepherds live longer than Vizslas.
Temperament of the Pyrenean Shepherd Versus the Vizsla
The Vizsla has a better temperament than the Pyrenean Shepherd.
This is because the temperament score for the Vizsla is 85.2 percent while the temperament score for the Pyrenean Shepherd is 75.0 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 85.2 percent, the Vizsla has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Vizsla by measuring the temperaments of 4 Pyrenean Shepherds and 54 Vizslas.
The Popularity of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Popularity of Vizsla
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 Vizsla over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Vizsla is more popular with dog owners than the Pyrenean Shepherd. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Vizsla is 32 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 Vizsla
| Year | Pyrenean Shepherd Popularity Rank | Vizsla Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 169 | 34 |
| 2014 | 178 | 34 |
| 2015 | 176 | 32 |
| 2016 | 176 | 31 |
| 2017 | 180 | 30 |
| 2018 | 181 | 31 |
| 2019 | 182 | 34 |
| 2020 | 182 | 35 |
Health Problems of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Health Problems of Vizsla
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 Vizsla 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 Vizsla is prone to more genetic health problems than the Pyrenean Shepherd.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Vizsla than for the Pyrenean Shepherd.
5 health tests are recommended for Pyrenean Shepherd while 7 tests are recommended for the Vizsla.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Pyrenean Shepherds and in Vizslas.
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.
Vizsla Health Problems
Vizslas are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Vizsla 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 Vizsla puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Vizsla 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 Vizslas for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Vizslas here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Pyrenean Shepherds and Vizslas
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 Vizsla Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.
This is because the Vizsla ranks 45 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 273 Vizslas, 1 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Vizslas, and how common these diseases are in Vizslas relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Pyrenean Shepherd and in Vizsla and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Vizsla:
| Disease | Pyrenean Shepherd Rank | Vizsla Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Dentition Database problems | 24 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 27 out of 159 dog breeds | 51 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 44 out of 182 dog breeds | 163 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 71 out of 198 dog breeds | 143 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | 72 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | Not Common | 45 out of 71 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 70 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 105 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 Vizsla
Pyrenean Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Vizslas do not like to be left alone.
Do Pyrenean Shepherds shed more than Vizslas?
Pyrenean Shepherds shed moderately.
Vizslas do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Vizsla
Pyrenean Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Vizslas do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Vizsla?
Pyrenean Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.
Vizslas are very easy to groom.
Does the Pyrenean Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Vizsla?
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.
Vizslas 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 Vizslas?
Pyrenean Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Vizslas are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Vizslas Tolerate Cold Weather?
Pyrenean Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Vizslas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Pyrenean Shepherd vs. Vizsla
Pyrenean Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Vizslas have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Vizslas Tolerate Hot Weather?
Pyrenean Shepherds can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Vizslas can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Vizsla?
Pyrenean Shepherds do not get along well with other dogs.
Vizslas get along very well with other dogs.
Are Pyrenean Shepherds good family dogs? What about Vizslas?
Pyrenean Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Vizslas are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Pyrenean Shepherds and Vizslas?
Pyrenean Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Vizslas get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Pyrenean Shepherd Easier to Train than the Vizsla?
Pyrenean Shepherds are not easy to train.
Vizslas are very easy to train.
Is the Pyrenean Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Vizsla?
Pyrenean Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.
Vizslas do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Vizsla?
Pyrenean Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Vizslas are OK 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 Vizsla
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Vizsla 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 Vizsla:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Pyrenean Shepherd and how the Vizsla compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Pyrenean Shepherd and of the Vizsla to other breeds:
Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
Pyrenean Shepherd versus Affenhuahua Pyrenean Shepherd versus Beaglier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Pyrenean Shepherd versus Border Collie Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bulldog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bloodhound Pyrenean Shepherd versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Irish Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Norwich Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Lowchen Pyrenean Shepherd versus Redbone Coonhound Pyrenean Shepherd versus Ibizan Hound Pyrenean Shepherd versus Weimaraner Pyrenean Shepherd versus Border Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Icelandic Sheepdog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shetland Sheepdog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Aussiedoodle Pyrenean Shepherd versus Cairn Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Irish Setter Pyrenean Shepherd versus Cockapoo Pyrenean Shepherd versus Field Spaniel Pyrenean Shepherd versus Pug Pyrenean Shepherd versus Cesky Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Mountain Cur
Vizsla Versus Other Dog Breeds
Vizsla versus Gordon Setter Vizsla versus Tibetan Mastiff Vizsla versus Lhasapoo Vizsla versus Pyrenean Mastiff Vizsla versus Gordon Setter Vizsla versus Belgian Sheepdog Vizsla versus Lowchen Vizsla versus Bedlington Terrier Vizsla versus Westiepoo Vizsla versus Dalmatian Vizsla versus Tibetan Spaniel Vizsla versus Swedish Vallhund Vizsla versus Sussex Spaniel Vizsla versus Lagotto Romagnolo Vizsla versus Goldador Vizsla versus Portuguese Pointer Vizsla versus Carolina Dog Vizsla versus Westiepoo Vizsla versus Belgian Tervuren Vizsla versus Bull Terrier Vizsla versus Brussels Griffon Vizsla versus Goldador Vizsla versus Manchester Terrier Vizsla versus Alaskan Klee Kai Vizsla versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Conclusion: Pyrenean Shepherd versus Vizsla. 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 Vizsla better suits you and your family.