Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Welsh Terrier: Introduction
- Pyrenean Shepherd versus Welsh Terrier: Overview
- Pyrenean Shepherd versus Welsh Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier
- The Similarities Between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Welsh Terrier
- Lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Welsh Terrier
- Temperament of the Pyrenean Shepherd Versus the Welsh Terrier
- The Popularity of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Popularity of Welsh Terrier
- Health Problems of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Health Problems of Welsh Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Pyrenean Shepherd versus Welsh Terrier
- Do Pyrenean Shepherds shed more than Welsh Terriers?
- Which one drools more, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Welsh Terrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Welsh Terrier?
- Does the Pyrenean Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Welsh Terrier?
- Do Pyrenean Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Welsh Terriers?
- Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Welsh Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Pyrenean Shepherd vs. Welsh Terrier
- Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Welsh Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Welsh Terrier?
- Are Pyrenean Shepherds good family dogs? What about Welsh Terriers?
- How Kid-friendly are Pyrenean Shepherds and Welsh Terriers?
- Is the Pyrenean Shepherd Easier to Train than the Welsh Terrier?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Welsh Terrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Pyrenean Shepherd versus Welsh Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Welsh Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Welsh 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 Shepherd and the Welsh 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 Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Welsh 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 Shepherd and for the Welsh 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 Shepherd and the Welsh 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 Shepherd or the Welsh Terrier.
Pyrenean Shepherd versus Welsh Terrier: Overview
Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier are similar in size. The Pyrenean Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier are both small-sized dogs.
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 Welsh 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 Shepherd versus Welsh Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Pyrenean Shepherd to the Welsh 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 Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier
| Factor | Pyrenean Shepherd | Welsh Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| 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 | 14 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 25 to 30 pounds | Up to 20 pounds |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| 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 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| 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 | $1350 – $3834 |
| Average Price | No Data | $2510 |
| Temperament Score | 75.0 percent | 76.3 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 178 | 108 |
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 Welsh 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 Shepherd is 72 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Welsh Terrier is 77 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Welsh Terrier is a better pet than the Pyrenean Shepherd. So, you should get the Welsh 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 Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier 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 Welsh Terrier
Below is a list of where the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier
The Pyrenean Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Welsh Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier.
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, Welsh Terriers weigh Up to 20 pounds when fully grown. Welsh Terriers are 14 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Welsh Terrier
The lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is between 15 to 17 years. The average lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is 16.0 years.
The lifespan of Welsh Terriers is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Welsh Terriers is 12.0 years.
Pyrenean Shepherds live longer than Welsh Terriers.
Temperament of the Pyrenean Shepherd Versus the Welsh Terrier
The Welsh Terrier has a better temperament than the Pyrenean Shepherd.
This is because the temperament score for the Welsh Terrier is 76.3 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 76.3 percent, the Welsh Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 4 Pyrenean Shepherds and 38 Welsh Terriers.
The Popularity of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Popularity of Welsh Terrier
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 Welsh Terrier over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Welsh Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Pyrenean Shepherd. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Welsh Terrier is 108 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 Welsh Terrier
| Year | Pyrenean Shepherd Popularity Rank | Welsh Terrier Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 169 | 104 |
| 2014 | 178 | 106 |
| 2015 | 176 | 108 |
| 2016 | 176 | 111 |
| 2017 | 180 | 109 |
| 2018 | 181 | 107 |
| 2019 | 182 | 110 |
| 2020 | 182 | 112 |
Health Problems of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Health Problems of Welsh Terrier
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 Welsh Terrier 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 Pyrenean Shepherd is prone to more genetic health problems than the Welsh Terrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Pyrenean Shepherd than for the Welsh Terrier.
5 health tests are recommended for Pyrenean Shepherd while 2 tests are recommended for the Welsh Terrier.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Pyrenean Shepherds and in Welsh Terriers.
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.
Welsh Terrier Health Problems
Welsh Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Welsh Terrier 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 Welsh Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Welsh Terrier 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 Welsh Terriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Welsh Terriers here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Pyrenean Shepherds and Welsh Terriers
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 Welsh Terrier Breed is Primary Lens Luxation problems.
This is because the Welsh Terrier ranks 14 out of 17 dog breeds for Primary Lens Luxation problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 365 Welsh Terriers, 1 of them had Primary Lens Luxation problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Welsh Terriers, and how common these diseases are in Welsh Terriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Pyrenean Shepherd and in Welsh Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier:
| Disease | Pyrenean Shepherd Rank | Welsh Terrier Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Dentition Database problems | 24 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 27 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 44 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 71 out of 198 dog breeds | 89 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | 72 out of 145 dog breeds | 108 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Primary Lens Luxation problems | Not Common | 14 out of 17 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | Not Common | 24 out of 70 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 Welsh Terrier
Pyrenean Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Welsh Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Do Pyrenean Shepherds shed more than Welsh Terriers?
Pyrenean Shepherds shed moderately.
Welsh Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Welsh Terrier
Pyrenean Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Welsh Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Welsh Terrier?
Pyrenean Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.
Welsh Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Pyrenean Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Welsh Terrier?
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.
Welsh 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 Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Welsh Terriers?
Pyrenean Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Welsh Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Welsh Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Pyrenean Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Welsh Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Pyrenean Shepherd vs. Welsh Terrier
Pyrenean Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Welsh Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Welsh Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Pyrenean Shepherds can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Welsh Terriers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Welsh Terrier?
Pyrenean Shepherds do not get along well with other dogs.
Welsh Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Pyrenean Shepherds good family dogs? What about Welsh Terriers?
Pyrenean Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Welsh Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Pyrenean Shepherds and Welsh Terriers?
Pyrenean Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Welsh Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Pyrenean Shepherd Easier to Train than the Welsh Terrier?
Pyrenean Shepherds are not easy to train.
Welsh Terriers are fairly easy to train.
Is the Pyrenean Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Welsh Terrier?
Pyrenean Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.
Welsh Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Welsh Terrier?
Pyrenean Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Welsh Terriers 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 Welsh Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Welsh 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 Welsh Terrier:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Pyrenean Shepherd and how the Welsh Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Pyrenean Shepherd and of the Welsh Terrier to other breeds:
Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
Pyrenean Shepherd versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Black Russian Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bolognese Pyrenean Shepherd versus French Bulldog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Sloughi Pyrenean Shepherd versus Canaan Dog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Whoodle Pyrenean Shepherd versus Alaskan Malamute Pyrenean Shepherd versus Kuvasz Pyrenean Shepherd versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Kai Ken Pyrenean Shepherd versus Goldendoodle Pyrenean Shepherd versus Akita Pyrenean Shepherd versus Collie Pyrenean Shepherd versus Cockapoo Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shetland Sheepdog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Boerboel Pyrenean Shepherd versus Boxerdoodle Pyrenean Shepherd versus Basset Hound Pyrenean Shepherd versus Dutch Shepherd Pyrenean Shepherd versus Lowchen Pyrenean Shepherd versus Border Collie Pyrenean Shepherd versus Cockalier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Great Pyrenees
Welsh Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Welsh Terrier versus Shichon Welsh Terrier versus Chi-Poo Welsh Terrier versus American Pit Bull Terrier Welsh Terrier versus Bichon Frise Welsh Terrier versus Labrador Retriever Welsh Terrier versus Akbash Welsh Terrier versus Kishu Ken Welsh Terrier versus Japanese Chin Welsh Terrier versus Labrador Retriever Welsh Terrier versus Standard Schnauzer Welsh Terrier versus Saint Bernard Welsh Terrier versus Border Terrier Welsh Terrier versus Bordoodle Welsh Terrier versus Sealyham Terrier Welsh Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog Welsh Terrier versus Papillon Welsh Terrier versus Maltipoo Welsh Terrier versus Golden Retriever Welsh Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund Welsh Terrier versus Miniature Poodle Welsh Terrier versus American Eskimo Dog Welsh Terrier versus German Shepherd Dog Welsh Terrier versus Pomchi Welsh Terrier versus Greyhound Welsh Terrier versus Akita
Conclusion: Pyrenean Shepherd versus Welsh 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 Shepherd and the Welsh Terrier better suits you and your family.