A Detailed Comparison of the Chihuahua and the Pyrenean Mastiff.

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Last Updated: Mar 22, 2022

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Chihuahua Versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Introduction

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

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

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

Read on.

Chihuahua versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Chihuahua belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

On the other hand, 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.

Chihuahua versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Chihuahua to the Pyrenean 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 Chihuahua and the Pyrenean Mastiff

Factor Chihuahua Pyrenean Mastiff
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 18 years 10 to 13 years
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Weight 3 to 6 pounds 130 to 200 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 2/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
Height 6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder 24 to 31 inches
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1820 No Data
Price Range $850 – $2500 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chihuahua 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 Pyrenean 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 Chihuahua is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Pyrenean Mastiff is 78 out of 125.

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chihuahua and the Pyrenean Mastiff

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

  • Chihuahuas do not like to be left alone. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs can be left alone for some time without problems.
  • Chihuahuas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs can tolerate cold weather.
  • Chihuahuas do not have the tendency to drool. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Chihuahuas adapt well to apartment living. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    • The Similarities Between the Chihuahua and the Pyrenean Mastiff

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

  • Both the Chihuahua and the Pyrenean Mastiff cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Pyrenean Mastiff are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Pyrenean Mastiff do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Pyrenean 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 Chihuahua and the Pyrenean Mastiff are very easy to train.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Pyrenean Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Pyrenean Mastiff are very playful.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Pyrenean 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 Chihuahua and the Pyrenean Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Pyrenean Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Chihuahua versus Pyrenean Mastiff

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

    Chihuahuas weigh 3 to 6 pounds when fully grown. Chihuahuas are 6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Pyrenean Mastiffs weigh 130 to 200 pounds when fully grown. Pyrenean Mastiffs are 24 to 31 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Chihuahua versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    The lifespan of Chihuahuas is between 10 to 18 years. The average lifespan of Chihuahuas is 14.0 years.

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

    Chihuahuas live longer than Pyrenean Mastiffs.

    Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua lifespan and how long Chihuahua live.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Chihuahua versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    Chihuahuas do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Chihuahuas shed more than Pyrenean Mastiffs?

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

    Check out our articles to learn more on how to minimize shedding in Chihuahuas, and on how to groom a Chihuahua

    Pyrenean Mastiffs shed moderately.

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

    Chihuahuas are very easy to groom.

    To learn more about how to properly groom a Chihuahua, check out our article on how to groom a Chihuahua.

    Learn more on how to take care of a Chihuahua here.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Chihuahuas do not get along well with other dogs.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Chihuahuas good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Mastiffs?

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

    Chihuahua make a good addition to a family. They love kids and kids love them.

    Learn about Chihuahua temperament here.

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

    Is the Chihuahua Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    Chihuahuas are very easy to train.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Chihuahua or the Pyrenean Mastiff

    Chihuahuas do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Chihuahuas and Pyrenean Mastiffs?

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

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

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

    Chihuahuas have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    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.

    Do Chihuahuas Bark and Howl? What about Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    Chihuahuas bark and howl, but not very much.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

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

    Pyrenean Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Chihuahua vs. Pyrenean Mastiff

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

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

    Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Chihuahuas cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

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

    Chihuahuas adapt very well to apartment living.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Chihuahuas are very good for new dog owners.

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

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