Differences and Similarities between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Pyrenean Mastiff.

Last Updated: Jun 20, 2022

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German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer or the Pyrenean Mastiff.

German Shorthaired Pointer versus Pyrenean Mastiff

German Shorthaired Pointer versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Overview

A very important difference between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Pyrenean Mastiff is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The German Shorthaired Pointer is a medium-sized dog while the Pyrenean Mastiff is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the German Shorthaired Pointer 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.

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.

German Shorthaired Pointer versus Pyrenean Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer and the Pyrenean Mastiff

Factor German Shorthaired Pointer Pyrenean Mastiff
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 4/5
Height 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho 24 to 31 inches
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 13 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 1/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Weight 45 to 70 pounds 130 to 200 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1140 No Data
Price Range $800 – $1300 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation – min age 24 months
  • Cone Degeneration
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination – annual exams until age 6 recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • No Data

    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Pyrenean Mastiff is 78 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Pyrenean Mastiff, we still believe that the German Shorthaired Pointer is a better pet than the Pyrenean Mastiff.

    This is because German Shorthaired Pointers are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the German Shorthaired Pointer will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the German Shorthaired Pointer :-). We are for the German Shorthaired Pointer. So get a German Shorthaired Pointer!

    German Shorthaired Pointer versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Pyrenean Mastiff

    Below is a list of where the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Pyrenean Mastiff are most different:

  • German Shorthaired Pointers do not like to be left alone. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs can be left alone for some time without problems.
  • German Shorthaired Pointers do not have the tendency to drool. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.
  • German Shorthaired Pointers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • German Shorthaired Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Pyrenean Mastiffs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • The Similarities Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Pyrenean Mastiff

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

  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Pyrenean Mastiff do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Pyrenean Mastiff are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Pyrenean Mastiff do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer and the Pyrenean Mastiff can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Pyrenean Mastiff get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Pyrenean Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Pyrenean Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Pyrenean Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Pyrenean Mastiff have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Size Comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Pyrenean Mastiff.

    The German Shorthaired Pointer weighs 45 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The German Shorthaired Pointer is 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho when fully grown.

    On the other hand, the Pyrenean Mastiff weighs 130 to 200 pounds when fully grown. The Pyrenean Mastiff is 24 to 31 inches when fully grown.

    Size of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Size of Pyrenean Mastiff

    Lifespan of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    The lifespan of the German Shorthaired Pointer is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 13.5 years.

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

    The German Shorthaired Pointer lives longer than the Pyrenean Mastiff.

    German Shorthaired Pointer versus Pyrenean Mastiff
    German Shorthaired Pointer versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    Tolerates Being Alone: German Shorthaired Pointer versus Pyrenean Mastiff

    German Shorthaired Pointers do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do German Shorthaired Pointers shed more than Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    German Shorthaired Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    German Shorthaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are German Shorthaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    German Shorthaired Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Pyrenean Mastiff

    German Shorthaired Pointers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are German Shorthaired Pointers and Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    German Shorthaired Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Does the German Shorthaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    German Shorthaired Pointers 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.

    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 German Shorthaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Pyrenean Mastiffs?

    German Shorthaired Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    German Shorthaired Pointers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: German Shorthaired Pointer vs. Pyrenean Mastiff

    German Shorthaired Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    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 German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    German Shorthaired Pointers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    German Shorthaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pyrenean Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Pyrenean Mastiff?

    German Shorthaired Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the German Shorthaired Pointer compares to other breeds aside from the Pyrenean Mastiff. So, see below the links to the comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer to other breeds:

    German Shorthaired Pointer versus Weimaraner     German Shorthaired Pointer versus King Shepherd     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Portuguese Pointer     German Shorthaired Pointer versus French Spaniel     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Maltese     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Maremma Sheepdog     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Pug     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Curly-Coated Retriever     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Chi-Poo     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Labradoodle     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Border Collie     German Shorthaired Pointer versus German Longhaired Pointer     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Bearded Collie     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Newfoundland     

    Conclusion: German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer and the Pyrenean Mastiff better suits you and your family.