Pyrenean Mastiff vs Hovawart
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Pyrenean Mastiff
Foundation Stock Service
Hovawart
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Pyrenean Mastiff Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Pyrenean Mastiff boasts a massive frame with a thick white coat marked by distinctive patches. Their noble bearing and gentle demeanor belie their impressive strength and protective instincts. Distinguished by a large head, well-proportioned body, and dignified expression, these dogs combine imposing physical presence with remarkable agility for their size.
Hovawart Overview
Hovawarts are powerful, medium-sized dogs with a noble bearing and distinctive tricolor coat. Their well-proportioned build combines strength with agility, featuring a broad chest and strong limbs. Alert eyes and a confident stance reflect their watchful nature, while their medium-length coat provides protection in various weather conditions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Pyrenean Mastiffs are less energetic than Hovawarts, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Pyrenean Mastiffs require more grooming attention compared to Hovawarts.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Pyrenean Mastiffs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Hovawarts.
- Trainability: Hovawarts may be slightly easier to train due to their Hovawart's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Hovawarts adapt better to apartment living, while Pyrenean Mastiffs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Pyrenean Mastiff and Hovawart, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Pyrenean Mastiff | Hovawart |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Giant | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years | 10-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Pyrenean Mastiff | Hovawart |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 25-31 inches 64-79 cm | 23-28 inches 58-71 cm |
| Weight | 120-239 lbs 54-109 kg | 65-90 lbs 29-41 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Pyrenean Mastiff | Hovawart |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Brave, Noble | Alert, Faithful, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Pyrenean Mastiff | Hovawart |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Pyrenean Mastiff Temperament
The Pyrenean Mastiff is known for being gentle, brave, noble, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Hovawart Temperament
The Hovawart is characterized by being alert, faithful, intelligent, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Pyrenean Mastiff and Hovawart, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Pyrenean Mastiff
Rating: 5/5
Hovawart
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Pyrenean Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Hovawart
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Pyrenean Mastiff
Rating: 2/5
Hovawart
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Pyrenean Mastiff
Rating: 2/5
Hovawart
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Pyrenean Mastiff
Rating: 4/5
Hovawart
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Pyrenean Mastiff Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pyrenean Mastiffs require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Pyrenean Mastiffs require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Hovawart Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Hovawarts need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Hovawarts require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Pyrenean Mastiff Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
Hovawart Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Thyroid Issues
- Eye Problems
- Heart Disease
- Bloat
Pros & Cons
Pyrenean Mastiff
Pros
- Gentle and patient with family
- Excellent guardian
- Good with children
- Calm temperament
Cons
- Requires large living space
- Heavy shedding
- High food costs
- Not suitable for novice owners
Hovawart
Pros
- Loyal and protective
- Intelligent
- Good with family
- Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- Strong-willed
- Needs extensive training
- High exercise needs
- Reserved with strangers
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Pyrenean Mastiff and Hovawart, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.