Scottish Deerhound vs Pyrenean Mastiff
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Scottish Deerhound
Hound Group
Pyrenean Mastiff
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Scottish Deerhound Overview
Majestic and noble, Scottish Deerhounds possess a commanding presence with their tall, lean build and rough coat. Standing up to 32 inches at the shoulder, these graceful giants combine strength with elegance. Their dignified bearing reflects their aristocratic heritage, while their gentle eyes and soft expression reveal their characteristically kind nature.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Scottish Deerhounds are more energetic than Pyrenean Mastiffs, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Scottish Deerhounds require less grooming attention compared to Pyrenean Mastiffs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Scottish Deerhounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Pyrenean Mastiffs.
- Trainability: Scottish Deerhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Scottish Deerhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Scottish Deerhounds 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 Scottish Deerhound and Pyrenean Mastiff, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Scottish Deerhound | Pyrenean Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Giant |
| Life Expectancy | 8-11 years | 10-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Scottish Deerhound | Pyrenean Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 28-32 inches 71-81 cm | 25-31 inches 64-79 cm |
| Weight | 75-110 lbs 34-50 kg | 120-239 lbs 54-109 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Scottish Deerhound | Pyrenean Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Dignified, Polite | Gentle, Brave, Noble |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Scottish Deerhound | Pyrenean Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Scottish Deerhound Temperament
The Scottish Deerhound is known for being gentle, dignified, polite, making them better suited for homes without young children. 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.
Pyrenean Mastiff Temperament
The Pyrenean Mastiff is characterized by being gentle, brave, noble, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. 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 Scottish Deerhound and Pyrenean Mastiff, 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
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
Pyrenean Mastiff
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 5/5
Pyrenean Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
Pyrenean Mastiff
Rating: 2/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
Pyrenean Mastiff
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 2/5
Pyrenean Mastiff
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Scottish Deerhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Scottish Deerhounds 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, Scottish Deerhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Pyrenean Mastiff Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pyrenean Mastiffs 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, Pyrenean Mastiffs require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Scottish Deerhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Cardiomyopathy
- Bloat
- Hip dysplasia
- Osteosarcoma
- Liver shunt
Pyrenean Mastiff Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
Pros & Cons
Scottish Deerhound
Pros
- Gentle and dignified temperament
- Low barking tendency
- Good with other dogs
- Minimal grooming needs
Cons
- Requires large living space
- High exercise needs
- Short lifespan
- Strong prey drive
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Scottish Deerhound and Pyrenean Mastiff, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.