Great DaneVSGreat Pyrenees
The Great Dane and Great Pyrenees are both massive, gentle breeds, but they serve very different purposes. The Great Dane is a sleek, sociable companion while the Great Pyrenees is an independent livestock guardian with strong protective instincts.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Great Dane | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 100–200 lbs, 28–32 in | 85–160 lbs, 25–32 in |
| Energy Level | Moderate | Low–Moderate (but nocturnal) |
| Shedding | ✓Moderate | Very Heavy |
| Trainability | ✓Good | Moderate (very independent) |
| Good With Kids | ✓Very Good | Good |
| Apartment Friendly | Poor | Poor |
| Average Lifespan | 7–10 years | ✓10–12 years |
| Monthly Cost (est.) | $200–$400 | ✓$150–$300 |
✓ indicates advantage in this category. Tie = comparable.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Choose a Great Dane if…
Urban or suburban owners who want a gentle giant companion and can manage the short lifespan emotionally.
Choose a Great Pyrenees if…
Rural owners with property to protect who want a calm, devoted guardian that operates independently.
Grooming & Shedding: Great Dane vs Great Pyrenees
Great Danes have a short, smooth coat that sheds moderately. Weekly brushing with a rubber curry mitt keeps the coat clean and manages loose hair. Their large body size means the total volume of shed hair is meaningful despite the short coat. Bathing every 6–8 weeks and regular nail trims are their main grooming needs. Great Pyrenees have a profuse double coat with a thick, dense undercoat and a coarser outer layer that sheds heavily year-round with dramatic seasonal blowouts. Daily brushing is needed during shedding seasons, and weekly brushing maintains the coat at other times. Their white coat also shows dirt easily, requiring more frequent bathing. Professional de-shedding treatments are popular during blowout periods. The Great Pyrenees grooming commitment is substantially greater than the Great Dane's.
Temperament & Family Compatibility
Great Danes are sociable, affectionate giants that bond warmly with their families and are typically friendly with strangers. They are playful in a gentle, lumbering way and do well with children when properly introduced. Their trainability is moderate — they respond well to positive reinforcement but can be stubborn. Great Pyrenees are more independent and reserved. Bred to make autonomous decisions while guarding livestock at night, they are not instinctively obedient and resist commands they find pointless. Their nocturnal barking instinct is deeply ingrained and unsuitable for suburban environments. With their families they are gentle and devoted, but their independence makes them challenging pets. For suburban family life, the Great Dane is the far more practical choice. For rural property protection, the Great Pyrenees excels.
Compare pet insurance for Great Dane and Great Pyrenees
Both breeds have different health profiles — find the right coverage level before your first vet visit.
Compare Pet Insurance QuotesFrequently Asked Questions
Do Great Pyrenees bark a lot?
Yes. Great Pyrenees were bred to bark at predators through the night while guarding flocks. This nocturnal barking instinct is deeply ingrained and can be difficult to suppress. They are not well-suited to neighborhoods with noise restrictions.
Which is friendlier with strangers?
Great Danes are generally more friendly and approachable with strangers. Great Pyrenees are more reserved and protective, viewing strangers with suspicion. Both are gentle, but their social styles differ significantly.
Which giant breed is easier to train?
Great Danes respond better to training. They aim to please and learn household manners well. Great Pyrenees are bred for independent decision-making and can be quite stubborn — they do not see the point in many obedience commands.
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