LeonbergerVSGreat Pyrenees
The Leonberger and the Great Pyrenees are both magnificent, lion-maned giant breeds with thick double coats and a gentle nature with their family. The Leonberger is a loyal companion breed while the Great Pyrenees is an independent livestock guardian dog — a distinction that profoundly shapes their trainability and relationship with owners. Here is a full comparison.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Leonberger | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 90–170 lbs, 25.5–31.5 in | 85–160 lbs, 25–32 in |
| Energy Level | ✓Moderate | Low to Moderate |
| Trainability | ✓Very Good | Difficult (very independent) |
| Shedding | Very Heavy | Very Heavy |
| Good With Kids | ✓Excellent | Very Good |
| Good With Other Dogs | ✓Very Good | Good (wary) |
| Barking | ✓Moderate | Very High (nocturnal) |
| Life Expectancy | 8–9 years | ✓10–12 years |
| Independence | Low (people-focused) | Extreme |
| Price Range | $1,500–$3,000 | ✓$1,000–$2,500 |
✓ indicates advantage in this category. Tie = comparable.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Choose a Leonberger if…
Choose a Leonberger if you want a devoted, trainable giant companion dog who is people-focused, excellent with children, and thrives as a family member rather than a working dog.
Choose a Great Pyrenees if…
Choose a Great Pyrenees if you have livestock to protect or want an independent, self-directed guardian dog who will patrol property boundaries on their own instinct.
Compare pet insurance for Leonberger 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
Are Great Pyrenees good family pets?
Great Pyrenees can be wonderful family dogs but come with significant caveats. Their independent nature makes them challenging to train, they bark extensively especially at night (a livestock guardian instinct), and their massive size and coat require significant maintenance. They are gentle and loving with their family but are not people-pleasers in the way companion breeds are. They do best with experienced owners who understand livestock guardian dog psychology.
Which giant breed is easier to train?
Leonbergers are considerably easier to train — they are people-focused, eager to please, and respond well to positive reinforcement. Great Pyrenees were bred to make independent decisions while guarding livestock without human direction, which means they often ignore commands they deem unnecessary. Training a Great Pyrenees requires immense patience and an acceptance of their autonomous decision-making nature.
Which breed barks more?
Great Pyrenees bark significantly more — particularly at night. This is a deeply ingrained livestock guardian instinct: they patrol at night and vocalize to alert the flock and deter predators. This behavior is very difficult to suppress and makes Great Pyrenees a poor choice for urban or suburban environments with close neighbors. Leonbergers are moderate barkers who vocalize appropriately rather than continuously.
Find the perfect name for your Leonberger or Great Pyrenees
Our name finder quiz considers your dog's breed, personality, coat color, and vibe to give you a personalized top-3 recommendation — with explanations and audio.
Find the Perfect Name — Free🐾
Track your Leonberger or Great Pyrenees's health for free
Care log, vaccination tracker, weight trends, and health journal — all in one place. Works in your browser.
Create free account →No credit card required · Works in your browser