23 Dog Breeds Similar to the Great Pyrenees (With Info & Pictures)

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The Great Pyrenees is a majestic breed, known for its size, strength, and protective nature. However, not everyone is able to own a Great Pyrenees for whatever reason. Luckily, there are other breeds that share some of these traits and might be just as appealing to those who admire the Great Pyrenees. Let’s take a look at 23 breeds that are similar to the Great Pyrenees in various ways.
How Are These Breeds Classified?
These breeds are classified based on their similarities to the Great Pyrenees in terms of size, temperament, appearance, and/or purpose. Many of these breeds, like the Great Pyrenees, are classified as working dogs, specifically bred for tasks such as guarding livestock, pulling sleds, or search and rescue work. Those qualities are at the forefront of the breeds on this list.
The 23 Dog Breeds Similar to the Great Pyrenees
1. Saint Bernard
Origin: | Switzerland |
Lifespan: | 8–10 years |
Height: | 26–30 inches |
Saint Bernards are large, powerful dogs that exude an aura of majesty and strength. Originally bred for rescue work in the harsh conditions of the Swiss Alps, they share the Great Pyrenees’ protective nature and unwavering dedication to their families. Despite their imposing size, they are incredibly gentle, patient, and great with children, making them perfect family pets. Their tolerant nature and eagerness to please also make them easy to train.
2. Newfoundland
Origin: | Canada |
Lifespan: | 8–10 years |
Height: | 26–28 inches |
Newfoundlands, like the Great Pyrenees, are large, robust dogs renowned for their strength and endurance. Bred as water rescue dogs in Canada, they possess a similar protective instinct as the Pyrenees. Known for their sweet-natured temperament, Newfoundlands are gentle giants, exhibiting great gentleness and reliability. They are highly sociable dogs that get along well with other animals and people, making them an excellent choice for families.
3. Leonberger
Origin: | Germany |
Lifespan: | 8–9 years |
Height: | 25.5–31.5 inches |
Leonbergers are a giant dog breed that originated in Germany, bred as a symbol of the city of Leonberg. Displaying a calm, non-aggressive temperament akin to the Great Pyrenees, they also exhibit strong protective instincts. Despite their size, they are known to be gentle and sensitive, often described as “gentle lions.” They love being part of the family activities and require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy.
4. Anatolian Shepherd
Origin: | Turkey |
Lifespan: | 13–15 years |
Height: | 27-29 inches |
Anatolian Shepherds are a large and powerful breed, originally bred for guarding livestock in the harsh Anatolian Plateau in Turkey. They share the protective nature of the Great Pyrenees but take it a step further with their highly independent and intelligent nature. These dogs are known for their bravery, often willing to confront predators much larger than themselves. They can be reserved around strangers but are deeply loyal to their families.
5. Bernese Mountain Dog
Origin: | Switzerland |
Lifespan: | 7–10 years |
Height: | 23-27.5 inches |
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large and sturdy breed known for its strength and agility, making them excellent working dogs. Like the Great Pyrenees, they were used as working dogs, specifically for pulling carts and driving cattle. They have a calm and patient temperament, making them great companions. They love being around their human families and are known for their loyalty and affectionate nature.
6. Alaskan Malamute
Origin: | United States |
Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
Height: | 23-25 inches |
Alaskan Malamutes are large, strong dogs bred for their ability to pull heavy sleds over long distances in harsh conditions. They share the Great Pyrenees’s strength and endurance and are known for their friendly and sociable nature. Despite their rugged exterior, Malamutes are quite playful and enjoy being part of family activities. They are highly intelligent and require mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
7. Kuvasz
Origin: | Hungary |
Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
Height: | 26-30 inches |
The Kuvasz is a large, white dog breed that was originally used for guarding livestock in Hungary. They share many similarities with the Great Pyrenees, including their appearance, protective instincts, and loyalty. These dogs are highly intelligent and independent, often preferring to make their own decisions. They are gentle with their families but can be wary of strangers.
8. Tibetan Mastiff
Origin: | Tibet |
Lifespan: | 12–16 years |
Height: | 24-26 inches |
Tibetan Mastiffs are an ancient breed known for their impressive size and protective nature. Like the Great Pyrenees, they were used to guard livestock and property in the harsh conditions of the Himalayan Mountains. They are loyal and devoted to their families, often forming a strong bond with their owners. Despite their imposing appearance, they are generally calm and gentle dogs.
9. Akbash
Origin: | Turkey |
Lifespan: | 10–11 years |
Height: | 27-34 inches |
The Akbash is a large, white breed used for guarding livestock in Turkey. They share the Great Pyrenees’s protective instincts and are known for their courage and independence. These dogs are highly intelligent and can be somewhat reserved. They form strong bonds with their families and are known for their loyalty.
10. Maremma Sheepdog
Origin: | Italy |
Lifespan: | 11–13 years |
Height: | 23.5–28.5 inches |
The Maremma Sheepdog is an Italian breed used for guarding sheep. They share many traits with the Great Pyrenees, including their size, protective nature, and fluffy white coat. They are independent and intelligent dogs, known for their bravery and dedication to their work. Despite their working nature, they are also affectionate and loyal to their families.
11. Irish Wolfhound
Origin: | Ireland |
Lifespan: | 6–8 years |
Height: | 30–32 inches |
Irish Wolfhounds are one of the tallest breeds in the world. They were originally bred to hunt wolves and elk, and they share the Great Pyrenees’s strength and endurance. Despite their large size, they are known for their gentle and friendly nature. They are loyal to their families and get along well with other dogs.
12. Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Origin: | Russia |
Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
Height: | 23–30 inches |
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are a large and powerful breed used for guarding livestock. They have a protective and fearless nature similar to the Great Pyrenees. Known for their courage and strength, these dogs are not afraid to face off against predators to protect their flock. They are loyal to their families and are known for their gentle nature with children.
13. Central Asian Shepherd Dog
Origin: | Central Asia |
Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
Height: | 24–27 inches |
Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are an ancient breed used for guarding livestock. They share the Great Pyrenees’s protective instincts and are known for their strength and endurance. These dogs are highly independent and can be reserved around strangers. However, they are extremely loyal to their families and are known for their gentle nature with children.
14. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Origin: | Switzerland |
Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
Height: | 23.5–28.5 inches |
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are a large and strong breed known for their versatility as working dogs. Although very different in appearance, they share the Great Pyrenees’s strength, endurance, and dedication to their families. These dogs are known for their cheerful and sociable nature. They love being part of family activities and enjoy playing with children.
15. Estrela Mountain Dog
Origin: | Portugal |
Lifespan: | 12–16 years |
Height: | 24.5–29 inches |
The Estrela Mountain Dog is a large and sturdy breed used for guarding herds in Portugal. They share many traits with the Great Pyrenees, including their protective nature and loyalty. These dogs are known for their intelligence and independence. They form strong bonds with their families and are known for their gentle nature with children.
16. Dogue de Bordeaux
Origin: | France |
Lifespan: | 5–8 years |
Height: | 23–27 inches |
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a large and powerful French breed. They are known for their muscular build and protective nature, similar to the Great Pyrenees. These dogs are highly intelligent and can be somewhat reserved. However, they are extremely loyal to their families and are known for their affectionate nature.
17. Belgian Tervuren
Origin: | Belgium |
Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
Height: | 22–26 inches |
Belgian Tervurens are a versatile breed used for herding and guarding livestock. They share the Great Pyrenees’s intelligence and protective instincts. These dogs are highly active and require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy. They are loyal to their families and get along well with other dogs.
18. Tornjak
Origin: | Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia |
Lifespan: | 12–14 years |
Height: | 23–28 inches |
Tornjaks are a large and sturdy breed used for guarding livestock. They share the Great Pyrenees’s protective nature and loyalty. These dogs are known for their friendly and sociable nature. They love being part of family activities and enjoy playing with children. Despite their size, they are gentle and patient, making them great family pets.
19. Komondor
Origin: | Hungary |
Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
Height: | 25.5–27.5 inches |
The Komondor is an exceptional livestock guardian dog, known for its distinctive corded coat that resembles dreadlocks. Like the Great Pyrenees, they are vigilant and courageous, often acting independently to protect their flock. Despite their imposing appearance, Komondors are loyal and affectionate with their families, showing a quiet and calm demeanor at home.
20. Old English Sheepdog
Origin: | England |
Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
Height: | 21–22 inches |
Old English Sheepdogs are large, athletic dogs originally bred for driving cattle and sheep. They share the Great Pyrenees’s herding instincts and protective nature. Known for their shaggy coat and gentle eyes, these dogs are incredibly affectionate, intelligent, and are excellent with children, making them great family pets.
21. Bouvier des Flandres
Origin: | Belgium/France |
Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
Height: | 23.5–27.5 inches |
The Bouvier des Flandres is a robust and compact breed, originally used for herding cattle in the Flanders region. They are similar to the Great Pyrenees in terms of their working instincts and protective nature. These dogs are known for their intelligence, versatility, and the strong bond they form with their families.
22. English Mastiff
Origin: | England |
Lifespan: | 6–10 years |
Height: | 27.5–30 inches |
English Mastiffs are one of the heaviest breeds, known for their sheer size and strength. Like the Great Pyrenees, they were used as guard dogs and exhibit a protective instinct. Despite their imposing size, Mastiffs are known for their gentle and calm nature, often described as a “gentle giant.”
23. Shiloh Shepherd
Origin: | United States |
Lifespan: | 9–14 years |
Height: | 26–30 inches |
Shiloh Shepherds are a large and powerful breed, developed as a variant of the German Shepherd. They share the Great Pyrenees’s protective nature and intelligence. These dogs are known for their loyalty, versatility, and the strong bond they form with their families. They are excellent working dogs and make great companions.
Conclusion
Exploring dog breeds similar to the Great Pyrenees reveals a diverse array of dogs that share key traits such as strength, size, and a protective instinct, and some even share a close appearance. These breeds, each with their unique origins and characteristics, offer potential pet owners a wide variety of choices depending on their specific needs and lifestyle.
Featured Image Credit: Mikhail Farina, Shutterstock