Great Dane vs Great Pyrenees
Side-by-side comparison of Great Dane and Great Pyrenees: energy, shedding, trainability, apartment fit, and more.
Quick Verdict
Better fit for families with kids
Great Pyrenees
Great Dane: Supervision near small kidsiGentle temperament, but size alone warrants care around small children — accidental knock-overs are the main concern, not aggressionGreat Pyrenees: gentle and protectiveiKnown for calm, patient temperament with children; physical mass warrants supervision with very young children simply due to size, not reactivity
Both present some challenges for beginners
Great Dane: Some challengesGreat Pyrenees: Some challenges
Longer lifespan
Great Pyrenees
Great Dane: ~8.5 yrsGreat Pyrenees: ~11 yrs
Lower barking tendency
Great Dane
Great Dane: Low to ModerateGreat Pyrenees: High
Neither ideal
Great Dane: Size is the main constraintiSurprisingly calm indoors, but sheer size is the primary limitation — adequate floor space and daily walks are essential; works for some owners in larger apartmentsGreat Pyrenees: Size and nocturnal barkingiPhysical size alone makes apartments unsuitable; nocturnal barking tendency requires outdoor space and separation from shared walls
Great Dane
Great Dane: LowiShort smooth coat; occasional brushing and bath is sufficientGreat Pyrenees: ModerateiThick double coat requires brushing 2–3x per week; major seasonal blowouts twice yearly significantly increase brushing demand
Similar for both
Great Dane: Gentle; size gap needs slow introiCalm, gentle temperament; Great Danes typically get along well with cats when introduced properly — the main concern is size and clumsiness, not aggressionGreat Pyrenees: Low prey drive; intro still helpfuliRelatively low prey drive compared to working breeds; generally coexists well with cats, especially when raised alongside them
Verdicts are based on trait ratings. Always evaluate individual dogs and confirm behavior with the shelter, foster, or rescue organization.
These profiles apply as trait reference tools for any dog you're evaluating.
Stats at a Glance
| Trait | Great Dane | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Giant | Giant |
| Energy | Low to Moderate | Low to Moderate |
| Shedding | Moderate | Very High |
| Grooming | Low | Moderate |
| Trainability | Moderate | Moderate |
| Barking | Low to Moderate | High |
| Apartment Friendly | Possible (space required) | No |
| Good With Kids | OftenSupervision near small kids | Yesgentle and protective |
| Good With Dogs | Often | OftenGenerally tolerant |
| Good With Cats | Often with socializationGentle; size gap needs slow intro | Often with socializationLow prey drive; intro still helpful |
| Daily Exercise | 30–60 min/day | 30–60 min/day |
| Typical Lifespan | 7–10 years | 10–12 years |
| Beginner Friendly | Some challenges | Some challenges |