Newfoundland vs Great Pyrenees: side by side
| Newfoundland | Great Pyrenees | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | XLarge | XLarge |
| Weight | 45–68 kg (100–150 lb) | 39–45 kg (85–100 lb) |
| Height | 26–28 in (66–71 cm) | 25–32 in (64–81 cm) |
| Lifespan | 9-10 years | 10-12 years |
| Exercise | 45–60 per day | 45–60 per day |
| Shedding | Moderate | Moderate |
| Temperament | AKC temperament summary: devoted / sweet / patient. Adaptability 4/5, affection with family 5/5, openness to s | AKC temperament summary: smart / patient / calm. Adaptability 3/5, affection with family 5/5, openness to stra |
The differences that actually matter
- Newfoundland is the bigger dog. Adults run 45–68 kg (100–150 lb) against 39–45 kg (85–100 lb) for the Great Pyrenees.
- Exercise needs are similar. Both are listed around 45–60 per day and 45–60 per day minutes a day — neither is a low-energy breed.
- Shedding: Newfoundland is rated moderate, Great Pyrenees moderate. In practice you will be brushing both.
- Lifespan: Newfoundland 9-10 years vs Great Pyrenees 10-12 years.
- Trainability: Newfoundland — Moderate — learns well with consistency Great Pyrenees — Moderate — learns well with consistency
- First-time owners: Newfoundland — Better with experienced or well-prepared owners. Great Pyrenees — Better with experienced or well-prepared owners.
So which one should you get?
Pick the Newfoundland if you want: Households able to offer a daily walk and some play; commitment to socializing a natural guardian..
Pick the Great Pyrenees if you want: Households able to offer a daily walk and some play; commitment to socializing a natural guardian..
Neither is the "easier" option across the board — they fail in different ways. Be honest about which failure you can live with.
Health: what each one is prone to
Newfoundland: Hip dysplasia — confirm breeder screens breeding stock (OFA/PennHIP); Elbow dysplasia; Heart conditions — cardiac screening recommended
Great Pyrenees: Hip dysplasia — confirm breeder screens breeding stock (OFA/PennHIP); Elbow dysplasia; Patellar luxation (slipping kneecap); Eye disorders — reputable breeders screen annually
Ask any breeder or rescue for the health testing relevant to these conditions before you commit. This page is educational — not veterinary advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Newfoundland and a Great Pyrenees?
Newfoundland is the bigger dog. Adults run 45–68 kg (100–150 lb) against 39–45 kg (85–100 lb) for the Great Pyrenees. Exercise needs are similar. Both are listed around 45–60 per day and 45–60 per day minutes a day — neither is a low-energy breed. Shedding: Newfoundland is rated moderate, Great Pyrenees moderate. In practice you will be brushing both. Personality differs too: the Newfoundland is akc temperament summary: devoted / sweet / patient. adaptability 4/5, affection with famil, while the Great Pyrenees is akc temperament summary: smart / patient / calm. adaptability 3/5, affection with family 5
Which is bigger, a Newfoundland or a Great Pyrenees?
Newfoundland is the bigger dog. Adults run 45–68 kg (100–150 lb) against 39–45 kg (85–100 lb) for the Great Pyrenees.
Is a Newfoundland or a Great Pyrenees better for first-time owners?
First-time owners: Newfoundland — Better with experienced or well-prepared owners. Great Pyrenees — Better with experienced or well-prepared owners.
Which sheds more, a Newfoundland or a Great Pyrenees?
Shedding: Newfoundland is rated moderate, Great Pyrenees moderate. In practice you will be brushing both.