Golden Retriever vs Great Pyrenees
Sporting · Large vs Working · Giant
Golden RetrieverLarge
A friendly, intelligent, devoted gundog — the all-American family dog with a golden coat.
Weight: 65–75 lbsLifespan: 10–12 years
Great PyreneesGiant
A patient, smart, strong-willed livestock guardian — the snowy giant of the Pyrenees mountains.
Weight: 100 lbsLifespan: 10–12 years
Quick take
- • Great Pyrenees is the larger breed at 100 lbs (males) vs 65–75 lbs for the Golden Retriever.
- • The Golden Retriever has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Golden Retriever is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Golden Retriever | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
Group | Sporting | Working |
Size | Large | Giant |
Origin | Scotland | France |
Height (male) | 23–24" | 27–32" |
Height (female) | 21.5–22.5" | 25–29" |
Weight (male) | 65–75 lbs | 100 lbs |
Weight (female) | 55–65 lbs | 85 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 10–12 years | 10–12 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Very High (5/5) | Low (2/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Very High (5/5) | Low (2/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with kids | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with other dogs | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Low (2/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | medium | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | No |
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About the Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a friendly, intelligent, devoted gundog — the all-American family dog with a golden coat. Originally from Scotland, this large sporting breed typically weighs 65–75 lbs and lives 10–12 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, intelligent, devoted.
About the Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a patient, smart, strong-willed livestock guardian — the snowy giant of the Pyrenees mountains. Originally from France, this giant working breed typically weighs 100 lbs and lives 10–12 years. Breeders describe them as patient, smart, strong-willed.
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Golden Retriever health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Cancer
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Heart disease
- • Skin conditions
Great Pyrenees health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Bloat
- • Bone cancer
- • Heart problems