Great Pyrenees vs Italian Greyhound

Working · Giant vs Toy · Small

Quick take
  • Great Pyrenees is the larger breed at 100 lbs (males) vs 7–14 lbs for the Italian Greyhound.
  • The Italian Greyhound typically lives longer (14–15 years).
  • The Italian Greyhound has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Italian Greyhound sheds less.

Side-by-side traits

TraitGreat PyreneesItalian Greyhound
Group
WorkingToy
Size
GiantSmall
Origin
FranceItaly
Height (male)
27–32"13–15"
Height (female)
25–29"13–15"
Weight (male)
100 lbs7–14 lbs
Weight (female)
85 lbs7–14 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
10–12 years14–15 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Low (2/5)High (4/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Low (2/5)Moderate (3/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Very High (5/5)Very Low (1/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Moderate (3/5)Very Low (1/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Moderate (3/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with kids
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with other dogs
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with strangers
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Very High (5/5)Low (2/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Coat length
longshort
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoNo
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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.

About the Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is a playful, alert, sensitive miniature sighthound — Renaissance lapdog favored by Italian nobility. Originally from Italy, this small toy breed typically weighs 7–14 lbs and lives 14–15 years. Breeders describe them as playful, alert, sensitive.

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Great Pyrenees health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Bone cancer
  • Heart problems

Italian Greyhound health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Leg fractures
  • Dental issues
  • Hypothyroidism
  • PRA