Great Pyrenees vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Working · Giant vs Herding · Small

Quick take
  • Great Pyrenees is the larger breed at 100 lbs (males) vs 24–30 lbs for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
  • The Pembroke Welsh Corgi typically lives longer (12–13 years).
  • The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Pembroke Welsh Corgi sheds less.
  • The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitGreat PyreneesPembroke Welsh Corgi
Group
WorkingHerding
Size
GiantSmall
Origin
FranceWales
Height (male)
27–32"10–12"
Height (female)
25–29"10–12"
Weight (male)
100 lbs24–30 lbs
Weight (female)
85 lbs24–28 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
10–12 years12–13 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Low (2/5)High (4/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
Moderate (3/5)Very High (5/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Low (2/5)Moderate (3/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Moderate (3/5)Low (2/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Moderate (3/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Good with kids
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Good with other dogs
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Good with strangers
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Coat length
longmedium
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 Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a smart, alert, affectionate herder on stumpy legs — the favorite breed of Queen Elizabeth II. Originally from Wales, this small herding breed typically weighs 24–30 lbs and lives 12–13 years. Breeders describe them as smart, alert, affectionate.

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Great Pyrenees health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Bone cancer
  • Heart problems

Pembroke Welsh Corgi health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • IVDD
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Degenerative myelopathy
  • Obesity