Great Pyrenees vs Shiba Inu

Working · Giant vs Non-Sporting · Small

Quick take
  • Great Pyrenees is the larger breed at 100 lbs (males) vs 23 lbs for the Shiba Inu.
  • The Shiba Inu typically lives longer (13–16 years).
  • The Shiba Inu has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Shiba Inu sheds less.
  • The Great Pyrenees is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitGreat PyreneesShiba Inu
Group
WorkingNon-Sporting
Size
GiantSmall
Origin
FranceJapan
Height (male)
27–32"14.5–16.5"
Height (female)
25–29"13.5–15.5"
Weight (male)
100 lbs23 lbs
Weight (female)
85 lbs17 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
10–12 years13–16 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Low (2/5)High (4/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
Moderate (3/5)Low (2/5)
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)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)Low (2/5)
Good with kids
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with other dogs
High (4/5)Low (2/5)
Good with strangers
Moderate (3/5)Low (2/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Coat length
longmedium
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoNo
Ad slot · compare-mid

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 Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is an alert, active, attentive small Spitz — Japan's most popular national dog and the original 'doge' meme. Originally from Japan, this small non-sporting breed typically weighs 23 lbs and lives 13–16 years. Breeders describe them as alert, active, attentive.

Ad slot · compare-bottom

Great Pyrenees health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Bone cancer
  • Heart problems

Shiba Inu health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Patellar luxation
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye disorders
  • Allergies