St. Bernard vs Great Pyrenees: Comparing Two Gentle Giants

The St. Bernard and Great Pyrenees are two of the most majestic and impressive dog breeds. Both massive in size with thick fur, these canines have guarded livestock in the mountains for centuries and make loyal, protective family companions. While the St. Bernard and Great Pyrenees may look similar at first glance, there are some key differences between these gentle giants.

In this in-depth comparison, we‘ll examine the history, physical characteristics, temperament, care requirements, and more of the St. Bernard and Great Pyrenees. Whether you‘re trying to decide between the two breeds or just want to learn more about these fascinating dogs, read on for a detailed analysis.

Breed History and Original Purpose

The St. Bernard originated in the Swiss Alps, where the dogs were bred by monks at the hospice of St. Bernard Pass to help locate and rescue travelers lost in the snow. These canines‘ superior sense of smell and direction allowed them to find people buried in avalanches or stuck in blizzards. The St. Bernard‘s large size also enabled the dogs to break trails through deep snow.

Meanwhile, the Great Pyrenees comes from the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. For hundreds of years, these watchful and courageous dogs protected flocks of sheep from predators like wolves and bears. Great Pyrenees worked independently, patrolling acres of pastures to keep their charges safe. Their thick white coats camouflaged the dogs against the snowy mountain landscape.

Physical Characteristics and Size

St. Bernards and Great Pyrenees are some of the biggest dogs in the world. Male St. Bernards stand 28-30 inches tall and weigh 140-180 pounds on average, while females measure 26-28 inches and 120-140 pounds. Some St. Bernards can even reach 200+ pounds! Great Pyrenees are slightly taller but leaner, with males averaging 27-32 inches and 100-160 pounds. Female Pyrenees are typically 25-29 inches tall and 85-115 pounds.

Both breeds have large, muscular bodies with deep chests, powerful legs, and big paws. Their necks are short and strong to support their massive heads. St. Bernards tend to be a bit bulkier and more heavy-boned compared to the more athletic Great Pyrenees.

When it comes to coloring, St. Bernards have two coat varieties: short-haired and long-haired. Their fur is white with red, brown, or brindle markings, and many have a distinctive black "mask" on the face. Great Pyrenees are always white or white with markings of gray, tan, or reddish-brown. They have a long double coat to protect them from harsh weather.

Both breeds are prone to drooling and shedding. St. Bernards are especially known for their copious drool due to their loose upper lips and jowls. Great Pyrenees shed very heavily, especially during seasonal changes, and "blow out" their undercoats once or twice a year.

Temperament and Personality

St. Bernards and Great Pyrenees may look intimidating due to their huge size, but both breeds are famous for being gentle, patient, and tolerant. They adore children and make wonderful family dogs, watching over their humans with steadfast devotion.

St. Bernards are calm, friendly, and eager to please. They‘re not particularly playful dogs and prefer to relax or lumber along beside their owners. St. Bernards get along well with other pets and aren‘t very territorial. However, they can be a bit stubborn and independent-minded, so early training is important.

Great Pyrenees, on the other hand, tend to be more serious, wary of strangers, and protective of their family and property. They have strong guarding instincts and a loud, intimidating bark to deter intruders. Pyrenees require a lot of early socialization to be friendly with new people and dogs. While not aggressive, they won‘t hesitate to defend their pack.

Both breeds are sensitive and respond best to positive reinforcement training methods rather than harsh corrections. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise to keep these intelligent dogs from getting bored.

Exercise Needs and Energy Levels

Despite their giant size, St. Bernards and Great Pyrenees have relatively low to moderate exercise needs. They were bred for endurance rather than speed or intensity. While both breeds enjoy daily walks, hikes, and romps in a securely fenced yard, they don‘t require strenuous activity.

St. Bernards are the ultimate couch potatoes and love nothing more than relaxing at home with their people. They‘ll be satisfied with a couple 20-30 minute walks per day at a leisurely pace. It‘s important not to overexercise this breed, especially when young, as their joints are still developing. St. Bernards also overheat easily and should stay inside on hot days.

Great Pyrenees are a bit more active than St. Bernards and may enjoy longer excursions. They have a roaming instinct and can wander for miles if not contained by a strong fence. Pyrenees also tend to bark more than St. Bernards to alert their families of potential threats. Still, they have a relatively low energy level indoors and are usually content to chill out.

Both breeds should have their exercise limited during puppyhood to protect their growing bones and joints. Brief walks and play sessions are ideal until they reach physical maturity around 18-24 months old. Swimming is a great low-impact activity for adult St. Bernards and Pyrenees.

Training and Intelligence

The St. Bernard and Great Pyrenees are both highly intelligent dogs capable of learning a wide variety of commands. However, they can also be independent thinkers who sometimes choose to do things their own way. Owners need to establish themselves as firm but kind leaders early on.

St. Bernards are a bit more biddable and people-oriented than Great Pyrenees, so they tend to be slightly easier to train. They‘re sensitive souls who want to make their humans happy. Positive reinforcement methods using treats, praise, and play work best. Harsh corrections can damage a St. Bernard‘s trust in people.

Great Pyrenees were bred to work independently guarding flocks, so they‘re used to making decisions on their own. They have minds of their own and won‘t blindly obey orders that don‘t make sense to them. Motivating a Pyrenees requires extra patience and creativity with high-value rewards. Scolding or punishing these proud dogs will only make them shut down.

Both breeds need plenty of socialization starting from a young age to be comfortable with strangers, other animals, and new environments. Enrolling in a puppy class is a great way to get your St. Bernard or Pyrenees used to focusing on you around distractions. Ongoing training throughout their lives will keep their minds engaged.

Grooming and Shedding

St. Bernards and Great Pyrenees both have thick double coats that require regular grooming. Expect to brush them at least a couple times a week, if not daily, to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Slicker brushes and undercoat rakes work well to detangle their dense fur.

Shedding is a major consideration with these breeds, especially the Great Pyrenees. While St. Bernards with short coats may leave a moderate amount of hair around the house, long-haired Saints shed more profusely. Pyrenees take shedding to the next level and release huge clumps of fur seasonally. Regular brushing and a strong vacuum are musts.

In addition to brushing, St. Bernards and Great Pyrenees need occasional baths with a gentle, moisturizing shampoo. Their nails should be trimmed every few weeks, and their teeth brushed daily. It‘s also important to clean and dry the skin folds on their faces to prevent irritation or infection.

The other grooming issue to keep in mind with these breeds is drool. St. Bernards are notorious for their slobber, which can end up on the walls, furniture, and your clothes. Some owners use bibs or towels around their Saints‘ necks to control the drool. Great Pyrenees also tend to drool and make a mess when they drink water due to their large jowls.

Health Concerns and Lifespan

Like many giant breeds, St. Bernards and Great Pyrenees have relatively short lifespans and are prone to certain health problems. The average lifespan for a St. Bernard is 8-10 years, while Great Pyrenees typically live 10-12 years.

Some of the most common health issues seen in both breeds include hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems like entropion and ectropion, heart disease, bloat, and epilepsy. St. Bernards are also at higher risk for bone cancer, while Great Pyrenees may develop skin problems or thyroid disorders.

To keep your St. Bernard or Pyrenees as healthy as possible, work with a reputable breeder who tests their dogs for genetic conditions. Feed a high-quality diet formulated for large breeds to support their joints and maintain a lean weight. Avoid over-exercising your dog when they are growing to protect their developing skeletal system.

Annual vet check-ups, keeping vaccines current, and providing regular parasite prevention are also key for a long, healthy life. Be aware of the signs of bloat, like restlessness, drooling, and a distended belly, as this condition can quickly turn fatal. Investing in pet insurance can give you peace of mind and financial assistance with any major medical concerns.

Guarding Ability and Protectiveness

Both St. Bernards and Great Pyrenees have an innate desire to watch over and defend their families. They tend to be calm and tolerant with children, making them excellent guardians for little ones. Their massive size and booming barks are usually enough to scare off any ill-intentioned strangers.

However, the Great Pyrenees is the more protective of the two breeds due to their background guarding livestock. They‘re extremely vigilant and can be aloof or suspicious with new people until properly introduced. Pyrenees have a strong instinct to patrol their territory and chase away intruders, whether human or animal.

While St. Bernards will also alert bark at unusual sights or sounds, they‘re typically more gregarious with strangers. Saints are not as intense in their guarding as Pyrenees and are more likely to lean on someone than attack. Still, both breeds have the potential to be aggressive if they feel their family is threatened.

With any guarding breed, thorough socialization and training are essential to prevent over-protectiveness or reactivity. St. Bernards and Great Pyrenees need to learn to discriminate between friendly visitors and true threats. Teaching them to sit-stay or down-stay on command can keep them from getting too excited when people come to the door.

Cost of Ownership

Large and giant breed dogs like St. Bernards and Great Pyrenees come with significant expenses. The initial purchase price for a puppy from a reputable breeder is often $1,000-2,500+, depending on the pedigree and location. Adopting an adult dog from a rescue group may cost a few hundred dollars.

Bigger dogs require more food, and high-quality kibble or raw diets for giant breeds can add up quickly. St. Bernards and Pyrenees may eat 4-10+ cups of food per day. Keeping up with their grooming needs, especially when they shed, can get time-consuming and pricey if you hire a professional groomer.

Vet bills are another important factor, as giant breeds are prone to health problems that may require expensive diagnostics or treatments. Even routine care like vaccinations and parasite control can cost more for a larger dog. Getting your pup health insurance from a young age is a smart idea.

Other costs to consider are supplies like XXL dog beds, crates, leashes, and collars, as well as training classes, pet sitters, and boarding when you travel. Emergencies can also happen at any time and rack up thousands in vet fees. In general, giant breed dogs are some of the most expensive pets to own over their lifetimes.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

Deciding between a St. Bernard and Great Pyrenees ultimately depends on your lifestyle, living situation, and what you want in a canine companion. Both breeds can make wonderful, devoted pets for the right households.

St. Bernards may be a better fit for families looking for a more easy-going, friendly dog who loves everyone they meet. They‘re adaptable to different types of homes, from apartments to large properties, as long as they get daily exercise and aren‘t left alone for long periods. Saints are also great with other dogs, so they may do well in multi-pet households.

Great Pyrenees, on the other hand, are ideal for experienced owners in rural or suburban settings who want a serious watchdog. They require patient training, a securely fenced yard, and plenty of socialization to be well-mannered. Pyrenees may also prefer to be the only pet so they can focus on protecting their humans.

Grooming and shedding are other factors to consider. If you don‘t mind some drool and moderate fur around the house, a St. Bernard could be a good choice. If you‘re prepared to keep up with brushing a heavy shedder, a Great Pyrenees may be your perfect match.

Of course, the most important thing is to choose a dog that fits your activity level and whose temperament meshes well with your family. Be honest about how much time and effort you can realistically devote to training, exercising, and grooming a giant breed. While they‘re not for novice owners, St. Bernards and Great Pyrenees can make incredible companions given enough attention.