Great Pyrenees vs Australian Shepherd
Breed Compatibility
84% Compatible
Energy Level
Great Pyrenees: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Australian Shepherd: Energetic0.8
Very Compatible
Trainability
Great Pyrenees: Independent0.4
Australian Shepherd: Eager to Please1.0
Less Compatible
Grooming Needs
Great Pyrenees: Weekly Brushing0.4
Australian Shepherd: Weekly Brushing0.4
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Great Pyrenees3/5
Australian Shepherd5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Great Pyrenees3/5
Australian Shepherd3/5
Good with Strangers
Great Pyrenees3/5
Australian Shepherd3/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Great Pyrenees
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
Bloat: Gastric torsion risk
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap issues
Eye Problems: Various conditions
Heart Issues: Cardiac concerns
Bone Cancer: Higher risk breed
Australian Shepherd
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
MDR1 Gene: Drug sensitivity issue
CEA: Hereditary eye condition
Epilepsy: Neurological disorder
Cataracts: Vision impairment risk
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint development
Pros & Cons Comparison
Great Pyrenees
Pros
Excellent guardian
Gentle with family
Independent nature
Good with children
Weather-resistant coat
Cons
Heavy shedding
Stubborn streak
Needs space
Independent nature
Barking tendency
Australian Shepherd
Pros
Highly intelligent
Excellent work ethic
Versatile abilities
Strong protective instincts
Athletic and agile
Cons
High exercise needs
Intense herding instinct
Heavy shedding
Can be too energetic
Requires constant mental stimulation
Great Pyrenees Fun Fact
Great Pyrenees were once appointed as official guard dogs for the French royal court in medieval times.
Australian Shepherd Fun Fact
Australian Shepherds, despite their name, were actually developed in the western United States, not Australia!
Heritage & Purpose
Great Pyrenees
Origin:
Mountain guardians in the Pyrenees range between France and Spain, protecting sheep from wolves and bears since medieval times. Valued for their independence and protective instincts.
Australian Shepherd
Origin:
Developed in western United States during the 1800s, these dogs excelled in herding livestock across challenging terrain. Their versatile skills and keen intelligence made them invaluable to ranchers.
Special Considerations
Great Pyrenees
Regular grooming needed for heavy coat. Requires secure fencing due to roaming instincts. Early socialization essential for balanced temperament.
Australian Shepherd
Regular grooming needed during shedding seasons. Requires extensive daily exercise and mental stimulation. Health testing for MDR1 gene mutation recommended.
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