Great Pyrenees vs Beagle
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Great Pyrenees
Working Group
Beagle
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Great Pyrenees Overview
Majestic and powerful, Great Pyrenees dogs possess a thick white double coat that protected them from harsh mountain elements. Their muscular build and imposing presence belie their gentle, patient nature. Distinguished by a wedge-shaped head, dark almond eyes, and weather-resistant coat, these dogs maintain a calm, dignified bearing that reflects their heritage as noble guardians.
Beagle Overview
Beagles captivate with their compact, muscular frames and expressive brown or hazel eyes. Their distinctive tri-colored coats combine white, black, and warm brown tones, complemented by long, velvety ears. These merry hounds possess remarkable scenting abilities, coupled with a gentle, determined nature that makes them exceptional family companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Great Pyreneess are more energetic than Beagles, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Great Pyreneess require less grooming attention compared to Beagles.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Great Pyreneess tend to be more reserved with strangers than Beagles.
- Trainability: Beagles may be slightly easier to train due to their Beagle's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Beagles adapt better to apartment living, while Great Pyreneess typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Great Pyrenees and Beagle, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Great Pyrenees | Beagle |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 10-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Great Pyrenees | Beagle |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 25-32 inches 64-81 cm | 13-15 inches 33-38 cm |
| Weight | 85-100 lbs 39-45 kg | 13-30 lbs 6-14 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Great Pyrenees | Beagle |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Smart, Patient, Calm | Friendly, Curious, Merry |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Great Pyrenees | Beagle |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Great Pyrenees Temperament
The Great Pyrenees is known for being smart, patient, calm, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Beagle Temperament
The Beagle is characterized by being friendly, curious, merry, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Great Pyrenees and Beagle, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 3/5
Beagle
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 3/5
Beagle
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 5/5
Beagle
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 2/5
Beagle
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 3/5
Beagle
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Great Pyrenees Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Great Pyreneess require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Great Pyreneess require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Beagle Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Beagles need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Beagles require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Great Pyrenees Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Patellar Luxation
- Eye Problems
- Heart Issues
Beagle Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Epilepsy
- Hypothyroidism
- Disk Disease
Pros & Cons
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
Beagle
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Low grooming needs
- Friendly disposition
- Adaptable to various homes
Cons
- Strong hunting instincts
- Frequent barking
- Can be stubborn
- Escape artists
- Food motivated/prone to obesity
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Great Pyrenees and Beagle, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.