Great Pyrenees vs Bedlington Terrier
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
Bedlington Terrier
Terrier 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.
Bedlington Terrier Overview
Bedlington Terriers feature a distinctive lamb-like appearance with their curved topline, arched back, and unique crisp, curly coat. Their graceful, muscular build combines with a pear-shaped head and tasseled ears. Standing 15-17.5 inches tall, these elegant terriers display remarkable agility and speed, while their gentle expression masks their fearless nature and sporting ability.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Great Pyreneess are more energetic than Bedlington Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Great Pyreneess require less grooming attention compared to Bedlington Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Great Pyreneess tend to be more reserved with strangers than Bedlington Terriers.
- Trainability: Bedlington Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Bedlington Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Bedlington Terriers 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 Bedlington Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Great Pyrenees | Bedlington Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 11-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Great Pyrenees | Bedlington Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 25-32 inches 64-81 cm | 15-18 inches 38-44 cm |
| Weight | 85-100 lbs 39-45 kg | 17-23 lbs 8-10 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Unknown |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Great Pyrenees | Bedlington Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Smart, Patient, Calm | Loyal, Charming, Frollicking |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Great Pyrenees | Bedlington Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Bedlington Terrier Temperament
The Bedlington Terrier is characterized by being loyal, charming, frollicking, which makes them better for households without small children. 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 Bedlington Terrier, 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
Bedlington Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 3/5
Bedlington Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 5/5
Bedlington Terrier
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 2/5
Bedlington Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 3/5
Bedlington Terrier
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.
Bedlington Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bedlington Terriers 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, Bedlington Terriers 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
Bedlington Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Copper Toxicosis
- Retinal Disease
- Patellar Luxation
- Renal Disease
- Distichiasis
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
Bedlington Terrier
Pros
- Low-shedding coat
- Affectionate with family
- Good with children
- Athletic and agile
Cons
- Regular grooming required
- Can be stubborn
- Moderate exercise needs
- May chase small animals
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Great Pyrenees and Bedlington Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.