Great Pyrenees vs Hovawart
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
Hovawart
Foundation Stock Service
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.
Hovawart Overview
Hovawarts are powerful, medium-sized dogs with a noble bearing and distinctive tricolor coat. Their well-proportioned build combines strength with agility, featuring a broad chest and strong limbs. Alert eyes and a confident stance reflect their watchful nature, while their medium-length coat provides protection in various weather conditions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Great Pyreneess are more energetic than Hovawarts, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Great Pyreneess require more grooming attention compared to Hovawarts.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Great Pyreneess tend to be more reserved with strangers than Hovawarts.
- Trainability: Hovawarts may be slightly easier to train due to their Hovawart's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Hovawarts 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 Hovawart, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Great Pyrenees | Hovawart |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 10-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Great Pyrenees | Hovawart |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 25-32 inches 64-81 cm | 23-28 inches 58-71 cm |
| Weight | 85-100 lbs 39-45 kg | 65-90 lbs 29-41 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Great Pyrenees | Hovawart |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Smart, Patient, Calm | Alert, Faithful, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Great Pyrenees | Hovawart |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Hovawart Temperament
The Hovawart is characterized by being alert, faithful, intelligent, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Great Pyrenees and Hovawart, 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
Hovawart
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 3/5
Hovawart
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 5/5
Hovawart
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 2/5
Hovawart
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 3/5
Hovawart
Rating: 2/5
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.
Hovawart Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Hovawarts need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Hovawarts require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Great Pyrenees Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Patellar Luxation
- Eye Problems
- Heart Issues
Hovawart Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Thyroid Issues
- Eye Problems
- Heart Disease
- Bloat
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
Hovawart
Pros
- Loyal and protective
- Intelligent
- Good with family
- Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- Strong-willed
- Needs extensive training
- High exercise needs
- Reserved with strangers
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Great Pyrenees and Hovawart, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.