Great Pyrenees vs Japanese Chin
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
Japanese Chin
Toy 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.
Japanese Chin Overview
Japanese Chin dogs feature distinctive large round eyes, flat faces, and feathered ears that create an endearing expression. Their elegant silhouette combines a small, square body with a profuse, silky coat that flows gracefully. Refined and aristocratic in bearing, these companions display a dignified demeanor while maintaining a playful spirit that charms their families.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Great Pyreneess are more energetic than Japanese Chins, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Great Pyreneess require less grooming attention compared to Japanese Chins.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Great Pyreneess tend to be more reserved with strangers than Japanese Chins.
- Trainability: Japanese Chins may be slightly easier to train due to their Japanese Chin's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Japanese Chins 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 Japanese Chin, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Great Pyrenees | Japanese Chin |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Great Pyrenees | Japanese Chin |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 25-32 inches 64-81 cm | 8-11 inches 20-28 cm |
| Weight | 85-100 lbs 39-45 kg | 7-11 lbs 3-5 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Great Pyrenees | Japanese Chin |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Smart, Patient, Calm | Charming, Noble, Loving |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Great Pyrenees | Japanese Chin |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Japanese Chin Temperament
The Japanese Chin is characterized by being charming, noble, loving, 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 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 Japanese Chin, 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
Japanese Chin
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 3/5
Japanese Chin
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 5/5
Japanese Chin
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 2/5
Japanese Chin
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 3/5
Japanese Chin
Rating: 3/5
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.
Japanese Chin Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Japanese Chins 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, Japanese Chins 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
Japanese Chin Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Heart murmurs
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
- Respiratory issues
- Dental problems
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
Japanese Chin
Pros
- Excellent apartment dog
- Gentle disposition
- Low exercise needs
- Good with other pets
- Elegant appearance
Cons
- Delicate health
- Difficult to housebreak
- Temperature sensitive
- Regular grooming needed
- Can be stubborn
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Great Pyrenees and Japanese Chin, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.