Parson Russell Terrier vs Great Pyrenees
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Parson Russell Terrier
Terrier Group
Great Pyrenees
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Parson Russell Terrier Overview
Parson Russell Terriers embody athletic grace with their balanced, square-built frames and intelligent expressions. Distinguished by a predominantly white coat with tan or black markings, they possess strong, muscular bodies built for agility and endurance. Their alert carriage and keen eyes reflect their sharp intelligence and fearless nature, while their compact size belies their tremendous stamina and working ability.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Parson Russell Terriers are less energetic than Great Pyreneess, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Parson Russell Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Great Pyreneess.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Parson Russell Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Great Pyreneess.
- Trainability: Great Pyreneess may be slightly easier to train due to their Great Pyrenees's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Parson Russell 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 Parson Russell Terrier and Great Pyrenees, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Parson Russell Terrier | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Parson Russell Terrier | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 13-14 inches 33-36 cm | 25-32 inches 64-81 cm |
| Weight | 13-17 lbs 6-8 kg | 85-100 lbs 39-45 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Parson Russell Terrier | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Clever, Athletic | Smart, Patient, Calm |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Parson Russell Terrier | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Parson Russell Terrier Temperament
The Parson Russell Terrier is known for being friendly, clever, athletic, 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.
Great Pyrenees Temperament
The Great Pyrenees is characterized by being smart, patient, calm, 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 Parson Russell Terrier and Great Pyrenees, 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
Parson Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Parson Russell Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Parson Russell Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Parson Russell Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Parson Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Parson Russell Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Parson Russell Terriers 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, Parson Russell Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Great Pyrenees Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Great Pyreneess 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, Great Pyreneess require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Parson Russell Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Lens luxation
- Ataxia
- Deafness
- Glaucoma
- Patellar luxation
Great Pyrenees Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Patellar Luxation
- Eye Problems
- Heart Issues
Pros & Cons
Parson Russell Terrier
Pros
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Excellent exercise companion
- Compact size
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong prey drive
- Can be stubborn
- May be vocal
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Parson Russell Terrier and Great Pyrenees, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.