Siberian Husky 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.
Siberian Husky
Working Group
Great Pyrenees
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Siberian Husky Overview
Siberian Huskies are striking sled dogs with distinctive masks, erect triangular ears, and thick double coats in various colors. Their medium-sized, athletic build reflects their endurance heritage, while their almond-shaped eyes often showcase a unique blue or bi-colored appearance. Athletic and graceful in movement, they maintain a friendly yet independent spirit, combining their working dog legacy with an affectionate family companion nature.
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: Siberian Huskys are less energetic than Great Pyreneess, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Siberian Huskys require less grooming attention compared to Great Pyreneess.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Siberian Huskys tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Great Pyreneess.
- Trainability: Siberian Huskys may be slightly easier to train due to their Siberian Husky's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Great Pyreneess adapt better to apartment living, while Siberian Huskys typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Siberian Husky and Great Pyrenees, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Siberian Husky | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Siberian Husky | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 20-24 inches 51-60 cm | 25-32 inches 64-81 cm |
| Weight | 35-60 lbs 16-27 kg | 85-100 lbs 39-45 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Siberian Husky | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Mischievous, Outgoing | Smart, Patient, Calm |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Siberian Husky | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Siberian Husky Temperament
The Siberian Husky is known for being loyal, mischievous, outgoing, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. 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 Siberian Husky 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
Siberian Husky
Rating: 5/5
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Siberian Husky
Rating: 5/5
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Siberian Husky
Rating: 4/5
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Siberian Husky
Rating: 3/5
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Siberian Husky
Rating: 3/5
Great Pyrenees
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Siberian Husky Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Siberian Huskys 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, Siberian Huskys 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
Siberian Husky Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Von Willebrand's
- Zinc Deficiency
Great Pyrenees Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Patellar Luxation
- Eye Problems
- Heart Issues
Pros & Cons
Siberian Husky
Pros
- Excellent endurance
- Good with children
- Low aggression levels
- Minimal grooming needs
- Independent nature
Cons
- High prey drive
- Challenging to train
- Heavy shedding
- Escape artists
- Not ideal guard dogs
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 Siberian Husky and Great Pyrenees, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.