Great Pyrenees and Newfoundland are two large and affectionate breeds that are beloved by many dog owners.
But how do these two breeds compare in terms of temperament, care needs, and more?
In this article, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between Great Pyrenees and Newfoundland to help you decide which breed is the best fit for your lifestyle.
Breeding History – Compared
Great Pyrenees
Newfoundland
The Great Pyrenees is a working dog breed that originated in France. Its parent breed is the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, which is used to guard livestock and pull carts. It is a popular breed that was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885.
The Newfoundland is also a working dog that originated in Newfoundland, Canada. Its parent breed is the St. John’s water dog, which was used to help fishermen pull nets.
It is a lazy breed that was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886.
The Great Pyrenees was originally used to guard sheep against predators such as wolves and bears. The Newfoundland was originally used as a fishing dog, helping fishermen haul in their nets.
“Both the Great Pyrenees and Newfoundland are large breeds, but the Newfoundland is slightly larger on average. Both friendliest dog breeds have thick, double coats that protect them from cold weather. The Great Pyrenees has a white coat, while the Newfoundland can be black, brown, or white”.
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Size and Appearance – Compared
The Great Pyrenees and Newfoundland are two large, fluffy dog breeds. But which one is bigger? And what are the differences in their appearance?
The Great Pyrenees is the smaller of the two breeds, with males weighing in at 100-110 lbs and females at 85-100 lbs.
The Newfoundland, on the other hand, weighs 150 pounds for males and 100-150 pounds for females. So if you’re looking for a big dog, either of these giant breeds would be a good choice.
When it comes to appearance, both dogs have thick, double coats that keep them warm in cold weather. The Great Pyrenees’ coat is mostly white with some patches of gray, brown, or black.
The Newfoundland’s coat can be black, brown, or grey and may also have white markings. Both breeds have a thick undercoat, which is the source of their water-resistant coat.
Both dogs also have a large dewlap that hangs from their neck. The Newfoundland’s dewlap is more pronounced than the Great Pyrenees’. Despite their size, both breeds are generally good with children and other pets.
Temperament – Compared
The Great Pyrenees and Newfoundland are both large, gentle dogs that make great family pets. However, there are some differences in their temperaments.
The Great Pyrenees is a bit more independent than Newfoundland and may not be as eager to please. They are also less likely to bark excessively.
The Newfoundland is a very loyal dog who will bond closely with its family.
Training Needs – Compared
Newfoundland dogs are known for their gentle dispositions and easygoing nature. Great Pyrenees, on the other hand, tend to be a bit more independent and headstrong. Though both breeds make great family pets, they differ in their training needs.
Newfoundlands are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods such as treats and praise. They are eager to please their owners and excel in obedience trials and other competitive events.
Great Pyrenees, on the other hand, require a bit more patience and consistency when it comes to training. These big dogs can be stubborn at times, but with firm yet gentle handling, they will eventually learn what is expected of them.
Both breeds make excellent watchdogs and will alert their families to any strangers or potential threats.
Potty Training
It’s no secret that potty training a puppy can be challenging. But did you know that the breed of your puppy can play a big role in how easy (or difficult) potty training will be?
If you’re considering adding a Great Pyrenees or Newfoundland to your family, here’s what you need to know about potty training these two popular breeds.
The Great Pyrenees is a very independent breed. This independence can make potty training more challenging, as they may not always respond to commands from their owners.
However, with patience and consistency, most Great Pyrenees will eventually learn to go potty outside.
Newfoundlands are known for being extremely intelligent and eager to please their owners. This makes them much easier to train than some other breeds.
“The key to potty training a Newfoundland is to be patient and consistent, especially when it comes to rewarding them for going outside”.
Crate Training
Crate training is a process of teaching your dog to be comfortable in and around a crate or kennel.
This can be helpful for many reasons, including housebreaking, traveling, or simply keeping your dog safe and out of mischief when you can’t supervise them.
Great Pyrenees and Newfoundlands are both large, intelligent breeds that can be fairly easy to train with the right method. Here are a few tips on crate training these two gentle giants.
When crate training a Great Pyrenees, it’s important to start slowly and make sure the crate is a positive experience for your dog. Introduce them to the crate gradually, letting them explore it at their own pace.
You can put treats or toys inside to entice them in, and praise them when they go in willingly. This can take a few days to a week, but once they are comfortable with the crate, you can begin closing the door for short periods of time.
A good rule of thumb is to keep your dog in the crate for no more than one hour per month of age. So if your Great Pyrenees is two years old, he can spend up to two hours in the crate at a time.
Tips for Using a Crate
You can also keep the crate next to your bed and open the door at night to let him sleep with you. To crate train the Newfoundland dog, you should:
1. Choose the right size crate for your dog. Your dog should be able to stand up and turn around in his or her crate.
2. Put something soft and comfortable in the bottom of the crate, such as a blanket or pillow.
3. Gradually introduce your dog to the crate by putting treats or toys inside it and letting him or her explore at his or her own pace.
4. Once your dog is comfortable with being in the crate, you can start feeding meals inside it and leaving him or her crated for short periods of time while you are home.
“If your dog is crate trained, you can slowly begin to leave him in it while you’re out of the house. This may take some patience and time, but if done correctly and gradually, your dog will be comfortable in his crate”.
Obedience Training
When it comes to obedience training, there are a few key differences between the Great Pyrenees and Newfoundland. For starters, the Great Pyrenees are generally more independent and headstrong than the Newfoundlands.
This means that they may require more patience and persistence when it comes to training. However, once they understand what you want them to do, they are typically very obedient.
Newfoundlands, on the other hand, are much more eager to please their owners. They are very intelligent dogs and pick up on commands quickly.
However, their large size can sometimes be a bit overwhelming for first-time trainers. But with a little patience and perseverance, you will be able to train your Newfoundland successfully.
Socialization
A Great Pyrenees and a Newfoundland may look like two very different dogs, but they actually have a lot in common. Both breeds are large and lovable, and they make great companion animals. Here are some tips on how to socialize these two breeds of dogs:
1. Start early. It’s important to start socializing your Great Pyrenees or Newfoundland as early as possible. This will help them get used to being around people and other animals.
2. Be consistent. Once you start socializing your dog, it’s important to be consistent with it. Dogs need routine and predictability, so try to take them to the same places and introduce them to the same people on a regular basis.
3. Use positive reinforcement. If your Great Pyrenees or Newfoundland seems nervous, don’t force them to interact with other people or animals. Instead, try using positive reinforcement to encourage them.
For example, if they seem interested in another dog, be patient and give them a treat and lots of affection.
Aggression Levels – Compared
There are a few things to consider when wondering about the aggression levels of the Great Pyrenees vs Newfoundland. First, it is important to understand that aggression is not necessarily bad.
Some dogs may be more aggressive in order to protect their family and home, while others may be more playful and less likely to show aggression. It really depends on the individual dog and what they have been bred for.
That being said, here are a few general differences between Great Pyrenees and Newfoundland dogs in terms of aggression levels.
Great Pyrenees are typically considered to be more aggressive than Newfoundland dogs. This is likely due to their history of being used as protective guard dogs.
Born to protect their families and homes from intruders, they can be very intimidating dogs. They are unlikely to listen to a stranger if they are barking or growling.
Unfortunately, there are times when they may show aggression toward strangers, including other dogs, cats, and small animals.
Newfoundland dogs are generally considered more docile and likely less aggressive than Great Pyrenees dogs. They are very friendly and get along well with strangers, including children.
Exercise Needs – Compared
The Great Pyrenees and the Newfoundland are two large, fluffy breeds of dogs. Both breeds are known for being gentle giants, but they have different average exercise needs.
Great Pyrenees do need daily exercise, but a moderate amount is sufficient. A short walk or play session will suffice for this breed.
The Newfoundland is a large water rescue dog breed that originated in Canada. Newfs are strong swimmers and love to be in the water. They also enjoy spending time on land, playing fetch or Frisbee.
Newfs are gentle, affectionate dogs that make great family pets. Newfs require a lot of complex exercises, so they’d be happiest in an active household.
If you have a Newfoundland, walk him for at least 1 hour each day.
Mental Stimulation – Compared
The Great Pyrenees and Newfoundland are two large, fluffy breeds of dogs. Both breeds are known for being gentle giants, but they have different needs when it comes to mental stimulation.
The Great Pyrenees is an independent breed that is content to lounge around the house all day. They don’t need a lot of attention or activity, but they do enjoy a good game of fetch or a walk around the block.
The Newfoundland, on the other hand, is a very social breed that loves being around people. They need plenty of attention and activity to keep them happy, and they love playing fetch, going for walks, and swimming. Anything to keep their brain active!
Grooming Requirements – Compared
Although both the Great Pyrenees and Newfoundland are known for their thick, long coats, there are some key differences in their grooming requirements.
Brushing
The Great Pyrenees and the Newfoundland are both large, fluffy breeds of dogs. Both breeds need to be brushed regularly to keep their coats healthy and free of tangles.
However, there are some differences in the way that these two breeds should be brushed.
The Great Pyrenees has a thick, double coat that needs to be brushed at least once a week. A slicker brush or a metal comb is the best tool to use on this breed’s coat.
The Newfoundland also has a thick, double coat, but it is not as dense as the Great Pyrenees’ coat. This breed only needs to be brushed about once every two weeks. A soft bristle brush or a wide-toothed comb is the best tool to use on this breed’s coat.
Bathing
Newfoundlands and Great Pyrenees are two very different breeds of dogs. They vary in size, coat type, and personality. So, which one is better to bathe?
Great Pyrenees are large dogs with thick, double coats. They shed heavily, so regular brushing is necessary to keep their coat healthy and prevent matting. Newfoundlands have a single layer of fur that is water-resistant.
They do not shed as much as Great Pyrenees, but their coat still needs to be brushed regularly as outlined. Both breeds need to be bathed regularly, but the frequency will depend on the individual dog’s needs.
Great Pyrenees may only need a bath once a month, while Newfoundlands may need one every few weeks. When bathing either breed, use a mild shampoo and take care not to get water in their ears or eyes.
Ears
Both breeds of dogs need regular grooming, including ear cleaning, to keep them healthy and looking their best.
Cleaning the ears of a Newfoundland is a bit different than cleaning the ears of a Great Pyrenees. Newfoundlands have long, floppy ears that can trap dirt and moisture. This can lead to ear infections if the ears are not cleaned on a regular basis.
Great Pyrenees have pointy ears that stand up straight. Their ears do not trap dirt and moisture, so they do not need to be cleaned as often.
It is important to clean the ears of both breeds on a regular basis because they can get ear infections if their ears are dirty.
“Ear infections are painful for the dog and expensive for the owner”!
Teeth
When it comes to brushing the teeth of the Great Pyrenees vs Newfoundland, there are some key differences to keep in mind. For one, the Great Pyrenees has significantly more teeth than the Newfoundland – 42 to be exact.
This means that you’ll need to spend a bit more time brushing their teeth overall. Additionally, their toothbrush should have softer bristles in order to avoid damaging their gums.
When it comes to the actual process of brushing their teeth, the Great Pyrenees will likely need to be restrained since they may not be too keen on having someone stick a brush in their mouth.
On the other hand, the Newfoundland is typically much more cooperative and can even be taught to enjoy the process with some positive reinforcement. Overall, just remember to be gentle and take your time when brushing the teeth of either breed!
Nails
The Great Pyrenees and the Newfoundland have nails that need to be trimmed on a regular basis.
However, there are some differences between the two breeds that should be taken into account when trimming their nails.
The Great Pyrenees has thick, double-coated fur that can make it difficult to get to the nails. The best way to trim their nails is to use a professional groomer who can get through the fur and trim the nails safely.
The Newfoundland also has a thick coat, but it is not as dense as the Great Pyrenees. This means that you can trim their nails yourself, as long as you are careful not to cut too close to the quick.
Both breeds of dog have large paws with lots of hair between the toes.
Are they Healthy Breeds?
Both breeds are considered to be relatively healthy, with some common health problems that can affect either breed.
Newfoundland dogs are generally a healthier breed than Great Pyrenees, with fewer health problems overall. The most common health issues for Newfoundland dogs include hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems, and heart conditions.
Great Pyrenees are also prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as joint problems, skin conditions, and bloat.
Hip Dysplasia is a condition in which the hip joints do not fit together properly, causing pain and inflammation.
Elbow Dysplasia is a similar condition, that affects the elbow joints. Both of these conditions can lead to lameness in dogs and early arthritis. They can be managed by changing your dog’s diet, giving supplements, and exercising your dog regularly.
Eye problems are common in both breeds, including cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and glaucoma. Some of these eye issues can be treated with diet and supplements, but some require surgery.
Skin Conditions in the Great Pyrenees is another common problem. Seborrhea is an inflammation of the skin and can lead to hair loss and scaling.
Pyoderma, another skin condition, is a bacterial infection that causes redness, itching, and scabs on your dog’s skin. They can be cured by antibiotics, but are very common in the breed.
Bloat is another condition that affects the Great Pyrenees. It is a condition that causes the stomach to fill with gas and twist, making it impossible for the dog to breathe.
This is a serious issue that can be fatal; dog owners should take care to prevent bloat by feeding smaller meals twice a day, and avoiding exercise immediately after a dog eats their food.
“While both breeds can be susceptible to certain health problems, they are both generally considered to be healthy breeds overall. With proper care and regular vet check-ups, your Newfoundland or Great Pyrenees should enjoy a long and happy life”.
Nutrition Requirements – Compared
Great Pyrenees are generally a healthy breed with no major health concerns. However, they can be prone to obesity, so it’s important to feed them a high-quality diet that is appropriate for their activity level.
They need plenty of protein and fat to maintain their energy levels and keep their muscles strong.
Newfoundland dogs are also a large breed with few health problems. However, they are more prone to hip dysplasia than Great Pyrenees.
So, it’s important to choose a diet for them that is rich in joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
The Great Pyrenees can eat meals like lamb, chicken, and rice. However, the Newfoundland dog needs to eat a diet that is rich in protein and fat. This can be provided by feeding them tuna, salmon, or chicken thigh meat.
Table Scraps
The Great Pyrenees is known for being a picky eater, while the Newfoundland will eat just about anything.
This means that table scraps are more likely to be eaten by the Newfoundland. However, both breeds can benefit from healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables.
Table scraps should not be the only thing that either breed of dog eats, but they can be a helpful addition to their diet. Table scraps should be no more than 10% of their overall food intake.
If you have either breed of dog, it is important to monitor their eating habits and make sure they are getting enough nutrients from their food.
Doggie Treats
When it comes to finding the perfect doggie treat, there are a few things you need to take into account. The first is the size of your dog. Great Pyrenees and Newfoundland breeds are large dogs, so you’ll want to find a treat that’s big enough for them to enjoy.
Secondly, you need to think about what kind of ingredients are in the treat. Some dogs have sensitive stomachs, so it’s important to find a treat that’s made with healthy ingredients.
And lastly, you want to find a treat that your dog will actually enjoy eating! Here are a few doggie treat options to consider:
For the Great Pyrenees, we recommend something like Merrick Classic Grain-Free Wet Dog Food. This food is grain-free and packed with protein, making it perfect for large breeds. It also has a ton of great flavors.
The Newfoundland will enjoy something like ZiwiPeak Dog Stew with Real Rabbit. This is a grain-free option that’s made with high-quality ingredients, like rabbit and salmon!
Ideally, you’ll want to feed your Great Pyrenees and Newfoundland the same treat.
This way, you can avoid any tummy upset that could occur if they are eating different types of treats. But if your dogs enjoy different treats, that’s ok too!
Supplements
There are a few key differences to consider when choosing supplements for both breeds.
The Great Pyrenees are more prone to joint problems, so supplements that support joint health are important.
Newfoundlands, on the other hand, are less likely to have joint problems, so supplements that focus on other health concerns may be a better choice. Ultimately, the best way to choose supplements for your dog is to talk to your veterinarian about their specific needs.
You can try supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support, but avoid supplements like Dasuquin, which can be dangerous.
Recommended Supplements for Newfoundland Dogs
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin: Support healthy joints and reduces inflammation.
- Probiotics: Supports a healthy digestive system, which is important for overall health. It supports a healthy digestive system, which is important for overall health.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supports a healthy heart and brain. Supports a healthy heart and brain.
- Vitamin C: Boosts the immune system and promotes normal collagen production. It boosts the immune system and promotes normal collagen production.
- Vitamin E: An antioxidant that supports a healthy immune system. An antioxidant that supports a healthy immune system.
- Vitamin D3: Promotes bone and joint health, as well as the overall health of your dog. Promotes bone and joint health, as well as the overall health of your dog.
Recommended Supplements for Great Pyrenees Dogs
There are a number of supplements that can be beneficial for Great Pyrenees dogs.
- Omega-3 fatty acids can improve skin and coat health.
- Antioxidants are also important for Great Pyrenees dogs, as they can help to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.
- Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes Probiotics can help to improve the health of your dog’s digestive system. They can also help to reduce gas and bloating, as well as diarrhea.
The Drool Factor – Compared
There are many factors to consider when choosing a dog breed – size, energy level, lifespan, shedding, and drool factor, just to name a few.
Both the Great Pyrenees and Newfoundland are known for their drooling abilities. But which breed is the sloppier of the two?
The Great Pyrenees is certainly no slouch in the drooling department. This massive breed can produce a fair amount of saliva, especially when they’re excited or nervous. Their long jowls and loose lips make for plenty of drool-catching surface area.
If you’re not a fan of doggy kisses, the Great Pyrenees is probably not the breed for you.
Newfoundlands are also notorious slobbers. They are one of the breeds that has more than one type of drool.
There is the usual gooey saliva that s common to most dogs, but there is also a thicker saliva produced by glands in their mouth. These dogs produce even more drool than the Great Pyrenees.
Is their Bark an Issue?
The Great Pyrenees and Newfoundland are both known for their deep, booming barks. But is their bark really an issue?
Some people may find the Great Pyrenees’ bark to be too loud and annoying. Others may find the Newfoundland’s bark to be too deep and guttural. But ultimately, it is up to the individual dog owner to decide whether or not their dog’s bark is an issue.
If being aware of your dog is important to you, then both breeds are great choices.
Both the Great Pyrenees and Newfoundland are loyal, gentle giants that make great family pets. So if you’re looking for a big, furry friend, either of these breeds would be a great choice.
Weather Tolerance – Compared
Regarding weather tolerance, the Great Pyrenees and Newfoundland are two very different breeds. The Great Pyrenees is a mountain dog and is used to cold weather, while the Newfoundland is a water dog and prefers warmer climates.
The Great Pyrenees have a double coat of fur that protects them from the coldest temperatures. They are also very good at tolerating high winds and being out in the elements for long periods of time.
The Newfoundland, on the other hand, has a single coat of fur that isn’t as effective in protecting them from the cold. They are also not as tolerant of high winds and being out in the elements for long periods.
So, if you’re looking for a dog that can handle colder climates, the Great Pyrenees is the better choice.
Lifespan – Compared
The Great Pyrenees typically lives 10-12 years, while the Newfoundland tends to live 8-10 years. This difference is likely because the Great Pyrenees is bred as a working dog, while the Newfoundland is bred as a companion dog.
Working dogs tend to have shorter lifespans than companion dogs, as they are more prone to injury and illness. However, both breeds are relatively long-lived compared to other dogs; small breeds, for instance, only live an average of 12-14 years.
So if you’re looking for a big dog with a long lifespan, either the Great Pyrenees or the Newfoundland would be a good choice.
Puppy Prices – Compared
When it comes to price, both breeds can be expensive. Newfoundlands are the second most expensive breed, averaging $1,200 to $3000. Great Pyrenees are the 17th most expensive breed, averaging $800 to $1,500.
These prices are the average prices for a purebred from a reputable breeder. They may also vary depending on the sex, color, and how many puppies are being sold.
You can also look for a Great Pyrenees or Newfoundland from a rescue group or breed-specific organization.
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