You have seen a Great Pyrenees…. majestic, massive, and with that white thick coat that just screams “cuddle me, but I will also guard your sheep”. These gentle giants from the Great Pyrenees Mountains are famous for being calm, loyal, and fiercely protective of their family.
And if you love everything about a Great Pyrenees and if you want to know everything about other dog breeds similar to the Great Pyrenees, we have rounded up 10 such breeds just for you.
If you want to know about livestock guardians, a fluffy best friend, or just another gentle giant to steal your heart, read on!!
Dog Breeds Similar to Great Pyrenees
1. Bernese Mountain Dog
All that fluff with a side of Swiss charm. The friendly Bernese Mountain dog is your go-to.
Key Traits Similar to the Great Pyrenees:
Loyal and affectionate family pets
Calm temperament with strong protective instincts
Thrives in cold climates with its thick coat
These large dogs are made for snowy weather and heavy jobs. They are known for pulling carts, guarding livestock, and melting hearts with those soulful eyes. According to the AKC, Bernese Mountain dogs are big, beautiful, and built for hard work.
They are not quite as independent thinkers as a Great Pyrenees, but they share the same gentle and steady vibes.
The Bernese is also a better fit for first-time owners who want a bit more affection and less stubbornness.
2. Newfoundland
Newfoundland, or “Newfies,” are walking teddy bears who just happen to weigh 150 pounds.
Key Traits Similar to the Great Pyrenees:
Giant breed with a soft heart
Excellent with children and other pets
Thick, water-resistant coat, suitable for cold
Newfies are a lot like Great Pyrenees when it comes to size, calm demeanor, and love of family. These giant water dogs were bred to rescue fishermen, not guard sheep.
But their gentle nature makes them excellent family pets. And yes, they drool, as noted by PetMD. A lot. But who cares when you get that much love in return?
3. Saint Bernard
Cue the snowstorm and whiskey barrel. The Saint Bernard is a giant snow angel with an even bigger heart.
Key Traits Similar to the Great Pyrenees:
Calm and patient with children
Incredibly loyal and patient with family
Can suffer from Hip Dysplasia and other health issues due to their size
Like the Great Pyrenees, Saint Bernards are famous for being gentle giants. These working dogs don’t bark much, but their size alone is usually enough to deter strangers.
Both larger breeds thrive in cold environments and do best in big homes with space to roam. They are protective but not aggressive.
4. Leonberger
If you crossed a lion with a teddy bear, you would get a Leonberger.
Key Traits Similar to the Great Pyrenees:
Very large size and a luxurious medium-length coat
Protective instincts yet incredibly affectionate dogs
Intelligent and responds well to early socialization
Leonbergers were bred as working dogs, but they shine in family life too. They are smart, calm, and loyal. They have a unique feature, webbed feet, which help them swim in water.
Just like the Great Pyrenees, they need consistent training and space to stretch their legs. And yes, they shed… a lot!
5. Anatolian Shepherd
Now, we are getting into the serious livestock guardian territory.
Key Traits Similar to the Great Pyrenees:
Independent thinkers bred to be livestock guardians
High intelligence and protective instincts
Needs early training and socialization
Anatolian Shepherds look like Great Pyrenees, but they are leaner than them and just as tough. These dogs are known for guarding flocks against predators like wolves and bears. Their protective instincts are top-tier, so they need an experienced owner. Don’t expect cuddles all day.
They are more “watch the property” than “lie on the couch”. WebMD says they tend to fend for themselves and do not rely much on others.
6. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff does not mess around.
Key Traits Similar to the Great Pyrenees:
Thick coat built for freezing temperatures
Extremely protective and territorial
Independent and strong-willed
Tibetan Mastiffs are ancient protectors from the Himalayas. They used to protect the monasteries and monks.
Their temperament is closer to the Great Pyrenees… independent, loyal, and suspicious of strangers. They will guard your family, your property, and your mailbox if you let them. Training and exercise are a must.
7. Kuvasz
Another white guardian with a regal air… meet the Kuvasz.
Key Traits Similar to the Great Pyrenees:
White, thick coat, and strong, muscular build
Natural livestock guardian
Needs proper training to manage protective behavior
This Hungarian breed is often mistaken for the Great Pyrenees because of its similar looks. But the Kuvasz are more reserved. They should not be blended well into the family unless you get them properly trained and socialized.
And once you do that, they bond well with the family but remain aloof with strangers. If you have livestock or a big yard, they might be a perfect match.
8. Maremma Sheepdog
This powerful Italian livestock guardian is just as charming as it is capable.
Key Traits Similar to the Great Pyrenees:
Strong guarding instincts and connection with family
Friendly with other animals if socialized early
Needs room to room, just like other large breeds
Maremmas were bred to guard sheep in rural Italy. Omlet UK notes this heavy and large breed has been around for at least 2000 years.
They are independent and not very interested in playing fetch. But they are deeply loyal. If you have got land or a flock (or just a big family and family pets), they will stand watch like a pro at security.
9. Akbash
This powerful and large dog is Turkey’s answer to the Great Pyrenees.
Key Traits Similar to the Great Pyrenees:
Bred specifically to guard livestock
Calm, steady, and brave
Prefers a working lifestyle
The Akbash looks more like a sleek white Pyrenees cousin. Their temperament is calm, but they take their jobs seriously. Males are more active, and females are more docile.
They were made to guard sheep from predators and don’t need a lot of affection or attention to do their job. Proper socialization is key. Without it, they may see strangers or even visiting dogs as threats.
10. Pyrenean Mastiff
Last but not least… Pyrenean Mastiff. The breed is most genetically and geographically similar to the Great Pyrenees.
Key Traits Similar to the Great Pyrenees:
From the same Great Pyrenees Mountains region
Calm temperament and protective instincts
Strong connection with the family
These gentle dogs were used to protect flocks from wolves and other predators in northern Spain. Their temperament mirrors that of the Great Pyrenees: gentle, calm, and protective.
They need regular grooming and do best in cold climates with plenty of space. If you want a dog nearly identical in spirit to the Great Pyrenees, this is it.
Conclusion
Great Pyrenees dogs are incredible. But they are not the only dogs out there with thick coats, protective instincts, and hearts of gold. These ten similar breeds come with their own unique set of needs: grooming, training, space, and socialization.
But one thing is for sure… You don’t need to own a Great Pyrenees to experience the love of a gentle giant. So go ahead. Explore these other breeds. Meet a few puppies. Find the one that feels like home. Because sometimes… the perfect dog is one heart in a very fluffy body.
