Great Pyrenees vs St. Bernard vs Australian Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chien De Montagne Des Pyrénées or Alpine Mastiff or Little Blue Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Great Pyrenees vs St. Bernard vs Australian Shepherd" Compare Great Pyrenees and St. Bernard. Which is better: Great Pyrenees or St. Bernard or Australian Shepherd?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Great Pyrenees	St. Bernard	Australian Shepherd
Origins	Spain France	Switzerland Italy	United States
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Working Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	66	48	17
Reviews	5	9	7
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd breeds.	Chien De Montagne Des Pyrénées Chien Des Pyrénées Gos De Muntanya Dels Pirineus Montañés Del Pirineo Patou Great Pyrenees	Alpine Mastiff Bernhardiner St. Barnhardshund St. Bernard Saint	Little Blue Dog Aussie
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Great Pyrenees vs St. Bernard vs Australian Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is the largest?	Giant	Giant	Large
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: from 100 pounds (45 kg), Female: from 85 pounds (38 kg)	110-200 pounds (50-91 kg)	Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: from 100 pounds (45 kg), Female: from 85 pounds (38 kg)	155 pounds (70.5 kg)	Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Great Pyrenees or St. Bernard or Australian Shepherd? Great Pyrenees vs St. Bernard vs Australian Shepherd height comparison:	Male: 27-32 inches (69-81 cm), Female: 25-29 inches (63-74 cm)	25.5-27.5 inches (61-70 cm)	Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 29.5 inches (75 cm), Female: 27 inches (68.5 cm)	25.5-27.5 inches (65.5 cm)	Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm)

Great Pyrenees vs St. Bernard vs Australian Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Find price differences between these breeds.	$500-$600	$1500-$1800	$600-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Great Pyrenees or St. Bernard or Australian Shepherd?	Very frequent: The Great Pyrenees is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The St.	Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Great Pyrenees vs St. Bernard vs Australian Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed ranks highest?	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which is easiest to train?	Great Pyrenees dogs are easy to train. See more.	A slightly harder to train than average. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most alert?	Great Pyrenees dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	St. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most protective?	Great Pyrenees dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	St. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Great Pyrenees vs St. Bernard vs Australian Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd? Compare temperaments.	Confident Affectionate Patient Gentle Strong Willed Fearless	Independent Happy Friendly Gentle Going Social Quiet	Active Loving Protective Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Good-natured
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Sensitive: St. See more.	Sensitive: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Great Pyrenees vs St. Bernard vs Australian Shepherd?	Average: Great Pyrenees dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.	High: St. See more.	Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Great Pyrenees vs St. Bernard vs Australian Shepherd social needs comparison:	Great Pyrenees dogs are a social breed. See more.	St. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Great Pyrenees dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. See more.	St. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Great Pyrenees dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.	Their prey drive is low. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Great Pyrenees vs St. Bernard vs Australian Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most vocal?	Average to High: The Great Pyrenees is a vocal breed. See more.	Low: The St. See more.	Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most playful?	Great Pyreneess are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	St. See more.	The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which adapts best to small spaces?	It is not recommended to keep the Great Pyrenees breed in the home.	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep St.	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Australian Shepherd indoors.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Great Pyrenees vs St. Bernard vs Australian Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most flexible?	Great Pyrenees dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.	St.	Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Great Pyrenees or St. Bernard or Australian Shepherd?	Great Pyrenees dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.	St.	Australian Shepherd dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Great Pyrenees vs St. Bernard vs Australian Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Great Pyrenees has a low chance of biting somebody.	Moderate ⏺ The St.	Low 🔽 The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which uses mouth most during play?	Great Pyrenees dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	St. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which has the strongest bite?	Above 400 PSI 🔼 Great Pyrenees bite force: The Strongest.	Above 400 PSI 🔼 St.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Great Pyrenees vs St. Bernard vs Australian Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed lives longest?	10-12 years The average lifespan of Great Pyrenees: 11 years	8-10 years The average lifespan of St.	11-15 years The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which handles climate changes best?	Prefers cold weather The Great Pyrenees can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which has fewer health issues?	Great Pyreneess are commonly healthy dogs.	Very healthy dog breed.	The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Rare The Great Pyrenees should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Rare The St.	Average The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Great Pyrenees vs St. Bernard vs Australian Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Great Pyrenees vs St. Bernard vs Australian Shepherd health problems comparison:	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Bloat Entropion Drug Sensitivity Elbow Dysplasia Addison's Disease	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Bloat Epilepsy Entropion Elbow Dysplasia Dilated Cardiomyopathy	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Deafness Drug Sensitivity Elbow Dysplasia Distichiasis Collie Eye Anomaly Detached Retina Nasal Solar Dermatitis Osteochondrosis Dissecans Persistent Pupillary Membranes

Great Pyrenees vs St. Bernard vs Australian Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most active?	Great Pyrenees dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	St.	Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Great Pyrenees vs St. Bernard vs Australian Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Great Pyrenees or St. Bernard or Australian Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Great Pyrenees dogs have an average exercise need.	St.	Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Great Pyrenees or St. Bernard or Australian Shepherd?	Great Pyrenees dogs don't need too much sleep.	St.	Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Great Pyrenees vs St. Bernard vs Australian Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Great Pyrenees's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the St. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which needs most food?	8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals	6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Great Pyrenees vs St. Bernard vs Australian Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. What colors are available?	White	Black Red White Brown Brindle Tricolor	Black Red Blue Merle
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The Great Pyrenees requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The St. See more.	Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which drools least?	The Great Pyrenees is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. See more.	The St. See more.	The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Great Pyrenees has an average chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The St.	Medium ⏺ The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Dense Double	Dense Rough Smooth	Feathered
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which requires most frequent baths?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Great Pyrenees or St. Bernard or Australian Shepherd? Great Pyrenees or St. Bernard or {name3 shedding:	Great Pyrenees dogs shed above average. See more.	St. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Great Pyrenees vs St. Bernard vs Australian Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which is best with kids?	Great Pyrenees dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	St.	Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Great Pyrenees dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.	St.	Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Great Pyrenees or St. Bernard or Australian Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?	Great Pyrenees dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	St.	Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Great Pyrenees or St. Bernard or Australian Shepherd?	Great Pyrenees dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	St.	Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Great Pyrenees or St. Bernard or Australian Shepherd?	Great Pyrenees dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	St.	Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Great Pyrenees vs St. Bernard vs Australian Shepherd?	Yes Great Pyrenees dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	No St.	Yes Australian Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Great Pyrenees is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No St.	No Australian Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Great Pyreneess are usually recommended for elderly people.	St.	Australian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Great Pyrenees vs St. Bernard vs Australian Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which is best suited for service work?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which excels in therapy work?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which has best nose work ability?	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which is best for SAR work?	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Great Pyrenees breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really St. See more.	Not really Australian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which is best for draft work?	Yes A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Yes A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which has most military use?	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Great Pyrenees vs St. Bernard vs Australian Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which has most puppies?	6-9 puppies	6-8 puppies	6-9 puppies, average 7
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. What's recommended?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

Great Pyrenees vs St. Bernard vs Australian Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1933 as a Working breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Working breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, and Australian Shepherd. Which has most recognition?	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Australian Shepherd Club Of America

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