What is the difference between a American Pit Bull Terrier and a Great Pyrenees?

The American Pit Bull Terrier is 30–65 lbs, 17–21 in sized while the Great Pyrenees is 85–160 lbs, 25–32 in sized. They differ in size (30–65 lbs, 17–21 in vs 85–160 lbs, 25–32 in), lifespan (12–16 years vs 10–12 years), and care requirements.

Which breed is better with kids, American Pit Bull Terrier or Great Pyrenees?

American Pit Bull Terrier is generally good with kids. Great Pyrenees is generally good with kids.

Which breed lives longer, American Pit Bull Terrier or Great Pyrenees?

The American Pit Bull Terrier has a lifespan of 12–16 years while the Great Pyrenees has a lifespan of 10–12 years.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs Great Pyrenees — Breed Comparison

About the American Pit Bull Terrier

The American Pit Bull Terrier traces its roots to 19th-century England, where Bulldogs and Terriers were crossed to create a dog combining strength with agility. Standing 17–21 inches tall and weighing 30–60 pounds, the APBT is a medium-sized, solidly built dog with a broad chest and well-defined musculature. Their short, glossy coat comes in virtually every color and pattern — including blue, red, brindle, and merle — and is exceptionally easy to maintain.

Temperament & Personality

Despite their often-misunderstood reputation, American Pit Bull Terriers are among the most people-oriented breeds — they are affectionate, eager to please, and frequently described as "nanny dogs" for their gentleness with children. They are intelligent, loyal, and enthusiastic about training when given positive reinforcement. However, some individuals may exhibit dog-selectivity, and responsible ownership includes understanding their terrier-driven tenacity.

Pros

Extremely affectionate and loyal — they bond deeply with every family member
Highly trainable and eager to please, excelling in obedience and nosework
Low grooming needs with their short, easy-care coat
Athletic and energetic — outstanding companion for active lifestyles

Cons

Subject to breed-specific legislation and housing restrictions in many areas
May develop dog-selectivity, requiring careful management around other dogs
Strong and powerful — not ideal for physically frail owners
Prone to skin allergies, hip dysplasia, and congenital heart disease

These loving, misunderstood dogs deserve wonderful homes — browse adoptable Pit Bull Terriers on Puplister today.

About the Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees — named for the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain where they guarded flocks for centuries — is a majestic, powerful livestock guardian with roots stretching back thousands of years to ancient Asia Minor. Standing 25–32 inches tall and weighing 85–115 pounds, these imposing dogs wear a thick, weather-resistant double coat that is predominantly white, sometimes with markings of badger, gray, reddish-brown, or tan. Their calm, regal bearing and abundant white coat give them an almost bear-like appearance that commands respect.

Temperament & Personality

Great Pyrenees are independent, patient, and serenely confident — bred for millennia to make their own decisions while guarding flocks without human direction. They are gentle and affectionate with their families, particularly protective of children, whom they tend to view as part of their "flock." However, their independent guardian nature means they are not eager-to-please dogs — they will consider your commands and decide whether compliance serves their protective mission.

Pros

Exceptional livestock and property guardian — naturally protective without aggression training
Gentle and patient with children — instinctively nurturing toward young family members
Calm, low-energy indoors — content to rest and observe during the day
Thick coat insulates against both extreme cold and moderate heat

Cons

Notorious wanderers — will roam far from home if not contained by secure fencing
Heavy nocturnal barking — bred to bark at predators through the night, which disturbs neighbors
Extremely independent and stubborn — among the most difficult breeds to obedience train
Massive shedding — the thick undercoat blows seasonally and produces enormous quantities of loose fur

If you have the space and patience for a noble guardian, find Great Pyrenees on Puplister today.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs Great Pyrenees