Boxer vs Great Pyrenees

Which dog breed is right for you?

Boxer

Size
50–80 lbs, 21–25 in
Lifespan
10–12 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Playful Energetic Loyal Bright

Great Pyrenees

Size
85–160 lbs, 25–32 in
Lifespan
10–12 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
High
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Calm Patient Gentle Protective

About the Boxer

The Boxer was developed in Germany in the late 19th century from the now-extinct Bullenbeisser — a powerful hunting mastiff — crossed with English Bulldogs. Standing 21.5–25 inches tall and weighing 50–80 pounds, the Boxer is a medium-to-large, well-muscled dog with a distinctive square head, undershot jaw, and alert expression. Their short, tight-fitting coat comes in fawn and brindle — sometimes with white markings — and requires very little grooming beyond occasional brushing.

Temperament & Personality

Boxers are playful, energetic, and utterly devoted to their families — they are often called the "Peter Pan" of dog breeds because they maintain their puppyish exuberance well into adulthood. They are exceptional with children, combining patience and protectiveness with a love of play that makes them natural family dogs. Boxers are alert and courageous, making them effective watchdogs, but they are also clownish and affectionate — they're famous for their "kidney bean" wiggle of excitement.

Pros

  • Outstanding family dog — patient, protective, and endlessly playful with children
  • Natural watchdog with a courageous yet non-aggressive temperament
  • Short coat requires minimal grooming effort
  • Energetic and athletic — great companion for running, hiking, and active play

Cons

  • Prone to cancer — one of the breeds most affected, particularly mast cell tumors and lymphoma
  • Brachycephalic tendencies lead to heat intolerance and breathing difficulties during vigorous exercise
  • Can be excessively boisterous and may accidentally knock over small children or elderly family members
  • Susceptible to heart conditions including aortic stenosis and dilated cardiomyopathy

Boxers bring boundless energy and unconditional love to every family — browse adoptable Boxers on Puplister and find your playful companion.

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.

Available for Adoption

52

Boxers

Browse

23

Great Pyrenees

Browse

Related Articles

All Articles →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Boxer and a Great Pyrenees?
The Boxer is 50–80 lbs, 21–25 in sized while the Great Pyrenees is 85–160 lbs, 25–32 in sized. They differ in size (50–80 lbs, 21–25 in vs 85–160 lbs, 25–32 in), lifespan (10–12 years vs 10–12 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Boxer or Great Pyrenees?
Boxer is generally good with kids. Great Pyrenees is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Boxer or Great Pyrenees?
The Boxer has a lifespan of 10–12 years while the Great Pyrenees has a lifespan of 10–12 years.

Find Your Perfect Pet

Browse thousands of adoptable pets from shelters near you.

Browse Dogs