Dachshund vs Great Pyrenees

Which dog breed is right for you?

Dachshund

Size
8–32 lbs, 5–9 in
Lifespan
12–16 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Clever Stubborn Devoted Lively

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 Dachshund

The Dachshund — affectionately known as the "wiener dog" — was developed in Germany over 300 years ago to hunt badgers in their underground dens, which explains their uniquely elongated body and short, powerful legs. They come in two sizes — Standard (16–32 pounds) and Miniature (under 11 pounds) — and three coat types: smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired, each with its own personality nuances. Their color palette is remarkably varied, including red, black and tan, chocolate, dapple, brindle, and piebald patterns.

Temperament & Personality

Dachshunds are bold, clever, and remarkably stubborn — a combination that makes them endlessly entertaining and occasionally infuriating. They're fiercely loyal to their families and can be surprisingly courageous watchdogs, barking with the intensity of a dog three times their size. While affectionate with their people, they can be wary of strangers and may not tolerate rough handling from young children.

Pros

  • Compact size and moderate exercise needs make them excellent apartment companions
  • Bold, entertaining personality — constantly amusing their owners with clownish antics
  • Long lifespan of 12–16 years with proper care and weight management
  • Wirehaired variety sheds minimally and is well-suited for allergy-conscious homes

Cons

  • Extremely prone to intervertebral disc disease — 1 in 4 will experience back problems
  • Notoriously difficult to housebreak — often takes 6+ months of consistent training
  • Strong prey drive and tunneling instinct — will dig up gardens and chase small animals relentlessly
  • Prone to obesity, which dramatically increases the risk of spinal injuries

Charmed by these spirited little hounds? Find Dachshunds seeking loving homes 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Dachshund and a Great Pyrenees?
The Dachshund is 8–32 lbs, 5–9 in sized while the Great Pyrenees is 85–160 lbs, 25–32 in sized. They differ in size (8–32 lbs, 5–9 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, Dachshund or Great Pyrenees?
Dachshund is generally good with kids. Great Pyrenees is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Dachshund or Great Pyrenees?
The Dachshund has a lifespan of 12–16 years while the Great Pyrenees has a lifespan of 10–12 years.

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