Akbash vs Great Pyrenees
Complete side-by-side comparison of Akbash and Great Pyrenees. Compare temperament, size, lifespan, cost, and care requirements.
Akbash
Size
Giant (100+ lbs)
Lifespan
10-12 years
Price
$700-$1,500
Great Pyrenees
Size
Giant (100+ lbs)
Lifespan
10-12 years
Price
$1,000-$2,500
Quick Verdict
Great Pyrenees wins this comparison!
Great Pyrenees edges out Akbash in our comparison, scoring better in 3 of 6 key categories. However, both are excellent breeds and the best choice depends on your specific lifestyle and needs.
Physical Characteristics
| Attribute | Akbash | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Size Category | Giant (100+ lbs) | Giant (100+ lbs) |
| Height | 27-34" | 25-32" |
| Weight | 80-140 lbs | 85-160 lbs |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years | 10-12 years |
| Coat Type | Double | Double |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Temperament & Behavior
| Attribute | Akbash | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Affection Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good with Children | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good with Other Dogs | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good with Strangers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Playfulness | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Protectiveness | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Trainability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Energy Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Barking Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Care Requirements
| Attribute | Akbash | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Shedding Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Grooming Needs | Moderate - Weekly | Regular - 2-3x/week |
| Exercise (min/day) | 60 min | 45 min |
| Mental Stimulation | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Drooling Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Living Conditions
| Attribute | Akbash | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment Friendly | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good for Beginners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Tolerates Being Alone | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Cold Weather | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Hot Weather | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Cost Comparison
| Cost Factor | Akbash | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $700-$1,500 | $1,000-$2,500 |
| Annual Cost | $1,400/year | $1,700/year |
Health Considerations
Akbash
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Generally healthy breed with no major genetic issues.
Great Pyrenees
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Generally healthy breed with no major genetic issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Akbash or Great Pyrenees better for families?
Great Pyrenees is generally better for families, scoring 5/5 for child-friendliness compared to 3/5 for Akbash. However, both breeds can make great family pets with proper training and socialization.
Which costs more to own, a Akbash or Great Pyrenees?
A Great Pyrenees costs approximately $1700/year while a Akbash costs about $1400/year. Akbash is the more affordable option.
Which is easier to train, a Akbash or Great Pyrenees?
Great Pyrenees is generally easier to train, scoring 3/5 for trainability compared to 2/5 for Akbash.
Do Akbash or Great Pyrenees live longer?
On average, both breeds have similar lifespans of about 11.0 years.
Compare Different Breeds
Learn More About Each Breed
Beyond the breed database, explore our dog nutrition and feeding guides or try our free animal tools and games.