A side-by-side comparison of the Golden Retriever and Great Pyrenees across size, temperament, grooming, family fit, and more.
Golden Retriever
Great Pyrenees
Overall, Golden Retriever wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.
Golden Retriever
5 wins
Great Pyrenees
1 win
More family-friendly
Golden Retriever edges ahead on kid-friendliness, affection, and trainability.
Lower maintenance
Golden Retriever sheds less and needs less grooming overall.
Longer-lived
Golden Retriever typically lives longer on average.
Calmer
Great Pyrenees is generally more relaxed and lower-energy.
Quieter
Golden Retriever tends to bark less.
More trainable
Golden Retriever picks up commands and new behaviors more readily.
| Breed | Size | Weight | Height | Lifespan | Energy | Shedding | Grooming | Trainable | Affection | Barking | Kids | Dogs | Cats | Apartment | First-timers | Low-allergen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large | 55–75 lb | 20–24 in | 12–13 yr | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ | — | |||||||
| Giant | 88–110 lb | 26–28 in | 9–11 yr | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | — |
Dog Food Cost Calculator
How much does dog food cost per month? Combine calorie needs with your food’s real bag price.
Dog Crate Size Calculator
Find the right crate dimensions from your dog’s height and length, with crate recommendations.
Dog Harness Size Calculator
Turn your dog’s chest and neck measurements into the correct harness size.
The Golden Retriever and Great Pyrenees are both popular breeds, but they differ meaningfully in day-to-day life. The verdict above scores them on six key dimensions — use it as a starting point, then factor in your specific home, activity level, and family situation.
Overall, Golden Retriever wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.