Compare

Anatolian Shepherd Dog vs Great Pyrenees

Two independent livestock guardians for rural homes; the Anatolian is rangier and handles heat, the Great Pyrenees is furrier, gentler and sheds more.

Verdict

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Great Pyrenees are large livestock guardians with low trainability, independent minds and a loud voice. Both belong on rural or large fenced property with an owner who values independence, and both are poor fits for apartments, close neighbors or off-lead roaming.

The Anatolian is the rangier dog, rates higher for heat and lower for cold, and its profile ranks it as a poor first dog. The Great Pyrenees has a thicker coat that sheds heavily, handles cold well and is calmer and gentler with children. It rates the very top score for barking, so tolerant neighbors matter. Neither suits an owner who wants an obedient companion.

Choose the Anatolian Shepherd Dog if

  • You have livestock or large fenced land and some guardian experience
  • Your climate is warm
  • You want a protective dog with a lighter coat
  • You accept an independent, loyal temperament

Choose the Great Pyrenees if

  • You want a calm, patient guardian with a gentler reputation
  • Your climate is cold
  • You are ready for heavy shedding and regular brushing
  • You have a good fence and tolerant neighbors

Side by side

Anatolian Shepherd Dog Great Pyrenees
AKC group Working Group Working Group
Size class Large Large
Typical weight 80 to 150 lb 85 to 115 lb
Height 27 to 29 in at the shoulder 25 to 32 in at the shoulder
Typical lifespan 11 to 13 years 10 to 12 years
AKC popularity, 2025 88 of 202 66 of 202
Shedding Heavy Very heavy
Grooming needs Low Moderate
Energy Moderate Low to moderate
Trainability Below average Below average
Barking Barks often Barks very often
With children Good with supervision Very good
Apartment living Poor Poor
First-time owners Experienced owners only Challenging
Heat tolerance Good Below average
Cold tolerance Average Excellent
Temperament
  • independent
  • protective
  • calm
  • loyal
  • calm
  • patient
  • independent
  • protective
Health concerns to know about
  • hip dysplasia
  • entropion
  • bloat
  • hypothyroidism
  • obesity
  • hip dysplasia
  • luxating patella
  • bloat
  • bone cancer
  • entropion
Suits
  • rural property owners
  • livestock keepers
  • experienced owners with large fenced land
  • rural homes
  • people with livestock
  • owners with a secure fence and tolerant neighbors

Facts and ratings come from each breed's profile. They describe a breed as a whole, and individual dogs vary, so meet the dog before you choose.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

In the index now