Guide on Deciding Betweeen the Akbash and the Great Pyrenees.

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Akbash Versus Great Pyrenees: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Akbash and the Great Pyrenees? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Akbash and the Great Pyrenees better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Akbash and the Great Pyrenees.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Akbash and the Great Pyrenees is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Akbash and for the Great Pyrenees. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Akbash and the Great Pyrenees.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Akbash or the Great Pyrenees.

Akbash versus Great Pyrenees: Overview

A very important difference between the Akbash and the Great Pyrenees is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Akbash is a large-sized dog while the Great Pyrenees is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Akbash and the Great Pyrenees are Working Dogs. This means both the Akbash and the Great Pyrenees were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Akbash versus Great Pyrenees: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Akbash to the Great Pyrenees based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Akbash and the Great Pyrenees

Factor Akbash Great Pyrenees
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 1/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 12 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 1/5
Height 27 to 34 inches 25 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Easy To Train 3/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Weight 75 to 140 pounds 85 to 160 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $610 $830
Price Range $500 – $800 $500 – $1000
Temperament Score 87.5 percent 84.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Auburn
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Optigen
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Akbash in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Great Pyrenees. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Akbash is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Great Pyrenees is 63 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Akbash is a better pet than the Great Pyrenees. So, you should get the Akbash!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Akbash and the Great Pyrenees so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Akbash and the Great Pyrenees

    Below is a list of where the Akbash and the Great Pyrenees are most different:

    • Akbashs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Great Pyreneess have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Akbashs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Great Pyreneess have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Akbashs have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time. However, Great Pyreneess have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Akbashs do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Great Pyreneess do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Akbashs have low exercise needs. However, Great Pyreneess require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    The Similarities Between the Akbash and the Great Pyrenees

    The Akbash and the Great Pyrenees are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Akbash and the Great Pyrenees are most similar:

    • Both the Akbash and the Great Pyrenees do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Akbash and the Great Pyrenees are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Akbash and the Great Pyrenees cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Akbash and the Great Pyrenees are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Akbash and the Great Pyrenees do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Akbash and the Great Pyrenees can be left alone for some time without problems.
    • Both the Akbash and the Great Pyrenees can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Akbash and the Great Pyrenees get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Akbash and the Great Pyrenees shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Akbash and the Great Pyrenees gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Akbash and the Great Pyrenees are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Akbash and the Great Pyrenees are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Size Comparison of Akbash versus Great Pyrenees

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Akbash and the Great Pyrenees.

    Akbashs weigh 75 to 140 pounds when fully grown. Akbashs are 27 to 34 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Great Pyreneess weigh 85 to 160 pounds when fully grown. Great Pyreneess are 25 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Akbash versus Great Pyrenees

    The lifespan of Akbashs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Akbashs is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Great Pyreneess is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Great Pyreneess is 11.0 years.

    Temperament of the Akbash Versus the Great Pyrenees

    The Akbash has a better temperament than the Great Pyrenees.

    This is because the temperament score for the Akbash is 87.5 percent while the temperament score for the Great Pyrenees is 84.9 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 87.5 percent, the Akbash has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 84.9 percent, the Great Pyrenees has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Akbash and the Great Pyrenees by measuring the temperaments of 16 Akbashs and 152 Great Pyreneess.

    Price of Akbash versus Price of Great Pyrenees

    The average price of the Akbash puppy is $610. The price of the Akbash typically ranges from $500 – $800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 12 Akbash puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Great Pyrenees puppy is $830. The price of the Great Pyrenees typically ranges from $500 – $1000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 352 Great Pyrenees puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Great Pyrenees is more expensive than the Akbash.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Akbash and Great Pyrenees. For different price points, the charts show how many Akbash puppies or how many Great Pyrenees puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Akbashs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Akbashs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Great Pyreneess

    A breakdown of the prices of Great Pyreneess

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Akbash puppy or the Great Pyrenees puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Akbash versus Great Pyrenees

    Akbashs can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Great Pyreneess can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Akbashs shed more than Great Pyreneess?

    Akbashs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Great Pyreneess shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Akbash or the Great Pyrenees

    Akbashs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Great Pyreneess do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Akbash or the Great Pyrenees?

    Akbashs are moderately easy to groom.

    Great Pyreneess are very easy to groom.

    Does the Akbash Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Great Pyrenees?

    Akbashs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Great Pyreneess have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Akbashs Bark and Howl? What about Great Pyreneess?

    Akbashs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Great Pyreneess are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Akbashs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Great Pyreneess Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Akbashs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Great Pyreneess can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Akbash vs. Great Pyrenees

    Akbashs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Great Pyreneess have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Akbashs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Great Pyreneess Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Akbashs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Great Pyreneess can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Akbash or the Great Pyrenees?

    Akbashs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Great Pyreneess get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Akbashs good family dogs? What about Great Pyreneess?

    Akbashs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Great Pyreneess are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Akbashs and Great Pyreneess?

    Akbashs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Great Pyreneess get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Akbash Easier to Train than the Great Pyrenees?

    Akbashs are fairly easy to train.

    Great Pyreneess are not easy to train.

    Is the Akbash Better for Apartment Owners than the Great Pyrenees?

    Akbashs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Great Pyreneess do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Akbash or the Great Pyrenees?

    Akbashs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Great Pyreneess are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Akbash versus Great Pyrenees. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Akbash and the Great Pyrenees better suits you and your family.