Differences and Similarities between the Cockalier and the Great Pyrenees.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Cockalier Versus Great Pyrenees: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cockalier 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 Cockalier 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 Cockalier and the Great Pyrenees.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cockalier 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 Cockalier 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 Cockalier 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 Cockalier or the Great Pyrenees.

Cockalier versus Great Pyrenees: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Cockalier belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

On the other hand, the Great Pyrenees belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs 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.

Cockalier versus Great Pyrenees: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cockalier 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 Cockalier and the Great Pyrenees

Factor Cockalier Great Pyrenees
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Weight 10 to 28 pounds 85 to 160 pounds
Height 12 to 15 inches 25 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1370 $830
Price Range $938 – $1800 $500 – $1000
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 Cockalier 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 Cockalier is 89 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Great Pyrenees is 63 out of 125.

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

    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 Cockalier 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 Cockalier and the Great Pyrenees

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

  • Cockaliers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Great Pyreneess can tolerate cold weather.
  • Cockaliers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Great Pyreneess shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Cockaliers are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Great Pyreneess are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Cockaliers 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.
  • Cockaliers 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.
  • Cockaliers adapt well to apartment living. However, Great Pyreneess do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Cockaliers are good for new dog owners. However, Great Pyreneess are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Cockaliers are very easy to train. However, Great Pyreneess are not easy to train.

    • The Similarities Between the Cockalier and the Great Pyrenees

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

  • Both the Cockalier and the Great Pyrenees do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Great Pyrenees do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Great Pyrenees cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Great Pyrenees are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Great Pyrenees are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Great Pyrenees get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Great Pyrenees are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Great Pyrenees are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Great Pyrenees have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Great Pyrenees require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Great Pyrenees are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Great Pyrenees get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Great Pyrenees are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Cockalier versus Great Pyrenees

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

    Cockaliers weigh 10 to 28 pounds when fully grown. Cockaliers are 12 to 15 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 Cockalier versus Great Pyrenees

    The lifespan of Cockaliers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cockaliers is 13.5 years.

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

    Cockaliers live longer than Great Pyreneess.

    Price of Cockalier versus Price of Great Pyrenees

    The average price of the Cockalier puppy is $1370. The price of the Cockalier typically ranges from $938 – $1800. However, the price of a Cockalier can be as low as $600 and as high as $2500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 87 Cockalier 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. However, the price of the Great Pyrenees can be as low as $195 and as high as $2825. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 352 Great Pyrenees puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Cockalier is more expensive than the Great Pyrenees.

    Cockalier Great Pyrenees
    Average Price $1370 $830
    Price Range $938 to $1800 $500 to $1000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Cockaliers. 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 Cockalier 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: Cockalier versus Great Pyrenees

    Cockaliers do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Cockaliers shed more than Great Pyreneess?

    Cockaliers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the Cockalier or the Great Pyrenees

    Cockaliers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Great Pyreneess do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Cockaliers are very easy to groom.

    Great Pyreneess are very easy to groom.

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

    Cockaliers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Cockaliers Bark and Howl? What about Great Pyreneess?

    Cockaliers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

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

    Cockaliers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Great Pyreneess can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cockalier vs. Great Pyrenees

    Cockaliers 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 Cockaliers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Great Pyreneess Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cockaliers 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 Cockalier or the Great Pyrenees?

    Cockaliers get along very well with other dogs.

    Great Pyreneess get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Cockaliers good family dogs? What about Great Pyreneess?

    Cockaliers 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 Cockaliers and Great Pyreneess?

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

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

    Is the Cockalier Easier to Train than the Great Pyrenees?

    Cockaliers are very easy to train.

    Great Pyreneess are not easy to train.

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

    Cockaliers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Great Pyreneess do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Cockaliers are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cockalier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Cockalier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Cockalier:

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (81 percent match with Cockalier). Here is our comparison of the Great Pyrenees vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Cavapoo (80 percent match with Cockalier). Here is our comparison of the Great Pyrenees vs Cavapoo.
  • Shichon (83 percent match with Cockalier). Here is our comparison of the Great Pyrenees vs Shichon.
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (81 percent match with Cockalier). Here is our comparison of the Great Pyrenees vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Great Pyrenees

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Great Pyrenees that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Great Pyrenees:

  • Black and Tan Coonhound (73 percent match with Great Pyrenees). Here is our comparison of the Cockalier vs Black and Tan Coonhound.
  • Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (72 percent match with Great Pyrenees). Here is our comparison of the Cockalier vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
  • Treeing Walker Coonhound (75 percent match with Great Pyrenees). Here is our comparison of the Cockalier vs Treeing Walker Coonhound.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Cockalier and how the Great Pyrenees compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cockalier and of the Great Pyrenees to other breeds:

    Cockalier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cockalier versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Cockalier versus Cane Corso     Cockalier versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Cockalier versus Portuguese Pointer     Cockalier versus Black Mouth Cur     Cockalier versus Clumber Spaniel     Cockalier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Cockalier versus Sheepadoodle     Cockalier versus Schipperke     Cockalier versus Mastiff     Cockalier versus Basset Hound     Cockalier versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Cockalier versus Australian Shepherd     Cockalier versus Shiranian     Cockalier versus Westiepoo     Cockalier versus Saluki     Cockalier versus Skye Terrier     Cockalier versus Miniature Poodle     Cockalier versus Bedlington Terrier     Cockalier versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Cockalier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Cockalier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Cockalier versus Puggle     Cockalier versus Cavapoo     Cockalier versus Keeshond     

    Great Pyrenees Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Great Pyrenees versus Saint Berdoodle     Great Pyrenees versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Great Pyrenees versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Great Pyrenees versus King Shepherd     Great Pyrenees versus Papipoo     Great Pyrenees versus Puggle     Great Pyrenees versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Great Pyrenees versus Field Spaniel     Great Pyrenees versus Italian Greyhound     Great Pyrenees versus Irish Terrier     Great Pyrenees versus Belgian Tervuren     Great Pyrenees versus German Longhaired Pointer     Great Pyrenees versus Pug     Great Pyrenees versus Tibetan Terrier     Great Pyrenees versus Norwegian Buhund     Great Pyrenees versus Norwegian Lundehund     Great Pyrenees versus Keeshond     Great Pyrenees versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Great Pyrenees versus Shih Tzu     Great Pyrenees versus Spinone Italiano     Great Pyrenees versus Cockapoo     Great Pyrenees versus Vizsla     Great Pyrenees versus Australian Cattle Dog     Great Pyrenees versus Neapolitan Mastiff     

    Conclusion: Cockalier 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 Cockalier and the Great Pyrenees better suits you and your family.