Which is Better between the Great Pyrenees and the Hovawart? A Very Detailed Review.

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Great Pyrenees Versus Hovawart: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Great Pyrenees and the Hovawart 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 Great Pyrenees and for the Hovawart. 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 Great Pyrenees and the Hovawart.

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

Great Pyrenees versus Hovawart

Great Pyrenees versus Hovawart: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Great Pyrenees and the Hovawart are Working Dogs. This means both the Great Pyrenees and the Hovawart 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.

Great Pyrenees versus Hovawart: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Great Pyrenees to the Hovawart 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 Great Pyrenees and the Hovawart

Factor Great Pyrenees Hovawart
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Easy To Train 1/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 14 years
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Height 25 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder 23 to 29 inches
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Weight 85 to 160 pounds 55 to 110 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $830 No Data
Price Range $500 – $1000 No Data
Temperament Score 84.9 percent 91.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Auburn
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Optigen
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Great Pyrenees 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 Hovawart. 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 Great Pyrenees is 63 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Hovawart is 78 out of 125.

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

    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 Great Pyrenees and the Hovawart so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Great Pyrenees versus Hovawart

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Great Pyrenees and the Hovawart

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

  • Great Pyreneess have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Hovawarts have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Great Pyreneess are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Hovawarts are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Great Pyreneess have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Hovawarts do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • The Similarities Between the Great Pyrenees and the Hovawart

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

  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Hovawart do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Hovawart are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Hovawart are not easy to train.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Hovawart do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Hovawart are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Hovawart 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 Great Pyrenees and the Hovawart get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Hovawart are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Hovawart gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Hovawart are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Hovawart are very playful.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Hovawart can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Hovawart are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Hovawart have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Hovawart do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Great Pyrenees and the Hovawart require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Great Pyrenees versus Hovawart

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

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

    On the other hand, Hovawarts weigh 55 to 110 pounds when fully grown. Hovawarts are 23 to 29 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Great Pyrenees versus Hovawart

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

    The lifespan of Hovawarts is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Hovawarts is 12.0 years.

    Hovawarts live longer than Great Pyreneess.

    Great Pyrenees versus Hovawart

    Temperament of the Hovawart Versus the Great Pyrenees

    The Hovawart has a better temperament than the Great Pyrenees.

    This is because the temperament score for the Hovawart is 91.7 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 84.9 percent, the Great Pyrenees has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 91.7 percent, the Hovawart has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Great Pyrenees and the Hovawart by measuring the temperaments of 152 Great Pyreneess and 24 Hovawarts.

    Great Pyrenees versus Hovawart

    Tolerates Being Alone: Great Pyrenees versus Hovawart

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

    Hovawarts do not like to be left alone.

    Do Great Pyreneess shed more than Hovawarts?

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

    Hovawarts shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Great Pyrenees or the Hovawart

    Great Pyreneess do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Hovawarts do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Great Pyreneess are very easy to groom.

    Hovawarts are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Hovawarts 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.

    Do Great Pyreneess Bark and Howl? What about Hovawarts?

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

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

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

    Great Pyreneess can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Hovawarts can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Great Pyrenees vs. Hovawart

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

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

    Can Great Pyreneess Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Hovawarts Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Hovawarts can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Great Pyreneess get along very well with other dogs.

    Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Great Pyreneess good family dogs? What about Hovawarts?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Great Pyreneess and Hovawarts?

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

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

    Is the Great Pyrenees Easier to Train than the Hovawart?

    Great Pyreneess are not easy to train.

    Hovawarts are not easy to train.

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

    Great Pyreneess do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

    Hovawarts are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    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 Hovawart vs Black and Tan Coonhound.
  • Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (72 percent match with Great Pyrenees). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
  • Treeing Walker Coonhound (75 percent match with Great Pyrenees). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs Treeing Walker Coonhound.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Hovawart

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Hovawart 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 Hovawart:

  • Catahoula Leopard Dog (78 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Great Pyrenees vs Catahoula Leopard Dog.
  • Spanish Mastiff (81 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Great Pyrenees vs Spanish Mastiff.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Great Pyrenees Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Great Pyrenees versus Korean Jindo Dog     Great Pyrenees versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Great Pyrenees versus Pomeranian     Great Pyrenees versus West Highland White Terrier     Great Pyrenees versus Welsh Terrier     Great Pyrenees versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Great Pyrenees versus Bulldog     Great Pyrenees versus Scottish Deerhound     Great Pyrenees versus Pekingese     Great Pyrenees versus Kooikerhondje     Great Pyrenees versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Great Pyrenees versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Great Pyrenees versus Standard Poodle     Great Pyrenees versus Westiepoo     Great Pyrenees versus Bluetick Coonhound     Great Pyrenees versus Maltese     Great Pyrenees versus Miniature Schnauzer     Great Pyrenees versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Great Pyrenees versus Chihuahua     Great Pyrenees versus Bearded Collie     Great Pyrenees versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Great Pyrenees versus Pointer     Great Pyrenees versus Tibetan Mastiff     Great Pyrenees versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Great Pyrenees versus Lhasapoo     

    Hovawart Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Hovawart versus American Water Spaniel     Hovawart versus American Water Spaniel     Hovawart versus Shiranian     Hovawart versus Gordon Setter     Hovawart versus Pomapoo     Hovawart versus Lancashire Heeler     Hovawart versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Hovawart versus Aussiedoodle     Hovawart versus Chinook     Hovawart versus Kai Ken     Hovawart versus Scottish Deerhound     Hovawart versus Papipoo     Hovawart versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Hovawart versus Great Pyrenees     Hovawart versus Scottish Terrier     Hovawart versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Hovawart versus Leonberger     Hovawart versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Hovawart versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Hovawart versus Boston Terrier     Hovawart versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Hovawart versus Silky Terrier     Hovawart versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Hovawart versus Kishu Ken     Hovawart versus Curly-Coated Retriever     

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