The Great Pyrenees is a large breed of dog. The breed is also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, or Le Grande Chien des Montagnes Pyrenees.
They have been used as livestock guardians for many years and are a very popular choice among families who have large farms or ranches.
This breed was created by crossing other breeds together in order to create a dog that would be able to stand up to the cold weather conditions found at high altitudes in places like France, Spain and Italy where these dogs were originally bred
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Great Pyrenees and Rottweilers are both large breeds. |
| Great Pyrenees are generally bigger in terms of height and weight compared to Rottweilers. |
| The average weight of a Great Pyrenees ranges from 85 to 115 pounds for females and 100 to 160 pounds for males. |
| Rottweilers, on the other hand, typically weigh between 80 to 100 pounds for females and 95 to 135 pounds for males. |
| When considering the size of these breeds, it’s important to remember that individual dogs may vary within the breed standards. |
| Factors such as genetics, diet, and exercise can also influence the size and weight of both Great Pyrenees and Rottweilers. |
| Consulting breed-specific resources and prof |
Height
We all know that a Great Pyrenees is bigger than a Rottweiler. But did you know that the Great Pyrenees can also be taller? The average height of a Rottweiler is between 25-28 inches, while the average height of a Great Pyrenees is 27-33 inches.
In fact, there are many large dogs that are taller than their smaller counterparts but not as wide or thick. This includes breeds such as St Bernards and Newfoundlands who have been known to reach up to 120 pounds in weight (14 stone).
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Weight
We know, it seems like a silly question. Of course Great Pyrenees are bigger than Rottweilers!
But while it’s easy to think of the two breeds as being equal in size and weight, that’s not necessarily true.
In fact, Great Pyrenees have a massive advantage when it comes to the scale. The average Great Pyrenees weighs 95-110 pounds whereas female Rottweilers weigh around 70-100 pounds and males can reach up to 120 pounds on average.
This means that even if your male and female pups were born of the same litter they would still be significantly different sizes when fully grown up—and this is before we consider any potential growth spurts!
So what makes these two dogs so different? Well for starters look at their body type: Rottweiler dogs are built for power; their muscular bodies with deep chests made them excellent guard dogs in ancient Rome where they were used by nobles as protection from enemies or intruders alike (although there are some stories about how these Romans trained their dogs).
| Dog Breed | Average Weight (Male) | Average Weight (Female) |
|---|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever | 65-80 pounds | 55-70 pounds |
| German Shepherd | 75-95 pounds | 50-70 pounds |
| Bulldog | 50-55 pounds | 40-50 pounds |
| Golden Retriever | 65-75 pounds | 55-65 pounds |
| Beagle | 22-25 pounds | 20-23 pounds |
| Boxer | 65-80 pounds | 50-65 pounds |
Base Of The Skull
The Great Pyrenees has a larger base of the skull than a Rottweiler. The base of the skull is considered to be one of the widest areas on your dog’s head, and it therefore plays an important role in determining its overall shape.
Because of this, Great Pyrenees have wider, more muscular heads than Rottweilers do.
Curious about the height of a 4-month-old Rottweiler? Our article on How Tall Should a 4-Month-Old Rottweiler Be? provides valuable insights and information about Rottweiler growth patterns at a specific age.
Padding
If you’re not familiar with the Great Pyrenees breed, you may be wondering how their coat differs from a Rottweiler’s. Well, let us tell you!
First of all, the Great Pyrenees has a thicker and longer coat than the Rottweiler. The guard hairs that make up this thick outer layer are much longer than those on a Rottweiler’s coat.
These guard hairs protect the soft undercoat from getting wet during winter weather (which can lead to hypothermia).
It also helps keep out any debris that might get stuck in there for any reason—like dirt or sand from playing outside!
Muscle Mass
Let’s start with the obvious one.
Great Pyrenees have more muscle mass than Rottweilers, which is a result of their bigger bone structure and skeletal system.
This also gives them a larger heart and lungs, as well as liver and kidneys. The larger skeletal system makes it easier for you to notice that your Great Pyrenees has grown from puppyhood into adulthood, whereas the Rottweiler’s body proportions are pretty much the same throughout its life span since it only weighs about 100 pounds at adulthood (about 45 kg).
| Dog Breed | Muscle Mass Ranking |
|---|---|
| Bull Terrier | High |
| Belgian Malinois | High |
| Doberman Pinscher | High |
| Rottweiler | High |
| American Bully | High |
| Poodle | Moderate |
| Labrador Retriever | Moderate |
| Beagle | Low |
| Shih Tzu | Low |
| Pug | Low |
Chest and Ribs
The chest and ribs of a Great Pyrenees are wider, deeper, and more pronounced than those of a Rottweiler.
This is because the Great Pyrenees has more muscle development than a Rottweiler. The wider chest means that there’s more space for the respiratory system to function normally and efficiently without any interference from its surroundings.
If you’re concerned about shedding and considering a Rottweiler, find out the answer to the question ‘Are Rottweilers heavy shedders?’ in our detailed article on Are Rottweilers Heavy Shedders?.
Build And Frame Size
The Great Pyrenees is the larger and taller of the two breeds. This can be a draw for some people, as some may prefer having a more imposing dog at home.
Rottweilers are smaller and stockier, but with their short legs and long bodies they have a bit more of an upright posture than Great Pyrenees do.
The difference in build also means that there’s less space between your feet when walking side-by-side with a Rottweiler compared to if you were walking next to one or two Great Pyrenees!
The Great Pyrenees’ frame size is not just limited to its appearance though; it also affects how much room these dogs need when they sleep or play outside.
While this doesn’t mean that all Great Pyrenees will always take up more space than other dog breeds (it depends on what type of bedding), it does mean anyone who wants one should consider where those beds might go before bringing one home – especially if those beds will block doorways!
Color Fur Texture And Quantity
Great Pyrenees are a larger dog than Rottweilers, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have their own unique qualities.
For example, they have longer fur than the average Rottie and come in a variety of colors. The Great Pyrenees is more likely to have white fur on their body and face, while a Rottie will be almost entirely black or brownish-red.
The Great Pyrenees also has more fur than the average dog with its thick double coat. This means that it can withstand colder temperatures better than other dogs since it has two layers of fur instead of one like most other breeds.
“Curious about the outcome of a Boerboel versus Rottweiler encounter? Explore our article on Can a Boerboel Beat a Rottweiler and More to delve into the comparisons between these two breeds, including their size and capabilities.
Coat and Fur Texture
The Great Pyrenees has a double coat, while the Rottweiler has a single coat.
The Great Pyrenees’ fur is thicker than the Rottweiler’s fur, and it can get quite long (for some owners, their dogs’ fur will reach to their ankles or knees). The Rottweilers’ fur tends to be shorter and coarser in texture.
| Dog Breed | Coat Texture |
|---|---|
| Poodle | Curly |
| Siberian Husky | Thick and Double Coat |
| Golden Retriever | Dense and Water-Repellent |
| Shih Tzu | Long and Straight |
| Bichon Frise | Fluffy and Curly |
| Boxer | Short and Smooth |
| Border Collie | Medium-Length and Dense |
| Dalmatian | Short and Dense |
| Afghan Hound | Long and Silky |
| Chihuahua | Short and Smooth |
Parasites
While your Great Pyrenees is out in the yard, other dogs may come into contact with fleas or ticks. A tick bite can lead to Lyme disease, which usually results in joint pain and fatigue.
If you notice your dog scratching his belly or ears more than usual, bring him to the veterinarian as soon as possible; it’s likely that he has ticks on him and needs treatment for them.
The same goes for heartworm another parasite that can be transmitted through insect bites which is commonly found in warm climates like Texas and Florida but also happens to live near areas where Great Pyrenees live too.
Interested in the value of Rottweilers and their market price? Find out more in our informative guide on How Much Can You Sell a Rottweiler For? which explores factors that influence the price of Rottweilers in the market.
Conclusion
As you can see, the Great Pyrenees is a larger dog than the Rottweiler when comparing all the different measurements.
However, there are some differences between these two breeds that we didn’t mention in this article because they don’t have much effect on size.
For example, some dogs are born with longer legs than others or have more fur around their face which doesn’t mean anything about how large they will become as adults.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on the topic of Great Pyrenees and Rottweilers:
Compare Dog Breeds: Great Pyrenees vs Rottweiler: This website provides a detailed comparison between Great Pyrenees and Rottweilers, highlighting their key differences in terms of characteristics, temperament, and more.
Great Pyrenees Rottweiler Mix: Meet the Lovable, Loyal, Large Greatweiler: Learn about the Great Pyrenees Rottweiler mix, known as the Greatweiler, including information about their temperament, size, and traits.
Great Pyrenees vs Roman Rottweiler: Breed Comparison: This resource compares the Great Pyrenees breed to the Roman Rottweiler, highlighting their similarities and differences in terms of appearance, temperament, and exercise needs.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Great Pyrenees and Rottweilers:
Are Great Pyrenees and Rottweilers suitable for families with children?
Both Great Pyrenees and Rottweilers can be good family dogs, but proper socialization and training are important to ensure a safe and harmonious environment.
What are the typical sizes of Great Pyrenees and Rottweilers?
Great Pyrenees are known for their large size, with males typically weighing between 100-160 pounds and females between 85-115 pounds. Rottweilers are also large dogs, with males weighing between 95-135 pounds and females between 80-100 pounds.
Are Great Pyrenees and Rottweilers prone to certain health issues?
Great Pyrenees may be prone to health issues such as hip dysplasia, bloat, and certain genetic conditions. Rottweilers are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, heart conditions, and certain cancers. Regular veterinary care and health screenings are important for both breeds.
Do Great Pyrenees and Rottweilers require a lot of exercise?
Great Pyrenees and Rottweilers are both active breeds that require regular exercise to stay healthy and mentally stimulated. Daily walks, playtime, and mental enrichment activities are recommended to meet their exercise needs.
How do Great Pyrenees and Rottweilers behave with strangers?
Great Pyrenees are known for their protective nature and may be reserved or aloof with strangers. Rottweilers are typically confident and can be wary of strangers until properly introduced. Early socialization is essential to ensure they develop appropriate behavior around new people.
I’m Dr. Hellen James, I’ve spent my career working with dogs, and I’ve seen first-hand how important it is to understand the individual needs of each breed. I want to share my knowledge of dog breeds with you so that you can make informed decisions about which dog will be best for your household and lifestyle.