Great Pyrenees vs American Bulldog

Compare the Great Pyrenees to the American Bulldog. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Great Pyrenees and American Bulldogs.

Quick Summary

Below are a few quick comparisons between the two breeds.
  • Owner Experience - Neither the American Bulldog or the Great Pyrenees are ideal for new owners, but the Great Pyrenees is strongly discouraged for new or inexperienced owners.
  • Children - Both the Great Pyrenees and American Bulldog are great with children.
  • Grooming - Both breeds have low maintenance coats, but the American Bulldog is easier to groom.
  • Barking - The Great Pyrenees bark/howls frequently. The American Bulldog has an average level of barking.
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Great Pyrenees vs American Bulldog
Great Pyrenees Dog
Tan & White American Bulldog
Breed NameGreat PyreneesAmerican Bulldog
General Details
Breed TypePurebredPurebred
Is Hypo­allergenicYesNo
Lifespan10-12 yrs.10-16 yrs.
Height25-32 in.20-28 in.
Weight85-160 lb60-120 lb
IntelligenceAverageBelow Average
History
Origin CountrySpainUnited States
Origin Year3000 BC1700 AD
Temperament
Overall FriendlinessGoodGood
Family FriendlyVery GoodVery Good
Kid FriendlyVery GoodVery Good
Pet FriendlyVery GoodBelow Average
Stranger FriendlyPoorBelow Average
Personality
  • Affectionate
  • Loving
  • Stubborn
  • Affectionate
  • Aggressive
  • Enjoys Attention
  • Jealous
  • Loving
  • Stubborn
Living Environment
ApartmentNoYes
IndoorYesYes
Small YardYesYes
Medium YardYesYes
Large YardYesYes
Temperature Tolerance ¹0°F to 85°F55°F to 80°F
Barks/HowlsVery OftenBelow Average
Exercise Needs
Energy LevelLow-MediumHigh
Exercise RequiredLowMedium
Top Running Speed25 mph23 mph
StrengthVery HighVery High
Grooming Needs
Coat Main­tenanceMediumLow-Medium
SheddingMediumMedium
DanderMediumMedium
Drool AmountMedium-HighMedium

¹This is estimated min/max temperature range for a healthy adult dog. Dogs that live indoors, puppies, seniors, unwell dogs, and/or dogs with improperly groomed coats may overheat sooner and get cold more quickly.
Instincts & Behavior Comparison
Breed NameGreat PyreneesAmerican Bulldog
Breed Mentality
Dominant/AlphaNoNo
Family/PackYesYes
IndependentYesNo
Breed Focus
Distracted EasilyYesYes
AverageNoNo
Focused & PatientNoNo
Breed Instincts
AggressionBelow AverageBelow Average
Burrow/DiggingVery LowBelow Average
ChasingBelow AverageBelow Average
Follow CommandsBelow AverageBelow Average
FightingBelow AverageBelow Average
GuardingHighBelow Average
HerdingBelow AverageBelow Average
HuntingVery LowAverage
ProtectionBelow AverageBelow Average
Remove VerminBelow AverageBelow Average
SleddingAverageAverage
WatchHighAverage
Health Comparison
Breed NameGreat PyreneesAmerican Bulldog
Lifespan
Lifespan10-12 yrs.10-16 yrs.
Common Health Issues
Addison's DiseaseYesNo
AllergiesNoYes
BloatYesNo
CancerNoYes
CataractsYesNo
Cherry EyeNoYes
Drug SensitivityYesNo
EctropionNoYes
Elbow DysplasiaYesYes
EntropionYesYes
Hip DysplasiaYesYes
Patellar LuxationYesNo
Appearance Comparison
Breed NameGreat PyreneesAmerican Bulldog
Coat
FurYesYes
Coat Type
Double CoatYesNo
Single CoatNoYes
Coat Texture
StraightYesYes
Coat Length(s)
LongYesNo
ShortNoYes
Coat Color(s)
WhiteYesYes
Black & WhiteNoYes
BrindleNoYes
Red & WhiteNoYes
Tan & WhiteNoYes
White & BrindleNoYes