Great Pyrenees vs Yorkshire Terrier
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
Great Pyrenees
Also known as: Pyr, Pyrenean Mountain Dog, Chien de Montagne des Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a majestic livestock guardian weighing 38-72 kg, bred to work independently in the Pyrenees Mountains. While gentle with family, their nocturnal barking, roaming instinct, and independent nature require experienced owners with secure fencing. Not recommended for apartments or first-time owners.
Extra Large
Medium
10-12 yrs
65-82 cm
Yorkshire Terrier
Also known as: Yorkie, Yorkshire
The Yorkshire Terrier is often mischaracterized as a mere lapdog accessory. In reality, this is a **terrier** first and a companion second. While affectionate and portable, their genetic heritage as vermin exterminators in textile mills drives a personality that is tenacious, vocal, and surprisingly intense. Often called 'the Yorkie', this breed packs big-dog attitude into a tiny frame.
Extra Small
Medium
13.56 yrs
17-20 cm
Up to 3.2kg (often larger in pet lines: 4-5kg) kg
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Great Pyrenees | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming Needs | ||
| Family Friendly | ||
| Independence |
Key Characteristics
| Good with Kids | ||
| Good with Dogs | ||
| Good with Cats | ||
| Hypoallergenic | ||
| Apartment Friendly | ||
| First-Time Owner OK |
| Detail | Great Pyrenees | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Extra Large | Extra Small |
| Energy Level | Medium | Medium |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | challenging | Moderate |
| Barking Level | High | High |
| Shedding Level | High | Low |
| Chew strength | Moderate | Light |
| Housing | Acreage | Apartment |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Great Pyrenees | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Advanced | Intermediate |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Experienced owner with acreage or large securely fenced yard, tolerant of nocturnal barking, understanding of independent working breeds, possibly with livestock to guard. Patient with training and comfortable with a dog that thinks for itself. | Diligent owner with patience for house training and consistent grooming routine. Works from home or can provide frequent bathroom breaks. Understands this is a high-maintenance dog in a small package. |
Great Pyrenees Dealbreakers
- Live in an apartment or rental
- Have close neighbors sensitive to barking
- Want a dog that obeys commands instantly
- Don't have a secure physical fence
- Want a pristine, fur-free home
- Need a running or high-intensity exercise partner
Yorkshire Terrier Dealbreakers
- Families with toddlers - fragility makes this unsafe
- Full-time workers away 8+ hours - bladder cannot hold it
- Anyone wanting a 'low maintenance' dog
- Noise-sensitive neighbors in apartments
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Great Pyrenees | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | High | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | Nocturnal barking - owners get a fluffy puppy that starts barking all night at 1 year old, Roaming/escape - jumping fences to expand territory, Resource guarding - growling over food scares families who expected Golden Retriever temperament, Size underestimated - 120lb dog that refuses to move and may growl when asked to get off couch | It won't stop peeing in the house (house training failure), It snapped at the baby (resource guarding/fear), The barking is driving neighbors crazy |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Great Pyrenees | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Great Pyrenees | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | High | High |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Low | Medium |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Great Pyrenees | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Moderate to High | Moderate |
Great Pyrenees Social Traits
High
Same-sex aggression common, especially females. Keep opposite-sex pairs for peace.
Yorkshire Terrier Social Traits
High - naturally suspicious, early socialization required to prevent fear biting
Often reactive to larger dogs - usually fear-based, not dominance
Training
Great Pyrenees
- Must convince them your request is worth their effort
- Harsh corrections cause shutdown or defensive behavior
- Focus on management over strict obedience
- Accept that recall will never be 100% reliable
Yorkshire Terrier
- Keep sessions SHORT (5 minutes max) - they bore easily
- High-value treats essential - they won't work just to please you
- Indoor pee pad system may be necessary permanent solution
Great Pyrenees Considerations
The #1 complaint from suburban owners. Pyrs are genetically hardwired to patrol and bark at night - they were bred to ward off wolves and bears. This instinct cannot be trained out, only managed. Expect deep, booming barks at 2 AM when a leaf blows across the driveway.
Great Pyrenees do not believe in property lines. Without a secure 5-6 foot physical fence, they will expand their territory to include the entire neighborhood. They are notorious escape artists and will take the shock from invisible fences to pursue threats.
Adult Pyrs often exhibit severe aggression toward dogs of the same sex, particularly females. This usually manifests around social maturity (18-24 months). Opposite-sex pairs are generally recommended.
Pyrs are not dumb - they are independent. When called, they evaluate whether coming is more important than what they are currently doing (usually guarding). If they decide it isn't, they will ignore you completely.
Yorkshire Terrier Considerations
This is the single most cited failure mode for the breed. Due to tiny bladders and terrier stubbornness, Yorkies are notoriously difficult to housebreak. Many owners report accidents persisting well into adulthood, and some never become 100% reliable without indoor pads.
The 'watchdog' trait is hardwired. They will announce every delivery driver, neighbor, and squirrel with sharp, high-pitched barking. This can lead to neighbor complaints and eviction notices in apartments.
Yorkies often don't perceive their small size, leading to 'Napoleonic' aggression toward much larger dogs. This is usually fear-based reactivity, not actual courage, but can be dangerous.
A toddler falling on a Yorkie can kill the dog. They can be fatally injured by being dropped, stepped on, or sat upon. Not suitable for homes with young children.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Great Pyrenees | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Excellent - bred to protect vulnerable animals, views cats as part of the flock to guard | Generally safe if raised together - but may harass a cat that runs |
| Small Mammals | Good - low prey drive, protective instinct toward smaller animals in their family | UNSAFE - the ratting instinct is alive. Dangerous to hamsters, gerbils, birds. |
| Birds / Reptiles | Good with supervision - generally safe due to arrested predatory sequence | Unsafe - predatory drift will trigger chase/kill |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Great Pyrenees | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Arrested | Full |
| Biddability | Low | Moderate |
| Noise Sensitivity | Low | Medium |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | 18 months | N/A |
Great Pyrenees: Predatory sequence arrested early - may chase predators to drive away but lack dissect/consume drive. Brilliant problem solvers but low 'working intelligence' (willingness to follow commands). Bred to work without humans so don't look to humans for answers.
Yorkshire Terrier: Unlike a Cavalier where the sequence is eroded, the Yorkie retains the Kill-Bite part of the sequence for small vermin. High intelligence but asks 'Why?' before 'How high?' - less eager to please than a Poodle.
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Great Pyrenees | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-18 | 6-12 |
| House Training | Medium | Very Hard |
| Crate Training | Medium | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
Great Pyrenees: Pyr puppies are large, stubborn land sharks. A 6-month-old is the size of a German Shepherd but has the brain of a toddler. Critical socialization window 8-16 weeks - must expose to strangers, other dogs, and strange noises or natural guarding instinct can turn into fear-aggression.
Yorkshire Terrier: Unlike larger breeds, you cannot simply 'crate and wait' - their bladders are too small. Expect accidents for the first year. The combination of extreme fragility, house training difficulty, and hypoglycemia risks makes Yorkie puppies very demanding.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Great Pyrenees | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 18 months | 10 months |
| Adolescence | 10-24 | 4-10 |
| Adult Years | 2-8 | 1.5-8 |
| Senior Onset | ~8 years | ~9 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-2 years | 1-4 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Great Pyrenees | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 65-82 cm | 17-20 cm |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Extra Large | Extra Small |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years | 14 years |
| Litter Size | 6-10 | 2-4 |
Great Pyrenees Coat
Yorkshire Terrier Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Great Pyrenees | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Autonomous livestock guardian - protecting sheep from wolves and bears in the Pyrenees Mountains without human guidance | Vermin extermination in textile mills and coal mines |
| Origin | Pyrenees Mountains (France/Spain), ancient breed | Yorkshire, England, mid-19th century |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Great Pyrenees | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Low | High |
| Whelping Difficulty | Easy | Hard |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Higher than average - fading puppy syndrome and hypoglycemia |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Great Pyrenees | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | High | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Medium | Medium |
| Min Fence Height | 1.5m | 0.9m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | High | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
Great Pyrenees Health Issues
Yorkshire Terrier Health Issues
Great Pyrenees Suggested Tests
- Gastropexy (stomach tacking) - recommended during spay/neuter
- Neuronal Degeneration (NDG) DNA test
- Hip Evaluation (OFA)
- Elbow Evaluation
- Patella Evaluation
Yorkshire Terrier Suggested Tests
- Bile Acid Test (for Liver Shunt) - critical for puppies
- OFA Patella evaluation for breeding stock
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Great Pyrenees | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | High (osteosarcoma) | Low |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Low |
| Neurological Risk | Medium (NDG) | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Medium | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | High | Medium-High |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Great Pyrenees | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Medium |
| Food Allergies | Generally robust | Chicken, Grains |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Great Pyrenees | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Fast |
| Eye Care Needs | Medium (entropion risk) | Medium |
| Anal Gland Issues | Rare | Common - scooting indicates need for expression |
Senior Care & Aging
Great Pyrenees Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis/mobility decline
- Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
- Hip dysplasia progression
- Vision decline
Mobility slows around 8+ years. Arthritis management becomes primary focus. Ramps for cars and stairs become necessary.
Yorkshire Terrier Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Cognitive dysfunction (dementia)
- Blindness (cataracts)
- Kidney failure
- Dental disease progression
Often sharp decline after 12 years. Long-lived breed (median 13.56 years) but quality of life compromised by dental and cognitive issues.
Grooming & Care
Great Pyrenees
high maintenanceYorkshire Terrier
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Great Pyrenees Daily Life
Yorkshire Terrier Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Great Pyrenees | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Over 50lbs | Under 25lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Great Pyrenees | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Low | Low |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Great Pyrenees | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Great Pyrenees | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Low | Low |
| Therapy Dog | Low | Medium |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | None | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Great Pyrenees | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,800-4,000 | $1,500-3,000 |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,800–$4,000 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Great Pyrenees | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $180–$300 | $100–$200 |
| Yearly Range | $2,160–$3,600 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Food / Month | $100-150 | $20-40 |
| Insurance / Month | $50-80 | $35-60 |
| Grooming / Session | $100-200 | $50-100 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $600-1,500 | $300-600 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Great Pyrenees Lifetime Cost
$25,000-45,000
Yorkshire Terrier Lifetime Cost
$15,000-30,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Great Pyrenees | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Rare | Rare |
| Slobber Level | Moderate | None |
| Smell When Wet | Mild | None - hair doesn't hold oil/odor like double-coated breeds |
| Zoomies Frequency | Rare | Weekly |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | High | Low-Medium |
Great Pyrenees Quirks
The Pyr Paw
Will forcefully paw at you to demand attention - can be painful given their size and claw strength
The Pyr Lean
Shows affection by leaning their entire 100lb+ weight against your legs
Mud Magnet
White coat is surprisingly self-cleaning (mud dries and falls off) - but the mud falls off onto your floor
Selective Deafness
Will evaluate your command, decide if it's worth their effort, and ignore you if it isn't
Snow Obsession
Will refuse to come inside during snowstorms - thrive in freezing temperatures
Yorkshire Terrier Quirks
Reverse Sneezing
A spasm of the throat/soft palate that sounds like a goose honking. Scary for owners but usually harmless.
The Yorkie Shake
Will violently shake toys - this is the motor pattern for breaking a rat's neck, their genetic heritage
Weather Diva
Often refuses to go outside in rain or cold - may require indoor pee pad system year-round
Velcro Mode
Will follow you to the bathroom, sit on your feet while you cook, and attempt to sleep on your head
Frequently Asked Questions
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