The Colorado Mountain Dog vs Great Pyrenees are two breeds that share some similarities but also have several key differences. Both breeds are large, powerful dogs bred to protect livestock, but their temperaments, energy levels, and other characteristics set them apart.
In this article, we’ll compare the Colorado Mountain Dog vs Great Pyrenees to help you better understand these breeds and decide which one is right for you.
Table of Contents
History and Origins
Colorado Mountain Dog
The Colorado Mountain Dog is a relatively new breed, originating in the mid-2000s in the United States. The breed was created by Wendy Francisco, a farmer in Colorado who needed a livestock guardian dog after losing most of her goat herd to a mountain lion. Wendy wanted a dog that was not only an effective guardian but also friendly and welcoming to visitors.
Caspian, the founding member of the Colorado Mountain Dog breed, was a crossbreed with 3/4 Great Pyrenees and 1/4 Anatolian Shepherd Dog ancestry. Caspian proved to be an excellent guardian and friendly companion, leading to the development of the breed through selective breeding and the incorporation of other breeds like Hungarian Kuvasz.
Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees, also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, has a much longer history, dating back thousands of years. Originating in the mountainous regions of France and Spain, these dogs were bred to protect livestock, shepherds, and their families. They are known for their strong guarding instincts, intelligence, and gentle nature.
Size and Weight
Colorado Mountain Dog
Male Colorado Mountain Dogs typically stand between 30 and 34 inches tall and weigh between 110 and 150 pounds. Female Colorado Mountain Dogs are slightly smaller, with heights ranging from 26 to 29 inches and weights between 80 and 120 pounds.
Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees are larger than Colorado Mountain Dogs, with males standing between 25 and 32 inches tall and weighing at least 100 pounds. Female Great Pyrenees typically stand between 25 and 29 inches tall and weigh over 85 pounds.
Appearance
Both Colorado Mountain Dogs and Great Pyrenees have large, powerful builds and double coats. However, their coat colors and other physical features differ.
Colorado Mountain Dog
Colorado Mountain Dogs have a medium-sized chest, strong back, and powerful hind legs. Their bushy tail often curls and loops over their lower back. The preferred coat color is white, but they can also be golden or light brown. Their eyes are alert, expressive, and wide, and they have a medium-length, slightly wavy, dense coat.
Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees have a more substantial build, with a broad chest and powerful legs. Their coat is typically white, sometimes with tan, gray, badger, or reddish-brown markings. The Great Pyrenees coat is also medium in length, but it is more likely to be straight than wavy.
Temperament
Both Colorado Mountain Dogs and Great Pyrenees are known for their friendly dispositions, but there are some differences in their temperaments.
Colorado Mountain Dog
Colorado Mountain Dogs are friendly, outgoing, and family-oriented. They are good with children and accepting of visitors. When it comes to guarding livestock, they display strong protective instincts and use their intimidating bark to ward off predators. Colorado Mountain Dogs are also known for their ability to bond with livestock while maintaining a balance of protection, authority, and respect.
Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees are also good with children and other dogs, but they can be more reserved with strangers, taking time to warm up to new people and animals. They have strong guarding instincts, making them excellent protectors of livestock and family. However, their friendly nature can make them less alert watchdogs than Colorado Mountain Dogs.
Training and Exercise
Both Colorado Mountain Dogs and Great Pyrenees require proper training and exercise to maintain their physical and mental health.
Colorado Mountain Dog
Colorado Mountain Dogs are intelligent and independent thinkers, making them both trainable and adaptable to different situations. They require regular exercise, whether they are working as livestock guardians or living as companion dogs in a family setting. Walks, hikes, or playtime in the yard can help them burn off energy and stay healthy.
Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees are also intelligent but can be more stubborn and independent than Colorado Mountain Dogs, making training more challenging. They have moderate energy levels and require regular exercise, such as long walks or hikes, to keep them healthy and happy.
Health and Lifespan
Both Colorado Mountain Dogs and Great Pyrenees are generally healthy breeds, but there are some differences in their lifespans and potential health issues.
Colorado Mountain Dog
As a relatively new breed, there is limited information on the potential health issues and lifespan of Colorado Mountain Dogs. However, it is estimated that they have a lifespan of around 12 years, similar to the Great Pyrenees, Anatolian Shepherd, and Hungarian Kuvasz breeds. It is recommended to check the parents for issues such as patellar luxation and hip dysplasia.
Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees have a lifespan of 10-12 years. They are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and bloat. Regular vet checkups and monitoring for these conditions can help maintain their overall health.
Grooming and Shedding
Both Colorado Mountain Dogs and Great Pyrenees have double coats that require regular grooming to maintain their health and appearance.
Colorado Mountain Dog
Colorado Mountain Dogs have a medium-length coat that is slightly wavy and dense. They shed moderately throughout the year, with heavier shedding during seasonal coat changes. Weekly brushing is recommended to help maintain the quality of their coat and minimize shedding.
Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees have a medium-length, straight coat that sheds heavily, especially during seasonal coat changes. Weekly brushing is essential to help remove loose hair, prevent matting, and keep their coat healthy.
Cost and Availability
The cost and availability of both Colorado Mountain Dogs and Great Pyrenees can vary depending on factors such as breeder reputation, location, and demand.
Colorado Mountain Dog
Colorado Mountain Dog puppies typically cost between $800 and $1000. As a newer breed, they may be less readily available than more established breeds like the Great Pyrenees.
Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees puppies can cost between $500 and $1500, depending on the breeder and other factors. They are a more established breed and may be more readily available than Colorado Mountain Dogs.
Conclusion: Colorado Mountain Dog vs. Great Pyrenees
In conclusion, both Colorado Mountain Dogs and Great Pyrenees are beautiful, friendly, and protective breeds that can make excellent family companions or livestock guardians. While they share some similarities, their differences in size, appearance, temperament, and other factors may influence your decision when choosing between them. By considering this comprehensive comparison, you can make an informed decision about which breed is the best fit for your family, farm, or lifestyle.
