We raise both Great Pyrenees and Anatolian Shepherds here at our farm in Great Falls. We also breed guardian puppies that combine both breeds. After five years of living and working with these dogs around our goats and chickens, we know what each breed brings to the job and where they differ.

Both were bred to guard livestock. Both do it well. But they approach the work differently, and that matters when you're choosing which one fits your farm.

Size and Appearance

The Great Pyrenees is large and white. Most are solid white or white with gray or tan markings. They have a thick double coat that sheds heavily twice a year. Males typically stand between 27 and 32 inches at the shoulder.

The Anatolian Shepherd is also large but often slightly taller and leaner. They come in more colors: fawn, brindle, white, or pinto patterns. Most have a black mask on the face. Their coat is shorter than the Pyrenees but still thick. Males stand between 29 and 32 inches.

Both breeds are built to work outside in all weather. Both are strong enough to face down predators.

Temperament and Working Style

This is where the real difference shows up.

Great Pyrenees tend to be calmer and more patient. They stay close to the herd or flock and bark when something is wrong. They make their presence known and usually that's enough to keep predators at a distance. They're gentle with the animals they guard and with children. They can be stubborn when they think they know better than you do, which is often.

Anatolian Shepherds are more intense and independent. They patrol a wider area and make decisions on their own. They're more likely to chase off a threat rather than just stand and bark. They bond deeply with their livestock but are more suspicious of strangers. They need a confident handler and clear boundaries.

Both breeds are nocturnal by nature. They do most of their serious guarding work at night.

Training and Socialization

Neither breed is easy to train in the traditional sense. They were bred to think for themselves, not to take constant direction.

Great Pyrenees are somewhat more willing to please, but they still decide whether your command makes sense before they follow it. Early socialization is important so they learn to accept visitors and delivery drivers without treating them as threats.

Anatolian Shepherds require even more socialization as puppies. They need to meet different people and see different situations while they're young, or they become too wary. Training should be firm but never harsh. They shut down or become defensive if you push too hard.

Both breeds need a job. A guardian dog without livestock to guard will find something else to guard, and you may not like what they choose.

Climate and Living Conditions

Both breeds handle cold weather well. The Great Pyrenees has a thicker coat and does especially well in snow and ice.

Anatolian Shepherds were developed in Turkey, where summers are hot and winters are cold. They handle heat better than the Pyrenees, though neither breed should be kept in extreme heat without shade and water.

Both need space. They are not apartment dogs or even suburb dogs. They need room to patrol and work. A small yard will not satisfy them.

Health and Lifespan

Both breeds are generally healthy when bred responsibly. Hip dysplasia can occur in either breed, as it does in most large dogs. Bloat is a risk for both because of their deep chests.

Great Pyrenees may develop luxating patellas or eye problems. Anatolian Shepherds may have thyroid issues or entropion.

Both breeds typically live ten to twelve years.

Which One Is Right for Your Farm?

If you want a dog that stays close to the animals and alerts you to problems, the Great Pyrenees is a good choice. If you have children around the farm often, the Pyrenees is generally more tolerant.

If you need a dog that will cover more ground and act independently, the Anatolian Shepherd fits that role. If you have serious predator pressure from coyotes or larger threats, the Anatolian's assertiveness may serve you better.

Some of us choose to combine the traits. Our guardian puppies blend both breeds, and we find that the cross brings together the Pyrenees' calm reliability with the Anatolian's drive and range. They guard our Nigerian Dwarf goats and chickens, and they've proven themselves out here in the Carolina countryside.

Questions People Ask

Can a Great Pyrenees or Anatolian Shepherd live inside?

They can come inside when weather is dangerous or during part of the day, but these are working dogs that need to be outside with their livestock most of the time. Keeping them inside full time frustrates them and wastes what they were bred to do.

Do these dogs get along with other farm dogs?

It depends on the individual dog and how they were raised. Guardian dogs often work better alone or in a bonded pair. Introducing a new guardian dog to an established one takes time and care. Herding dogs and guardian dogs generally do fine together because they have different jobs.

How much do Great Pyrenees and Anatolian Shepherds eat?

Both are large breeds and eat accordingly. Expect to feed an adult dog between four and six cups of quality food per day, split into two meals. Working dogs that are active and outside year round may need more during winter.