Apples and Oranges

[Viking Lady]

I am curious, after reading so many of your posts, about the differences there might be between a Pyr and a Newf. They both seem to have the same temperament. They seem to have similar head shapes. Are Newfoundlands as big as Pyrs? When I read about them they just sound alot alike, as far as personalities go.

[London_Pyr_Lover]

That is a very valid question.  And I will try to answer with whatever knowlege on the matter I may have (not very much  )

Both are working breeds from colder climates, but that I think is where the similarities end really. 

Newfs are rescue dogs bred in Newfoundland Canada originally to rescue people from ship wrecks, they are strong swimmers and are very dependant on their people. 

Pyrs are Livestock Guardians bred in the Pyrenean Mountains in France, they are bred to guard sheep from bears, mountain lion, coyotes, whatever other dangers that are out there.  Originally bred to be self dependant and to think for themselves, they are not overly keen on pleasing their people as they often think they know better then we do...  They are much more independant then Newfs as well. 

Now I'm no expert, but I am the only other person online this late at night.     This is just info that I can remember from what I read.  This is one of my fav websites for looking up breed info. www.dogbreedinfo.com  Here it is for Newfs http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/newfoundland.htm, and here for Pyrs. http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/greatpyrenees.htm

Other people who are much more knowlegable then myself -People Whisperer, MaryPyrs etc, - will be on sooner or later, and they would be able to fill you in a little better then myself. 

Hope I helped!

[People Whisperer]

I had a Newf about 8 years ago and I have a Pyr now 

Two breeds can't even be compared besides that one is fluffy black dog and the other fluffy white dog 

A lot of ex-newfs owners looking into getting a Pyr due to MANY health issues Newfs suffer these days and it does get expensive and down right sad loosing a dog so early. I usually tell them that they should think really hard if they really want a Pyr. 
Anyways, their temperaments are SOOOOO different! Pyrs don't listen to anyone and pretty much live on their own in your house...althou gh, time after time they show you some love just to keep food and treats coming their way 
Where as newfs are very loving and stay with you for the most part. They do listen and are very willing to please.
Also, Newfs are quite goof balls for a long time and quite energetic. Pyrs are pretty slow and more laid back, they mature much faster and turn into serious creatures with a definite agenda every minute while they are awake

But then again, every dog has a different personality, which adds more fun to the breed description   

Now, why whould anyone want a Pyr? LOL I certainly have days when I am ready to pull my hair   

[Viking Lady]

Thanx for all your input. They both seemed to be good with children, kinda laid back, smart. I couldn't tell in pictures posted how big they were. (Newfies I mean) It's nice to know that Luke will work some day.

[jesday]

Gotta love the Luke! Just look at that face.

[GoofyNewfie]

Pyrs definitely seem more independent. Must be their line of work! 

[Viking Lady]

hehe I guess so. The way it was explained to me, with Newfies being rescue dogs, I guess that explains the attachment to people. What about the part about being swimmers? Is that something you would try to provide for him, a chance to get in some water?

[Ursa]

I have a Pyr and Newf household and I have to agree - the personality is very different. 

Ursa has always been an adult dog inside a puppy body.  For the most part she's a very serious dog and we've had almost none of the typical puppy behaviors from her (except for chewing up almost every pair of girly shoes I own - maybe she wants my footwear to be serious like her!). She has her fun side and she like to play with the Newfs but she's not overly dependent on having either us or them around.  I think she could quite happily be an only dog.  She does love people though - especially children - and is quite offended if everyone she meets doesn't admire her coat and give her at least a pat or two.

The Newfs, especially Fargo, can hardly stand to be separated from us or each other.  I can't imagine either of them being an only dog.  They are more rambunctious than Ursa has ever been but not overly so.  They are more motivated to learn new commands primarily because mine are more food motivated than my Pyr. 

In my limited experience, they seem to take about the same amount of exercise - not much!  That's a good thing for me!  They both shed like crazy and there is drool involved - Newfs seem to drool more than Pyrs though.  Their coat is higher maintenance.  When Ursa gets dirty I can give her a quick brushing and she's more or less clean.  The Newf fur grabs onto everything and refuses to let go!  And they take FOREVER to dry! 

As far as swimming - my Pyr and my Newfs all enjoy it so I do give them as many opportunities to swim as I can.  It's good exercise that's easy on their joints. 

[Viking Lady]

That's what I was wondering if swimming would help their joints.

[jesday]

Swimming is definitely good exercise for them and low impact on those inefficient joints. I don't know about Pyrs, but introduction to water early is helpful in getting them to like the water. You'd think they'd jump right in but our bubs were a good 9/10 months old before we were able to get them to a lake and it took, well, some convincing.

[lookingfornewf]

hehe I guess so. The way it was explained to me, with Newfies being rescue dogs, I guess that explains the attachment to people. What about the part about being swimmers? Is that something you would try to provide for him, a chance to get in some water?

ha ha ha, a chance to get in some water??? with Clifford it's more like good luck in trying to keep him out. On a walk he must walk through or lay down in every puddle we pass. If off leash he will go and jump in the river or any puddle no matter how slimey. He tries to get in the shower and bath with me. He honestly can not resist the water. The very first day I got him he jumped into a small fountain I had indoors with in an hour of arriving.

[Ursa]

Emily - you just described Fargo!  That boy will knock over a water dish so he can play in the puddle!

The Baby Clifford pic is adorable!