Betsy

Australian Shepherds are a beautiful breed with merle coats, high energy, and and an obsession with being close to their families. These dogs are wonderful family companions, but be prepared to keep them active and occupied to avoid having a sad, destructive Aussie. Full-grown, they typically weigh 40-65 pounds and stand 18-23 inches tall.

Australian Shepherds are generally excellent with children of all ages. Australian Shepherds are great companion for kids and other pets, especially if they’re socialized as puppies. These dogs can be happy in warm or cool climates, but they need plenty of space to run and play and should have their primary living space indoors. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

Aussies need a lot of high-energy activities and mental stimulation to keep them happy. They’re the perfect exercise buddies, especially for families that like being outdoors. Take your Australian Shepherd for a run, hike, or a long play session in a big backyard to keep their hearts soaring and their minds sharp. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.

The Australian Shepherd has a dense undercoat and outer coat with medium to long hair that’s straight or slightly wavy. Aussies’ fur is short and soft on their head and legs, with a thick mane around the neck. These dogs can be black, red, red merle (dark patches on a light background), or blue merle, and some may have white markings or tan points too. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

Australian Shepherds are best suited for a home with a yard, though they can adapt to apartment life with enough exercise. These dogs can be happy in warm or cool climates, but they need plenty of space to run and play and should have their primary living space indoors. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.

This stunning white dog is as beautiful as their mountainous homeland. Great Pyrenees are loving, large, and in charge. They’re a gentle, family-oriented dog most of the time, but will step in to protect their “flock” if danger is near. Full-grown, they typically weigh 85-115 pounds and stand 25-32 inches tall.

Great Pyreneess are generally okay with older children who know how to handle dogs. This breed can be a good friend to any dog, animal, child, or visitor. Great Pyrenees may be initially uncomfortable with unknown people and pets, but they become more comfortable over time, especially if they’re socialized early. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

Great Pyrenees need a fair amount of daily exercise, including at least a leashed walk or playtime in a large yard. This breed is known for running away when off-leash, so make sure all play areas are fenced and secured. Many Great Pyrenees also like swimming and hiking, particularly in cold weather. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.

Great Pyrenees have a double coat of weather-resistant hair. Their outer coat is long, flat, and thick, with coarse hairs that are straight or slightly wavy. The undercoat is dense, fine, and wooly. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

Great Pyreneess are best suited for a house with a good-sized yard. The heat may irritate their skin, so they’re better suited for cold climates or indoor spaces. Great Pyrenees are big dogs that enjoy moderate amounts of activity, so they prefer homes over apartments or small spaces. They are moderately trainable with consistent effort.