Great Pyrenees: Information, Behavior, Care, and Breed Guide!

Height:	26-33 inches
Weight:	120 – 160 pounds
Lifespan:	10-12 years
Colors:	White, gray, tan, and red.
For:	For active families looking for a gentle but intimidating guard dog,
Temperament:	Calm, intelligent, vigilant, affectionate, trustworthy, hardworking, independent

It can be difficult to believe that dogs that were originally bred for livestock protection are not common. On the one hand, almost all flock-guarding dogs are extremely sweet, affectionate, and patient with children. They are true sweethearts and won’t harm a fly.

You will then learn that they were created to fight bears, wolves, and other predators!

The Great Pyrenees are a French giant breed that is a great family dog. They are big, loving, and affectionate, but they can also be dangerous guard dogs when necessary.

You need to be aware of what you are getting into before you bring one of these large dogs home. This guide will help you understand everything!

Great Pyrenees Puppies – Before You Buy

The Great Pyrenees puppies can be quite a sight. These puppies are huge balls of fluff and can grow to be larger than most full-grown dogs.

The great Pyrenees can still display that same calm temperament when they are young, even as adults. Although they love to chase and wrestle each other, they are not as playful as other breeds.

If you don’t mind dealing with a little bit of energy, this breed may be a good choice. However, if you are looking for a more “typical” puppy experience, then this might not be the right one.

It’s possible for a tiny fuzzball to become a huge fuzzball one day. And it will take a lot of puppy food to get them there. When deciding whether or not to adopt one of these dogs, be sure to consider this.

How much are Great Pyrenees Puppy Puppies worth?

A Great Pyrenees puppy can sell for between $1,000 and $2,500. However, this price can go up if the dog is bred or shown in a premium line.

Although you may be able to find one cheaper than the listed price, be cautious of breeders who offer a “too good for it to be true” price. This is usually the mark of a backyard breeder or puppy mill, so you shouldn’t deal with them.

These breeders not only treat their dogs horribly, but they also keep them in cruel conditions. Their dogs often have more health problems than those bought from reputable breeders. This is due to the poor treatment they receive as puppies.

The Great Pyrenees are well-adjusted for their health problems and don’t require additional help from poor living conditions.

Although you may be able to find the Great Pyrenees at a rescue group, or even your local pound if they are not available, it is difficult to find a purebred puppy from these places. It is likely that you will have to choose between a mixed breed or an older dog. The average Great Pyrenees cost is $1500, as we have mentioned.

Three Little-Known Facts about the Great Pyrenees

1. This is one of the oldest breeds currently in existence

The great Pyrenees have guarded flocks for humans for a long time. Fossil records show that the breed has existed since at most 1,800 B.C.E. However, it is believed that they have been around longer, possibly as long as 3,000 B.C.E.

This number is the breed we know. They were likely to have been white mountain dogs, similar in appearance and build, which could have existed up to 11,000 years ago.

2. They are true night owls

Because they were bred to guard flocks at night while their humans slept, this breed is actually nocturnal in nature. The dogs had to learn how to stay awake at night to avoid being preyed upon by the many animals that attacked their flocks.

This can be a good or a bad thing for modern-day owners. Your Great Pyrenees are likely to be awake and ready to face evildoers if you are worried about them breaking into your home under the darkness.

Even if there aren’t any bad guys, it can be annoying to have a dog who wakes up at midnight every day.

3. They went from the Poorhouse to The Palace

The Great Pyrenees were considered peasant dogs for most of their existence. They were mainly kept by mountain shepherds and herdsmen. These people relied on their flocks for their livelihood and the Great Pyrenees were vital to their survival.

These dogs gained a reputation for being very brave and helpful, so more wealthy pet owners started to notice. They were made the Royal Dog of France by King Louis XIV in 1675. Queen Victoria also kept one of these large dogs as a pet in the 19th Century.

Temperament and Intelligence of the Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is a dog that has been specialized for centuries. They had to work during their masters’ sleep, so they were not supervised much. This allowed them to develop strong independent streaks.

Dogs that are independent can be difficult to train because they’re used to their independence. It doesn’t usually manifest in misbehavior. These dogs are calm and laidback, even when they’re not well trained.

This also meant that they needed to be very intelligent as they were often left on their own. They are able to make their own decisions and prefer to do so.

You can also teach them anything if they respect you. Although training can be difficult, if you put in enough effort and time, you can train Great Pyrenees.

These dogs aren’t the typical attention-seeking pooch. These dogs are happy to be left alone and will happily accept affection and love from their owners, but they won’t seek it.

These dogs are good for families

If you are able to understand the risks involved, Great Pyrenees make great family pets.

Although they will happily accept the love of your children, it is clear that they view them as their own. Any villain who tries to cause harm will be seen flashing white fangs before they meet their maker.

Keep in mind that dogs love their own company. They will eventually get bored of playing with children. It is a smart idea to teach your children how dogs behave and when to stop.

They are great dogs for small children but will also be a good choice for older kids. These dogs are easy to care for and can be a great choice for people who just want a pet they can cuddle with but do not necessarily want them to become full-time pets.

They will thrive in large houses with lots of yards or on farms that offer them jobs that are similar to what they were raised for. They can be adapted to apartments but they will need to be taken for a walk every day.

Is this breed compatible with other pets?

The great Pyrenees are known for their laidback and reserved nature. They get along well with dogs as well as other animals. They would be best matched with another dog with a quiet personality as small, energetic dogs can cause nerves. They would only resort to violence in an emergency.

One exception is made to this rule. It is not recommended to keep two sexually mature Great Pyrenees having the same sex. This can cause aggressive competition. Two of the same sex can be fine, provided they are both fixed. Otherwise, you should mix it up.

These dogs are often good with cats and other animals. They don’t want to harass or chase other pets and they will be happy as long as the companion animal stays in the Great Pyrenees.

Keep in mind, however, that these dogs were originally bred to care for flocks and may be inclined to herd your cat. Although it shouldn’t pose a danger to your cat, it can be irritating and annoying.

You Need to Be A Great Pyrenees Owner

Although the Great Pyrenees can be a great breed, they are not without their challenges. You may find that many of the same things you know about other breeds do not apply to the Great Pyrenees. It might take some trial and error to learn how to best relate to your puppy.

We will be discussing the unique problems that Great Pyrenees owners may face. Do not be afraid to ask questions. These dogs are not your average pooch. They can be just as rewarding and fun as any other breed. In many cases, they are also easier to own.

Food & Diet Requirements

One area where the Great Pyrenees can cause problems is this: They are large dogs that eat a lot. You can expect food costs to be higher than with other breeds.

You don’t have to spend a lot on dog food. High-quality dog food can help prolong their lives and reduce the chance of them suffering from serious health problems in their later years.

You want kibble with high levels of protein and fat. You should take the time to read the ingredients label. Does it contain natural, healthy ingredients or are they loaded with cheap fillers such as wheat, corn, soy, and artificial colors?

These dogs require more food than the average dog, but that doesn’t mean they should be given unlimited kibble. This breed is known for being obese, which can be a problem for their health. If they start to gain weight, be strict about portion control and don’t hesitate to reduce the serving size.

You shouldn’t indulge in too many snacks or table scraps. You may feel tempted to bribe these dogs into good behavior. You can give them small bites, but not a constant diet of junk food.

Exercise

Many working dogs are extremely tireless and require endless exercise. Although the Great Pyrenees are a working breed, they do not require constant stimulation to be happy.

These dogs were trained to watch out for danger and make occasional laps around the flock to ensure safety. They would need to jump into action immediately if they were threatened by wolves or bears. They can move from 0-60 in a matter of seconds.

They might not be as happy to lie down all day. They need to move around, even if it’s just to lose weight.

Walking your dog every day is a great idea. They’ll love running around in the yard or at the park. Remember that these dogs were first developed in cold climates so don’t push them too hard when it’s hot out.

Mental stimulation is also important, so it is a good idea to invest in puzzle toys and/or spend time training your dog in obedience.

Training

It can be difficult to train Great Pyrenees. They are independent and stubborn dogs that can be difficult to train.

They don’t necessarily want to follow your directions, but they have been taught to think for themselves by their parents over the centuries. Before they will follow your lead, you’ll need to convince them that their way is better.

It takes patience, positive reinforcement, and a lot of work. You shouldn’t be harsh or stern with them. This will only make them more distant from you. It is important to win their trust and respect, rather than bully them into submission.

You can’t force them to learn the same old, same-old techniques each time. They’ll become bored and tune you out. Mixing in different types of training can keep things interesting.

Do not hesitate to seek professional help if you are having trouble training your Great Pyrenees. Although these dogs don’t have a tendency to misbehave, it is still a smart idea to train them as well as possible.

Grooming

The Great Pyrenees were bred to work high up, at the side of snow-covered mountains. This is a fancy way to say that they have a lot of fur.

To keep your dog’s shedding under control, you will need to spend around 30 minutes per week brushing their coats. Their coats are mat-resistant and self-cleaning so even if they do shed for a few weeks, it shouldn’t affect their appearance.

They have a double-coated coat, which is common for cold-weather breeds. While the outer layer is thick and coarse, underneath you will find a soft, breathable undercoat. However, both coats can cover your entire home in fur.

You don’t have to bathe them that often. Save it for those times when they are clearly dirty. To prevent them from getting bitten, however, you should make sure they dry their ears after being wet.

It’s a matter of regularly brushing their teeth and trimming their nails if necessary.

Health and Conditions

Larger dogs live longer and have more health problems than smaller dogs. This is also true for Great Pyrenees, who are more susceptible to various health problems.

These problems can be avoided by doing certain things. It is important to feed them healthy food and keep their weight under control. Regular checkups are also essential.

You should also take care of their dental health. Although it may seem trivial, periodontal disease can spread quickly to other parts of the body.

This is not a complete list and your Great Pyrenees may be affected by any of these afflictions. Other issues can also affect Great Pyrenees. This is why your veterinarian should inspect your dog at least semi-annually.

These dogs have a high tolerance for pain. They may not show as much pain tolerance as other breeds. This is why it’s important to have regular checkups and to thoroughly inspect your dog while you groom them.

Minor Conditions

• Otitis externa
• Entropion
• Ectropion
• Problems with the skin
• Cataracts
• Chondrodysplasia
• Pan osteitis

Severe Conditions

• Bloat
• Addison’s Disease
• Hip dysplasia
• Patellar luxation
• Spinal muscular atrophy
• Cancer
• Heart disease

Male vs. Male vs.

Although males are generally larger than their female counterparts, they can still be massive dogs so don’t be surprised if the difference isn’t too significant.

Males mature faster than females. They are also more independent and strong-willed. Although males are more clingy than females, this is a relative term in the Great Pyrenees.

Spaying or neutering your dog while they are still young can help to reduce many of these problems.

Last Thoughts

The great Pyrenees make wonderful dogs. These dogs are an old breed and have been loyally serving their country for centuries. They are reliable, independent, loving, friendly, but not overbearing, and welcoming when needed.

Although these dogs might not be your typical dog-owner experience, it is generally a positive thing. These dogs are easy to care for and don’t cause damage to your home. They love a cuddle, just like any other dog.