The great Pyrenees, also called Pyrenean mountain dog, is a large white dog with a heritage as a flock guardian. They are big, calm, smart, and make great family pets.
This article explains the breed characteristics, history, vital stats, size, temperament, and general health and care of a Great Pyrenees dog.
Great Pyrenees Breed Characteristics
The Great Pyrenees is a large, thickly coated, and immensely powerful working dog. They are strong, beautiful, elegant, and majestic. They are intelligent and make excellent companions that will adore the whole family.
We have listed below some characteristics of Great Pyrenees dogs. This is meant to be a general guideline for Pyr’s characteristics. Let’s have a look at these:
Adaptability
The Great Pyrenees are not good at adapting to different living environments. The factors contributing to moderate adaptability score are:
- The Great Pyrenees are not recommended for apartment living due to their large size.
- They are not suitable for first-time dog parents.
- Pyrs are a little more sensitive than other breeds. They cannot easily handle loud noises and irregular daily routines.
- The Great Pyrenees are independent and were bred to be left alone and guard sheep in mountain valleys.
- These dogs have a high tolerance for cold weather but a moderate tolerance for hot temperatures.
Friendliness
The Great Pyrenees are excellent dogs and known to be friendly. The reasons for their terrific all-around friendliness are:
- Pyrenean mountain dogs are affectionate dogs and shower the whole family with love and loyalty.
- Pyrs are very gentle and friendly with children and are a good choice if you have children at home.
- The Great Pyrenees is a dog-friendly breed and can adjust to other pets.
- They are a little aggressive towards strangers and are likely to alert you to the presence of strangers.
Health and Grooming
The great Pyrenees are high maintenance dogs and are prone to many health issues.
- Pyrenean mountain dogs shed all year round with two heavy sheddings per year. If you are intolerant of dog hair in your house, then this breed is not for you.
- These dogs have a low drooling potential.
- The great Pyrenees have moderate grooming needs and only require about 30 minutes of work per week.
- When it comes to health, Pyr is prone to many health issues.
- They have the potential to put on weight easily.
Trainability
The great Pyrenees are intelligent dogs and should be trained gently, but with determination.
- They are independent thinkers and are difficult to train.
- The great Pyrenees are smart dogs and have a high intelligence level.
- They have a high prey drive and tend to chase passing animals. They need to be leashed when going out for a walk.
- They have a low tendency to nip, chew, or play-bite people.
- Being a watchdog, they tend to bark frequently.
- The Great Pyrenees have a strong desire for escaping the house and exploring the world.
Physical Needs
The Pyrenean mountain dog is energetic and has high physical needs.
- Pyrs are high-energy dogs and need daily physical activity to stay healthy and happy. They become bored and destructive without physical activities.
- One of the best things about the Great Pyrenees is that they are highly playful.
- They are vigorous dogs and do everything with energy including eating.
Vital Stats About Great Pyrenees
Let’s take a look at some vital stats of Great Pyrenees:
| Stats | Description |
| Dog Breed Group | Working group |
| AKC Breed Popularity | Ranks 66 of 197 |
| Temperament/ personality | Smart, Patient, Calm |
| Average Height | Male: 27-32 inches Female: 25-29 inches |
| Weight Range | Male: 100 pounds and up Female: 85 pounds and up |
| Energy level | Highly energetic |
| Grooming needs | Moderate |
| Litter Size | Average 7 – 10 puppies |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years |
History of Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is an ancient breed that originated as a flock-guarding dog in the Pyrenees Mountains of France. They watched over flocks and protected them from predators.
They have been found in Bronze Age deposits dating back from 1800 to 1000 B.C. The ancestors of the Great Pyrenees are thought to have come to the Pyrenees Mountains sometime around 3000 B.C.
In 1675, the Dauphin in the court of King Louis XIV declared that the Great Pyrenees was the Royal Dog of France. Throughout the 1800s, the Pyrs gained popularity throughout England, Europe, and the USA.
This dog is known by different names including Great Pyrenees in the USA and Canada, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog in the United Kingdom and most of Europe. The Great Pyrenees dogs were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1933. Today it ranks 66th among the breeds registered by the AKC.
Temperament and Personality of Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a calm, gentle, and docile dog. Sometimes, Pyrs can be stubborn and independent. Their high sensitivity can make them problematic if clear boundaries are not set.
A Great Pyrenees’s temperament can vary depending on its background. However, all Great Pyrs generally share the following personalities:
- Courageous: The Great Pyrenees has a courageous temperament. They will do anything to protect their family if they sense any danger.
- Intelligent: The Great Pyrenees are incredibly smart and intelligent. These dogs require a lot of mental stimulation.
- Independent: The Great Pyrenees is an independent thinker. These dogs are used to working on their own and figuring out things by themselves.
- Loyal: The German Shepherd is very loyal to the family. They will do anything to protect their family if they feel like they are in danger.
- Watchdogs: The Great Pyrenees is a reliable watchdog. This breed takes pride in protecting its family.
- Playful: The Great Pyrenees are playful dogs and enjoy playing and spending time with their human companions. They must be taught to play nicely from puppyhood.
- Affectionate: Great Pyr is an affectionate companion. This gentle giant loves children and makes a wonderful addition to any family.
Like every dog, Great Pyrs need early socialization. The Great Pyrenees puppies must see different people, animals, sights, sounds, and experiences. This helps ensure that your puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog.
Major Health Concerns of Great Pyrenees
The great Pyrenees are prone to many health issues. These health concerns include gastric torsion, hip and elbow dysplasia, Patellar Luxation, Addison’s Disease, Cataracts, Entropion, and Anesthesia Sensitivity.
- Hip Dysplasia: This is an inherited and degenerative condition. The great Pyrenees with hip dysplasia shows pain and lameness on one or both rear legs.
- Elbow Dysplasia: It is a painful condition that causes a developmental deformity of the elbows. Elbow dysplasia can cause swelling, pain, and often leads to arthritis.
- Gastric Torsion: It is caused by the sudden influx of gas and air in the Great Pyrenees’ stomach that causes it to distend and twist. It can even cause death in Great Pyrenees if not treated promptly.
- Patellar Luxation: It is one of the most common causes of lameness in the Great Pyrenees. It occurs when the dog patella or kneecap shifts out of alignment.
- Addison’s Disease: It is caused by immune-mediated destruction of adrenal tissue. It affects the salt and potassium levels in the body. Symptoms of Addison’s disease in Pyrs include lethargy, vomiting, and poor appetite.
- Cataracts: The great Pyrenees usually develop cataracts in older age. It causes opacity on the lens of the eye, resulting in poor vision.
- Entropion: In this condition, the eyelid of Great Pyrenees rolls inward, resulting in irritation or injury of the eyeball.
- Anaesthesia Sensitivity: Great Pyrenees have a low metabolism and have a natural anaesthesia sensitivity.
How to Take Care of Great Pyrenees
Taking care of your Great Pyrenees involves a lot of things including feeding, grooming, training, and exercises.
Feeding your Great Pyrenees
A Great Pyrenees Dog diet should be formulated for a large-sized breed with high energy and exercise needs. Your Pyr’s diet should be healthy and include all nutrients.
You will need to take special care if you are raising a Great Pyr puppy. Like many large-breed dogs, Pyrs grow rapidly between the ages of four and seven months, making them prone to bone disorders.
Training your Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrs are intelligent but difficult to train dogs. Consistency and reward-based training methods work best for Pyrs. Negative training makes Great Pyrenees shy, timid, and fearful.
Here are some of the training that you need to do with your Great Pyrenees puppy:
- Leash training
- Crate training
- Housebreaking and potty training
- Basic obedience training
Grooming needs of Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees Dogs are heavy shedders but fairly easy to groom. They have a double coat, the topcoat and the undercoat. The Great Pyr requires two to three times per week brushing. This will help to remove dead hair and prevent mats or tangles.
Other than brushing, the Great Pyrenees coat requires very little care.
- Baths should be infrequent
- Check their ears once a week for dirt, redness, or a bad odor. Clean them weekly to prevent ear infections.
- Brush your Pyr’s teeth at least two or three times a week to remove bacteria and tartar buildup.
- Eyes should be clear with no redness or discharge.
- Trim their nails regularly if he doesn’t wear them down naturally.
Your regular grooming and careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.
Exercise requirements of Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees Dogs are more suited for homes with a large, securely fenced yard. This is a working dog that has plenty of energy. In addition to yard play, Pyres need regular exercise every day for about twenty to forty minutes. This will keep them healthy and in top condition.
Let’s have a look at some purposeful activities for Great Pyrenees dogs:
- Daily walk
- Play with kids and other dogs
- Hiking
- Tug of war
- Cart pulling
- Stair exercise
- Backyard agility
- Playing with chew toys and puzzle toys
- Scenting and nose games
Participating in physical activities is fun and rewarding for both dog and owner. These activities will drain their pent-up energy otherwise, they may develop behaviour issues.
Parting Shot on Great Pyrenees
Before purchasing your Great Pyrenees, it is important to understand that as a dog owner you are responsible for the care and wellbeing of your furry pal. Now that you know everything about the Great Pyrenees dog, it is easier for you to buy or adopt one. Grab your Great Pyrenees today and fill your home with happiness caused by this large and friendly dog breed.