The Great Pyrenees is a majestic breed that's known for its massive size and gentle nature.
They can weigh between 85 and 120 pounds, with some individuals tipping the scales at over 140 pounds.
One of the key factors that contribute to their size is their ancestry, which includes large working dogs that were bred to guard sheep and other livestock.
Their thick double coat is another distinctive feature that helps them thrive in cold climates, with some individuals shedding up to 2 pounds of fur per month.
Size and Type
The Great Pyrenees is a massive dog breed, with males weighing between 100 and 120 pounds.
They can reach a height of 27 to 32 inches at the shoulder, making them a large and intimidating presence.
Males typically stand 29 to 32 inches tall, while females stand 27 to 30 inches tall.
Their thick double coat can weigh up to 10 pounds, keeping them warm in cold climates.
The Great Pyrenees has a muscular build, with a broad chest and well-sprung ribs, perfect for their original purpose as livestock guardians.
Role and Behavior
The Great Pyrenees is a highly intelligent and independent breed, requiring no human intervention while in the field.
Its effectiveness as a guardian is an inherited, instinctive trait, making it a great companion or watch dog.
The breed's calm nature makes it easy to train, and it naturally adapts to pet-assisted therapy service in schools, hospitals, and senior centers.
Actually touching a Great Pyrenees contributes to lowering blood pressure and raising endorphins, as verified with objective blood testing.
The well-socialized Great Pyrenees makes a loving, loyal companion, and effective watch dog.
It's usually quite tolerant of other pets with whom it has been raised, and has a special love of children.
However, a Great Pyrenees is also highly perceptive and independent, and will act upon its strong instincts, even if it means going against its owner's wishes.
This is not a breed for a first-time dog owner, as it requires a lot of space and exercise, and can be quite stubborn at times.
On warm days, a Great Pyrenees will be less active and prefer to just rest until it cools down, and may even dig holes to escape the heat.
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Intelligence and Training
The Great Pyrenees is an intelligent breed that can sense even the most subtle mood changes in humans and animals. This unique ability allows them to sort threatening animals and people from non-threatening ones.
Their intelligence also makes them quick to learn, but they can get bored if training is repetitive. I've seen this firsthand with my friend's Pyr, who would lose interest in a training session if the commands were repeated too many times.
A Great Pyr's strong independence means they may need extra patient training and socialization. They're not a breed that responds well to repetitive commands, so it's essential to mix things up and keep them engaged.
They're not a "come-sit-stay-rollover-fetch" dog, and they'll often pass on these commands if they don't see the point of wasting energy.
Physical Characteristics
The Pyrenees dog is a large and muscular breed with a beautiful, primarily white coat. Its full winter coat makes it appear larger than it actually is.
A well-proportioned Pyr can weigh anywhere within a wide range of sizes, and its expected lifespan is 10-12 years. This is a moderate amount of time, so be prepared to make a long-term commitment to caring for your Pyr.
A Pyr's energy levels are unique, as they tend to conserve their energy until needed, making them a great companion for families with children or other dogs. They love to play and run around, but they also enjoy a good nap.
Naturally nocturnal, Pyrs prefer to sleep during the day and be active at night, patrolling their home and yard. This means they'll likely keep you up at night, so it's best to have them sleep inside with you.
The double coat of a Pyr provides a waterproof barrier from wind, rain, snow, and sun, as well as protection from predators. This coat requires regular grooming, especially during shedding season.
Pyr coats can vary in texture, ranging from coarse to soft, and require different care. They shed some dog fur every day, which can be a bit of a challenge to keep up with.
Regular grooming, such as weekly combing or raking, will keep your Pyr's coat in shape. It's also essential to check their teeth and ears to keep them clean.
Pyr coats possess dirt-resistant qualities, making it easy to clean them after a muddy romp. However, they do need regular trimming to prevent ingrown dew-claws.
Consider reading: Grooming a Great Pyrenees Dog
Sources
- Great Pyrenees, Breed of the Week (jonesnaturalchews.com)
- longest and heaviest dog (guinnessworldrecords.com)
- 10 Biggest Dog Breeds in the World (petful.com)
- Great Pyrenees Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- About the Breed (greatpyrrescue.org)
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