Black Great Pyrenees: The Ultimate Guide to Care and Ownership

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Posted Oct 5, 2024

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Two Long-coated Brown and Black Dogs
Credit: pexels.com, Two Long-coated Brown and Black Dogs

The Black Great Pyrenees is a majestic breed that deserves special care and attention. They have a thick double coat that sheds heavily, requiring regular grooming to prevent matting.

Their thick coat also makes them well-suited for cold climates, but they can be sensitive to heat. It's essential to provide them with plenty of shade and water in hot weather.

Black Great Pyrenees are naturally protective of their flock, making them excellent guard dogs. However, this instinct can make them wary of strangers, so socialization is crucial from an early age.

They are generally quiet dogs, but they will bark to alert their owners to potential threats. With proper training, they can learn to distinguish between friend and foe.

Breed History

The Great Pyrenees breed has a rich history that spans thousands of years. The exact origin of the breed is unclear, but it's believed to have originated in Asia Minor around 11,000 years ago.

For more insights, see: Great Pyrenees Standard

Credit: youtube.com, history of the Great Pyrenees

These dogs were first bred in the Pyrenean Mountains, which separate France and Spain, to help shepherds with their work. They were known as peasant's dogs until they were declared the Royal Dog of France in 1675.

Fossil evidence suggests that the breed has been around since ancient times, with deposits from the Bronze Age dating back to 1800-1000 B.C. showing a resemblance to the Great Pyrenees.

The breed was further developed in Europe, particularly in France, where they were highly valued by the nobility. They were used as guard dogs for estates and were cherished for their intelligence and regal appearance.

It's worth noting that the breed has undergone significant changes over the centuries, with crossbreeding and selective breeding playing a role in shaping the modern Great Pyrenees.

Check this out: Great Pyrenees France

Breed Maintenance

The black Great Pyrenees is a majestic breed that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their beautiful coat.

They shed heavily, especially in hot climates, so be prepared for regular brushing sessions.

Credit: youtube.com, Dry Bath Service for Bella, a Great Pyrenees

A weekly brushing routine will help keep their coat under control, but it's essential to note that they require more thorough grooming during the spring shedding season.

Their nails need regular trimming, ideally every few weeks, to prevent overgrowth.

Daily ear cleaning is not necessary, but weekly cleaning will help prevent problems with air circulation.

A few times a week, brush their teeth to keep their oral health in check.

Great Pyrenees are relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming, but they do require regular attention to keep their coat healthy and looking its best.

Health and Concerns

The black Great Pyrenees is a unique and majestic breed, but it's essential to consider its potential health concerns. Backyard and accidental breeding can perpetuate poor genetics, leading to health problems.

Great Pyrenees are generally healthy, but they can be susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia, knee problems, eye diseases, neurological disorders, and certain cancers. These health issues can be a challenge for owners.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Great Pyrenees Behavior Problems

Credit: youtube.com, Common Health Issues in Great Pyrenees: What to Watch For

A lengthy lifespan of 10-12 years is a blessing, but it also means that owners need to be aware of potential health risks. Bloat, or gastric dilation volvulus (GDV) complex, is a life-threatening condition that can occur in this breed.

While there are steps owners can take to diminish the risk of bloat, there seems to be a genetic connection to the condition. A gastropexy procedure can be performed when the animal is being spayed or neutered, and it entails suturing the stomach's outer wall to the body wall, preventing it from moving.

Temperament and Behavior

The Great Pyrenees is a gentle breed, even with small animals, due to its natural instinct to protect and care for livestock and other animals.

Their independence can sometimes manifest as willfulness or aloofness towards strangers, which is why it's essential to train and socialize them from an early age.

They're also known for being patient, calm, and composed, making them a great companion for families with children.

They're Gentle

Credit: youtube.com, Temperament and Personality | Developmental Psychology

The Great Pyrenees breed is a livestock guardian breed, so it is instilled in them that they are to protect livestock and other animals and people around them. Because of this, the breed is known for being very gentle, even with small animals.

They're naturally patient, calm, and composed, making them a great fit for families with children. Their gentle nature makes them a great guardian, watching over their owners, children, and other pets.

Independence is in their nature, and that can come through as willfulness or aloofness towards strangers. This is why it's essential to train and socialize Great Pyrenees puppies while they're young.

Their calm demeanor allows them to be fairly stoic, letting you do what you want without being overly dramatic. This is a great trait for a family dog, as it means they're not easily flustered or anxious.

Overall, the Great Pyrenees breed is known for being gentle, patient, and composed, making them a wonderful addition to many families.

Elegance in the Mind

Close-Up Shot of a Great Pyrenees Dog Standing on the Grass
Credit: pexels.com, Close-Up Shot of a Great Pyrenees Dog Standing on the Grass

Elegant dogs are calm, composed, and confident, often exhibiting a sense of poise and balance.

Their calm demeanor allows them to think clearly and make rational decisions, even in stressful situations.

Elegant dogs tend to be less reactive to their environment, which enables them to conserve energy and maintain their composure.

Their confidence stems from a sense of self-assurance, which is often rooted in their breed's history and purpose.

In contrast, dogs with a more rustic temperament may be more reactive and excitable, but that doesn't mean they're not lovable and wonderful in their own way.

Rustic dogs often require more exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

Their energetic nature can be both a blessing and a curse, requiring careful management to prevent over-exuberance.

While elegant dogs may be more laid-back, rustic dogs can be just as loving and loyal, albeit in a more exuberant way.

Their high energy levels can be channeled into positive outlets, such as agility training or long walks.

By understanding and embracing their unique temperament, we can build stronger, more meaningful relationships with our canine companions.

General Information

Credit: youtube.com, Purebred Black Great Pyrenees

The Black Great Pyrenees is a majestic breed. They originated in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain.

This giant dog is a result of breeding the Pyrenean Mountain Dog with other breeds, such as the Maremma Sheepdog and the Great Pyrenees. Their size and coat color make them a stunning sight.

The Black Great Pyrenees is a large dog, weighing between 100-120 pounds, and standing 25-32 inches tall at the shoulder.

How Gained Popularity

The Great Pyrenees breed has a unique characteristic that can lead to the creation of black-coated offspring.

In rural areas with plenty of farmland, it's not uncommon to find Great Pyrenees mixes.

These dogs tend to wander, which can result in unexpected breed combinations.

Breeding with dogs that have a black coat, such as the Labrador, can produce puppies with a fully or mostly black coat.

This is because the Labrador contains genes for a black coat that can be passed on to their offspring.

Formal Recognition

Great Pyrenees on Snow
Credit: pexels.com, Great Pyrenees on Snow

Formal recognition of the Great Pyrenees breed is a complex process. Black Great Pyrenees, for instance, are not currently recognized by kennel clubs.

To get black added to the breed standard, extensive records of purebred lineage will be required. This includes proof that these dogs are not mixed breeds.

The Great Pyrenees breed standard is very specific about accepted coat colors. Unfortunately, black is not one of them.

To change this, thorough documentation and evidence will be necessary. This will involve showing that black Great Pyrenees have a purebred lineage and are not mixed with other breeds.

A fresh viewpoint: All Breeds of Big Dogs

Fun Facts

Queen Victoria of England was a proud owner of Great Pyrenees in the mid-19th century.

These dogs have a unique feature called double dewclaws, which are two toenails on the interior of their rear legs, just above their feet. This feature is rare and was found only on working dogs that needed extra support to navigate challenging terrain.

In different countries, Great Pyrenees are known by different names. Here are some of their nicknames:

  • Pyrenean mountain dog (in the United Kingdom)
  • Le grande chien de montagnes (the big dog of the mountains) or le chien des Pyrenees (the dog of the Pyrenees) in France

Pyrenees as a Pet

Credit: youtube.com, 99% of Great Pyrenees Dog Owners Don't Know This

The Black Great Pyrenees can make a great pet for the right owner, but it's essential to consider their instinct to protect and wander from home. They require a lot of space to roam.

Their protective nature makes them excellent guard dogs, but it also means they may not take kindly to visitors. This can lead to bad behavior, especially with their large size.

Proper socialization and early training are crucial to owning a Black Great Pyrenees, as they can be aloof with strangers and need to learn good manners.

Does a Good Pet Make?

If you're considering a Pyrenees as a pet, you should know that they can be a bit of a handful. They have a strong instinct to protect and walk long distances, which means they may wander from home if not properly contained.

Their size is a major consideration, as bad behavior can be a significant risk due to their large stature. Proper socialization and early training are essential to ensure your Pyrenees is well-behaved.

They can be aloof with strangers, which may not be ideal for households with frequent visitors. Their protective nature makes them great guard dogs, but it also means they may not take kindly to unexpected visitors at home.

Thinking of a Pyr?

Credit: youtube.com, Reasons NOT To Buy A GREAT PYRENEES (From A Great Pyrenees Owner)

The Pyrenees is a massive breed, with males weighing up to 120 pounds and standing as tall as 32 inches at the shoulder.

They are a gentle giant, known for their calm and patient nature, making them a great fit for families with children.

The Pyrenees is a relatively low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming, requiring only occasional brushing and bathing.

Their thick coat sheds heavily twice a year, so be prepared for regular vacuuming and lint rolling.

Their intelligence and loyalty make them highly trainable, but they can be stubborn at times, requiring consistent and patient training.

They are natural herders and may try to herd children, other pets, or even cars if not provided with adequate exercise and mental stimulation.

With proper care and attention, a Pyr can live up to 12 years or more, making them a long-term companion.

Their size and energy level require regular exercise, but they are not high-strung and can adapt to apartment living with a daily walk.

Broaden your view: Great Pyrenees Exercise

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a black Great Pyrenees rare?

Yes, black Great Pyrenees puppies are extremely rare, occurring in less than 1-2 per litter. Their unique coat coloration is a result of the "Full Blaireau" gene, making them a highly sought-after and special breed.

How much is a black pyrenees?

A black Great Pyrenees puppy typically costs between $1200 and $2200, depending on factors like age, health, and other characteristics. The price may vary, but it's generally within this range.

Can a Great Pyrenees dog be black?

Unfortunately, black Great Pyrenees are extremely rare, with only one or two puppies per litter, if present at all

Is Great Pyrenees a good family dog?

Great Pyrenees can be a great family dog for families with older children who understand how to interact with large breeds, but may not be suitable for homes with very young children. They require careful consideration and supervision to ensure a safe and happy household.

Are Great Pyrenees always all white?

No, Great Pyrenees are not always all white, as they can have gray, reddish brown, or tan markings on their body. Their coat color can vary from bright white to cream with or without darker markings.

Terry Williamson

Junior Writer

Terry Williamson is a rising star in the world of writing, bringing a fresh perspective to the topics she covers. With a passion for animal welfare and education, Terry has established herself as a go-to expert on canine companions. Her articles on the standard poodle and poodle breeds have been widely read and appreciated for their engaging style and informative content.

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