Do Great Pyrenees Make Good Pets for Families?

If you're considering bringing a Great Pyrenees into your family, you're probably wondering if they make good pets for families with kids. Great Pyrenees are naturally protective of their young, which can be a plus for families with small children.

They are generally gentle giants, but their large size and strength can be intimidating to young children. In fact, they can weigh up to 120 pounds and stand as tall as 32 inches at the shoulder.

Despite their size, Great Pyrenees are often referred to as "velcro dogs" because they love to be close to their family members. They thrive on attention and affection, making them a great fit for families who enjoy spending time with their pets.

However, their strong herding instinct can sometimes lead them to try to herd children, which can be a concern for families with young kids.

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The Great Pyrenees is a giant dog breed that stands 25-32 inches at the shoulder. They come in at an average weight of 85 pounds for females and over 100 pounds for males.

Originally from the Pyrenees Mountains between Spain and France, this breed is perfect for guarding livestock due to its thick white coat that provides camouflage in snowy landscapes.

They're incredibly strong and fast dogs, but at home, they're usually gentle and calm dogs around the people they love.

Their impressive size and strength make them well-suited for guarding livestock from large predators such as bears and wolves.

The Great Pyrenees is a large dog with a muscular build, weighing between 100 to 150 pounds for males and 85 to 120 pounds for females.

They're naturally wary and suspicious of strangers, which can make socializing with visitors a challenge.

These big dogs are nocturnal, which means they're most active at night, and have a keen sense of hearing, leading to frequent barking at squirrels and other perceived threats.

You can expect a faithful worker's personality from a Great Pyrenees, but their high tendency to bark, especially at night, is something to consider.

The breed is intelligent, but training can be arduous for some owners, making it a lifelong and potentially fun activity.

Most Great Pyrenees live up to 12 years, and their dominant color is white, with some dogs having gray, brown, or reddish-brown markings.

Their muscular build and fearless nature make them well-suited for work, but their gentle and caring side is also a hallmark of the breed.

A different take: Brown Great Pyrenees Mix

Great Pyrenees require regular grooming due to their thick white double coat, which sheds heavily and needs to be brushed at least once a week.

They are relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming, as their fur seldom mats and only requires a monthly bath.

However, their thick coat means they can languish in hot weather, so plan to shave them more frequently as summer approaches.

Great Pyrenees are not overly active, making them a great fit for urban households, but they do value their alone time and can be strong-willed during training.

With patience and routine, they can be well-mannered and trustworthy companions, but early socialization is key to help them thrive.

Broaden your view: Great Pyrenees Grooming

Choosing a pet is a big decision, and it's essential to consider a few things before bringing one home.

A pup is generally the most recommended choice, but grown dogs can also be very satisfactory on an individual basis.

Be cautious of sellers who offer you a "Trained" dog, as it's unlikely they would part with an effective worker.

A grown dog should come with a contract stating a trial period of time so you can return the dog if it doesn't work out.

Male or female, either sex will do a very creditable job as a Great Pyrenees, so choose based on personal preference.

If you get a female, it's recommended to have her spayed at about 6-12 months to maintain her usefulness and reliability.

Spaying a female will prevent her from losing her effectiveness for three weeks twice a year when she's in season.

Male dogs should also be neutered to prevent them from exercising their sexual drive in response to any female canine, including coyotes.

Your male working dog will seek out the company of female dogs, including herding dogs or unspayed neighbors' dogs, if he's not neutered.

Worth a look: Great Pyrenees Female

Great Pyrenees have a thick white double coat that sheds heavily, so be prepared to brush their hair at least once a week to prevent matting.

Weekly brushing also helps maintain their soft undercoat and minimize shedding in the home. Their long outer coat is dirt- and tangle-resistant, making grooming relatively easy.

They languish in hot weather, so plan to shave them more frequently as summer approaches. But they thrive in cold weather, so don't worry about them getting too chilly.

To keep them off your clothes and furniture, create an effective plan to control hairballs. Monthly baths are a good idea, but be sure to clip their dewclaws as well to avoid splitting.

As they age, their grooming needs remain relatively low, but weekly brushing is still essential to maintain their coat and prevent shedding.

Related reading: Can Great Pyrenees Live in Hot Weather

Ear care is a crucial aspect of your Great Pyrenees's overall health. Routine ear cleaning with a veterinary-approved ear cleanser is essential to maintain healthy ear canals and prevent ear infections.

After swimming or bathing, your Great Pyrenees's ears need extra attention. This is because water can lead to ear infections if not properly cleaned out.

Regular ear cleaning will help prevent ear infections and keep your Great Pyrenees comfortable.

Great Pyrenees are a large breed, with adult females weighing between 85-100 pounds and males often exceeding 100 pounds. This means they require a significant amount of food to maintain their weight and health.

Their joint health is also a concern, and joint supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin can help keep their joints healthy. Always consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog a supplement.

To determine the right amount of food for your Great Pyrenees, follow the label on your dog food packaging for guidance and consult with your veterinarian for specific recommendations, as individual needs can vary greatly.

Take a look at this: Common Problems with Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is a generally healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. They have a typical lifespan of 10-12 years, which is a bit longer than average for giant dogs.

Inspecting your dog regularly is crucial to catch any potential problems early on. Check for signs of discomfort or pain, especially in their joints.

Hip dysplasia is a common health concern in Great Pyrenees, caused by abnormal development of the hip socket. Discomfort in the joints can also occur due to abnormal cartilage formation.

In addition to joint issues, Great Pyrenees can also be prone to inverted eyelids and Addison's disease. These conditions can be serious, so it's essential to work closely with a reputable breeder and a veterinarian to ensure your dog's health.

Here are some common health concerns to be aware of:

Choosing the right food for your Great Pyrenees is crucial for their overall health. Select a diet with high-quality ingredients that meets the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Great Pyrenees do well on a dog food designed for large breeds. Their individual needs can vary, so it's best to discuss diet with your dog's veterinarian.

A dog's life stage plays a significant role in determining the best food for them. Make sure to choose a food that's appropriate for your dog's current life stage: puppy, adult, or senior.

Broaden your view: Brush for Great Pyrenees

Joint health is a concern for Great Pyrenees with growth disorders. Giving them joint supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin can help keep their joints healthy.

Always talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog a supplement, as they can recommend the best course of action.

An adult Great Pyrenees' weight can range from 85–100 pounds for females and over 100 pounds for males. This means they need a significant amount of food, which can be expensive.

Following the label on your dog food packaging can provide guidance on how much to feed your dog. However, their individual needs may vary, so it's best to consult with your veterinarian for specifics.

Training a Great Pyrenees requires a firm and consistent leader, especially when they're young. They respond best to a firm hand, and consistency is key.

You'll want to start training early, and it's crucial to teach your Great Pyrenees to socialize first. This will help them interact with other dogs and people.

Related reading: Great Pyrenees Dog Training

Training should continue into adulthood, and it's essential to be patient and firm. With time and effort, your Great Pyrenees will learn to obey and listen.

If you're struggling with training, consider getting professional help. It's worth the investment to ensure your Great Pyrenees grows into a well-behaved companion.

Here are some fun activities to do with your Great Pyrenees to keep them exercised and happy:

The Great Pyrenees is a giant dog breed that stands 25–32 inches at the shoulder, making them an impressive sight.

Their size is a result of being bred to guard livestock from large predators, and they can weigh anywhere from 85 pounds for females to over 100 pounds for males.

They're incredibly strong and fast dogs, capable of protecting sheep from predators like bears and wolves.

Despite their intimidating size and strength, Great Pyrenees are usually gentle and calm dogs around the people they love.

At home, they can make excellent family pets, as long as they receive the proper care and attention.

Their thick white coat also makes them perfect for snowy landscapes, providing perfect camouflage.