The Full Blood Great Pyrenees is a natural guardian of livestock and can be just as protective of their human family. They have a strong instinct to defend and will not hesitate to do so.
Their thick double coat makes them well-suited for cold climates and harsh weather conditions. This coat also requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
As a loyal companion, the Full Blood Great Pyrenees is known to form close bonds with their family members. They are often described as gentle giants, with a calm and patient demeanor.
Their intelligence and independent nature make them a great fit for families who value their freedom and autonomy. They are not as demanding as some other breeds and are happy to entertain themselves.
For your interest: Great Pyrenees Coat Colors
What Are They?
The Great Pyrenees is an ancient breed with a rich history dating back to the Bronze Age. They were highly valued for their intelligence and loyalty, which is still evident today.
Originally, Great Pyrenees were working dogs, used to herd cattle, sheep, and reindeer. They were also used to carry messages and supplies to French troops during World War II.
These majestic dogs are now mostly kept as pets, where they thrive in a loving family environment. They love being part of a family and enjoying a home life.
Here are some key physical characteristics of the Great Pyrenees breed:
- Tall: 64-80 cm
- Weight: 38-54 kg
Their average lifespan is between 10-12 years, which is a testament to their robust health.
They're Instinctively Nurturing
One of the most endearing qualities of Great Pyrenees is their instinct to be nurturing. They're not just guard dogs, but true guardians that care for and protect their loved ones.
Their instinct is to be kind to and patient with all vulnerable animals, making them a great companion for families with children or other pets.
In fact, they tend to like well-mannered children if they're well-socialised with them, and can even get on well with other animals if socialised at a young age.
Here are some key characteristics that make Great Pyrenees such nurturing companions:
- They're naturally gentle and calm, making them a great match for families with kids.
- They have a strong instinct to care for and protect vulnerable animals.
- Early socialization is key to helping them become well-adjusted and well-mannered companions.
By understanding and embracing their nurturing nature, you can build a strong and loving bond with your Great Pyrenees.
Care and Needs
Great Pyrenees need regular grooming to stay clean and healthy. They have a thick, fluffy double coat that sheds heavily in the springtime, so they need to be groomed 1-2 times a week, or more often if they're shedding heavily.
Their coat can also help keep them cool in summer and warm in winter, but they can overheat in particularly warm weather. You can bathe them every 1-2 months or if they roll in something dirty and need a good wash.
Regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste is also essential, ideally twice daily, but do it as often as you can if that's not possible.
Exercise Needs
Exercise is a crucial part of a Great Pyrenees' daily routine. They need around 1 hour of exercise per day, depending on their age and health status.
Broaden your view: Great Pyrenees Exercise Needs
Adult Great Pyrenees require a significant amount of physical exercise, but it's essential to remember that puppies need to be handled with care. Puppies should not be over-exercised and should not have full exercise levels until they are fully grown, which can take up to 18-24 months.
A walk with plenty of opportunities for sniffing and investigation is a must for these dogs. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise, and a walk is a great way to provide both.
Mentally stimulating games at home or in a well-enclosed garden are also ideal for Great Pyrenees. They are known for their love of fence jumping and solo adventures, so a secure area is a must.
Here are some exercise guidelines to keep in mind:
- Adult Great Pyrenees: 1 hour of exercise per day
- Puppies: 18-24 months before full exercise levels are reached
- Physical exercise + mental stimulation = happy Great Pyrenees!
What Do They Eat?
When feeding your Great Pyrenees, it's essential to provide a complete and balanced diet. Adult Great Pyrenees should eat a specific dog food for large or giant breeds twice daily, with occasional treats in moderation.
Great Pyrenees can be prone to getting overweight, so it's crucial to monitor their food intake. If they're at a healthy weight, you should be able to comfortably feel their ribs without counting them.
Puppies require a different feeding schedule than adults. They should initially eat four times a day, then down to three, and finally to two at six months old.
Great Pyrenees love treats, but they should only make up a maximum of 10% of their daily calorie intake. This means finding healthy and tasty alternatives to reward them.
To ensure your Great Pyrenees is at a healthy weight, check their body condition regularly. They should have a nice neat waist when viewed from the top, and a good tuck from their chest to their tummy. If you're unsure, consult your vet for advice.
Here are the feeding guidelines for Great Pyrenees at a glance:
- Adults: Eat twice daily, with occasional treats in moderation.
- Puppies: Eat four times a day initially, then down to three, and finally to two at six months old.
- Transition to adult food: Gradually change between 18 and 24 months old, with advice from your pet food supplier and/or vet.
Are Healthy?
As a Great Pyrenees owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your furry friend.
Great Pyrenees are prone to joint problems, including elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and luxating patella.
These conditions can cause pain and mobility issues, so regular check-ups with your vet are crucial to catch any problems early on.
If you're considering bringing a Great Pyrenees into your family, it's a good idea to discuss their joint health with your vet before making a decision.
Here are some common joint problems that can affect Great Pyrenees:
- Elbow Dysplasia: a condition where the bones don't fit together properly at the elbow joint
- Hip Dysplasia: a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis don't sit together properly at the hip joint
- Luxating Patella: when a dog's kneecap moves out of its normal position
Information and Pictures
You can find a wealth of information about your pet's care and needs online, but it's essential to verify the credibility of the sources.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends a balanced diet for your pet, which should include a mix of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
A well-stocked pet first aid kit should include items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers.
Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify potential health issues early on, and prevent more serious problems from developing.
A happy and healthy pet is a well-exercised one, and daily walks or playtime can help keep them active and engaged.
Ownership and Experiences
As a gentle giant, the full blood Great Pyrenees is a loving and docile breed that thrives on human interaction.
They are perfect for families with children, as they love people and are naturally affectionate.
Pyrenees Mountain Dogs, like Honey, don't need too much exercise, but do require an enclosed garden to keep them safe due to their "patrolling" nature.
Miska, another Pyr, is a friendly giant breed puppy who loves other dogs and gets lots of attention from passersby on his walks.
He's not the most obedient dog, but all he wants is love and attention to keep him happy.
Moon loves to exercise, but only needs about an hour a day, and she's always up for a social outing to sniff out new smells.
She's a natural people person, and people often want to come over and give her a cuddle, which she loves just as much as her owners do.
For your interest: Great Pyrenees Standard
They Were Bred to Guard
The Great Pyrenees was bred to be a livestock guard dog for the farmers in the Pyrenees Mountains of Europe.
These farmers bred the Great Pyrenees and the smaller Pyrenean Shepherds, with the latter in charge of herding.
The Great Pyrenees was specifically tasked with protecting the flock from predators like wolves and bears.
BorrowMyDoggy Owners' Experiences with Mountain Dogs
BorrowMyDoggy owners have shared their experiences with Mountain Dogs, giving us a glimpse into what it's like to live with these gentle giants. They are known to be very docile and love people and children.
A Pyrenees Mountain Dog's exercise needs are relatively low, requiring only about an hour a day. They do love social time out and about, so regular walks are a must.
These dogs are naturally friendly and outgoing, often making friends wherever they go. They love attention and affection, and can become quite the cuddlebug.
Their grooming needs are moderate, requiring 1-2 times a week of brushing, with more frequent brushing during shedding season. They also need regular baths, ideally every 1-2 months.
Here's a quick rundown of what you can expect in terms of grooming:
- Brush 1-2 times a week, more often during shedding season
- Bathe every 1-2 months, or as needed
- Regular tooth brushing with dog-specific toothpaste is ideal
Overall, owning a Mountain Dog can be a wonderful experience, filled with love, laughter, and adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a full blooded Great Pyrenees worth?
A full-blooded Great Pyrenees typically costs between $600 and $2,500, depending on the breeder and working dog lines.
How can you tell if a Great Pyrenees is full blooded?
A full-blooded Great Pyrenees typically has a solid white coat with minimal markings, such as small patches of color on the head, ears, and tail. However, the presence of markings alone is not a definitive indicator of purity, and further evaluation is necessary to confirm a dog's ancestry.
Can full blooded Great Pyrenees have spots?
Yes, full-blooded Great Pyrenees can have markings of varying size, including spots, on their body, head, ears, tail, and undercoat. These markings can appear in shades of gray, badger, reddish brown, or tan.
What is a Great Pyrenees bleeding disorder?
Great Pyrenees dogs can be prone to a bleeding disorder called Glanzmann thrombasthenia, which causes prolonged bleeding and easy bruising due to platelet function issues. Learn more about this condition and its impact on the breed.
How big does a purebred Great Pyrenees get?
A purebred Great Pyrenees typically stands between 25-32 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs over 100 pounds. They are a large and strong breed, making them a majestic companion.
Sources
- CHIEN DE MONTAGNE DES PYRÉNÉES (Pyrenean Mountain Dog) (fci.be)
- Facts About the Great Pyrenees That You May Not Know (akc.org)
- All about Great Pyrenees (and their mixes) (bigfluffydogs.com)
- Great Pyrenees Guide | Exercise Needs | Stories & Tips (borrowmydoggy.com)
- Great Pyrenees Dog Breed Information and Pictures (dogbreedinfo.com)
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