Full Grown Pyrenees Lab Mix: A Comprehensive Overview of Health, Temperament, and Lifestyle

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Posted Oct 28, 2024

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The Full Grown Pyrenees Lab Mix is a large breed dog that typically weighs between 70-120 pounds and stands between 23-28 inches tall at the shoulder.

This mix inherits the ruggedness and loyalty of the Great Pyrenees and the intelligence and athleticism of the Labrador Retriever.

Their thick double coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, especially during shedding season.

Their calm and gentle nature makes them a great companion for families with children.

Physical Characteristics

A full-grown Pyrenees Lab mix is an impressive sight to behold.

They typically stand tall, measuring between 23 to 32 inches in height at the shoulder.

Their weight can vary, but on average, they weigh between 70 to 120 pounds.

Their robust build is characterized by a well-muscled body and a strong bone structure.

Labrenees dogs exhibit a diverse dog coat color palette, which may include shades of white, cream, black, brown, and gray.

Their ears can vary in shape and size, ranging from the erect ears of the Labrador Retriever to the pendant ears often seen in the Great Pyrenees.

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A Pyrador's jowls are likely to be slightly droopy, and their muzzles are a little square in shape with a big dark fleshy nose.

Their tails will be thick and long, and their large eyes will be brown or blue.

The weight of a fully grown Labrenees can vary widely, influenced by factors such as genetics, diet, and exercise.

Pyradors that take after the Lab parent's size will be a bit smaller, while those which take after their Great Pyrenees parent will be the largest.

Generally speaking, females will be shorter and lighter than males.

Pyradors may weigh anywhere from 55 to 100+ pounds, but many do not reach full Pyrenees height and weight.

Their coat may be solid yellow, black, or chocolate like a Labrador, or it may be white or off-white with badger, gray, tan, or reddish brown markings like a Great Pyrenees.

Temperament and Behavior

Full grown Pyrenees Lab mixes are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, often forming strong bonds with their families and making great devoted companions.

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They can be quite energetic, thriving in environments where they can engage in activities like fetch, frisbee, and long walks, making them ideal companions for active individuals and families.

These dogs may inherit protective instincts from their Great Pyrenees ancestry, making them excellent watchdogs, alerting their owners to potential dangers and strangers approaching their territory.

With proper training, a Pyrador will eventually display a social and playful character, warming up to family friends and regular visitors.

However, they may be a little hard to settle down at bedtime due to their Pyrenees parent's nocturnal nature, and may bark at strange humans in the early hours of the morning.

As with other Labrador mixes, they will be very energetic throughout the day, loving to play fetch with their humans and displaying their Retriever parents' fun side.

But, if there's no one around to give them attention, they'll happily take themselves off to their bed or crate and snooze for a few hours.

Their intelligence makes them easy to train, and they're generally very friendly and great with families and children, although they should be supervised with younger children and trained to be extra gentle and careful.

As a crossbreed, temperament isn't as predictable, and your Pyrador could take after either parent breed or a combination of both, making it essential to ask about the parents' temperament to narrow down what to expect.

Care and Maintenance

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When it comes to grooming, I've found that regular brushing is a must for a full-grown Pyrenees Lab mix. Regular brushing helps prevent tangles, mats, and excessive shedding. Brushing also helps distribute natural oils and promotes a healthy coat.

Bathing is not a daily necessity, but rather every 6 to 8 weeks or when they become dirty or odorous. Use a dog-friendly shampoo and ensure thorough rinsing. I've learned that it's essential to be gentle when bathing your Pyrenees Lab mix, as their skin can be sensitive.

Checking and cleaning the ears regularly is crucial to prevent infections. Gently wipe the ears with a damp cloth and avoid inserting anything into the ear canal.

Trimming the nails every few weeks is also essential to prevent overgrowth. Be cautious not to cut too close to the quick, as it may cause bleeding and discomfort.

Maintaining dental hygiene is also vital for your Pyrenees Lab mix. Brush their teeth regularly and provide dental treats or toys designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup.

Here's a summary of the grooming schedule:

  • Brushing: once a week
  • Bathing: every 6 to 8 weeks
  • Ears: clean regularly
  • Nails: trim every few weeks
  • Dental hygiene: brush teeth regularly

Socialization and Training

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Socialization is key to raising a well-behaved and well-adjusted Pyrenees Lab mix. You should start socializing your puppy from a young age to help them develop confidence and positive associations.

Introduce your puppy to various environments, people, and other animals to help them grow up to be happy and confident in all situations. Socialization can help reduce fear-based aggression in puppies.

Positive reinforcement techniques are a must during training sessions. Reward your puppy with treats, praise, and affection for desired behaviors, such as following commands or exhibiting good manners.

Obedience training is crucial, teaching basic commands like "sit", "stay", "come", and "down." Consistent training sessions with clear communication and patience will help your puppy understand and obey your commands.

Leash and crate training are also essential skills for your Pyrenees Lab mix to learn. Train your puppy to walk on a leash without pulling and to feel comfortable in a crate for their safety and well-being.

Socialization is a lifelong process, and you should continue to expose your puppy to new experiences, people, and places to prevent behavioral issues and ensure their adaptability.

Health and Nutrition

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The health and nutrition of your full-grown Pyrenees Lab mix are crucial for a long and happy life. To ensure your Pyrador stays healthy, it's essential to feed them a well-balanced diet that includes high-quality dog food rich in essential nutrients.

Proper nutrition is paramount to the health and well-being of your Pyrador. A veterinarian can help determine their specific nutritional requirements based on age, weight, and activity level. Monitor portion sizes to prevent overfeeding or underfeeding, and adjust as needed to maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity.

Pyradors are prone to obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), so it's vital to feed them high-quality kibbles designed for large breeds. They typically need around 3 cups of kibble every day, and it's essential to monitor their food intake to prevent overeating.

Here's a rough estimate of the monthly cost of feeding your Pyrador:

  • $28 to $30 a month for dry dog food
  • $36 for a month’s supply of wet food
  • Around $10 a month for treats.

Diet and Nutrition

Proper nutrition is crucial for a Pyrador's health and well-being. A well-balanced diet that includes high-quality dog food rich in essential nutrients is a must.

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Before selecting a diet for your Pyrador, consult with a veterinarian to determine their specific nutritional requirements based on age, weight, and activity level. This will ensure you're providing the best possible nutrition for your dog.

Pyradors are big dogs and need around three cups of high-quality kibble every day. However, this amount can vary depending on their size and energy levels.

To prevent obesity, it's essential to monitor portion sizes and adjust them as needed. Avoid leaving food out in the open, as they'll eat everything in sight.

Pyradors are prone to obesity due to their Labrador influence, so it's crucial to limit food intake and ensure they get sufficient exercise and physical activity. Aim for moderate exercise, not right after eating, but every day.

The cost of feeding a Pyrador can add up, with estimates ranging from $28 to $30 per month for dry dog food, $36 for a month's supply of wet food, and around $10 per month for treats.

Here's a rough breakdown of the estimated monthly costs:

  • Dry dog food: $28-$30
  • Wet food: $36
  • Treats: $10

Remember, a healthy Pyrador can live for 10-12 years, but proper nutrition is key to achieving this.

Health

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A Pyrador's life expectancy is between 10 to 12 years, making them a relatively healthy mixed breed.

The Pyrador can inherit health concerns from either parent, including hip and elbow dysplasia, which can be caused by rapid bone growth as a puppy or inherited from their parents.

Hip and elbow dysplasia can lead to paralysis in later life, so it's essential to feed your Pyrador the correct nutrition and consider their parent's hip scores.

Eye conditions such as late-onset Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Cataracts, or Entropion can also be inherited.

Patella Luxation, where the kneecap is dislocated from its normal position, is another potential health issue.

Looking into pet health insurance while your Pyrador is young may be a good idea, especially for emergency situations.

Some pet insurance carriers offer Wellness plans that help with routine and preventative care, which can be beneficial for your Pyrador's health.

Here are some estimated monthly costs for your Pyrador's food:

  • Dry dog food: $28 to $30 a month
  • Wet food: $36 for a month's supply
  • Treats: around $10 a month

What Is Life Expectancy of?

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The life expectancy of our furry friends is a crucial aspect of their overall health and well-being. The Great Pyrenees Lab mix lifespan is 10-20 years.

Grooming and Shedding

Grooming is a crucial part of your Pyrenees Lab mix's life, and it's essential to understand their specific needs.

Regular brushing is a must, with a minimum of weekly brushing to prevent tangles, mats, and excessive shedding.

A half Lab half Great Pyrenees will definitely be a heavy shedder, especially during seasonal shedding in Spring and Fall.

To combat the hair, you'll want to run a brush over their coat at least weekly, and be prepared for moderate shedding throughout the rest of the year.

Their coat is dirt-resistant and relatively clean, so you can bathe them once every 8 to 12 weeks, but no more.

Here's a quick rundown of their grooming needs:

  • Brush their coat at least weekly
  • Bathe them once every 8 to 12 weeks
  • Trim their nails every few weeks
  • Check and clean their ears regularly
  • Brush their teeth regularly

Coat & Colors

Your Pyrador's coat is truly something special. It's a medium-to-long coat of thick and fluffy fur, perfectly suited to cold winters.

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Both Labradors and Great Pyrenees were originally bred for working in cold environments, so it's no surprise their offspring inherits this trait.

He'll shed heavily during shedding season and moderately throughout the year, so be prepared for regular grooming sessions.

It's likely that he'll take one solid color as opposed to a mixture, but you can never be fully sure with a crossbreed.

He'll sport any color of either parent, which could mean white, cream, yellow, brown, or black.

Short or fluffy white fur is a common outcome due to both breeds having a lighter coat variant.

Does Shed

Pyradors shed a lot, especially during the shedding season in Spring and Fall. They will also shed moderately throughout the rest of the year. Be prepared for a lot of dog hair.

You can expect to brush your Pyrador's coat at least weekly to prevent matting and tangling. Brushing will also help distribute natural oils and promote a healthy coat.

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Pyradors have a thick double coat, with a dense undercoat and thick and fluffy top layer, which means they will shed heavily. Brushing regularly will help reduce the amount of loose hair in your home.

A good deshedding tool will be your best friend when it comes to managing your Pyrador's shedding. Use it regularly to keep your home and clothes as hair-free as possible.

Here's a rough estimate of what you can expect in terms of shedding:

Keep in mind that every dog is different, and the amount of shedding will vary depending on your Pyrador's individual characteristics. However, with regular brushing and the right tools, you can manage their shedding and keep your home clean and hair-free.

Choosing a Companion

To choose a full-grown Pyrenees Lab mix as your companion, evaluate your lifestyle, daily routine, and activity level to determine if they're a suitable match. Consider their exercise needs and grooming requirements.

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Adequate space is essential, both indoors and outdoors, to accommodate the size and energy levels of a Pyrenees Lab mix. They need room to move around while inside and an enclosed area to roam outside in.

Be prepared to commit time and effort to provide proper care, training, and companionship to your Pyrenees Lab mix throughout their life. This includes regular exercise, grooming, and socialization.

If you're considering adopting a Pyrenees Lab mix, research and choose a responsible source, such as a reputable breeder or rescue organization.

Exercise and Lifestyle

Exercise and lifestyle are closely tied for a full-grown Pyrenees Lab mix. They require at least 60 minutes of exercise every day.

To meet their exercise needs, incorporate daily physical activities like brisk walks, playtime, and mentally stimulating games. This can be a combination of interactive play sessions, such as fetch and puzzle toys, and outdoor adventures like hiking or swimming.

A Pyrador's exercise routine will depend on their individual energy level, which can vary depending on their parent breeds. If they take after their Labrador parent, they'll need more strenuous and interactive activities, whereas if they're more like their Pyrenees parent, they'll prefer calmer exercise.

Their living conditions must also be suitable, with a large outdoor space to roam in and a home that's big enough to accommodate their size. A fenced-in yard is ideal to prevent them from wandering off after a scent or running an "intruder" off.

Active Lifestyle

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Living in an apartment or city can be a challenge for a Pyrador, as they require a lot of space to roam and exercise. They have a strong hunting instinct and are very protective, making them best suited for active families with a large outdoor space.

A Pyrador's exercise needs can vary depending on which parent breed they take after, but most require at least 60 minutes of exercise per day. This can include long walks, interactive play, and mentally stimulating games.

If you're an active person with a big yard, a Pyrador can be a great companion for outdoor adventures like hiking, running, or swimming. Water activities are especially suitable for Pyradors, as they come naturally to them through their Labrador and Great Pyrenees heritage.

However, if you live in an apartment or city, it's essential to consider whether you can provide the necessary exercise and attention for a Pyrador. They need a lot of physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

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A Pyrador's size and energy level can be a challenge for families with small children, but with proper supervision and socialization, they can be great companions for kids. They'll often sit guard next to their favorite family members, making them a loving and loyal addition to the family.

Ultimately, a Pyrador's exercise needs are closely tied to their living conditions and lifestyle. If you're an active person with a big yard, a Pyrador can thrive with you. But if you live in a small space, it's essential to consider whether you can provide the necessary exercise and attention for this energetic breed.

When is Great?

A Great Pyrenees Lab mix will be considered full-grown when they reach between 25 and 29 inches tall as a male or between 23 and 27 inches as a female.

Males will weigh between 80 and 100 pounds and females between 70 and 90 pounds, but some Pyradors have been recorded as weighing up to 120 pounds.

They require a large living space to accommodate their size and won't fare well in a small apartment.

A spacious yard or regular access to a large outdoor area is essential for these dogs to get the exercise they need.

Parent Breeds and History

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The Pyrador is a relatively new designer dog, which means its appearance and temperament can still vary and be somewhat unpredictable. This is because it's likely to be a first- or second-generation pup, inheriting traits from both parent breeds.

To understand the Pyrador, you need to learn about its parent breeds, including their characteristics and temperament. If there's a characteristic you're not keen on, it's essential to consider getting another mix.

The Pyrador's parent breeds have a rich history, which can determine the physical and personality traits of the dog. Understanding the original purpose of a dog can give you insight into its inherited traits and instinctive purposes.

Take a look at this: Stafford Bull Terrier Mix

Parental Similarity

If the Pyrador takes more after the Labrador parent, they will have a lot of energy and will be very playful. They will be very sociable, just like Labradors are, and will need companionship so as to not feel lonely or bored.

Mix Breed Dog Sitting
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They will be very easy to train and will be eager to please. I've heard that owners of Labradors rave about how quickly they pick up new commands!

If the Pyrador takes more after the Great Pyrenees parent, they will be extremely loyal, which can lead to territorial and protective behavior towards strangers. This is something to keep in mind if you live in a busy neighborhood.

They will be alert and protective and have a very strong sense of family, so they will be great with children and with other household pets. I've seen Pyrenees mixes thrive in families with kids, providing gentle but firm guidance.

Parent Breeds and History

The Pyrador's parent breeds are a key part of understanding this dog. The Pyrador is a relatively new designer dog, and as such, its appearance and temperament can still vary and be somewhat unpredictable.

To make sure you're a good fit for a Pyrador, you need to like all its genetic possibilities and both parents. If there's a characteristic you aren't keen on, you might want to consider getting another mix.

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Understanding the history and origin of a dog breed is more important than many believe, as the original purpose of a dog can determine the physical and personality traits that it has. The history of a dog breed can also give you insight into its instinctive purposes.

The Pyrador's parent breeds have a rich history, and learning about them can help you understand your dog's behavior. The original purpose of the Great Pyrenees, for example, was to guard sheep, which makes sense given its protective instincts.

If the Pyrador takes more after the Great Pyrenees, they'll be extremely loyal, which can lead to territorial and protective behavior towards strangers. They're also great with children and other household pets.

The Great Pyrenees' strong sense of family is a great asset in a pet, and it's something to consider when deciding if a Pyrador is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big will a lab Great Pyrenees mix get?

A Lab Great Pyrenees mix, also known as a Pyrador, will typically grow to be a large-sized dog, measuring 23-28 inches in height and weighing 70-120 pounds.

How long do Pyrenees lab mixes live?

Pyrenees lab mixes typically live for 10-12 years, similar to their parent breeds. Regular health checkups are crucial to ensure a long and healthy life for this mixed breed.

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.