Great Pyrenees Breed Standard: Size, Temperament, and Health

The Great Pyrenees is a majestic breed that originated in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. They were originally bred to guard sheep and other livestock.

Great Pyrenees typically stand between 25 and 32 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 85 and 115 pounds. Males are generally larger than females.

Their calm and gentle nature makes them an excellent choice for families with children, as they are patient and tolerant. However, they can be wary of strangers and may require time to warm up to new people.

Great Pyrenees are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. Regular veterinary care and genetic testing can help identify potential issues early on.

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The Great Pyrenees breed standard is all about their majestic appearance. They have strong bodies with broad chests and muscular shoulders and thighs.

Their heads are wedge-shaped with small-to-medium-sized, V-shaped ears and medium-sized, almond-shaped eyes. Their tails are well-plumed and carried low.

A Great Pyrenees' neck is strong and fairly short with little or no dewlap. Their broad chest reaches just below the elbows with sides slightly rounded ribcage.

Their hindquarters are broad and muscular with fairly prominent haunches and a slightly sloping rump. They have strong, well-muscled thighs tapering to strong hocks.

Their coats are weather-resistant with a profuse undercoat of fine hairs and an outer coat that's longer, coarser textured, and thick. The hair on their faces and ears is shorter, but more profuse around the neck and shoulders, forming a ruff.

Their coats are white or white with gray, badger, reddish-brown, or tan markings, and may also have white or shaded undercoats.

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The neck is a distinctive feature of this breed, and it's worth noting that it's strong and fairly short. A well-defined neck is a characteristic of this breed.

In terms of dewlap, it's worth mentioning that this breed has little or no dewlap, which is a notable feature.

The Great Pyrenees has a broad chest that reaches just below the elbows. This is a distinctive feature of the breed.

Their sides have a slightly rounded ribcage that extends well to the rear. This gives the dog a strong and sturdy build.

The back is good in length, broad, and muscular, with a straight and level shape. This is a key characteristic of the Great Pyrenees' physique.

Dogs of the breed usually have a more pronounced waist than bitches, giving a greater curve to the lower body. This is a noticeable difference between males and females of the breed.

Great Pyrenees have wedge-shaped heads, which give them a unique and distinctive appearance.

Their ears are small to medium-sized and V-shaped, with rounded tips, adding to their overall majestic look.

Their eyes are medium-sized and almond-shaped, with a dark brown color that's both expressive and endearing.

Their tails are well-plumed, meaning they have long hair that forms a plume, and are carried low, which is a characteristic feature of the breed.

Their feet are rounded and close-cupped, with well-padded toes that help them grip the ground and move with ease.

Their muscular shoulders and thighs are broad and powerful, giving them the strength and agility they need to herd and protect.

Their chests are broad and strong, which is essential for their role as working dogs.

Their coats are a double layer, with a woolly undercoat and a flat, thick outer coat that's coarse and straight or slightly undulating.

Their hair on their faces and ears is shorter, but they have a distinctive ruff around their neck and shoulders, which is more pronounced in males.

Their feathering along the back of their front legs and back of their thighs creates a pantaloon effect, giving them a unique and stylish appearance.

The Great Pyrenees breed standard is not just about their physical characteristics, but also about their temperament and health. Great Pyrenees are confident and fearless dogs that make excellent family pets.

They are also incredibly intelligent, calm, and gentle when well-trained and socialized. In fact, they're known for being patient, tolerant, and mellow companions.

However, they can be strong-willed and independent at times, which means they require consistent training and socialization from an early age. Despite this, they are generally reserved around strangers and make great companions for families who are willing to put in the effort.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Great Pyrenees:

Great Pyrenees are confident and fearless dogs, making them excellent guardians of their flocks and families. They're also strong-willed, independent, and reserved, which can make them a bit challenging to train at times.

Great Pyrenees are known to be intelligent, calm, and gentle when well trained and socialized, making them a great choice for families with prior experience with similar breeds. They're also incredibly affectionate with their family members.

As gentle giants, Great Pyrenees tend to be reserved around strangers, but this can be mitigated with proper socialization. They're generally quiet and composed, which makes them excellent therapy dogs.

Great Pyrenees are patient, tolerant, and mellow companions, making them a great fit for families with children or other pets. They're also known to do well around cats and smaller dogs, but may occasionally perceive other large dogs as a threat.

As you consider bringing a Great Pyrenees into your family, it's essential to understand the potential health concerns that come with this breed. The Great Pyrenees is generally a healthy dog breed, but like any breed, it can be prone to certain health issues.

Entropion, a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, can cause discomfort and vision problems for your Great Pyrenees. This condition can be surgically corrected, but it's crucial to catch it early.

Bloat is another health concern that affects some Great Pyrenees. This life-threatening condition occurs when the stomach twists and cuts off blood flow, and it requires immediate veterinary attention.

Hip Dysplasia, a genetic condition that affects the hip joint, can lead to arthritis and mobility issues in your Great Pyrenees. Regular exercise and a healthy weight can help manage this condition.

Elbow Dysplasia, similar to Hip Dysplasia, affects the elbow joint and can cause pain and mobility issues. Maintaining a healthy weight and providing regular exercise can help alleviate symptoms.

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Patellar Luxation, a condition where the kneecap slips out of place, can cause pain and discomfort for your Great Pyrenees. This condition can be surgically corrected, but it's essential to catch it early.

Cataracts, a clouding of the lens in the eye, can cause vision problems for your Great Pyrenees. This condition can be surgically corrected, but it's crucial to catch it early.

Addison's Disease, a rare hormonal disorder, can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, weight loss, and skin problems. Regular veterinary check-ups can help detect this condition early.

Here is a list of potential health concerns for the Great Pyrenees breed:

Great Pyrenees have a unique coat that requires minimal grooming, but they still need regular brushing to remove cast-off hair.

Brushing your Great Pyrenees at least once a week, and more often during seasonal shedding, can help reduce shedding and prevent matting.

A pin brush or slicker brush is ideal for this task, as they can gently remove loose hair and prevent tangles from forming.

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Regular ear cleanings are also essential to prevent infections and keep your Great Pyrenees' ears healthy.

Nail trims should be done regularly to prevent overgrowth, which can cause discomfort and health problems.

A dental care routine that includes at-home teeth-brushing and professional cleanings is crucial to prevent tartar buildup and promote good oral health.

Starting these grooming essentials when your Great Pyrenees is a puppy will help them become a lifelong habit.