Finding a reputable Great Pyrenees breeder can be a daunting task, especially if it's your first time bringing a new furry family member home.
Research is key, and a good place to start is by asking for referrals from friends, family, or veterinarians who have experience with the breed.
Look for breeders who are transparent about their breeding program, health clearances, and temperament testing.
A reputable breeder will also have a strong focus on the health and well-being of their dogs, and will be happy to share information about their breeding philosophy and practices.
They should also be willing to let you visit their facility and meet the parents of the puppy you're interested in.
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Temperament and Care
The Great Pyrenees is a devoted guardian to its family, but it's wary of strangers, both human and canine. They have a calm and well-mannered demeanor when not provoked.
As a guardian dog, the Great Pyrenees is a natural barker, so be prepared for some noise. They're also gentle with family and children, but they have an independent and stubborn nature.
Because they're wanderers, it's essential to keep them on-leash to prevent them from getting lost or into trouble.
Temperament
The Great Pyrenees is a breed that's naturally wary of strangers, whether human or canine. They're devoted to their family, but can be somewhat serious and independent.
As a guardian dog, the Great Pyrenees is a natural barker. This means they'll alert you to potential threats, but it also means they need regular training to keep their barking in check.
They're gentle with family and children, but their independent nature can make them stubborn at times. This is especially true when it comes to training, so be patient and consistent.
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Upkeep
The Great Pyrenees needs daily exercise to stay in shape, so a moderate walk usually does the trick.
This breed enjoys hiking, especially in cold weather and snow, but it's not a fan of hot weather.
Their thick coat requires regular brushing, ideally once or twice a week, and daily when they're shedding.
Some Great Pyrenees dogs may drool at times, making them a bit messy drinkers.
Don't expect them to be tidy, but with proper care, they'll thrive.
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Health
As you're considering bringing a Great Pyrenees into your family, it's essential to know about the breed's health concerns. Major concerns include Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) and patellar luxation.
Great Pyrenees are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain issues. Minor concerns include entropion, OCD, skin problems, osteosarcoma, cataract, and chondrodysplasia (dwarfism).
Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for detecting any potential health issues early on. Suggested tests for Great Pyrenees include hip and knee evaluations, as well as eye exams.
The average lifespan of a Great Pyrenees is 10-12 years. With proper care and attention, many Great Pyrenees live happy and healthy lives well into their senior years.
Here are some common health issues that can affect Great Pyrenees, grouped by severity:
- Major concerns: CHD, patellar luxation
- Minor concerns: entropion, OCD, skin problems, osteosarcoma, cataract, chondrodysplasia (dwarfism)
- Occasionally seen: gastric torsion, otitis externa, spinal muscular atrophy
Pyrenees as Pets
Great Pyrenees can make wonderful family pets, but it's essential to consider their territorial nature, which can lead to excessive barking.
They are generally friendly towards children and get along well with all family members.
Their loud barking is a result of being bred to scare off potential threats, so if you're looking for a quiet pet, this might not be the best choice.
We work with a Canine Behavioral Specialist to determine the best fit for each puppy, whether it's as a family pet, working dog, or a combination of both.
With proper evaluation and training, a Great Pyrenees can thrive in a family environment and become a loving and loyal companion.
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Breeding and Homing
We take great care in breeding our Great Pyrenees puppies, ensuring they're well-developed and ready for new homes by the time they're around 10 weeks old.
Our puppies are prepared for their future by working with a Canine Behavioral Specialist to match them with the right homes and environments.
We meet with a veterinarian for vaccinations and deworming, and each puppy goes home with an individual health report.
All necessary paperwork is completed, including registering the puppy with the AKC if requested.
We're diligent puppy breeders, which is why all this is necessary.
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Livestock Guardian Dogs
Great Pyrenees are natural livestock guardians, and they thrive in a working farm environment. They're territorial by nature, making them ideal for this purpose.
Our farm, ChamBurn Farm, is a great example of how Great Pyrenees can protect a variety of animals, including chickens, sheep, alpacas, and pigs. They're fiercely loyal to their flock and will charge into action when duty calls.
The pack at ChamBurn Farm receives daily hugs and affection, but they're also trained to be effective livestock guardians. This unique balance of affection and duty is essential for their success in this role.
Newborn Great Pyrenees puppies at ChamBurn Farm are exposed to all the sights, sounds, and smells of a working farm from an early age. This helps them grow into confident adults, prepared for real-life circumstances.
Their working roles can be broken down into two categories: guarding and protecting their flock, and alerting us to potential threats.
Explore further: Great Pyrenees Working Dog
Homing Newborn Puppies
We take pride in finding the best home for our newborn Great Pyrenees puppies.
Our puppies stay on our farm until they're around 10 weeks old, which gives us time to ensure they're well developed and ready for new homes.
We work with a Canine Behavioral Specialist to match puppies with the right homes and environments.
Each puppy receives vaccinations and deworming, and they go home with an individual health report from a veterinarian.
We use a prestigious Puppy Culture Program to prepare each dog physically and mentally for life outside the farm.
All necessary paperwork is completed, including registering the puppy with the AKC if requested.
We're diligent puppy breeders, and we want to ensure every puppy goes to a home that's best suited for their temperament and needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average price of a Great Pyrenees puppy?
The average price of a Great Pyrenees puppy is between $1200 and $2200. Buying from a reputable breeder typically falls within this price range.
Can Great Pyrenees be good house dogs?
Great Pyrenees can make great house dogs for those with a quiet, predictable lifestyle. However, their guarding nature requires careful socialization to ensure they thrive in a domestic setting.
Sources
- Great Pyrenees Livestock Guardian Dogs (blissberry.com)
- Great Pyrenees Dogs & Puppies - Petfinder (petfinder.com)
- Newborn Great Pyrenees Puppies (chamburnfarm.com)
- http://jsgreatpyrenees.com (jsgreatpyrenees.com)
- AKC Great Pyrenees (storybooktailsfarm.com)
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