Great Pyrenees Dogs 101: A Comprehensive Guide to Owning a Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is a majestic breed with a rich history, originating from the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. They were originally bred to guard sheep and other livestock.

These gentle giants are known for their thick, double coats, which require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. In fact, their coats can get so long that they need to be brushed daily during shedding season.

Great Pyrenees are naturally protective of their families and territories, but they're not generally aggressive unless provoked. They're often described as calm and reserved, making them a great fit for families with children or for people who want a low-maintenance pet.

Despite their large size, Great Pyrenees are surprisingly agile and can be quite athletic, especially when it comes to herding. They require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, but they're not high-energy dogs that need constant attention.

Additional reading: Great Pyrenees Exercise Needs

The Great Pyrenees is a majestic breed, and its size is one of its most notable features. They typically stand between 25-29 inches tall at the shoulder for females, and 27-32 inches for males.

Females of the breed usually weigh 85 pounds or more, while males tip the scales at 100 pounds or more.

The Great Pyrenees has a distinctive double coat, with a thick undercoat and long, coarse guard hairs that are either straight or slightly waved.

The Great Pyrenees is a large breed of dog, and its size is one of its most distinctive features.

Females typically stand between 25-29 inches tall, while males can reach heights of 27-32 inches.

Males can weigh a significant amount, with a minimum weight of 100 pounds or more. Females are also quite large, with a minimum weight of 85 pounds or more.

Here's a comparison of the height and weight ranges for both males and females:

The Great Pyrenees is a majestic and regal breed. They have a double coat with a thick undercoat and long, coarse guard hairs that are either straight or slightly waved.

Their coat colors are white or white with markings of gray, badger, reddish brown, or varying shades of tan. A common coat color for the Great Pyrenees is white, making up 79% of their coats according to FidoTabby Alert's database.

The Great Pyrenees is known to be an intelligent, calm, and gentle dog when well trained and socialized.

They truly have the reputation of being a gentle giant, and are incredibly affectionate with their family members.

However, they tend to be reserved around strangers.

The Great Pyrenees' storied past as a shepherd's guard animal fostered gentle patience and care, traits which live on to this day.

They are an excellent option for prospective owners looking for a gentle giant of a companion that's great with children and adults alike.

The Pyr only breaks from its calm disposition when it feels as if those under its care are at risk.

This breed offers a wonderful blend of canine activity and calm tranquility for owners who enjoy rest as much as play.

Great Pyrenees dogs are wonderful companions that love spending quiet time with their families inside and appreciate calm and predictable daily routines.

They are wary of strangers and that, combined with their protective natures, means training and socializing them as puppies is crucial.

The Great Pyrenees can make good family dogs for families that are experienced with guarding dog breeds.

They tend to behave very well around older children, but require supervision when around very young children.

These gentle giants were bred as protectors, and when not warding off threats with their imposing barks, they are quite docile and gentle.

The Great Pyrenees is a loving and devoted dog that will protect everyone in the household with strength and dignity.

They are very patient and gentle with children, but aren't terribly playful.

The Great Pyrenees love a good walk or energetic play session, but they are cold weather dogs, so they are often content to curl up in the shade during the hotter parts of the day and nap those toasty hours away.

The Great Pyrenees is a relatively healthy dog breed, especially when compared to other dog breeds of a similar size. However, they can be prone to certain health issues, including Entropion, Bloat, Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation, Cataracts, and Addison’s Disease.

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These health concerns can be costly to treat, with emergency fees for injuries and complications setting owners back thousands of dollars. To offset these surprise costs, consider investing in pet health insurance, where a few dollars a month can end up saving you thousands.

Proper nutrition and exercise can help manage conditions like Hip Dysplasia, which can be worsened by obesity and muscular atrophy. A good diet and plenty of exercise can help your Pyr avoid these issues.

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

Regular vet visits and proper vaccinations can help prevent many of these health issues. In fact, starting strong with early vet visits is key to ensuring your new furry friend stays healthy.

The Great Pyrenees is a hearty breed that doesn't need as much exercise as you might think, just 30 to 40 minutes per day. They're happy with shorter strolls, which makes them a great fit for busy owners.

Their diet is another story, as they eat a lot - about four and a half cups of food per day. Spreading this out into two to three meals can help prevent bloat and keep them fuller for longer.

High-quality dog food is usually a good choice for Great Pyrenees, and they're not as prone to food allergies or intolerances as some breeds. However, it's still possible for them to develop these issues, so keep an eye on their eating habits.

To maintain a healthy weight, stick to 4 to 6 cups of dry food per day, spread out over two meals. This will help keep them from packing on extra pounds.

As with any dog, be careful what you feed them as treats. Chocolate, onions, nuts, and anything with caffeine are all off-limits. Sticking to vet-approved kibble and treats is always the best bet.

In terms of exercise, an hour of walking per day is a good starting point. This can be broken up into shorter strolls to fit around your schedule. Your Great Pyr will love the extra attention, and it's great exercise for them too.

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Training a Great Pyrenees requires patience and consistency, as they can be independent and stubborn at times. Positive reinforcement is key to successful training.

Start basic obedience training with your Great Pyrenees puppy as soon as possible, using positive reinforcement methods. This will help them become confident and calm in any situation.

The Great Pyrenees is a naturally docile breed, but they can be challenging to train due to their independent nature. Owners need to be confident and assertive to demand obedience.

Use a clicker to make training more manageable and structured. It's also essential to address behaviors like digging early on, as they can be a problem in hotter climates.

Great Pyrenees puppies need socialization and exposure to various environments, people, animals, sights, and sounds to become confident and calm. This will also help them develop good habits and reduce behavioral problems.

Here are some common behavioral problems to watch out for in Great Pyrenees:

These problems can be prevented and corrected with proper training, patience, and consistency. By understanding your Great Pyrenees' body language and responding to their needs, you can build a strong bond and overcome training challenges.

Training is not just about teaching your dog tricks; it's about creating a peaceful and harmonious relationship with your pet. With the right approach and techniques, you can enjoy a happy and healthy relationship with your Great Pyrenees.

The Great Pyrenees can make good family dogs for families that are experienced with guarding dog breeds. They tend to behave well around older children, but require supervision when around very young children due to their powerful build and large size.

Supervision is key when introducing young children to a Great Pyrenees. This is especially important when the children are very young.

With proper training and socialization, Great Pyrenees can get along well with other dogs, especially smaller ones. However, they may perceive large and powerful dogs as a threat.

It's essential to expose your Great Pyrenees puppy to various environments, people, animals, sights, and sounds to prepare them to be confident and calm in any situation. This will also help them develop good social skills.

Great Pyrenees are relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming and exercise, making them a great choice for families who want a loyal companion without too much fuss.

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The Great Pyrenees has a thick and dense double coat that needs to be brushed at least once a week to remove shedding hair.

Brushing once a week should help with the excess hair, as they shed like crazy. You won't need to give them a bath often, usually no more than 3 or 4 baths a year, if you brush them frequently enough.

Their coat is tangle and dirt-resistant, making brushing a much easier chore. They have dense double coats that are weatherproof and surprisingly easy to groom.

You'll also need to keep your Great Pyrenees' nails trimmed, as they can grow a bit too long if not checked regularly. It's a good idea to trim their nails as part of your regular grooming routine.

Cleaning their ears and brushing their teeth are also important regular grooming habits to maintain your Great Pyrenees' overall health. A good quality dog shampoo is recommended for their occasional baths.

With regular grooming, your Great Pyrenees will look and feel great, and you'll be able to enjoy their company without too much hassle.

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The cost of caring for a Great Pyrenees can be significant, with potential vet bills running into the thousands of dollars due to the breed's tendency to develop certain health issues.

Routine vet visits are a necessary part of owning a Great Pyrenees, and owners should be prepared for these expenses.

Investing in pet health insurance can help offset the surprise costs of unexpected vet visits, with a few dollars a month potentially saving you thousands of dollars in the long run.

Pet owners can also consider setting up a pet savings account to build a rainy day fund for their furry friend.

Great Pyrenees are prone to developing hereditary conditions, which can be costly to treat, and it's essential to choose an insurance plan that covers these conditions.