Great Pyrenees France as Livestock Guardians

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

In France, the Great Pyrenees was highly valued for their ability to protect sheep from predators. The breed's strong instinct to defend their flock made them a popular choice for French shepherds.

One of the key characteristics of the Great Pyrenees is their strong protective instincts. They are naturally wary of strangers and will defend their flock with their lives if necessary.

The Great Pyrenees is a large dog, typically weighing between 85 and 115 pounds. Their thick coats and sturdy build make them well-suited to the rugged terrain of the Pyrenees Mountains.

For more insights, see: Breed Standard Great Pyrenees

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a very large and heavily built breed of livestock guardian dog. They stand from 70 to 82 centimetres (28 to 32 inches) tall.

Their weight typically ranges from 55 to 75 kilograms (121 to 165 pounds). The breed's head is not overly large in comparison to the body.

A distinctive feature of the breed is that it possesses double dewclaws on the hind legs. The absence of which is considered a disqualifying fault in conformation shows.

The breed has a long and thick double coat that provides protection from harsh weather. This coat is particularly long around the neck, tail, and backs of the legs.

The breed is predominantly white in colour, with patches of black, badger, grey, or various shades of tan found mostly on the head.

For your interest: When Do Great Pyrenees Get Their Full Coat

Great Pyrenees are known to be quite stubborn, so they're often not recommended for inexperienced dog owners. However, with patience, consistency, and kindness, they can learn and be well-trained dogs.

They're a smart breed, but they can get bored with training, so keeping it engaging is really important. This means using positive praise and time spent on good training methods.

The typical Great Pyrenees temperament is calm, independent, and alert. They're gentle, but may be wary of strangers. This can make them a great fit for families with children who understand how to interact with dogs.

See what others are reading: How to Train Great Pyrenees

However, their protective instincts mean they may not be the best fit for homes with smaller children who may be easily harmed by an accidental bump from a 100-pound dog.

Here are some key things to consider when training a Great Pyrenees:

Their independence can make them difficult to train, but with the right approach, they can be excellent pets. They're intelligent and a quick learner, but they require firm obedience training from an early age to prevent physical and mental exhaustion.

Great Pyrenees are known for their majestic white coat, which has a long outer coat and soft undercoat. This silky outer fur is resistant to tangles and dirt, making their grooming needs not excessive.

However, they are heavy shedders, and more frequent grooming can help pet parents stay on top of the flying fur. You can bathe them every 1-2 months or if they roll in something dirty and need a good wash!

Additional reading: Great Pyrenees Matted Fur

To keep their coat in great shape, weekly brushing is a must to maintain their soft undercoat and minimize shedding in the home. Regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is also ideal, but do it as often as you can if you can't manage that.

Great Pyrenees need to be groomed 1-2 times a week, more often when they are shedding heavily, which is most commonly seen in the springtime. They have thick, fluffy, double coats, which can help to keep them cool in summer and warm in winter, but they can overheat in particularly warm weather.

Here's a quick rundown of their grooming needs:

Great Pyrenees from France are known for their majestic appearance and gentle nature, but their dietary needs are just as important as their physical characteristics. Adult Great Pyrenees should eat a complete, balanced dog food, specific for large or giant breeds if possible, twice daily.

To ensure your Great Pyrenees stays healthy, it's essential to monitor their food intake. Great Pyrenees can be a little prone to getting overweight, so make sure to not overfeed them.

A good rule of thumb is to be able to comfortably feel your pooch’s ribs, but not count them, when they are standing normally. They should also have a nice neat waist when you look from the top and a good tuck from their chest up to their tummy.

Here are some general guidelines for feeding your Great Pyrenees:

Choosing the right food for your Great Pyrenees is crucial for their overall health and well-being. A complete and balanced dog food, specifically designed for large or giant breeds, is essential for adult Great Pyrenees.

You should feed your adult Great Pyrenees twice a day, with the option to include occasional treats in moderation. Treats should make up no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake.

Additional reading: Puppy Food for Great Pyrenees

Puppies, on the other hand, require more frequent feeding. They should initially eat four times a day, then gradually decrease to three times a day, and finally to two times a day by six months old.

It's essential to monitor your Great Pyrenees' body weight and ensure they're not overfed. A healthy Great Pyrenees should have a visible waistline and a slight tuck from their chest to their tummy.

Here's a rough guide to help you determine your Great Pyrenees' ideal weight:

Remember, every dog is unique, and their dietary needs may vary. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best food for your Great Pyrenees based on their individual health, lifestyle, and weight.

Great Pyrenees are generally very healthy dogs, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health issues.

Their typical lifespan is 10-12 years, which is a bit longer than average for giant dogs.

Bones and joints are a common area of concern for Great Pyrenees, with issues like Elbow Dysplasia and Hip Dysplasia being more common than in other breeds.

See what others are reading: Are Great Pyrenees Herding Dogs

Luxating patella, where the kneecap moves out of place, is another joint-related problem that can affect Great Pyrenees.

These health issues can be a concern for owners, but reputable breeders should screen for them to minimize the risk.

Here are some common bone and joint issues that can affect Great Pyrenees:

The Great Pyrenees is a large, elegant dog with a regal expression. Males are 27-32 inches tall at the withers and weigh about 100 pounds; females are somewhat smaller and lighter.

The breed standard emphasizes balance and proportion in the dog's appearance and gait. Dogs of both sexes should be somewhat longer than tall when measured from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttocks.

The Great Pyrenees head should be wedge-shaped with a slightly rounded crown, medium-sized, dark brown, almond-shaped eyes; small-to-medium v-shaped ears carried flat against the sides of the head; and tight lips.

The Great Pyrenees is a large, elegant dog with a regal expression. Males are 27-32 inches tall at the withers and weigh about 100 pounds.

The breed is not always pure white. Markings of gray, badger, reddish brown, or tan are accepted on the head, including a full face mask, and on ears, tail, and a few body spots.

The Great Pyrenees is not a white Newfoundland and should not have the heavy head and bone of a Newf. Newf s are shorter (average height for males is 28 inches) and heavier (weight for males is 130-150 pounds).

The Pyr head should be wedge-shaped with a slightly rounded crown, medium-sized, dark brown, almond-shaped eyes; small-to-medium v-shaped ears carried flat against the sides of the head; and tight lips.

The Pyr body has a strong neck, level back, moderately broad chest, broad back and loin, and long plumed tail.

Consider reading: Great Pyrenees Big White Dog Breeds

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is today used in its original role as a livestock guardian.

They're still used by French shepherds in the French Pyrenees and the French Alps.

In the United States, they're also being used as livestock guardians.

This breed has been able to adapt to new environments while maintaining its original purpose.

Great Pyrenees make wonderful companions in urban households, thanks to their calm lifestyle. They're gentle and affectionate towards their family.

Early socialization is crucial to help them become their best self. This means exposing them to new people, places, and experiences from an early age.

Great Pyrenees aren't typically known for excelling in obedience championships, due to their independent thinking. They do, however, respond well to patience and routine.

As livestock guardians, Great Pyrenees excel at protecting farm animals. They can thrive in homes where they have space to roam with other animals.