The Great Pyrenees White: A Comprehensive Guide

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Posted Oct 13, 2024

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Close-Up Shot of a Great Pyrenees Dog Standing on the Grass
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The Great Pyrenees White is a majestic breed that has been a popular choice for many dog owners. They have a thick double coat that sheds heavily, requiring regular grooming.

These dogs are known for their loyalty and protective nature, making them excellent guardians of their families. They are naturally wary of strangers and will defend their loved ones if necessary.

The Great Pyrenees White is a large breed, typically weighing between 85 and 115 pounds. They are also known for their distinctive white coat, which can range in color from pure white to a creamy white.

With proper training and socialization, the Great Pyrenees White can make a wonderful companion for active families.

Appearance

The Great Pyrenees is a stunning breed with a coat that's as white as freshly fallen snow. Their bright white coats are one of their most distinctive features.

Their rounded head is a gentle and intelligent-looking feature, and those brown eyes hold a quiet gaze that's hard to ignore. You can't help but be drawn in by their calm and peaceful expression.

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Their ears are small to medium in size, V-shaped and rounded at the tips, giving them a sweet and endearing look.

Their nose is black and rounded in shape, adding to their overall gentle appearance.

One of the most impressive things about the Great Pyrenees is their thick double coat, which is perfect for their mountain origins. The long, flat outer coat and dense, wooly undercoat work together to keep them warm and cozy in cold weather.

The coat color is either all white or white with some markings in reddish brown, badger (which fades as they age), tan or gray. It's a beautiful and versatile color that suits their elegant appearance.

Their tail is long and feathery, forming a plume that's a joy to behold. It's a great feature to look out for when you're admiring a Great Pyrenees.

Here are the key features of the Great Pyrenees' appearance:

  • Ears: small to medium in size, V-shaped and rounded at the tips
  • Eyes: medium-sized, almond-shaped and dark brown
  • Nose: black and rounded in shape
  • Coat: thick double coat with long, flat outer coat and dense, wooly undercoat
  • Coat Color: all white or white with some markings in reddish brown, badger, tan or gray
  • Tail: long and feathery, forming a plume

They're Instinctively Nurturing

The Great Pyrenees is a breed that's not just about guarding, but also about nurturing. They have an instinct to be kind and patient with vulnerable animals.

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Their history as a flock guardian has taught them to care for and protect the members of the flock. This means they're naturally inclined to be gentle and nurturing.

One of the best things about the Great Pyrenees is their ability to get along well with children and most other pets. This makes them a great addition to families.

Their calm and affectionate nature makes them a perfect companion for those who want a low-maintenance yet loving pet. They're loyal and protective, but also gentle and kind.

A Great Pyrenees will always have their flock's best interests at heart, and this extends to their human family as well. They'll be your loyal companion and protector.

In fact, the Great Pyrenees is known to be a gentle pet, but they can also be strong-willed, so early socialization and training are essential.

Their calm and affectionate nature is perfect for a quiet home life, where they can spend their days lounging with their family.

Care and Grooming

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The Great Pyrenees white is a beautiful breed, but they do require regular grooming to stay clean and healthy. They have a thick, luxurious coat that's surprisingly resistant to dirt and tangles.

You'll need to brush your Pyr's coat weekly to keep it clean and mat-free. If you want to go the extra mile, you can brush several days a week for a pampered pup.

Their thick undercoat sheds a ton, leaving a white trail all over your home, so be prepared to add extra brushing sessions to your routine. You might want to put your black wardrobe away, too!

Their nails need to be trimmed about every two weeks, or when you hear them clacking on hard surfaces. You can also use this as a sign to trim their nails.

Daily dental care is a must to prevent gum disease. Brush your Pyr's teeth daily, and take them to the vet yearly for a professional cleaning.

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A physical fence is necessary, as their thick fur and high pain tolerance can lead them to ignore electronic fences. This will keep them safe and secure in your yard.

Their coat naturally sheds dirt, so you'll only need to bathe them once every couple of months. However, you should avoid trimming or shaving their coat during hot weather, as it protects them from the sun.

You'll want to trim their dewclaws to prevent splitting, especially since they use them for climbing. Trimming can also reduce the risk of scratches from their gentle pawing.

Brushing their coat will help keep shed hairs out of your home, but you'll still see white Pyr hair on your clothes and furniture.

Training and Environment

Training a Great Pyrenees puppy can be a challenge due to their independent thinking, so make training a positive experience by rewarding good behavior with treats, praise, and playtime.

Keep training sessions short to avoid overwhelming your pup, and change things up by training in various settings.

Great Pyrenees are intelligent, but they're not like Border Collies or other breeds that excel at obedience and competitive sports, so be realistic with your training goals.

They need a confident and patient leader, especially for first-time dog parents who may find their independence demanding.

Training

Great Pyrenees on Snow
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Training a Great Pyrenees puppy can be a challenge due to their independent nature. They're used to working alone and may ignore you if you try to train them using traditional methods.

Keep training sessions short and positive to avoid frustration. Reward good behavior with treats, praise, and playtime to make the experience enjoyable for both you and your pup.

Great Pyrenees are intelligent, but they're not as responsive to training as some other breeds, like Border Collies. Be realistic about your training goals and don't expect them to excel in obedience and competitive sports.

Consistency is key when training a Pyr, and they do best with experienced dog owners who use positive reinforcement techniques. Socialization from a young age is also crucial to help them become less suspicious of strangers.

Supervise interactions between children and your Great Pyrenees, and teach your kids how to handle the dog gently and safely. This will help ensure a harmonious household and prevent any potential conflicts.

Environment

Pyrenean Mountain Dog on Field
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Outdoor space is a must for Great Pyrenees, who love to patrol and pace, making a small apartment or home in the city less than ideal.

Acres of land would be a dream come true for these dogs, but consistency with outings can help meet their exercise needs anywhere.

They're originally from snowy mountain tops, so lower temperatures are their comfort zone, and warm weather can be challenging for them.

In fact, they're sensitive to heat, so if you live in a warm area, it's essential to keep outdoor activities to the cooler parts of the day.

And don't forget to provide plenty of fresh, cool water for your pup to stay hydrated.

Health and History

The Great Pyrenees is a majestic breed with a rich history and a unique set of characteristics. Originally bred to work with peasant livestock herders in the Pyrenees mountains, this giant dog has been a loyal guardian for centuries.

Credit: youtube.com, Common Health Issues in Great Pyrenees: What to Watch For

Their history dates back to the Bronze Age, with remains discovered in the region as far back as 1800 to 1000 BC. The breed's name and lineage are deeply rooted in the Pyrenees, where they were used to protect sheep flocks from predators and thieves.

The Great Pyrenees' natural tendency to bark was likely developed as a way to sound the alarm if anyone suspicious approached. This trait was essential for their job as guardians, and it's still a characteristic of the breed today.

Here are some common health issues to be aware of in the Great Pyrenees breed:

  • Bloat or Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV): a genetic condition that can be life-threatening if not treated immediately
  • Eye Conditions: canine multifocal retinopathy, cataracts, and entropion can all affect the breed and cause vision loss or blindness
  • Deafness: congenital deafness is more prevalent in dogs with white skin and fur, like the Great Pyrenees
  • Neurological Disorder: Neuronal Degeneration (NDG) is an inherited disease with symptoms including clumsiness and slipping or sliding in the hind legs
  • Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: a hereditary joint development condition that can lead to lameness, pain, and arthritis
  • Patellar Luxation: an inherited condition where the kneecap can pop out of place, resulting in lameness and pain

History

The Great Pyrenees breed has a rich and ancient history that spans thousands of years. Their lineage dates back to the Bronze Age, around 1800 to 1000 BC.

This powerful breed likely traveled to the Pyrenees from Central Asia thousands of years ago. Their original job was to work with peasant livestock herders.

White Sheep on Green Grass
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As a constant guardian, Pyrs are naturally nocturnal, meaning they're most active at night. They worked alongside shepherds and herding dogs to protect sheep flocks from animal predators and thieves.

The Great Pyrenees breed was highly valued by French royals and the noble class, who used them to guard castles in southwest France. King Louis XIV even bestowed the title "Royal Dog of France" upon the breed.

Fossils of the Great Pyrenees have been found in the Pyrenean Mountains and dated to between 1800 BC and 1000 BC. This confirms the breed's long history in the region.

Queen Victoria of England also had a Great Pyrenees, and the breed was brought to the US in 1824 by the Marquis de Lafayette. They continued their military service with heroism during World War II, hauling artillery supplies over the Pyrenees mountains in frigid weather.

Health

The Great Pyrenees is a majestic breed with a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Regular vet visits, a healthy diet, and exercise routine are essential to help your pup live the longest life possible.

a white swiss shepherd dog plays in snow in winter outside
Credit: pexels.com, a white swiss shepherd dog plays in snow in winter outside

Bloat, also known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), is a genetic condition common to big dogs that can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. Immediate surgical care is typically necessary to prevent the occurrence of bloat.

Feeding your Great Pyrenees smaller meals more frequently throughout the day, using a slow feeder, and waiting an hour on either side of mealtime before strenuous exercise can help prevent bloat.

Eye conditions such as canine multifocal retinopathy, cataracts, and entropion are genetic issues that can affect the Great Pyrenees. Surgery can be performed to remove cataracts and correct entropion.

Deafness, particularly in dogs with white skin and fur, is a common issue in the Great Pyrenees breed. While there's no cure, dogs who lose hearing tend to do very well at home with minimal accommodations.

Here are some common health issues in the Great Pyrenees breed:

  • Bloat or Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)
  • Eye Conditions: Canine multifocal retinopathy, Cataracts, Entropion
  • Deafness
  • Neuronal Degeneration (NDG)
  • Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation

Neuronal Degeneration (NDG) is an inherited disease that causes changes to the nervous system, leading to clumsiness and other symptoms. Genetic screening testing is available to identify carriers of this disease.

Closeup Photography of Adult Short-coated Tan and White Dog Sleeping on Gray Textile at Daytime
Credit: pexels.com, Closeup Photography of Adult Short-coated Tan and White Dog Sleeping on Gray Textile at Daytime

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia is a hereditary joint development condition that can cause lameness, pain, and arthritis in the Great Pyrenees. Treatment options include weight management, joint supplements, pain medication, and surgery in severe cases.

Patellar Luxation is an inherited condition where the kneecap can pop out of place, resulting in lameness, pain, and eventually arthritis. Surgery is typically needed in severe cases.

Mountain Range Characteristics

The Great Pyrenees is a breed that's deeply connected to its mountainous origins. They were bred to be nocturnal guards, which means they're naturally inclined to be more active at night.

Their keen sense of hearing is a result of this breeding, allowing them to pick up on the slightest noise. This trait can be both a blessing and a curse, depending on the household.

Here are some key characteristics of the Great Pyrenees breed:

As you can see, the Great Pyrenees is a breed that's well-suited for active families or households with plenty of space. They require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Cons

portrait of a white swiss shepherd dog in snow in winter
Credit: pexels.com, portrait of a white swiss shepherd dog in snow in winter

The Great Pyrenees, a majestic breed with a rich history, isn't without its downsides.

They have a high shedding rate, which means frequent grooming is a must to prevent hair from getting everywhere. This can be a challenge for some owners, especially those with allergies.

Training can be a tough task, as they can be stubborn at times. Consistency and patience are key to successful training.

They're naturally protective of their flock and family, which can lead to warning barking, especially at night. This can be a problem for light sleepers and those who value quiet evenings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Great White Pyrenees good family dogs?

Great Pyrenees can be a great family dog for families with older children who understand how to interact with dogs, but may not be suitable for households with small children due to their large size. They require careful consideration and a suitable living situation.

Can Great Pyrenees be all white?

Yes, Great Pyrenees can be all white, but they can also have beautiful markings in shades of gray, tan, reddish-brown, or badger. Their coat color can vary, making each dog unique.

What is the personality of a White Pyrenees?

Great Pyrenees are known for their intelligent, kind, and protective nature, making them a loyal companion

How much does a white Great Pyrenees cost?

The cost of a white Great Pyrenees can range from $1200 to $2200, depending on whether you buy from a reputable breeder or adopt from a rescue. This initial investment is a great starting point for bringing home your new furry companion.

Patricia Kreiger

Writer

Patricia Kreiger is a passionate writer with a focus on canine-related topics. She has established herself as a knowledgeable and engaging voice in the pet care community, with a portfolio that showcases her expertise in covering various breeds and their characteristics. Patricia's writing often delves into the intricacies of specific breeds, such as the Ridgeback and German Shepherd, as well as the complexities of breed comparisons and the FCI breed standard.