Great Pyrenees typically take around 6-12 months to develop their full coat, with most reaching full maturity between 12-18 months of age.
At 6-8 months, Great Pyrenees start to look like puppies no more, but their coats are still a bit patchy.
Their adult coat is made up of a double layer, with a soft undercoat and a coarser outer coat that sheds water and protects them from the elements.
This double layer helps to regulate their body temperature and keep them warm in cold weather.
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When Do Great Pyrenees Get Their Full Coat?
The Great Pyrenees' coat is truly something special. Their double coat is made up of a coarse, thick, and stiff outer coat, also known as the guard hair, which protects their skin during cold weather.
In cold weather, their undercoat adds an extra layer of insulation to keep them warm. This undercoat is dense and fine.
Their coat is designed to adapt to changing temperatures, with the undercoat shedding as warmer weather approaches and the outer coat puffing up to trap cool air.
Additional reading: What Temperature Can Great Pyrenees Handle
Grooming and Care
Brushing is an essential part of grooming your Great Pyrenees, and it's best to start when they're young to make it a positive experience. Brushing at least once a week will help prevent matting and tangling.
The Great Pyrenees has a thick double coat, with a coarse, stiff outer coat and a dense, fine undercoat. The outer coat protects the skin from cold weather, sunburn, and heat, while the undercoat provides extra insulation in cold weather and helps to cool the dog down in hot weather.
To brush your Great Pyrenees, use a regular brush or a slicker brush, as they are gentler on the coat than a rake tool. Brushing should take about 30 minutes a week, and it's best to brush in the direction of the fur growth.
Some common problem areas where matting occurs are behind the ears, under the collar, armpits, and hindquarters. Regular brushing will help prevent matting and make grooming easier.
Here are the necessary tools for grooming your Great Pyrenees:
- Undercoat rake (½ inch long for most breeds, 1 inch long for longer-haired breeds)
- Slicker brush (hard or soft)
- Pin Brush and/or bristle brush (for polishing the coat)
- Two-tined Comb (for checking for mats and tangles)
- Detangling Comb (for detangling particularly stubborn tangles)
Shorter Haired Livestock Guardian Dogs Shed Less
Shorter Haired Livestock Guardian Dogs Shed Less.
Brenda Negri, an expert on Livestock Guardian Dogs, notes that they don't shed as much as you might think.
Shorter haired Livestock Guardian Dogs have a lower shedding rate compared to their longer haired counterparts.
Related reading: Great Pyrenees Dogs 101
Care and Grooming
Brushing your Great Pyrenees is crucial, especially when they're young. It's essential to make it a positive experience, so start brushing them at least once a week.
The Great Pyrenees has a double coat, with a coarse, thick, and stiff outer coat that protects their skin from cold weather, sunburn, and heat. Their undercoat is dense and fine, providing extra insulation in cold weather and helping to keep them cool in hot weather.
Regular brushing will help prevent matting, which can occur when the undercoat sheds and dead loose hair gets trapped. Start at the bottom of the mat and work your way up, being careful not to pull too hard.
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Brushing your Great Pyrenees requires the right tools. An undercoat rake is a must-have for removing dead fur, especially during spring and fall blowouts. A slicker brush is excellent for cleaning the outer coat, but it's best used after the undercoat rake.
Here are some essential grooming tools for your Great Pyrenees:
The Great Pyrenees' thick double coat requires approximately 30 minutes of weekly brushing. Be gentle and patient, as they can be fidgety and may not enjoy being brushed.
The Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a devoted and trustworthy guardian, be it with his flock or with his family. They're naturally nocturnal and their white fur allows them to blend in with the sheep and surprise would-be attackers.
Their thick double coat is a hallmark of the breed, and it requires approximately thirty minutes of weekly brushing to keep it in good condition. This coat is essential for their natural ability to guard flocks.
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The Great Pyrenees is a family-oriented dog and will be loving and grateful for every moment with his family. However, their size can be a concern, so supervision is important, especially around kids.
They don't do well in hot weather conditions and would rather spend their time indoors with the family. Daily exercise is a requirement, but a brisk walk should be enough to satisfy the Pyrenees.
Here are some key facts about the Great Pyrenees:
- Weight: 85 to 115 lbs.
- Height: 25 to 32 inches
- Coat: Thick double coat
- Color: White
- Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Sources
- Grooming Great Pyrenees and Other Livestock Guardian ... (forloveoflivestock.com)
- Care and Grooming (nationalpyr.org)
- groomer (rover.com)
- The Great Pyrenees (pethealthnetwork.com)
- IC Locus (Improper Coat/Furnishings) in the Great Pyrenees (pawprintgenetics.com)
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