Great Pyrenees
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Find Great Pyrenees BreedersGet to Know Great Pyrenees
- Ancient Guardians: The Great Pyrenees has a long history as a livestock guardian, dating back thousands of years to the Pyrenean Mountains between France and Spain. These dogs were bred to protect sheep from predators like wolves and bears, often working independently for days at a time. Their protective instincts and calm demeanor make them excellent guardians, both of livestock and families.
- Majestic and Gentle: Despite their imposing size and strength, Great Pyrenees dogs are known for their calm, gentle nature. They are affectionate with their families, especially with children, and are often described as "gentle giants." However, they are also incredibly protective and will not hesitate to defend their home if they sense danger.
- Double Coat for Harsh Climates: Great Pyrenees have a thick, weather-resistant double coat that protects them from the harsh climates of the mountains. Their fluffy white coat sheds seasonally and requires regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles. This coat also contributes to their regal appearance, making them stand out in any environment.
- Independent Thinkers: These dogs are known for their independent nature, which can sometimes be mistaken for stubbornness. Because they were bred to work alone without direct supervision, they tend to make decisions on their own. This trait can make training a challenge, but with patience and positive reinforcement, they can learn to follow commands while still retaining their independence.
- Health Considerations: The breed is prone to hip dysplasia and other joint issues, as well as bloat, a serious and potentially fatal condition. Regular veterinary checkups and a proper diet are crucial to keeping them healthy. Their average lifespan is 10-12 years, relatively long for a giant breed.
Breed History
The Great Pyrenees, also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, is an ancient breed with origins tracing back thousands of years to the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. Historically bred to guard flocks of sheep, this majestic breed was prized for its ability to protect livestock from predators such as wolves and bears. Their thick, weather-resistant coat and strong, independent nature made them invaluable working dogs. Over time, the Great Pyrenees transitioned from a working dog to a beloved family companion, admired for their gentle demeanor and unwavering loyalty.
Personality and Behaviour
- Gentle and Affectionate: Despite their imposing size, Great Pyrenees dogs are known for their calm and gentle nature. They are incredibly affectionate with their families, including children, making them excellent family pets.
- Protective and Loyal: True to their guardian heritage, Great Pyrenees are deeply protective of their loved ones. They are naturally wary of strangers and have a strong instinct to defend their family and home, making them excellent watchdogs.
- Independent and Intelligent: As a working breed, the Great Pyrenees is highly intelligent but also independent. While they are capable of learning commands, their decision-making abilities may lead to occasional stubbornness. Patience and consistency in training are essential to harness their potential.
Care
- Exercise: While the Great Pyrenees is not a highly active breed, they require moderate exercise to stay healthy. Daily walks, combined with time to roam in a secure yard, are sufficient to meet their needs. They enjoy leisurely strolls and can adapt to a more relaxed lifestyle but also benefit from mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys or light training sessions.
- Grooming: The Great Pyrenees has a thick, double coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its health and appearance. Weekly brushing helps remove loose hair and prevent matting, and more frequent grooming is needed during seasonal shedding periods. Bathing is only necessary occasionally, as their coat naturally repels dirt. Regular ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care should also be part of their routine to ensure overall health and well-being.
- Training and Socialization: Early training and socialization are critical for the Great Pyrenees due to their independent and protective nature. Positive reinforcement techniques work best, as harsh training methods can damage their trust. Early exposure to a variety of people, environments, and animals helps them grow into well-mannered adults. Their natural guarding instincts must be guided to prevent overprotectiveness.
Great Pyrenees Summary
Weight
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Exercise
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Temperament
GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Great Pyrenees Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | One of the following: OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation. PennHIP Evaluation. Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI). AVA (Australian Veterinay Association) HIPS. |
| Patellar Luxation | Veterinary Evaluation of Patellar Luxation. |
| Health Elective | 2 of the following: Basic Cardiac Exam. Advanced Cardiac Exam. Autoimmune Thyroditis Evaluation. OFA Radiographic Elbow Evaluation. B.A.E.R. hearing test. OFA Radiographic Shoulder OCD Evaluation. ACVO Eye Examination. DNA-based Canine Multifocal Retinopathy (CMR). DNA-based Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia (GT). DNA-based NDG. |
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Great Pyrenees Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Great Pyrenees is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Great Pyrenees
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Great Pyrenees puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Great Pyrenees, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Great Pyrenees is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
