Great Pyrenees

If you’re currently looking to purchase your very own dog, and you’re considering getting a Great Pyrenees, then this is the article for you! Even though introducing a four-legged pal into your family is sure to bring plenty of cuddles and playtime, a dog is a long-term commitment, so it’s super important that you make sure that you are making the right choice. If you’re already familiar with the Great Pyrenees breed, then you’ll know that they’re characterized by a big, fluffy coat and a mellow, almost “serious” attitude! Once guardians of the mountains of the Pyrenees in Spain, the modern-day Pyrs make a loyal and steadfast companion, but is one right for you? This is where we come in to lend you a helping hand! Below, we’re going to be taking a deep dive look into this working breed, so that you can decide whether or not you feel the breed is right for you. From physical characteristics to temperament, dietary requirements to care needs, we’ve made sure to cover all bases. Ready? Let’s jump in. What is the Great Pyrenees dog? Often described as being elegant and regal, the Great Pyrenees is a type of giant-breed dog that has a large, thick coat that helps to protect these large dogs from the elements, particularly considering the fact that they were first bred in order to work as guardians of sheep and other flocks of animals at risk of being hunted in the Pyrenees mountains. So, as you might have already guessed, the Great Pyrenees are a breed of dog that has been built to be able to withstand adverse weather conditions. These strong mountain dogs can stand at a height of as much as 32-36 inches at the shoulder, and can often weigh more than 100 pounds - which is around the size of a teenager, or small adult. They are mainly characterized by having a zen-like, relaxed demeanor, and a mellow nature that will see a Pyr kicking back and observing its surroundings, rather than playing and running around. However, as quick as a flash, these large giant-breed dogs can spring into action and move with lightning-quick agility that is impressive to the eye. What’s more, these strong working breed dogs will meet predators head-on without fear and will fight to protect themselves, family, and their territory with steadfast courage. Plus, as we said above, seeing as the Great Pyrenees dog was initially bred to be able to withstand the often harsh environment of the Pyrenees mountains (and other types of mountains) the Great Pyrenees dog has a weatherproof coat that can protect against extremely harsh weather conditions, especially snow and ran. Physical traits of the Great Pyrenees dog The Great Pyrenees is a large, muscular dog that features a double coat. The outer coat of the Great Pyrenees is thick and wiry, and this helps to ensure that the dog stays warm and protected from outside elements, such as the cold weather. On the flip side, the inner coat of the Great Pyrenees dog is usually thick yet soft and is easy to run a brush through. As for the color of a Great Pyrenees dog, the colors of the coat can vary, although the most common colors seen on a Great Pyrenees are white, white with patches of brown or yellow, as well as gray and tan. The nose of a Great Pyrenees is usually black and the eyes are dark brown in color, and the ears are usually triangular-shaped, and naturally flop forwards in a sloping fashion. More often than not, the tail of the Great Pyrenees dog is long and fluffy at the end and can reach all the way to the dog’s hind legs. If you’re thinking of buying a Great Pyrenees, then it is very important to first consider the size of this breed of dog, and the potential implications that this may cause. To give you an idea of the size, an average Great Pyrenees dog will usually be anywhere between 27 to 32 inches in height, although in some rare instances there have been recordings made of Great Pyrenees male dogs reaching upwards of 36 inches in height. As for the weight, a Great Pyrenees male dog will usually weigh in at around 100 pounds, and this figure can quite easily work its way up into the 110s. On the other hand, the average female Great Pyrenees dog is usually slightly smaller than the Great Pyrenees male dog and can reach an average height of 25 to 29 inches, although again the height of a female Great Pyrenees dog can sometimes reach slightly higher than this. Not only that, but due to the slightly smaller size, the weight of an average Great Pyrenees female dog usually falls around 85 pounds, and very rarely makes it to 100 pounds or more. As a side note, it’s very important to keep in mind that if you do decide to introduce a Pyr to your family, then you will need to make sure that you are regularly grooming your Pyr, otherwise, you’re going to find that their coat will become tangled and knotted, and full of tangles - which can easily and very quickly become uncomfortable and painful. Personality traits of a Great Pyrenees dog As the Great Pyrenees dog is specifically bred to be a working dog capable of herding flocks of sheep and warding off predators, it should come as no surprise to hear these hard-working dogs are characterized by their serious and relaxed attitude. They are very calm and well-mannered to humans and are generally considered to be very mellow, affectionate, and gentle to their owners. In addition to that, Great Pyrenees dogs are known for their affinity with children, and are known for being very kind and patient with them - so they make absolutely wonderful family dogs. Though prone to short bursts of energy, Pyrs are not necessarily the type of dog to want to run around and play all day. Instead, these intelligent dogs usually prefer to be left to their own devices throughout the day and have an undeniable independent streak that can sometimes make these dogs quite difficult to train. Pyrs are also known for having a natural instinct to bark at strangers and potential threats. In addition to all of this, even though the Great Pyrenees dog is known for being reserved in nature, if the need arises, this large-breed dog will not hesitate to defend both its territory and family, so it should also come as absolutely no surprise to hear that these dogs also make fantastic guard dogs, as well as companions. All of this combined makes the Great Pyrenees dog a very friendly and enjoyable dog to have, and thrive best in quiet, orderly households where there is a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of routines. Just like we’ve already mentioned, Pyrs love their alone time and love to spend time just kicking back and observing the world around them, so they might not be a great fit for a more lively household/family environment. As a side note, due to the protective, territorial sides of Great Pyrs, its highly important to keep in mind that if you do decide to add one to your family, then you will need to regularly give your Pyr socialization with both humans and dogs, as this will help to prevent overly protective behavior from your Pyr that could potentially become dangerous if your Pyr feels that their territory or family members are being threatened and need to be guarded. Health traits of a Great Pyrenees dog The Great Pyrenees dog has a general lifespan of between 10 to 12 years (although do keep in mind that in some instances, this can be higher or lower) and is generally considered to be a very healthy, hardy breed of dog. If you do decide to get a Pyr, then you should note that Pyrs are at a higher risk of developing minor health conditions, such as cataracts, skin issues, panosteitis, OCD, entropion, and osteosarcoma. In addition to these health issues, Great Pyrs can also be susceptible to developing spinal muscular atrophy, otitis externa, and gastric torsion, although these are far less common in Great Pyrenees. Nevertheless, due to the higher risk of developing these potentially debilitating conditions, it is strongly recommended that Pyrs are taken for regular examinations at the vets so that any health conditions can be detected as quickly as possible and treated in the earliest stages. However, as we’ve already said, these particular health conditions are relatively uncommon in Pyrs, especially those who are cared for properly and fit and healthy. In addition to this, Great Pyrenees are unlikely to develop any form of cancer, however, it is recommended that Great Pyrenees are taken for regular check-ups at the vets, as this will mean that any potential health conditions such as cancer can be picked up sooner rather than later. How long does a Great Pyrenees dog live? Even though the lifespan of a Great Pyrenees dog will no doubt vary, the average lifespan of a Great Pyrenees dog is around 10 to 12 years, which doesn’t stray too far from the average lifespan of a dog - which is 11 to 13 years. If you’re considering buying a Pyr, then the best way to increase the lifespan of your Great Pyrenees dog will be to make sure that you are giving your Pyr a healthy diet, plenty of regular visits to the vets, as well as making sure that you’re giving your Pyr plenty of exercise. In addition to all the basics, another way you can make sure that your dog gets the very best quality of life is to make sure that you are giving your Pyr plenty of love, affection, and time. How to take care of your Great Pyrenees dog Though most of caring for your Great Pyrenees dog will come from second nature, here are some general tips you can follow to take care of your Great Pyrenees pooch: Regular exercise First things first, one of the most important parts of caring for your Great Pyrenees dog. Ideally, your Great Pyr is going to need regular exercise such as walking every day, and most owners of Great Pyrs like to go for regular walks to the local dog park, where their Great Pyr can get some exercise while also being able to socialize with other dogs and humans. Keep in mind that, while walking your Great Pyr, you should avoid overly strenuous exercise, although your Great Pyr will enjoy a nature trail or hike. You should also make sure that if you have a backyard, that it has been correctly fenced off so that your Great Pyr will not escape. Grooming Next up, another important thing to remember when caring for your Pyr is to make sure that you are regularly grooming your dog. Seeing as Great Pyrs have a double coat, you will need to make sure that you are brushing your Pyrs fur at least once or twice a week, otherwise, the outer and inner coat may become matted and tangled together. Plus, by making sure that you are regularly brushing your Pyr, you will be boosting your bond with your Pyr, while also helping to ensure that shredding is kept to a minimum around your home. As a side note, you will also need to keep in mind that during the springtime when your Great Pyr begins to shed its winter coat, you may need to groom your Great Pyr at least once a day, otherwise you’re going to find a great deal of shedding around your home! Besides grooming, you should also make sure that you are regularly washing your dog’s fur, too. Alongside having super thick double coats, Great Pyrs are often bright white in color, so it’s important to make sure that you’re keeping your Great Pyr nice and clean to keep him looking his best! This is especially important given the fact that Great Pyrs absolutely love to dig around and play in the mud, which means that your Pyr is going to be prone to getting dirty and in need of a bath! You can clean your Great Pyrenees pup with a standard giant-breed shampoo and conditioner from your local pet store, starting off by washing your dog’s coat with the shampoo, and then finishing off by using the conditioner. As a side note, if you have a Great Pyr that doesn’t like being washed in the bath, then you could alternatively opt to use some dry shampoo. Comfortable, relaxed environment As Great Pyrenees love nothing more than to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet, it’s very important that you make sure your Great Pyr is given a safe environment that he will be able to feel happy and content in. Alongside a comfortable bed, Great Pyrs are known for their love of guarding over the house and family, so we recommend giving your Great Pyr a cozy spot in the home that he will be able to observe his surroundings from. The average price of a Great Pyrenees dog The average price for the Great Pyrenees is around $600. However, if you are wanting to purchase the Great Pyrenees with superior pedigree and top breed lines, then you can expect to spend anywhere from $1000 to $6000 dollars. Frequently Asked Questions Are Great Pyrenees good family dogs? Yes, Great Pyrs make absolutely fantastic family dogs. They are relaxed, mellow, and calm in nature, and love nothing more than to spend time with their family. Great Pyrs are very protective of their territory and make excellent guard dogs, and are also extremely loyal and affectionate, even towards children. This makes them an excellent family dog choice for all. Are Great Pyrenees aggressive? Great Pyrs are rarely aggressive to their owners and are known to be very patient and affectionate towards children, which means that they make excellent family dogs. However, if Great Pyrs are not socialized regularly, they may become protective of their home and family memes, and this could potentially lead them to become aggressive. Are Great Pyrenees easy to train? Though it is by no means impossible to train a Great Pyrenees dog, they are very independent by nature, which means that they can be quite difficult to train. In order to ensure that you are able to effectively train your Pyr, it is important to begin training them as early as possible in their life, with the best results being achieved when Great Pyrs are trained while they are still only a puppy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v9CuU7XDGAWo