Great Pyrenees Dog- The Ultimate Breed Information
Are you thinking of adopting a dog? Then wait a while, and read about this amazing dog breed named Great Pyrenees. It can be a great choice as a pet for your home. Who doesn’t want a loving pet in their family? And, if you are also one of them, you must consider the Great Pyrenees as your family pet. These majestic and intelligent dogs are known for their gentle nature and loyalty to their owners.
Great Pyrenees are a large breed, reaching up to 32 inches. They were originally bred to guard livestock and have a strong protective instinct, which can make them wary of strangers. However, they can make great family pets with proper socialization and training.
In case you want to adopt these dogs, then you can also get in touch with the Great Pyrenees rescue organizations.
In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about the Great Pyrenees.
Table of Contents
Overview
Great Pyrenees Dog Breed Overview
Breed Name /Group:
Height: 25 to 32 inches
Weight: 85 to 100 pounds
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Coat: long, coarse, and either straight or slightly wavy
Color: White
Temperament: Gentle, Willful, and Protective
Needs for Grooming: Weekly brushing, occasional baths, and regular dewclaws trims.
Hypoallergenic: No
Origin: France, Spain
History
The Great Pyrenees Dog is considered an old breed that descended from the flock guardian dogs, which were the large white dogs that existed in Asia Minor since about 10,000 B.C. In 3000 BC, nomadic shepherds took their flock of guarding dogs to the Pyrenees Mountains with them. These dogs later became the ancestors of the Great Pyrenees breed.
These dogs are very much respected for their smart looks. As per the Great Pyrenees Club of America, the dog was so popular and loved in France that in 1675, the breed was declared the ‘Royal Dog of France’ by King Louis XIV’s court.
The 1930s saw a significant influx of the breed into America, and by 1933, the Great Pyrenees had earned AKC registration. The breed enjoys a lot of attention!
Appearance
Due to the Great Pyrenees size, strength, and thick, fluffy white coats of the dog, they are often compared to the polar bear. Their height ranges from 25 to 32 inches. Talking about their weight, the females weigh around 85 pounds, and the males weigh 100 pounds. The dogs have rich, brown eyes that are soulful & intelligent.
The color of the Great Pyrenees puppy is mostly white and can also bear markings in the badger, gray, or tan.
They shed often, and thus brushing can help in managing the fur.
Temperament
The Great Pyrenees is a large breed of dog known for its loyal and protective nature. They are typically calm, patient, and gentle with their family members but can be wary of strangers and other animals.
Great Pyrenees dogs have a strong instinct to guard their territory and may bark loudly to alert their owners of potential threats. They are independent thinkers and sometimes stubborn, so consistent training and socialization are important.
Despite their size and protective instincts, Great Pyrenees dogs are known for being good with children and other pets when properly trained and socialized. They are also generally low-energy dogs and are content with moderate exercise and lots of naps.
Living Needs
The Great Pyrenees, also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, is a large and majestic breed originally from the Pyrenees Mountains. As a working breed, they were bred to guard livestock and are known for their loyalty and protective nature.
Their living needs include regular exercise to keep them healthy and mentally stimulated. They require a spacious living area with a yard or outdoor space to roam and play. Grooming is important for their thick, double-layered coat to avoid matting and keep their skin healthy.
Proper nutrition is also vital; owners should provide a well-balanced diet that meets their needs. Additionally, early socialization and training are important to help them develop into well-behaved and obedient dogs.
Care
The breed has a double coat that provides them protection against the cold.
You need to brush their hair one time a week. Apart from this, regular nail trimming and teeth brushing should also be part of the grooming routine.
The Great Pyrenees is an active breed and needs a moderate exercise routine. One should take the dog for regular walks; it is good for them mentally and physically.
They also enjoy activities like training and pulling carts.
Health
The Great Pyrenees mix is a large breed of dog that is generally considered healthy. However, like all breeds, there are certain health concerns that potential owners should be aware of.
One of the main health concerns for great Pyrenees puppies is hip dysplasia, which is a genetic condition that affects the hip joint and can cause pain and mobility issues. Another common issue is patellar luxation, which is a condition where the kneecap can dislocate, causing lameness and discomfort.
Other potential health problems for Great Pyrenees include bloat, heart issues, and skin allergies. As with any dog, regular visits to the vet, a healthy diet, and regular exercise can help keep your Great Pyrenees healthy and happy.
Grooming
The Great Pyrenees is a large breed of dog known for its thick, double-coated fur. These dogs require regular grooming to maintain the health and appearance of their coat. Daily brushing removes loose fur and prevents matting, particularly during the shedding season.
A good quality pin brush and slicker brush are recommended. Bathing should be done only when necessary, using a mild dog shampoo. Keeping the ears clean and dry is important to prevent infections and trim the nails regularly. Great Pyrenees also tend to drool, so wiping their mouths and faces after meals can help prevent stains and odors.
Regular brushing of the long double coat will help the dog to be in good condition. However, extra care will be required when the dog sheds its dense undercoat.
Training
Great Pyrenees dogs are large and independent breeds originally bred to guard livestock. Training them requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement.
Socialization is crucial for a Great Pyrenees dog to interact well with other pets and people. Begin socializing early with exposure to different people, places, and sounds. Training should include basic obedience commands like sit, stay, come, and heel.
Great Pyrenees dogs have a strong instinct to guard and protect, so it’s important to teach them when to bark and protect and when to be quiet.
Positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, works best with this breed.
Consistent training and socialization will help develop a well-behaved and loyal companion.
Popular Great Pyrenees Crossbreeds
Here are some popular Great Pyrenees crossbreeds:
- Great Pyrenees and Great Pyrenees lab mix
- Great Pyrenees and German Shepherd
- Great Pyrenees and Saint Bernard
- Great Pyrenees and Great Pyrenees Bernese mountain dog
- Great Pyrenees and Golden Retriever
- Great Pyrenees and Husky
Similar Dogs Like the Great Pyrenees
Here are some similar dogs like the Great Pyrenees:
- Anatolian Shepherd
- Great Pyrenees Bernese mountain dog
- Kuvasz
- Saint Bernard
- Great Pyrenees German shepherd mix
- Tibetan Mastiff
- Maremma Sheepdog
FAQs
1. How Long Does the Great Pyrenees Live?
The Great Pyrenees’ lifespan ranges from 10 to 12 years.
2. What Is the Price of the Great Pyrenees?
The Great Pyrenees price ranges from $800 to $1500.
3. Where Can You Find the Great Pyrenees?
You can find Great Pyrenees for sale at local breeders, rescue organizations, pet adoption websites, and also on social media platforms.
Final Thoughts
At last, we would say that if you are thinking of adopting a dog – Great Pyrenees can be a good choice for you. We have mentioned every detail about this dog in this blog, so go through the blog if you want any information about this great dog named – Great Pyrenees!
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