Great Pyrenees
Posted on 22. May, 2009 by admin in Dog Breeds, Dog Breeds G, French Dog Breeds, Huge Dog Breeds, Medium Coat Dog Breeds, Straight Coat Dog Breeds, Working Dogs
The Great Pyrenees comes from the Kuvasz and the Maremmano-Abruzzese. This dog is native from France and was used as a guard dog for sheep and cattle. Back in 1800 B.C., a dog similar to the Great Pyrenees had been discovered in Europe.
The breed probably first came from Asia or Siberia, but when established in Europe, it stayed in the mountainous regions until the middle ages. The dog became a noble guard dog as it gained popularity. In the 17 th century, every French noble wanted a Great Pyrenees.
It was used to protect owners from bears and wolves. Later on, this breed was used for rescue operations from avalanches, as a sled dog, as a pack dog, as a cart-puller and as a guardian. It may have been used as a war dog in ancient time when it was less gentle. It was officially recognized by the AKC in 1933.
Breed Group
Working
Size
Male: 27-32 inches
Female: 25-29 inches
Weight
Male: Approximately 100 lbs
Female: Approximately 85 lbs
Color(s)
The Great Pyrenees can be white, white with gray markings, reddish brown or different shades of tan. Markings can appear on the ears, on the tail and on the body and a full face mask can also be seen.
Coat
The Great Pyrenees, suspicious of strangers, is a very imposing guardian, devoted to its family and capable of self-sacrifice if needed. This dog is courageous, loyal and obedient, but it can also be very stubborn. It tends to be gentle and affectionate, somewhat independent, with the family. This is a good breed for children but it does better when it’s raised with them. This dog is also used for livestock guarding. Calm when not provoked, this dog is well-mannered and serious. The Great Pyrenees tends to be dominant with a less strict owner. These dogs usually get along very well with other non-canine pets, especially cats. Their puppyhood lasts only two years.
Life Expectancy
About 10 – 12 years.
Personality
The Great Pyrenees, suspicious of strangers, is a very imposing guardian, devoted to its family and capable of self-sacrifice if needed. This dog is courageous, loyal and obedient, but it can also be very stubborn. It tends to be gentle and affectionate, somewhat independent, with the family.
This is a good breed for children but it does better when it’s raised with them. This dog is also used for livestock guarding. Calm when not provoked, this dog is well-mannered and serious.
The Great Pyrenees tends to be dominant with a less strict owner. These dogs usually get along very well with other non-canine pets, especially cats. Their puppyhood lasts only two years.
Care
The Great Pyrenees is prone to hip dysplasia and may develop skins problem in warmer weathers.
A regular brushing is demanded to keep the coat in a good condition. The Great Pyrenees heavily sheds once a year, an extra care should be taken during this period. Bathe this dog only when necessary.
Training
The Great Pyrenees needs to have leash training, to learn the meaning of “no” and to learn how to act in the family house at an early age by using positive reinforcement. To socialize the dog at a very young age is also very important.
Activity
The Great Pyrenees needs regular exercise to be stay in shape and be healthy.
16 Responses to “Great Pyrenees”
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Matt: We had our Papillon X doing a whole routine when s...
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hay hay: hello i have an itialian hreyhound.Her name is Be...
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Lilly: We also have one of these wonderful dogs! I stoppe...
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ghernan2: My rescue schnauzer, Charlie, is the best in the w...
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melasia: your dog is so so so cute and sounds friendly tooi...
AndrewBoldman
04. Jun, 2009
Hi, good post. I have been woondering about this issue,so thanks for posting. I’ll definitely be coming back to your site.
Leisha
20. Nov, 2009
I will be adopting a great pyrenees for my daughter …your information has been very helpful….thank you
Hannah
30. Dec, 2009
well i have 21 pet , so i have a great pyrenees ,but he is 11. so we(MY Famley)are geting a new pyrenees…
Jenn
18. Jan, 2010
my pyreness is a couragous protector of our livestock and a beloved friend of our family
Cj Walker
15. Feb, 2010
We have what we think is a combination of great pyrenees and golden retriever. He has dew claws, but is golden in color with pink nose and green eyes. He is quite handsome and very attentive and intuitive. He is a dream of a dog. We rescued him from the hurricanes in Galveston.
Alex
17. Feb, 2010
We have a pyrenees named Akamaru, and this information was very helpful
Catey Riddle
18. Feb, 2010
I have always wanted a Great Pyrenees… Thnx for telling me these things so I can study up! His name will be Muffy!
Sharla
06. Jul, 2010
I love my Great Pyrenees he is 6 months old 80 pounds 29′ tall. He stays inside kennel trained and very good boy. I would not trade him for the world
Katy
22. Aug, 2010
I WANT ONEEEEE SOOOO FUCKING BAD
katie
02. Nov, 2010
hello…got a puppy back in may of this year ….he is now 8 months old……he is a complete joy…..would highly recomend this breed…..
Tammy
19. Jan, 2011
I have a male pyrenees. His name is Tinu. LOL..Well he was when I first brought him home. He is the sweetest, most mild mannered animal I have ever been around. He oves the cold weather which we dont have much of here in Texas. But he loves his ranch. He is very protective of everything . I know why they call them the (Gental Giants) He’s a whopping 140 lbs. and still to me thinks he’s a lap dog..
Charlotte
24. Mar, 2011
We adopted a Great Pyr 3 years ago. She had been abused. We fell in love with her as soon as we saw her and still do. She is such a wonderful dog. We were so lucky to be able to bring her into our lives. She loves and herds our cats. This will be our dog of choice forever.
Dave
22. Apr, 2011
We have a Pyr named Teddy. He’s 3 years old and weighs 152 lbs. He’s not fat, just big and solid. Your description fits him well: loyal, protective, independent, stubborn, sweet, and gentle.
Joe
06. May, 2011
My wife and I have 2 pyrs, Thor (male) 135lbs last checked and 3 yrs old and Elli (female) 70lbs last checked and 1 yr old. Yes they are very stubborn and independent but alos very loyal and loving dogs. Even though they have a independent “streak” they also have a “pack” side as well. Dominance needs to be established but they respond to and appreciate having structure in the family order. We live on Vancouver Island and have acreage here. Many sheep farms use the pyr to protect the flock and I know of one farm near Alaska that has 5 and will attack grizzles if need be. We have no livestock so ours just play with each other and lay around. Since they are so large they don’t have the stamina of let’s say a terrier, they’re periods of play are relatively short (20-30 minutes) then they rest. They are smart and learn quickly. You can see them “processing” the information when something new arises. Ours are out during the day and in at night. When inside they either are laying at our feet or on the floor in the bedroom when we sleep (the pack mentality). They are also “diggers” and since they have a large range will dig under a fence to get out so provisions need to be made if you have a fenced yard.
A day for Dogs Only | Puppies Corner
16. Oct, 2011
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Cindy
14. Jan, 2012
We rescued a brother/sister set of Pyrs 3 years ago as 3 mo pups. They were malnourished, worm-infested, unsocialized, and absolutely adorable. As if we had taken in foster children, we reconfigured our lives and household to accommodate our newest brood. They have more than repaid the debt! They are constant companions of our two smaller dogs and two very small cats. They adore the family. Moses LIVES for our 16 yo son and demands cuddle time from “Daddy”. Miriam is my very girly-girl since our daughter was/is a tomboy. All our pets are indoor pets so we vacuum daily, groom no less than once weekly, and refrain from wearing black! Still, I would not consider any other breed of dog in the future.