GREAT PYRENEES

Temperament: Smart, Patient, Calm

AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 66 of 197

Height: 27-32 inches (male), 25-29 inches (female)

Weight: 100 pounds & up (male), 85 pounds & up (female)

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Group: Working Group

ABOUT THE GREAT PYRENEES

The Great Pyrenees dog breed‘s goal in life is to protect sheep, goats, livestock, people, children, grass, flowers, the moon, the lawn furniture, bird feeders, and any real or imaginary predators that may intrude on your personal space.

Everyone who lives with a Pyr should have a set of ear plugs. He barks a lot, because that’s his job. He’ll vocalize — loudly — to ward off pesky intruders, and he’s got a broad definition of intruders. He will bark even more at night because of his extraordinary senses of sight and sound, which enable him to detect coyotes, deer, wolves, raccoons, bear, and possum (all of which must be protected against).

PERSONALITY

A calm, gentle, docile demeanor is the norm for a Great Pyr. Shyness, aggressiveness, and nervousness are not acceptable whatsoever, but do your part by providing tons of socialization when he’s a puppy. With training, he’s well mannered.

He is gentle and can be somewhat serious. Courageous and devoted to his people, he’s the best friend anyone could ask for; he’s also a warm blanket and a comforting soul in the night. He loves being a therapy dog.

He is intelligent, used to working on his own and figuring out things by himself, which means he’s an independent thinker and can be stubborn. He manages to be a good guard dog while also being friendly, calm, and gentle.

NUTRITION

Some owners note that Great Pyrenees seem to eat a relatively small amount for a dog of their size. “Of course, if another dog wants what’s in their bowl, they will snarf down the food like they hadn’t eaten in months,” says one breed devotee. A high-quality dry dog food that is low-protein and specially formulated for large breeds is a good idea. The breed is susceptible to bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), where the stomach distends and twists. The causes of bloat aren’t fully understood, but experts agree that multiple, small meals per day and preventing vigorous exercise around mealtimes may help reduce the chances of it happening.

HEALTH

Not all Great Pyrs will get any or all of these diseases, but it’s important to be aware of them if you’re considering this breed.

Bone Care

Gastric Torsion

Hip Dysplasia

Elbow Dysplasia

Patellar Luxation

Addison’s Disease

Cataracts Entropion

Anesthesia Sensitivity

CARE

Pyrs are not a highly active breed. The breed was developed to be a livestock guardian and has been used since ancient times to protect flocks from wolves, bears, and human foes. When working, they will patrol their territory but tend to conserve their energy for fending off whatever may threaten their flock. Moderate exercise such as walks with their owner will help keep them healthy and happy. The breed also exercises mind and body by participating in canine activities such as obedience trials and cart-pulling.

GROOMING

For all their abundant fur, Pyrs don’t require a lot of grooming, as their coat is dirt- and tangle-resistant. They have a double coat, with a long outer coat and a soft undercoat. They will shed this undercoat with great enthusiasm—“leading to a snowstorm,” one owner says. She laughs, “They shed in the spring, after whelping, in honor of certain Druid festivals, and after you enter them in a show!” A thorough brushing with a pin brush or slicker brush at least once a week will help to reduce the shed hair that ends up all over the house. The Pyr’s nails should be trimmed regularly, as overly long nails can cause the dog discomfort. The teeth should be brushed often, using a toothpaste designed for dogs.

Source: dogtime, akc.