Great Pyrenees (Pyr): Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

The Great Pyrenees is a majestic, large-size working dog breed from France with a typically white double coat. This dog is known for a hard-working spirit and a sweet disposition, as well as a massive, muscular stature. They were bred for guarding livestock, and can weigh over 100 pounds.

The Great Pyrenees, or Pyr, is an adorable gentle giant who is very loyal to their family. They typically get along very well with children. And they are also used as therapy dogs and search and rescue dogs. However, potential pet parents must understand their propensity for nocturnal barking and the need for socialization.

Learn about the Great Pyrenees’ history, temperament, care needs, and more.

Characteristics of the Great Pyrenees

Pyr puppies are the cutest, sweetest balls of white fluff who grow up to be big dogs with equally big hearts and souls. They are very affectionate and friendly, and they can get along great with kids and various other animals.  

However, these are also world-class, potentially excessive barkers with a keen sense of hearing. Because they are so loyal and loving, they will immediately alert you—and the entire neighborhood—to an intruder, and this is especially true at night since they were bred to be nocturnal guards and can hear so well that they can pick up on the slightest noise. This may make them less suitable for certain households.

History of the Great Pyrenees

The Pyr has an ancient lineage that likely dates as far back as the 18th century B.C. The breed appears to have evolved from mountain sheepdogs in Central Asia that date back many thousands of years.

As evidenced by fossil remains, the Great Pyrenees (or a close ancestor) was brought to the Pyrenees mountain range of southern France sometime between 1800 to 1000 B.C. The breed was developed as a guardian of sheep and the home by the Basque people of that region. During the 17th century, the Pyr was adopted by French royalty and nobles.

The Great Pyrenees was brought to the U.S. by General Lafayette in 1824. However, the breed was not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) until over 100 years later in 1933. It is known as the Pyrenean mountain dog in Europe and is still a keen worker to this day.

Many famous people have fallen for this beautiful breed. Queen Victoria had a Pyr in the 19th century. A modern example is Jennifer Aniston, who adopted a Great Pyrenees mix.

Great Pyrenees Care

Pyrs have a strong drive to work and protect, and they will benefit from some type of job, such as guarding homes or training for obedience competitions. In general, these dogs are usually very calm, loyal, and loving companions.

Pyrs need to spend plenty of time with the family or they can become bored and destructive. The National Pyr Rescue recommends never leaving the dog outside in the yard when the family is not home, as they may try to escape to pursue suspected predators.

A physical fence is needed, as their thick fur and a high pain tolerance can lead them to ignore an electronic fence.

Exercise

As working dogs, Pyrs need a fair amount of exercise daily, even though they are not super high-energy. This dog is adaptable and may do well with up to two hours of exercise. Expect to walk your Pyr a minimum of 30 to 40 minutes a day, but don’t expect this dog to become your running buddy.

This breed can be walked on a leash but may tend to wander independently when off-leash. They do best if they have access to a large, well-fenced yard in which to do some roaming and patrolling.

Special care should be taken to prevent exposure to very hot temperatures while exercising your Pyr, as the breed can easily overheat. They do very well exercising in cold weather, however.

Grooming

The Pyr has a long, thick outer coat that is primarily white and somewhat coarse, with a soft, woolly white undercoat. This breed has a moderate to high shedding rate and requires routine grooming, especially a thorough brushing once or twice per week. Their coat doesn't tend to mat, but brushing will help keep shed hairs out of your house.

However, given the size of the dog, you will still be seeing white Pyr hair on all of your clothes and furniture. Their coat naturally sheds dirt, so you will only need to bathe your dog once every couple of months. But it isn't recommended that you trim or shave the dog's coat during hot weather, as it protects them from the sun.

Pyrs have extra dewclaws on their rear limbs, which they use for climbing. You should trim your dog's nails to keep them from splitting. Also, since this breed likes to gently paw you to get your attention, trimming can reduce the risk of scratches.

Dental care can help prevent gum disease. Brush your dog's teeth at least a couple of times per week. Finally, look in their ears weekly for dirt, wax buildup, and other abnormalities.

Training

Pyrs were bred to be intelligent watchdogs for flocks. Training them can be difficult because they are independent and accustomed to working alone. They need consistency and are best with people who are experienced in dog training. To get the best results, use positive reinforcement training techniques.  

Socialization from a young age is important for this breed, as they are naturally suspicious of any newcomer. Without proper socialization, they will be suspicious of anyone they don’t know, and this can be difficult both when welcoming guests at your home and when out and about with your dog.

Though this dog loves children, you should supervise them while they play together. Ensure that your kids know how to handle their dog to ensure everyone’s safety. 

Common Health Problems

Responsible breeders strive to maintain the highest breed standards as established by kennel clubs like the AKC. Dogs bred by these standards are less likely to inherit health conditions. However, some hereditary health problems can occur in the breed. The following are some conditions to be aware of:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is an abnormal formation of the hip socket. Elbow dysplasia causes abnormal development of the elbow bones. Both conditions can lead to mobility issues and pain.
• Osteochondrosis (OCD): This is a common joint condition that causes abnormal cartilage growth instead of bone. It can cause a dog to limp and whimper in pain.
• Eye issues: Conditions that can affect the eyes include entropion (eyelid is inverted or folded inward), cataracts (lens of the eye becomes cloudy), and canine multifocal retinopathy (areas of retinal detachment).  
• Addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism): This is a hormonal condition that causes a deficiency in adrenal hormone production. Symptoms include weight loss, lethargy, shaking, and slow heart rate.
• Bloat: Also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), this emergency condition occurs when the stomach fills with food, fluid, or gas and then twists. 
• Patellar luxation: This causes the kneecap to slip out of place, resulting in symptoms like limping and keeping the leg bent at an unusual angle.

Diet and Nutrition

This breed should be fed two meals per day of up to 3 cups of dry dog food per meal. The amount your dog needs depends on size, activity level, age, and other factors. Discuss your dog's individual nutritional needs with your veterinarian. Also, monitor your dog's weight to prevent overfeeding and obesity.

A Pyr could benefit from a brand formulated for large breeds. To avoid bloat, feed smaller portions multiple times a day, don’t feed too much food around exercise time, and use slow feeder bowls designed to make your dog eat more slowly.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees Club of America has a breeder referral list and it is a great place to start your search for a puppy. Expect to pay anywhere from between $1,000 to $4,000 depending on the breeder and the dog's lineage.

However, if you are looking for a rescue, you will find many local organizations devoted to saving and re-homing Pyrs by searching online. Among the national groups are the National Pyr Rescue and Great Pyrenees Rescue Society.

Great Pyrenees Overview

The Great Pyrenees is a beautiful white dog who is very affectionate towards the people they care about. They can get along well with children and other pets, and are protective as well. But they are high-maintenance when it comes to training and grooming.

Pros of Great Pyrenees

• Calm and affectionate
• Loyal and protective
• Gets along well with children and most other pets
  

Cons of Great Pyrenees

• High shedding rate and needs frequent grooming
• Training can be challenging
• High affinity for warning barking, especially at night
  

10 Giant Dog Breeds That Make Great Pets

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

Before you decide on a dog, especially a massive-sized breed like the Pyr, be sure to do plenty of research. Talk to other Great Pyrenees pet parents, reputable breeders, and rescue groups to learn more about what it's really like to own this big soft-hearted pup.

If you’re interested in similar breeds, look into these to compare the pros and cons:

• Leonberger
• Newfoundland
• St. Bernard

There are many dog breeds out there. With a little research, you can find the right one to bring home.