Pyredoodle Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Pyredoodle?

As with most mixed-breed dogs, Pyredoodles have probably existed in the wild for quite a while due to accidental breeding, but it wasn't until the 2000s that breeders started intentionally creating Pyredoodle puppies.

Their aim was to create a low-shedding breed that would have a hypoallergenic coat, and so breeders in North America started to mix the Great Pyrenees with the Standard Poodle.

To get a better understanding of hybrid dog breeds, it's always helpful to learn about the history of the parent breeds, as this is the best way to predict what traits your designer dog is likely to inherit.

The Standard Poodle is a very old breed that can be traced all the way back to the Ancient Egyptians. It became well known in France during the 1600s when it was used for duck hunting and for retrieving waterfowl.

It's not exactly clear when it arrived in the United States, but it was recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1886.

The Great Pyrenees, or Pyrenean Mountain Dog, is also an ancient breed whose ancestors are believed to have arrived in the Pyrenees mountains around 3000 B.C. They were used to guard sheep and became popular throughout Europe and the United States in the 1800s.

Who are Pyredoodle dogs best for?

Pyredoodles make brilliant pets for almost anyone, including those who live alone. They're incredibly loyal and protective of their owners and love to be showered in affection. They're also great family dogs and are gentle with children and often become their playmates.

Due to their large size, they're usually best suited to living in a house with a backyard where they can play and run around. However, they can adapt to living in an apartment as long as they're taken for daily walks that last at least 30 minutes.

If you have other dogs at home, this shouldn't be an issue as Pyredoodles tend to get on well with other animals. As long as they're properly trained and socialised, they will happily frolic and play with the other canines in your life.

How much grooming does a Pyredoodle need?

The Pyredoodle was originally bred to be a low-shedding dog, so it's a good choice for people who suffer from allergies. Their coat will be either short or long, depending on the breed they take after the most.

If they take after the Great Pyrenees parent, they will have a thick double coat, and if they're more like the Standard Poodle parent, it will be short-medium. Either way, you'll need to brush them regularly to prevent their coat from becoming matted and tangled.

They only need to be bathed occasionally, as frequent baths will wash away the natural oils that keep their fur healthy and shiny. They'll also need to be taken to a groomer every couple of months for a trim.

As with all dogs, it's important that you brush their teeth regularly as well and trim their nails when they get too long.

Do Pyredoodle bark much?

Pyredoodles are intensely loyal dogs that have inherited the protective nature of the Great Pyrenees. This means they make excellent guard dogs and will bark to alert their owners of any strangers or potential dangers.

However, most of the time, they have a calm demeanour and don't tend to bark for no reason.

Do Pyredoodle bite?

Despite their large stature, Pyredoodles are actually quite shy dogs around strangers and are not aggressive. Biting is not a common trait in the breed, but a Pyredoodle puppy will nip and play-bite, especially when teething. As they mature into adult dogs, this behaviour should stop.

What is the temperament & personality of a Pyredoodle?

Pyredoodles are incredibly intelligent and very loyal to their owners. They become closely attached to their families and are very protective of them, but this does mean they require quite a lot of attention.

Due to their intelligence, they need to be provided with activities and toys that give them mental stimulation; otherwise, they can become bored. They also love playing with children and, despite their size, they are very sweet-natured and gentle.

The Pyredoodle is an active dog, but it doesn't need a huge amount of exercise. A 30-minute walk each day should be enough, and you'll sometimes have to encourage them to come with you as they can be a bit on the lazy side.

What is the weight & size of a Pyredoodle?

Pyredoodles are large dogs, and they usually weigh between 38 kg to 45 kg. Their height is usually between 38 cm and 81 cm.

How much training does a Pyredoodle need?

Pyredoodles are very intelligent dogs which makes them quick learners, but they do have a bit of a stubborn streak. To get past this, it's best to train them using positive reinforcement and rewards, as any kind of negativity will make them even more reluctant to participate.

They can be quite shy around strangers and other dogs, which means early socialisation is very important. They benefit from attending puppy training classes, and it's also good to take them to a dog park from an early age so that they can get used to being around strangers and other dogs.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Pyredoodle?

The Pyredoodle is generally a healthy dog, but as a designer breed, there are certain health concerns from each parent breed to be wary of, such as:

• Bloat - a condition where the dog's stomach fills with food or gas, causing it to twist. This is a serious condition that can become life-threatening if not treated quickly.

• Canine Hip Dysplasia - is one of the most common joint and mobility issues in dogs. It occurs when the hip joint forms abnormally during growth and then doesn't fit properly into the hip socket.

• Canine Elbow Dysplasia - a degenerative disease where the dog's elbow forms abnormally. This can lead to pain, swelling, and limping, and can cause arthritis.

What is the lifespan of a Pyredoodle?

The average life expectancy for Pyredoodles is 10 to 12 years.

How much should you feed a Pyredoodle?

Due to their size, Pyredoodles require a substantial amount of food each day. It's always best to stick to dry food and to split it over two meals. Make sure you buy dog food that is high in protein, calcium, and vitamins, as this way, your dog's diet will keep them healthy and strong.

What is the price of a Pyredoodle in Australia?

As a mixed-breed dog, the price of a Pyredoodle will vary from breeder to breeder. You should expect to pay anywhere between $1,000 to $4,000 for a puppy. Always make sure that you buy your puppy from a reputable breeder and avoid puppy farms.