Great Pyrenees Dog Breed Information

Group

Working

Weight

40-70 kg

Height

63-81 cm

Lifespan

10-12 years

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About the Great Pyrenees

Reviewed by:

Dr. Dilber Hussain

Veterinarian

The Great Pyrenees are instantly recognisable thanks to their bright white fluffy coat and incredibly friendly demeanour. These gorgeous dogs are incredibly affectionate with the entire family and can even live happily with other dogs.

From their eating habits to how often they shed, here is our guide to everything you need to know about the Great Pyrenees dog breed!

What is the history & origin of the Great Pyrenees?

The first Great Pyrenees were once an extremely popular breed amongst French nobility. They were mainly used to defend their owner’s flock from potential predators such as wolves and other large threats.

The name ‘Great Pyrenees’ comes from the fact that these dogs were mainly used as livestock guardians in the Pyrenees mountains. Thanks to their large thick coat and powerful eyes, they made the perfect Pyrenean mountain dog!

The Pyrenees were once the royal dog of France, which is why they are commonly chosen by French directors to appear in their films. This is also in part due to their eye-catching fleece and their friendly temperament!

What is a Great Pyrenees Breed?

The Great Pyrenees breed is a large white dog breed that offers incredible affection to its family and friends.

They are extremely calm dogs and get along well with most other breeds, especially if trained well at a young age.

Their large shaggy coat protects them from cold climates and ensures that they are constantly being cuddled and squished by their owners.

Who is a Great Pyrenees Best For?

Today, Pyrenees dogs are excellent companions when living in rural areas as their fur offers them protection from the cold. As they were once used for guarding livestock, they are perfect for farmers and similar rural occupations.

Their protective nature also makes them an ideal family pet, especially if you are looking for a friend for your little one. They are incredibly friendly and will offer love and protection to your child.

Great Pyrenees Grooming & Shedding

The Pyrenees are known for their thick white coat, which means they are frequent shedders. This means you may need to regularly groom your dog’s coat at least once a week to prevent it from shedding.

Thankfully, their coat is naturally resistant to knots and tangles. It is also resistant to dirt, which is surprising given its typical white fur.

Grooming the Pyrenees doesn’t need to be a strenuous task as a 30-minute brush is usually more than enough to prevent constant shedding. You should also take care to trim your Pyrenees’ nails as they can grow fairly long if not maintained.

Do Great Pyrenees bark a lot?

As they were once used as a livestock guardian, they tend to bark more often than similar dog breeds. This makes them perfect companies in rural areas, but they may not be suited for apartments or similar shared residences.

Whilst they are young it is possible to train your Pyrenees to bark less, so keep this in mind when deciding whether or not they are the best breed for your home.

What is the average weight & height of a Great Pyrenees dog?

Your typical Pyrenees can weigh anywhere between 40 to 70 kilograms depending on their age and size. In terms of height, you can expect a full-grown adult dog to be around 63 to 81 cm tall, especially if well-fed as a puppy.

As the Pyrenees are a large dog breed, they tend to have slightly less energy than your typical smaller dog. However, it is still important to ensure they exercise frequently to promote healthy bones and muscles.

Are Great Pyrenees easy to train?

As with most breeds, the earlier you start to train your Pyrenees the more likely the lessons are to stick. As the Pyrenees are protective, they can be fairly loud and suspect every new person as a threat – which is why early socialisation and training are really important!

The older your Pyrenees is the harder it is to train, which is why it’s a good idea to try and adopt your Pyrenees whilst it’s still a puppy.

In terms of toilet training and eating, your Pyrenees will quickly learn ways to let you know when it is hungry or wants to go for a walk!

How do Great Pyrenees behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Due to their history as flock protectors, Pyrenees are incredibly affectionate and caring towards their owners and their family. They are naturally suspicious of strangers, but this is only because they are checking that they’re not a threat to you!

The best way to avoid your Pyrenees from being suspicious of strangers is to introduce them to new people frequently when they are a puppy. If you raise your Pyrenees by introducing it to multiple people, you will quickly see that this furry dog can be incredibly sociable.

This is also a great way to stop your Pyrenees barking at anything new, especially as they are avid bakers.

In terms of energy levels, your Pyrenees is more slow and steady than some breeds. They tend to have low energy levels as they spend most of their life reserving their energy in case their owner is under threat.

However, they still enjoy playing games and dog sports so be sure to ensure your Pyrenees has access to lots of toys!

Does the Great Pyrenees have any common health issues?

Most larger breeds are highly prone to hip and leg problems, as they grow older, and the Great Pyrenees is no different. This is why it is extremely important to ensure your dog exercises frequently to build bone and muscular strength.

These issues can be avoided by playing a range of dog sports with your cuddly Pyrenees and ensuring that it gets to walk daily.

Their eyes are also prone to diseases as they grow older. This means you should always check with your chosen breeder for an eye certificate, from organisations such as the Canine Eye Registry Foundation, to check your puppy’s parents for potential genetic health problems.

Other health problems may occur that you should be aware of, these are:

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: These genetic conditions can lead to pain and mobility issues as the dog ages. Regular exercise and proper weight management are crucial for prevention.
Luxating Patellas: This occurs when the kneecap slips out of place, causing discomfort and affecting movement. It’s important to monitor for signs of lameness.
Gastric Dilatation (Bloat): Due to their deep chest, Great Pyrenees are at risk for bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists. Awareness of symptoms is vital for prompt treatment.
Eye Diseases: They can be prone to conditions like persistent pupillary membranes, which may impair vision. Checking for eye health certificates from breeders can help ensure puppy health.

What is the lifespan of a Great Pyrenees?

The average lifespan of the Pyrenees dog breed is anywhere between 10 and 12 years. This is fairly average for any dog breed, especially when you consider that younger dogs tend to live for longer.

How much does a Great Pyrenees need to be fed?

The average Pyrenees will require feeding around 4-6 cups of food per day – this is best offered in at least 2 meals. As your dog ages, it may begin to lose its appetite, but it’s important that you still offer it at least 2 meals a day.

Most Pyrenees dogs will enjoy a mixture of high-quality wet and dry foods, they aren’t one of the fussier breeds out there.

Do keep in mind, that as with all dogs, the exact amount of food your Pyrenees will need depends on a range of factors. Be sure to adjust the amount of food to suit your dog’s personal needs!

How much can you expect to pay for a Great Pyrenees in Australia?

Before you join the Great Pyrenees Club, it’s a good idea to have a rough idea of how much you are willing to spend on a new furry friend. In Australia, you will typically expect to pay around $800 to $1000 for a Pyrenees puppy!

Always check that your chosen breeder can provide certificates and proof of vaccination for your new puppy. Reputable breeders will always offer everything you need to best care for your healthy dog!

Great Pyrenees FAQs

Are Great Pyrenees good hiking dogs?

This friendly breed was once one of the most popular breeds for the Pyrenees mountains, so they make excellent hiking dogs. Their coat ensures they stay warm in cold weather and their history as guard dogs offer you protection when hiking,

Are Great Pyrenees hypoallergenic dogs?

As they regularly shed dog hair and dander and boast a thick double coat, Great Pyrenees are not the most hypoallergenic dogs.

Why do so many people get rid of Great Pyrenees?

The main reason why Great Pyrenees are often found in dog homes is that they are fairly difficult to train when young. However, a well-trained Pyrenees is easily one of the friendliest and most protective large breeds out there.

Do Great Pyrenees dogs like to swim?

Due to their shaggy coats and low stamina, Great Pyrenees aren’t as avid swimmers as other dogs. Whilst they do still enjoy a paddle, they’re not as strong swimmers as breeds such as Irish Setters and Golden Retrievers.