10 Must-Know Facts About Great Pyrenees: Essential Owner’s Guide

Great Pyrenees dogs are big, fluffy, and cute. They make good pets for some people. But they need special care and training.

You should learn about the Great Pyrenees before you get one. These dogs have their own habits and needs. Knowing what to expect can help you decide if the Great Pyrenees is right for you. It can also help you take better care of your new dog.

1. Gentle Giant Breed

Great Pyrenees are known as gentle giants for good reason. These dogs are large and impressive, but they have a calm and patient nature. Adult male Great Pyrenees typically stand 27-32 inches tall and weigh over 100 pounds. Females are slightly smaller but still quite large at 25-29 inches tall and 85+ pounds.

2. Independent Thinker

Great Pyrenees dogs are known for their independent nature. They have a strong mind of their own and often make decisions without waiting for your input. This trait comes from their history as livestock guardian dogs. They were bred to protect flocks without constant human supervision.

3. Double Coat Maintenance

Great Pyrenees have a thick double coat that needs regular care. Their coat consists of a soft, dense undercoat and a longer, coarser outer coat. You’ll need to brush your Great Pyrenees at least once a week to keep their coat healthy. This helps remove loose fur and prevents matting.

4. Needs Ample Space

Great Pyrenees dogs are large and need lots of room to move around. You should have a big yard or outdoor area for them to explore. These dogs can grow up to 32 inches tall and weigh over 100 pounds. They need space inside your home too. A small apartment might feel cramped for a Great Pyrenees.

5. Prone to Shedding

Great Pyrenees dogs are known for their heavy shedding. You should be prepared for a lot of loose fur around your home if you choose this breed. These dogs have a thick double coat that sheds year-round. The shedding becomes more intense during seasonal changes, typically in spring and fall.

6. Barking Tendency

Great Pyrenees are known for their vocal nature. You should expect your Pyr to bark frequently, as it’s a natural part of their protective instincts. These dogs were bred to guard livestock, so barking is their way of alerting you to potential threats. They may bark at unfamiliar sounds, people, or animals.

7. Requires Early Socialization

Great Pyrenees need early socialization to become well-adjusted adult dogs. You should start this process as soon as you bring your puppy home. Introduce your Great Pyrenees to different people, animals, and environments. This helps them become comfortable with various situations they’ll encounter in life.

8. Health Screenings Needed

Great Pyrenees need regular health screenings to stay healthy. Here are the screenings you should test for on a regular basis:

1. Hip and elbow evaluations. 
2. Eye exams that can catch issues like Multifocal Retinopathy 1.
3. Your vet should test for Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia.
4. Regular heart checks are crucial. 
5. Thyroid function tests are recommended. 
6. Routine blood work and urinalysis. 
7. Have your dog’s hearing checked.
8. Regular dental exams are vital too.

Given the Great Pyrenees’ predisposition to certain health issues like hip dysplasia, pet insurance can be a valuable resource for owners. Comprehensive pet insurance helps cover unexpected veterinary costs, giving you peace of mind as you care for this gentle giant.

9. Low Exercise, High Training Needs 

Great Pyrenees dogs have surprisingly low exercise needs. Despite their large size, these gentle giants don’t require intense workouts. You only need to give your Great Pyrenees about 30 minutes of exercise each day. This can be a leisurely walk or playtime in the yard.

The Great Pyrenees can be independent and strong-willed, so early training is beneficial for a well-behaved companion. Accessing online obedience training programs tailored for larger, protective breeds can help establish positive behavior and improve the bond between you and your Great Pyrenees.

A high-quality, balanced diet is essential for the Great Pyrenees to maintain their health and energy. Human-grade dog food options are available to meet their nutritional needs, ensuring they get the right mix of protein and nutrients to support their large frame and active lifestyle.

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10. Can Be Stubborn

Great Pyrenees dogs have a reputation for being stubborn. This trait comes from their history as independent working dogs. You might find your Pyr ignoring commands or deciding to do things on their own terms. They often have their own ideas about what needs to be done.

Breed History

The Great Pyrenees originated in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. For centuries, they guarded livestock from predators like wolves and bears. Their strong protective instincts made them excellent working dogs. Farmers valued their ability to watch over flocks independently.

In the 17th century, French nobility took notice of the breed. They began using Great Pyrenees as royal court dogs. This helped spread the breed’s popularity beyond mountain regions. Today, Great Pyrenees still excel as guardians. Many work as livestock protection dogs on farms. Others serve as loyal family pets and therapy dogs.