Last updated on August 31st, 2021
What is a Great Pyrenees?
The Great Pyrenees is a massive, thickly coated, and vastly powerful working dog. This is often a peaceful, well-mannered, serious, nice family dog breed. It’s a really large, muscular, double-coated dog.
Great Pyrenees won’t hesitate to undertake to guard their family and their territory. They are a fantastic companion for friend and children. Great Pyrenees is slightly longer than tall. It’s a good combination of strength, agility, and used as a livestock guardian dog.
Content Overview
- History
- Other’s name
- Appearance
- Coat and color
- Characteristics
- Temperament
- Personality
- Health & Problems
- How to take care
- Puppy Information
- Grooming needs
- Friendliness with Kid’s, Family & Other Dogs
- Can we left Great Pyrenees alone at home?
- Things to consider adopting a puppy
- Advantages & Disadvantages
History
The Great Pyrenees appeared in Europe between 1800 and 1000 B.C. It had been originally employed in the mountain range Mountains to protect flocks of sheep from wolves and bears.
It’s noted as a guard and watchdog and has been used to pull carts. Throughout war I great Pyrenees used to carry contraband product between France and Spain. Once in Europe, it had been considered principally a peasant’s dog.
The breed created voyages into Newfoundland within the mid-1600s. Wherever it clearly was ready to deal with the harsh winters Canada has to provide.
At this time in their history, natural predators became more and more scarce as they were afraid, and their habitats were destroyed. This left less work for the good mountain range to try and do, and as a result their numbers dwindled.
They were conjointly bred with other breeds that diluted the status of the gene pool. Nowadays, it had been used as livestock guardians.
Other’s name
- Chien de Montagne
- Pyrenean Mountain Dog
- Des Pyrénées
Appearance
Head: Head is wedge-shaped with a slightly rounded crown. It is not heavy in proportion to the size of the dog.
Eyes: Eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, and rich in dark brown color. It is set slightly obliquely.
Eyelids: There eyelids are close fitting with black rims.
Teeth: It has scissor level biting.
Cheeks: The cheeks are flat
Muzzle: The muzzle is approximately equal in length to the back skull.
Skull: The breadth and length of the skull are roughly equal. The muzzle blends smoothly with the bone. There’s sufficient fill beneath the eyes.
A slight furrow exists between the eyes. There’s no apparent stop. The bony eyebrow ridges are solely slightly developed.
Nose: There nose is black and round in shape.
Lips: Lips are tight-fitting, with the higher lip simply covering the lower lip. There is a powerful jawbone. The lips are black.
Ear’s: they have little to medium size ear’s. Ear’s carried low, flat and shut to the head. Their ears nearly disappear by mixing into the fur of the neck and ruff.
Neck: It’s a muscular neck. The neck rises powerfully from the shoulders.
Tail: The tail is well plumed, and carried. The tail could also be carried over the back.
Shoulders: The shoulders are well set back, well muscled, and lie close to the body. The higher arm meets the shoulder blade at roughly a right angle.
The higher arm angles backward from the purpose of the shoulder to the elbow and isn’t perpendicular to the bottom. The length of the shoulder blade and the upper arm are roughly equal.
Coat and color
Great Pyrenees have a double coat, with a soft undercoat and long outer coat. The undercoat is soft, fine and thick. The outer coat is coarse, long, and either straight or slightly wavy.
Coat colors are White, Tan, Grey, Red, Badger.
Characteristics
Weight & Height
| Male | Female | |
| Weight | 50–54 kg | 36–41 kg |
| Height | 70–82 cm | 65–74 cm |
Breed basic Characteristics
| Grooming requirements | Medium grooming |
| Litter Size | 8-10 puppies |
| Coat Color | White, Tan, Grey, Red, Badger |
| Lifespan | 10 – 12 years |
| Suitable For | Family, Seniors, Children of all ages |
| Purpose | Guard dogs, Protective dog |
| Energy level | High |
| Breed Type | Working dog |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Energy Level | Active |
Temperament
Great Pyrenees could be a mild, tender, sturdy willed, fearless, confident, and patient dog breed. They’ll not hesitate to try to protect their family and their territory.
They’re extremely sensible as watching dogs, this pup is kind of used to the slow pace of watching over sheep for hours at a time. Great Pyrenees isn’t serious outdoor companion.
It’s an independent and stubborn dog. They’re tough to coach. There calm nature makes him nice with children.
Personality
It’s personality is cute, cuddly, and tender. They’re notable for his nice devotion to family, together with well-behaved children. Great Pyrenees dogs are usually trustworthy, tender and gentle.
They will be aggressive towards alternative dogs and animals, so that they aren’t familiar and not adjust with them easily. It’s a natural protector, so that they can defend you and your family.
Early socialization and coaching are so is quite for them.
Health & Problems
1. Entropion
Entropion is an abnormality of the eyelids. During this problem, eyelid rolls inward. This inward rolling usually causes the hair on the surface of the eyelid to rub against the cornea. It will cause serious injury to the surface of the good Pyrenees eye. If you notice any beloved symptoms then immediately raise your vet.
Symptoms:
- Weepy eye
- Closing eye
- Red eye
- Rubbing face
- Recurring rumor
2. Osteosarcoma
It is a one kind of bone tumor. This can be terribly painful.
Osteosarcoma sometimes arises within the bones of the limbs however will develop within the bones of the skull, spine or rib cage and there are rare cases of this tumor arising in non-polar tissues like duct gland glands and muscle.
Symptoms:
- Loss of appetite
- Reluctant to walk or play
3. Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
OCD affects the shoulder joint, however the hip, elbow, may additionally be concerned. This disease occurs because of a disturbance within the traditional differentiation of cartilage cells, leading to failure of endochondral ossification.
Symptoms:
- Lameness
- Stiffness
- Limping
4. Skin issues
Dogs are also as flea saliva, mites, molds, trees and food. Additionally, dogs can have allergies to grooming product, food, and environmental irritants, like spores or insect bites. A short while, skin develops into red color.
Symptoms:
- Scratching
- Red, moist, or scabbed skin
- Itchy, runny eyes
- Restless ears and/or ear infections
5. Chondrodysplasia
Chondrodysplasia could be a short-legged constitution characteristic shown in Great Pyrenees dog breed. This can be abnormal development of a dog’s bone and cartilage.
Symptoms:
- Larger than normal head.
- Undershot jaw with shorter nose.
- Crooked teeth due to shorter jaw.
- Abnormal bone shape.
- Poor growth or lack of growth.
6. Panosteitis
This is a painful inflammation of the outer surface or shaft of one or more long bones of the legs. This can be a selected painful bone condition.
Panosteitis might occur in more than one bone at a time or might move around, causing a shifting limping that goes from one bone or leg to an other.
Symptoms:
- Fever
- Anorexia
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
How to take care
Feeding Plan:
Great Pyrenees desires additional food than different dog breeds. How much your adult dog fare depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Therefore, it’s best that ask your vet about feeding guide. Begin with kibble or dry food.
| Age | How much food they need? |
| 2 weeks old | Their mother milk |
| 4 Weeks old | Mother milk, Give them different foods for see them interest in different foods. Offer them ¼ food to see their interest, Check the food in which they are comfortable. |
| 2 -3 months | 4 times per day |
| 4 – 9 months | 3 times per day |
| 10 Months up | 2 times per day |
Bad food for them:
You should avoid foods that are crammed with tons of corn, gluten, and varied fillers. These foods can make them prone to weight problems since they’re not obtaining sufficient protein and different nutrients.
Make sure don’t feed animal by-products and puppy food that contains artificial flavorings, colorants, and additives.
Exercise needs:
This breed is high energy dog. The Great Pyrenees need up to 30 – 45 minute exercise per day. Basic way to exercise your Pyrenean Mountain Dog is to slip on their harness and take them for a good old dog walk.
Great Pyrenees are going to be happy to accompany you. If your Great Pyrenees losing interest of constant old walks, take him a different route, or walk a distinct space of the park.
Walk help to keep them fit and avoid boredom. Walk is also a good activity to avoid extra stress on the their joints.
Give them ideal home Environment:
The Great Pyrenees can be a sweet dog to live with. The are usually great with their family’s kids and other pets. Pyrenean Mountain Dog provide a soothing, rock-like quality to many families. Trouble usually only arises with outsiders.
Always keep positive atmosphere around them
If your pup not response then do not punish them. Always be patient with your dog. Don’t get angry with the Great Pyrenees.
Motivating them with something positive things like a tell words of praise and give them gift after positive response. It will make strong bond between you and your pup.
Puppy Information
Its puppy are often a difficult puppy to live with. Puppies also are terribly sensitive to heat, creating them unsuitable for households in hot climates. It may be messy drinkers and droolers. Puppies are gentle around kids and love being a part of your family.
Some time their protecting nature become harmful for kids. They need lots of socialization from the beginning. They’re terribly protecting and calm, however it may also get out of hand if a great Pyrenees isn’t socialized at a young age. Puppies have a barking, roaming, digging, and extremely freelance nature.
Puppy Price:
Great Pyrenees Puppy price is approximately $800 to $1,500.
How to train Great Pyrenees Puppy
The Great Pyrenees is smart, confidence and little stubborn dog breed. This can make it challenging to train. Great Pyrenees is eager to learn new things.
When it’s puppy walking around on its own, you can start training. Puppy will not have a very good attention so keep the sessions to 10-15 minutes long.
Crate training:
Pick a little pooch crate for your Great Pyrenees which crate have ventilation on all four sides. They require sufficient room for sit, stand, and turn around. Going in the crate ought to be thought of as a treat instead of a punishment.
Keep the crate some place in your domestic where you hang out habitually. This way, your pup can sometimes go in her crate whereas still feeling like portion of the family. Keep a water dish and food within the crate.
Deliver them toys. Make sure that toys will not swallow and hurt them. Keep your pup within the crate after you go out or rest. You’ll keep an eye on him and take him outside.
Socialization:
Great Pyrenees is respectful with everybody and peaceful with different dogs. Socialize can make your canine recognizable steady, charming, and intrepid grown-up. Bring Great Pyrenees with you to a variety of places.
Socialization is the as it were way to teach is by driving them with certainty and quality. Teach them essential commands like come back, sit, remain, heel, down.
Basic learning commands:
Begin puppy training with simple commands. Start training your dog to “lie down”, “sit”, “stay”, “down” or “heel” and “come” commands. First, learn them easy commands.
Once your pup learn command, then after teach them another command. When your pup responds good to your commands, then you should motivate it with positive rewards.
Stop Barking:
Great Pyrenees are gaurd dog so that they bark alot. Barking may be a dangerous habit. If your domestic dog pup bark at the unknown, then never instantly attend to them.
Allow them to recognize you’re not rewarding them for barking. Once they need calmed down, then you’ll be ready to move to them.
Potty coaching:
Potty training is extraordinarily necessary. You furthermore may get to take Great Pyrenees puppies resolute to travel potty constantly. Allow them to move into a bathroom once a meal, drink, a nap, playtime.
Grooming needs
Tools you required
- Dog Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Spray for de-tangling
- Large, curved slicker brush
- Wide-toothed steel comb
- Heavy nail clippers
- Cotton balls for wipe ears and eyes
Brushing:
Brushing is extremely necessary method in dog’s grooming. Because of double coat of Great Pyrenees, there are some time tangles in their coat. Brush your dog coat for 30 minutes in each week.
If it is attainable then divide the hair in parts, then after brush their hair. Thus try to use Detangling spray to remove tangles. Try to spray only on the tangles space.
Most of male dog have long fur within the neck and shoulders, thus spray during this space. Begin brushing at the neck and gently combing to the bottom of the tail.
Then go a similar route on the edges. Brushing helps the skin breathe and additionally helps keep the dog cooler. If you notice mat on the fur, then use the mat splitter.
Bathing
Over-bathing will reduce the qualities of the great Pyrenees. They need bathing each other week and less than month. Make sure to use shampoos designed for dogs. Check pH levels are appropriate for a dog’s skin and fur.
Before bathing, wet dog full body. Place a large cotton ball within the dog’s ear. Cotton ball can prevent water from obtaining deep within the ear canal and causing an ear infection.
Begin from the neck in operation your technique toward the tail. Scrub in spherical motions at the side of your finger, so the shampoo reaches the undercoat. Conditioners proceed last.
Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft, clean towel. You wish to jointly use a drier. Don’t hold the drier too close to the skin or close to the face. It makes injuries to the Great Pyrenees coat and skin.
How to clean their ear’s?
You’ll be able to clean your dog’s ears in the use of dog ear-drops cleaner. Take a swish cloth or a cotton pad to clean off the residues and wax. Once gushing resolution slightly into each ear, massage the all-time low of the ear gently.
Teeth & Nails
Brush your dog at least 2 or 3 times per week. Brushing can remove tartar buildup and therefore the bacteria that lurk within teeth.
Nails that are left to develop too lengthy will cause injuries to you and your pup. Use an advert dog nail trimmer. If you chop too deep, your canine could get scraped and bleed. Apply styptic powder at the hurt space.
Friendliness with Kid’s, Family & Other Dogs
Great Pyrenees could be a calm, caring, gentle dog. The Great Pyrenees could be a good family. This dog famous for his nice devotion to family, together with well-behaved kids. They forever try and shield their family and their territory.
Children will get to be trained to behave around dogs and better yet, a great Pyrenees, to confirm their safety. Kids love dogs, and their first instinct is to run up to them and want to pat them. Puppies use their paw to let their people know how much they’re loved.
Great Pyrenees is additionally friendly toward different pets and shy toward strangers. They’ll usually run around and create a lot of noise. If Great Pyrenees been raised with them from puppyhood, then it will well with different animals within the house.
Can we left Great Pyrenees alone at home?
The answer is – “YES”. You ought to be able to left Great Pyrenees alone for up to 4-6 hours. They’re very connected to their homeowners. However, an excessive amount of alone would increase anxiety, destructiveness, restlessness, and aggressiveness.
Things to consider adopting a puppy
- Adopting a dog is additionally a large responsibility. It’s a variety you would like to make carefully. It’d facilitate if you detected a puppy.
- If you’re doing not have time to repeatedly train, socialize, and exercise these dogs, then you got to not adopt this dog.
- Ask stock breeder concerning the breed’s history, justify why one puppy is taken into thought pet quality. In contrast, another isn’t, and discuss what health problems impact the breed and along the steps she takes to go to avoid those problems.
- Never purchase a puppy from an irresponsible and fewer intelligence stock breeder.
- This dog barks a ton. Therefore, it’s not suggested for homes wherever his barking will disturb others.
- They are an extraordinary dog for families with youngsters.
- Make sure they need lots of socialization from the beginning.
- Great Pyrenees hearing is so sensitive he will observe intruders even with all the windows closed, the house. He extremely will hear that well, and he’ll positively let you know all concerning what he hears.
- Make sure that choose a powerful, sturdy, and healthy puppy.
- It is not suitable for an owner who’s reluctant to put in the necessary team.
- Make sure they want area to get regular exercise. Provide him as much exposure to them as you can.
- Make sure, don’t the keep them once the air-conditioner is on high.
- Apartment life isn’t suggested for them. Great Pyrenees needs a large fenced-in yard for daily enjoying and exercise.
- Keep in mind that you have the right to require your new pup to your own veterinary for a check-up and also the right to return it for a full refund if it’s not healthy.
- Behave with them calmly. Tell your friend or family to treat them well.
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages:
- They are very Calm, Patient, and Intelligent dog breed.
- Great Pyrenees is an excellent family dog.
- It can also be very gentle and patient with children.
- They are very devoted and loyal to their family members.
- Great Pyrenees is affectionate and friendly with the people they love.
Disadvantages:
- It barks a lot.
- If you left them alone at home out of their crate then it can also be destructive.
- They are Heavy shedders.
- It has some health issue.
- They requires lot of exercise.