Great Pyrenees

also known as Montañés Del Pirineo, Great Pyrenees, Patou, Chien De Montagne Des Pyrénées, Gos De Muntanya Dels Pirineus, Chien Des Pyrénées

Pros History


The Great Pyrenees, also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, is a large and majestic breed that has a rich history dating back centuries. Originally bred in the Pyrenees Mountains of France and Spain, these dogs were used for a variety of purposes, including guarding livestock, hunting, and serving as loyal companions to the people who lived in the rugged mountains.

The Great Pyrenees was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1933, and it is also recognized by other major kennel clubs around the world, such as the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC).

The origins of the Great Pyrenees can be traced back to the 17th century, when the people living in the Pyrenees Mountains began breeding large, strong dogs to protect their flocks of sheep and goats from predators such as wolves and bears. Over time, these dogs evolved into the Great Pyrenees we know today, with their thick, fluffy coats, powerful build, and calm, intelligent personalities.

The breed name "Great Pyrenees" is believed to have originated from the region where the breed was developed, the Pyrenees Mountains. The breed was created by the people living in the Pyrenees Mountains who needed a dog breed that could guard their livestock from predators.

Breed Information


Type

Is Great Pyrenees a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Great Pyreneess originally used for?

Sheep Guardian

Lifespan

How Long Do Great Pyreneess Live? What is average life expectancy for a Great Pyrenees? How long can Great Pyreneess live?

10-12 years

The average Great Pyrenees lifespan is somewhere between 10-12 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Great Pyrenees Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Great Pyrenees?

What is the average height of a Great Pyrenees? How big is a Purebred Great Pyrenees height? Great Pyrenees dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 27-32 inches (68.6 - 81.3 cm) 25.0 inches (63.5 cm) 26.0 inches (66 cm) 29.5 inches (74.9 cm)
Female 25-29 inches (63.5 - 73.7 cm) 22.0 inches (55.9 cm) 23.5 inches (59.7 cm) 27.0 inches (68.6 cm)
What is the average weight of a Great Pyrenees? How much should Great Pyreneess weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 100-140 pounds (45 - 64 kg) 70.0 pounds (32 kg) 90.0 pounds (41 kg) 130.0 pounds (59 kg)
Female 85-115 pounds (39 - 52 kg) 55.0 pounds (25 kg) 75.0 pounds (34 kg) 100.0 pounds (45 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Great Pyreneess get fat easily?

The Great Pyrenees is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are Great Pyreneess Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Great Pyrenees is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Great Pyrenees personality? What are Great Pyrenees dogs best known for?

Affectionate
Fearless
Patient
Confident
Gentle
Strong
Willed

Shedding Level

Are Great Pyreneess heavy shedders? How Much Does a Great Pyrenees Shed?

Great Pyrenees dogs are heavy shedders, they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Great Pyrenees. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Great Pyrenees dog?

The Great Pyrenees dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Great Pyreneess come from?

Asia

Ancestry

What are Great Pyreneess descended from?

Hungarian Kuvasz, Maremmano-Abruzzese

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Great Pyrenees breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Great Pyreneess first bred? How old is the Great Pyrenees breed?

Ancient Times

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Great Pyrenees?

Working (AKC:1933)
Guardian Dogs (UKC)

Great Pyrenees Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Great Pyrenees eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Great Pyrenees nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Great Pyrenees coat be naturally?

White
Cream

Coat Length

How long is a Great Pyreneess coat?

The coat of a Great Pyrenees is longer than that of the typical dog.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Great Pyrenees Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Great Pyrenees?

Wavy

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Great Pyrenees have in a litter? How many puppies can a Great Pyrenees have in her first litter?

10-12 puppies per pregnancy

A Great Pyrenees can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

The adaptability of Great Pyrenees dogs is a well-known trait, they are known for being able to adjust well to different living environments and lifestyle changes.

Great Pyrenees Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Great Pyreneess have a lot of health problems?

The Great Pyrenees breed is commonly healthy with low vet costs, regular check-ups may not be as necessary but it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Great Pyrenees?

Patellar Luxation
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Addison's Disease

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Great Pyreneess?

Entropion
Cataracts

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Great Pyrenees breed?

Eye
Hip
Knee
Blood Test
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Great Pyrenees Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Great Pyreneess have a lot of energy?

Great Pyreneess are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.

Social Needs

Do Great Pyreneess need socialization? How social are Great Pyreneess?

Great Pyrenees have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Great Pyreneess get?

The Great Pyrenees dog requires a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pet and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Great Pyrenees have? Do Great Pyreneess sleep a lot?

Great Pyreneess are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Great Pyrenees drool a lot?

The Great Pyrenees is a dog that is known for its low drooling tendency. If you dislike drool marks on your clothing, the Great Pyrenees could be a suitable choice for you.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

The Great Pyrenees is a vocal breed, with a tendency to bark and howl frequently. They may not be the best fit for those seeking a quiet companion. Their barks can vary and can indicate different emotions and needs.

Territorial

Do Great Pyreneess exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They will fiercely defend their territory and are highly alert and vigilant against any perceived threat to their home and family.

Mouthiness

Are Great Pyreneess mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Great Pyrenees running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Great Pyrenees dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Great Pyreneess enjoy doing? How do I keep my Great Pyrenees busy?

Sniff, Sit, Walk, Petting, Sniffing, Mouthing, Play, Being outside, People, Tug-of-war, Run, Walking, W, Hike, Going on drives, Car rides, Hiking, Tug of war, Hide and seek, Throw the ball

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Great Pyrenees? How much energy does a Great Pyrenees have?

Medium

Great Pyreneess are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Great Pyrenees walk each week? How many miles should a Great Pyrenees walk every week?

12 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Great Pyrenees, it's at least 12 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Great Pyrenees should exercise a day? How much activity does a Great Pyrenees need?

60 minutes

In general most Great Pyreneess usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Great Pyrenees?

The Great Pyrenees is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Great Pyrenees?

Weekly

Great Pyrenees should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Great Pyreneess?

Pin Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Great Pyrenees eat?

4.5 cups

For an average 100-140 pound (45 - 64 kg) Great Pyrenees feed 4.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Great Pyrenees Cost Daily?

$4.20 - $4.90 / day

The average cost of a Great Pyrenees is somewhere $4.20 - $4.90 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Great Pyrenees Cost Per Month?

$126 - $147 / month

The average per month expenses of a Great Pyrenees is between $126 - $147. This makes an average of $1512 - $1764 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Great Pyrenees Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Great Pyrenees?

Great Pyreneess has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The Great Pyrenees is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Great Pyrenees dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Great Pyrenees dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Great Pyrenees do well in apartments? Are Great Pyreneess good indoor dogs?

It's not recommended to keep the Great Pyrenees in an apartment, but this breed make good apartment dogs as long as they get to spend a good amount of time outside of the apartment. Great Pyreneess living in apartments will need plenty of physical exercise and stimulation throughout the day to remain happy and well-behaved.

Child Friendly

Are Great Pyreneess good with kids? Are Great Pyreneess good around children?

Great Pyreneess are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Great Pyreneess good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Great Pyreneess good with cats? How friendly Great Pyreneess are toward cats?

Great Pyreneess are one of the best dogs for cats. They're accept cats readily as part of the family. However, this dog breed should be trained to not chase after the kitty early on

Dog Friendly

Do Great Pyrenees dogs get along with other dogs? Are Great Pyreneess OK with other dogs?

Great Pyreneess are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Great Pyrenees dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Great Pyreneess friendly with strangers?

Great Pyreneess are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Great Pyreneess like to play? Are Great Pyreneess playful?

Great Pyreneess are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Great Pyrenees easily trained?

Great Pyrenees dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Loyal
    Great Pyrenees are known for their loyalty and strong bond with their owners.
  • Protective
    They are naturally protective of their family and make great watchdogs.
  • Cat Friendly
    Great Pyrenees have a friendly disposition towards cats.
  • Good with children
    They are gentle and patient with children, making them great family pets.

Cons

  • Tendency to gain weight
    Neglecting to watch a Great Pyrenees's weight can result in unnecessary weight gain.
  • Shedding
    Great Pyreneess dog breed that sheds heavily.
  • Barking
    This dog's loud bark is a defining characteristic of its breed.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    If you have allergies, you may want to avoid Great Pyreneess, as they have been known to cause allergic reactions.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Great Pyreneess may struggle to adapt to an office environment.
  • Not Apartment Friendly
    Great Pyrenees breeds may not be well-suited for indoor living.
  • Size
    Great Pyrenees are large dogs and require a lot of space.