The Great Pyrenees is a beautiful ancient breed with a rich history. They are devoted family dogs known for their loving and patient personality. However, if you’re thinking about introducing a Great Pyrenees into your home, you should understand the range of special care requirements. It’s crucial to learn everything you need to know to decide if owning a Great Pyrenees is the right choice for your family.
Great Pyrenees Personality
The Great Pyrenees has a gentle, strong, and friendly personality. They have a demeanor of a loyal worker, exhibiting confidence and patience. Great Pyrenees is loving with children and other pets, making a great addition to a family home. Their natural protective instincts mean they’re reserved around strangers but will take on any threat that arises. The Great Pyrenees is bred to work independently to do things their way. Therefore, a Great Pyrenees will require patient training at a young age.
The Great Pyrenees is nocturnal, with a keen sense of hearing. They are prone to develop anxiety, so providing a calm environment will go a long way to keep your dog happy and healthy. Many owners agree that the Great Pyrenees has a dominant personality. But their tendency to bark at night might be something to keep in mind.
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Great Pyrenees Training
The Great Pyrenees is an intelligent dog that can be difficult to train. They are strong-willed and bred to be independent in making their own decisions. They’re stubborn, so one required training method is to establish yourself as the pack leader early in training. Train your puppy to stay close to you and use positive reinforcement such as praise and reward. They may become easily bored, so varied, short, and consistent training sessions are key for the path to training a well-behaved, cheerful dog. Another training requirement for the Great Pyrenees puppy is leash work. The most important time for leash work training is between 8 weeks to 3 months of age. Great Pyrenees wander and often disappear from a loose leash. For added peace of mind to ensure your Great Pyrenees returns home safely, purchase a personalized dog collar with your contact information.
Great Pyrenees And Diet
The Great Pyrenees eats less than expected because of their slow metabolism and large size. The generally recommended food measurements are two to four cups daily. This amount is based on activity level and average weight. Split meals between two or more times daily or offer food in a dispensing toy. Great Pyrenees may suffer from bloat and gastric dilatation. Small meals several times a day and limited exercise after feeding can help prevent gastrointestinal concerns.
Great Pyrenees Health Issues
The Great Pyrenees is at risk for developing health conditions. While these potential health issues might seem worrisome, it’s better to know about the conditions in advance so you can have an informed conversation at your first vet visit. That way, your veterinarian can inform you if your specific puppy is at risk and ways to prevent the conditions from occurring. The most common health issues the Great Pyrenees face are hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, gastric dilatation volvulus, and osteosarcoma.
Are Pyrenees Hypoallergenic
You might wonder whether the Great Pyrenees is hypoallergenic. The short answer is no. The Great Pyrenees is a high-shedding breed with lots of dander and fur, making it not the best choice for allergy sufferers.
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Great Pyrenees And Exercise
The Great Pyrenees isn't as active and has high-energy levels as other breeds, but still, require an adequate amount of exercise to stay healthy. Great Pyrenees require about one hour of daily exercise. A good split of 30 minutes of walking and 30 minutes of other activities is a dependable way of getting in an hour of exercise for the day.
- 4-serving meals starting at $3.77 per serving (up to 25% cheaper than HelloFresh).
- Incredible variety with 10+ weekly meal options, delivered directly to you.
- Easy to prepare meals ready in 30-minutes or less.
Great Pyrenees Life Expectancy
Great Pyrenees have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years.
Raising Infants And Toddlers Around The Great Pyrenees
Many families wonder if this breed is suitable for households with infants and toddlers. The Great Pyrenees is typically loyal to their family, owners, and property. Great Pyrenees are very fond of children, including infants. They are naturally gentle and sweet towards anything that appears to be “small” or “defenseless”, always ready to protect themselves from any dangerous situation. It’s difficult to establish a relationship between babies and the Great Pyrenees. They are not always comfortable with babies and are considered more serious dogs. The concern is that they can become agitated which can be potentially dangerous around a baby.
Great Pyrenees And Size
The Great Pyrenees size is extra-large. Adult males are between 27 and 32 inches in height; with weight starting at 100 pounds whereas adult females range from 25 to 29 inches, with weight starting at 85 pounds.
Great Pyrenees And Energy Level
The energy level is the most important thing to consider before purchasing a new dog. This characteristic can be a “deal breaker” in your new relationship with your beloved dog.
Great Pyrenees have the endurance necessary to protect a flock of sheep and respond to threats. Unfortunately, the Great Pyrenees is not energetic and doesn't possess an incredible level of stamina. These dogs charge and chase away predators, so bursts of energy are more its style. Great Pyrenees use their energy wisely and are not likely to waste it.
Great Pyrenees And Socialization
Between 8 weeks to 3 months of age, you must familiarize your puppy with other animals, children, and people. Great Pyrenees usually do well with other animals when they’re properly socialized and raised with them. Your Great Pyrenees needs to socialize with other animals as a puppy to ensure polite behavior as an adult dog.
Grooming A Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees require regular bathing and brushing. The care and maintenance of the coat set the foundation for a beautiful coat and healthy skin. When the coat is unkempt, the hair shaft becomes rough and breaks down, which can lead to a damaged coat. You should bathe and brush your dog every other week up to no longer than every 6 weeks to prevent the fur from becoming tangled and matted. Purchasing appropriate grooming products to meet your dog’s maintenance needs is crucial to achieving optimal results.
- 4-serving meals starting at $3.77 per serving (up to 25% cheaper than HelloFresh).
- Incredible variety with 10+ weekly meal options, delivered directly to you.
- Easy to prepare meals ready in 30-minutes or less.
Purchasing A Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees puppies from reputable breeders will cost approximately $800 to $2,500. The price range depends on the age, location, gender, pedigree, and reputation of the breeder.
Conclusion
Are Great Pyrenees dogs good with kids? The short answer is yes. The Great Pyrenees is a well-mannered, serious dog known for its great devotion to family. They are a large working breed, full of personality, and known to be intelligent and independent. They are fond of kids and when given the training, will do well with kids of all ages. Great Pyrenees protect children and will follow them to ensure their safety. With proper exercise and socialization, Great Pyrenees can make a calm and patient family companion. As you decide, consider which factors are most important to you and then assess if the Great Pyrenees is a good fit for your family.
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