Great Pyrenees
Quick Facts:
- AKC recognized in 1933
- Lifespan: 10 – 12 years
- Size: Large
- Energy: Medium-high
- Recommended Crate Size: 54” dog crate*
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Introduction
The Great Pyrenees is also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog. It is a large breed of dog used as a guardian dog for livestock. It should not be confused with the Pyrenean Mastiff.
In 1874, the Great Pyrenees was not completely standardized in term of its appearance. There are two major sub-types recorded, the Eastern and the Western. They are classified into several other large white European livestock guardian dogs (LGD), such as the Kuvasz (Hungary), Italian Maremma Sheepdog, Polish Tatra or Polski Owczarek Podhalański and Akbash Dog (Turkey).
According to the Great Pyrenees Club of America, the Great Pyrenees is naturally aggressive to any predators and live nocturnally. However, due to its natural guardian instinct, and with appropriate training, can typically be trusted with young, small, and helpless animals of any kind.
Breed
The American Kennel Club formally recognized the Great Pyrenees in 1933.
These medium-high energy dogs are known as a guardian dog for livestock, and today it still can be found doing that job on ranches and farms.
Although it is not a highly active dog, this breed does still need regular exercise.
In nature, this breed is confident and gentle. It is also known as an independent, strong-willed breed.
For your information, a dog of this kind may wander away if left off its leash in an unenclosed space.
The Great Pyrenees will protect its flock by barking, and they tend to bark at night unless trained against such behavior.
Appearance
The Great Pyrenees dog presents a distinct impression of elegance and perfect beauty combined with great overall majesty and size.
He has a beautiful and strong built white coat that may contain markings of gray, badger, or varying shades of tan.
He has a good intelligence and a kindly expression. It exhibits a unique elegance of movement and bearing.
His coordination and soundness unmistakably show the purpose for which he has been bred, through strenuous work of guarding the livestock, people, children from any kind of real predators.
Nutrition
It is recommended to provide feed formulated to large-sized breeds. It is highly recommended to discuss your dog’s feed with your veterinarian and/or breeder in order to determine the size and frequency of meals in order to ensure a healthy, long life. It is also important to ensure that clean, fresh water is always available.
Grooming
Regular bathing and clipping will keep the breed clean and looking their best.
Pay attention to their strong fast-growing nails, and trim it regularly using a nail clipper or grinder to avoid overgrowth, cracking and splitting.
Teeth should be brushed regularly and their ears should be checked to avoid a buildup of debris and wax which can result in an infection.
Exercise
Nowadays, not all Pyrenees’ owners use their dogs for protecting livestock. Instead, it is used as companions and mighty guardians of family and home.
As independent thinkers, Pyrs must be trained with kindness and patience.
This breed is not suitable for apartment life because it needs a lot of space.
Don’t over-train this breed because it can easily overheat. Give it minimum exercise, especially in warmth months.
Pet Crate Size
Pet Crates Direct recommends a 54” dog crate* for most adult Great Pyrenees.
Return to the main Dog Crate Sizes Breed Chart.
* Links for crate sizes will bring you to the most appropriate Amazon page.
