Great Pyrenees Dog Breed Guide

Bred ages ago to be steadfast guardians, today’s Great Pyrenees are as at home in the living room watching over their families as they are in the field tending to their flocks. But don’t let their gentleness deceive you. These sizable dogs are more than capable of standing up to wolves and bears, as well as any human threats to those under their charge.¹

Read on to discover more about the Great Pyrenees, including their history and temperament, daily care and health needs and what sort of home is best for this brave and majestic breed.

About the Great Pyrenees

Known outside the United States as the Pyrenean mountain dog, the Great Pyrenees, or Pyr for short, is named after the Pyrenees mountain range that borders Spain and France.¹ Their exact origins are unknown, but fossilized bones of this breed have been found in the mountain region that date as far back as 1800 B.C.²

Despite being as ancient as the molosser dogs from the region that were the ancestors of the various European mastiff breeds, the Pyrenees is not related to mastiffs. Pyrs were favored by shepherds in the mountains for protecting flocks of sheep from large predators, a job many Pyrenees still perform admirably on farms, homesteads and ranches across the U.S.³

In the late 17th century, they were elevated from peasant dogs to royal status when some Pyrs were adopted into the royal court of France’s King Louis XIV. They were also a favorite breed of Queen Victoria in 19th-century England.³

They were introduced to America by General Lafayette, a French ally in the Revolutionary War, in 1824.¹ But it was a Boston socialite and dog fancier in the 1930s named Mary Crane who worked to popularize the breed with Americans and get them recognized by the American Kennel Club.⁴

While Pyrs are still highly sought after as livestock guardians and farm dogs, they’ve proven to be a versatile breed that does equally well at search and rescue. They’re also popular as therapy dogs and make loving and loyal companions and family pets.³

Great Pyrenees Appearance

Pyrs are large dogs, with a significant size difference between males and females. A male Pyrenees can weigh a whopping 100 to 110 pounds and stand between 27 and 32 inches tall at the shoulder. Female Pyrs aren’t exactly dainty, weighing between 85 and 100 pounds and standing 25 to 29 inches in height.⁵

When in full coat, the Pyr can look even bigger than they actually are thanks to a thick, fluffy undercoat. But all that fluff conceals a lot of muscle, making these strong dogs who can take on even larger predators. The body is slightly longer than it is tall, with a level back ending in a long, plumed tail. The head is not large in proportion to the body and is rounded on the crown, beneath which set soulful, dark brown, almond-shaped eyes. The small, angular ears fold close to the head behind the cheeks.⁶

The long and thick outer coat is composed of long hair that is flat and coarse, which may be straight or slightly wavy. It’s thickest on the neck and shoulders, which may give the appearance of a mane, especially on males. The coat is primarily of solid white, but it may have shading of gray, badger, reddish brown or tan that appears on the ears, face and tail. Some Pyrs even have a full face mask across the eyes.⁶

Great Pyrenees Temperament

Stability is important in a guardian dog, and Pyrs have had millennia to prove themselves stable and trustworthy. Described as mature and sedate, these dogs are also sweet and devoted to their people and nurturing to animals and children placed in their care.⁷

With proper training and lots of early socialization, their protectiveness and territoriality are channeled appropriately toward perceived threats, but they’re not unduly aggressive toward people or pets. Rather, they tend to be calm and patient dogs and may be reserved with strangers.⁶

Pyrs are independent and intelligent dogs who were bred to think for themselves. While obedience training is recommended for Pyr puppies to curb impulses and teach good manners, they get bored with it quickly, and as adults, they don’t see a lot of value in obeying commands that don’t relate to doing their jobs. They may still obey those commands, but grudgingly, with slowness that could be described as passive-aggressive. Nevertheless, they tend to be well-behaved, well-adjusted and highly capable of learning what you need them to do.¹

Living With a Great Pyrenees

The Pyrenees overall makes a gentle, laid-back family companion and protector, but they may not be what everyone is looking for in a dog. Here’s what you need to know about living with and caring for this breed.

Who they’re best for

While adult Pyrs know how to be gentle, Pyrenees puppies get big fast and don’t always know their strength. They need someone physically strong enough to handle them without getting pushed, pulled or knocked down, and who can provide strong leadership that commands their respect while still being patient with them and respectful of their independent nature.⁷

Pyrs are made for long hours lying about in fields while keeping a sharp eye out for potential threats, with short bursts of exertion as needed to defend their flocks. This translates well to lounging in the living room in the company of their family and keeping an eye on the children. But they’re not generally an active breed and aren’t the best companion for someone who wants a buddy to accompany them on hikes or runs. They’re also not dogs who should be left alone for long without someone to keep them company and show them lots of love.⁷

Well-socialized Pyrs love children and are naturally protective of them. But again, puppies can be rambunctious in addition to being big and strong, so they should be closely watched around small children to prevent mishaps.⁸

Pyrs generally get along well with other dogs when raised with them from puppyhood. They also typically don’t mind smaller dogs whom they don’t perceive as a threat.⁸

But they may not be so tolerant of new dogs introduced into the home. They tend to do best with other Pyrs or dogs of similar energy and temperament, especially of the opposite sex. In any case, when introducing a new dog into a Pyr household, or vice versa, introductions should be made slowly. You’ll need to be ever vigilant to prevent fights from breaking out between your Pyr and another large dog, and ready to move quickly to stop a fight once it starts.⁹

Living space

Pyrs do best with lots of fenced-in space to roam and exercise their patrolling instincts. They’re excellent farm dogs, and they can make good house dogs under the right circumstances. But they’re not apartment dogs. As natural protectors, they tend to bark a lot, especially at night. If you live in a neighborhood with small yards, close neighbors and lots of nocturnal activity, be prepared for your Pyr to keep both you and your close neighbors up all night.⁷

Exercise and activity

Pyrs who don’t have lots of land to patrol will need walks of moderate length a couple of times a day, but otherwise, they’re surprisingly low on energy for such large dogs.¹ Besides keeping them fit, the important thing is to prevent them from getting bored, which can lead to destructive behavior.⁷ They’re happiest when they have someone to watch over, but experimenting to find dog sports and training activities that hold their interests will also provide both exercise and enrichment that will help keep them happy and mellowed out.¹

Grooming

Pyrs shed — a lot. Brushing once a week with a slicker brush can help contain all the hair, but investing in a good pet hair vacuum also wouldn’t be a bad idea. Otherwise, their coat naturally repels dirt and doesn’t tend to tangle, so they only need to be bathed if they get muddy or stinky.¹

Their nails should be trimmed regularly to prevent foot issues.¹⁰ Also, brushing their teeth regularly will help prevent plaque buildup that leads to dental disease.¹

Great Pyrenees Health and Life Expectancy

With proper care, the average lifespan of a Great Pyrenees is 10 to 12 years.¹ But how long any dog lives ultimately comes down to individual genetics, lifestyle and diet. Keeping them at a healthy weight and being diligent about routine vet checkups can help your pup stay healthy longer.

Pyrs generally eat less than you’d expect for a dog of their size, although they may be prone to gobbling up their food jealously if there’s competition in the house. They do best on high-quality dry dog food made especially for large breeds, as well as for their current life stage. While measuring out their food can help manage their weight, feeding them smaller meals throughout the day, rather than one large meal, can also prevent a dangerous condition known as bloat.¹

The Pyrenees is generally considered a healthy breed compared to other dogs in their size range. But despite the diligent efforts of ethical breeders to screen out genetic health issues, Pyrs are still prone to a certain number of health conditions. These include:

Addison’s disease

Pyrenees are more prone than other breeds to Addison’s disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, a condition in which the adrenal glands are underproductive. This can be difficult to detect because the outward signs can look like various other illnesses, and it’s potentially fatal if left untreated. Your vet will likely want to test your Pyr’s electrolyte levels at their regular vet checkups to make sure their adrenals are functioning properly.¹¹

Bloat

Also known as gastric dilatation and volvulus, or GDV, this is a life-threatening condition in which the stomach and chest cavity fill with gas, causing the stomach to flip and twist on itself, cutting off circulation. Symptoms like dry heaving and an extended abdomen should be treated like an emergency. For dogs who are prone to this condition, which includes most large breeds, you can ask your vet about a surgical procedure that can help prevent this condition.¹¹

Cancer

Pyrs have a higher chance of developing certain types of cancer at a younger age than many other breeds, including osteosarcoma, which is a type of bone cancer that can cause lameness. Early detection will give your Pyr the best chance of a good outcome, so it will be important to check them periodically and report any strange lumps or bumps or unusual changes in their health or behavior to your vet.¹¹

Degenerative myelopathy

Also known as DM, this neurological condition can cause weakness and lameness in the hind legs, and may eventually result in paralysis and incontinence. While there is no cure, some dogs with this condition have been helped with various treatments that include acupuncture, dietary supplements and physical therapy.¹¹

Eye issues

Pyrs may develop a few different eye health issues. These include:¹¹

• Cataracts. These are a cloudy film covering the lens of the eye, causing vision impairment and possible blindness. In most cases, they can be surgically removed.

• Entropion. This is a heritable condition in which the eyelid rolls inward, causing irritation and eye pain. It can also cause corneal ulcers that lead to blindness. This condition can be surgically corrected.

• Distichiasis. This is also a heritable condition, in which hair actually grows on the inside of the eyelid. It effectively causes the same issues as entropion and is usually treated by permanent removal of the odd hairs.

Hip and joint issues

Like many large dogs, Pyrs are susceptible to hip and joint issues. These include:¹¹

• Dysplasia. This is an inherited condition in which the ball of a joint socket doesn’t fit well and tends to come out of the joint. This can affect both the hips and the elbow joints, eventually causing joint stiffness and arthritis. Severe cases may require surgical correction.

• Luxating patella. This condition causes the kneecap to constantly move out of place. It’s most common in small breeds, but Pyrs may experience this as well. While it can sometimes correct itself, if your dog is experiencing significant pain, surgery may be recommended.

Buying or Adopting a Great Pyrenees

The average cost of AKC-registered Pyrenees puppies from reputable breeders ranges between $1,00 and $2,500, depending largely on location and whether the parents belong to championship lines. The price typically includes early healthcare, vaccinations and genetic testing.¹²

Great Pyrenees and Pyrenees mixes of all ages may also be found at pet shelters and Great Pyrenees rescue organizations. Adoption fees will vary by shelter and location. The National Pyr Rescue charges a sliding scale starting at $400 to $700 and up, depending on the age of the dog and how far it needs to be transported.¹³ Additionally, the Great Pyrenees Club of America provides contact information for those interested in adopting Pyrenees in various states across the U.S.

Frequently Asked Questions About Great Pyrenees

Want to know more about the Great Pyrenees dog breed? Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about them.

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Author Bio

Jean Marie Bauhaus is a freelance writer and novelist who has been writing pet content since 2013. Her work has appeared on Forbes.com, Hill's Pet, Chewy, AKC.org and more.