Great Pyrenees

History and Origin

The Great Pyrenees’ history stretches back thousands of years in the Pyrenees Mountains, the natural border between France and Spain. Archaeological evidence suggests the breed’s ancestors were present in the region as early as 1800 BCE, where they developed as specialized livestock guardians protecting sheep from wolves and bears.

These dogs were specifically bred to work independently, making crucial decisions without human guidance while protecting their flocks. Their distinctive white coat helped shepherds distinguish them from predators in low-light conditions and allowed them to blend in with their sheep charges.

By the 17th century, the Great Pyrenees had caught the attention of French nobility. King Louis XIV declared them the “Royal Dog of France,” and they became prized guardians of chateaux and estates. This royal connection helped preserve and standardize the breed during a time when many working dogs were crossbred for various purposes.

The breed’s reputation spread throughout Europe, and they were first imported to North America in the 1930s. Initially used primarily for livestock guardian work in the United States and Canada, they gradually gained recognition as family companions while maintaining their protective instincts.

Physical Characteristics

The Great Pyrenees is a large, imposing dog with a distinctive appearance that reflects its heritage as a mountain guardian. Their most striking feature is their thick, weather-resistant double coat, which is predominantly white but may have subtle markings of gray, tan, or reddish-brown on the face, ears, and body.

Their broad, wedge-shaped head is proportionate to their body and features dark brown, almond-shaped eyes that convey intelligence and gentle watchfulness. The ears are V-shaped, medium-sized, and set at eye level, lying flat against the head when relaxed.

The breed’s body structure emphasizes strength and agility:

• Strong, muscular neck with minimal dewlap
• Deep chest reaching to the elbows
• Level topline
• Well-sprung ribs
• Strong, moderately angulated hindquarters
• Large, compact feet with well-arched toes
• Plumed tail that curves over the back when alert

Their double coat consists of:

• A thick, woolly undercoat that provides insulation
• A long, flat outer coat that’s coarse and straight
• Heavier feathering on the neck (creating a ruff), shoulders, and tail
• Shorter, smoother fur on the face and front of legs

Temperament and Personality

The Great Pyrenees possesses a unique temperament that combines gentle affection with fierce protectiveness. These dogs are known for their calm, patient nature with family members, particularly children, while maintaining an alert and protective stance toward potential threats.

Key personality traits include:

Family Dynamics:

• Deeply devoted to their family
• Gentle and patient with children
• Natural protective instincts
• Independent thinking and decision-making
• Strong bonds with all family members

Guardian Characteristics:

• Naturally suspicious of strangers
• Territorial and protective of their property
• Nocturnal tendencies (alert and active at night)
• Independent patrol behavior
• Strong defensive rather than aggressive response

Social Behavior:

• Generally good with other pets if properly socialized
• Reserved but polite with welcome visitors
• Strong discrimination between normal and threatening situations
• Preference for keeping family members in sight
• Tendency to position themselves between family and perceived threats

Potential behavioral challenges include:

• Stubborn streak during training
• Independent decision-making that may override commands
• Territorial barking, especially at night
• Roaming tendencies if property isn’t well-secured
• Potential resource guarding if not properly trained

Training and Intelligence

Training a Great Pyrenees requires understanding their unique characteristics as livestock guardian dogs. These intelligent dogs are capable of independent thought and decision-making, which can present both advantages and challenges during training.

Training Approach:

• Start socialization and basic training early (8-16 weeks)
• Use positive reinforcement methods exclusively
• Keep training sessions short and engaging
• Establish clear boundaries and consistent rules
• Focus on reward-based motivation rather than correction

Key Training Areas:

1. Socialization
   • Exposure to various people, animals, and situations
   • Positive experiences with welcome visitors
   • Controlled interactions with other dogs
   • Environmental familiarization
2. Basic Obedience
   • Essential commands (sit, stay, come)
   • Leash training and loose-leash walking
   • Proper greeting behaviors
   • Recall training (challenging but essential)
3. Specialized Training
   • Territorial boundary training
   • Appropriate barking responses
   • Impulse control exercises
   • Property patrol patterns

Common Training Challenges:

• Independent thinking may override commands
• Selective hearing when focused on potential threats
• Stubbornness in repetitive tasks
• Strong prey drive requiring management
• Resistance to formal training methods

Exercise Needs and Energy Level

Despite their large size, Great Pyrenees have moderate exercise needs, reflecting their heritage as guardians rather than herding or sporting dogs. Their exercise routine should balance physical activity with their natural tendency to conserve energy for potential guardian duties.

Daily Exercise Requirements:

• 30-60 minutes of structured exercise
• Additional free time in a secure yard
• Mental stimulation through patrol activities
• Balance between activity and rest periods

Recommended Activities:

1. Physical Exercise
   • Daily walks (2-3 moderate walks)
   • Supervised yard time
   • Light hiking on cool days
   • Swimming (if interested)
2. Mental Stimulation
   • Property patrol routes
   • Nose work activities
   • Puzzle toys and food games
   • Training sessions
3. Environmental Considerations
   • Heat sensitivity due to thick coat
   • Preference for cool weather activities
   • Need for shade and water access
   • Activity level adjustments based on season

Grooming and Care

The Great Pyrenees requires significant grooming attention due to their thick double coat and large size. Regular maintenance is essential to keep them comfortable and healthy.

Grooming Schedule:

1. Brushing
   • Weekly thorough brushing during normal periods
   • Daily brushing during heavy shedding seasons (spring/fall)
   • Focus on preventing mat formation
   • Special attention to feathering areas
2. Bathing
   • Every 6-8 weeks or as needed
   • Use dog-specific white coat shampoo
   • Thorough rinsing to prevent skin irritation
   • Complete drying to prevent skin issues
3. Additional Care
   • Nail trimming every 4-6 weeks
   • Regular ear cleaning to prevent infections
   • Dental hygiene (weekly brushing)
   • Paw pad maintenance
4. Seasonal Considerations
   • Heavy shedding management in spring/fall
   • Extra attention to feet in snow/ice conditions
   • Increased grooming during wet weather
   • Temperature management in summer

Health and Lifespan

Great Pyrenees typically live 10-12 years and are generally healthy, but like all large breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions. Understanding these potential issues is crucial for proper care and early intervention.

Common Health Issues:

1. Musculoskeletal Conditions
   • Hip Dysplasia
   • Elbow Dysplasia
   • Patellar Luxation
   • Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
2. Eye Problems
   • Entropion
   • Ectropion
   • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
   • Cataracts
3. Other Health Concerns
   • Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)
   • Heart Problems
   • Addison’s Disease
   • Cancer (particularly bone cancer)

Preventative Care:

• Regular veterinary check-ups (twice yearly)
• Hip and elbow X-rays for breeding dogs
• Eye examinations by veterinary ophthalmologist
• Careful monitoring of growth in puppies
• Proper nutrition and weight management
• Regular exercise appropriate to age and condition

Living Environment and Adaptability

The Great Pyrenees requires careful consideration of their living space due to their size and guardian instincts. While they can adapt to various environments, certain conditions are optimal for their wellbeing.

Ideal Living Conditions:

• Large, securely fenced yard (minimum 6-foot fence)
• Rural or suburban setting
• Access to indoor and outdoor spaces
• Cool climate preference
• Quiet neighborhood with minimal urban noise

Environmental Considerations:

1. Space Requirements
   • Sufficient indoor space for comfortable movement
   • Room to patrol and observe territory
   • Designated rest areas with good visibility
   • Space for separation from guests when needed
2. Climate Adaptability
   • Excellent cold weather tolerance
   • Heat sensitivity requiring management
   • Need for climate-controlled indoor access
   • Preference for outdoor time in cool weather
3. Living Situation Challenges
   • Apartment living generally not recommended
   • Noise considerations (barking)
   • Territory management in urban settings
   • Need for secure containment

Family Compatibility

Great Pyrenees can be exceptional family dogs when placed with appropriate households that understand their unique characteristics and needs.

Ideal Family Situations:

1. Family Structure
   • Families with older children
   • Multi-person households
   • Rural or suburban families
   • Experienced dog owners
2. Interaction with Children
   • Naturally gentle with family children
   • Protective of young family members
   • Patient with child activity
   • Need supervision with very young children due to size
3. Other Pets
   • Generally good with family cats
   • Accepting of other dogs with proper introduction
   • May show protective behavior toward smaller pets
   • Early socialization important for multi-pet homes
4. Owner Characteristics
   • Understanding of guardian breed traits
   • Commitment to consistent training
   • Patience with independent nature
   • Ability to provide proper space and exercise

Breed Variations and Types

While the Great Pyrenees is generally consistent in appearance and temperament, some variations exist within the breed.

Common Variations:

1. Working Lines
   • Stronger guardian instincts
   • More independent temperament
   • Greater exercise needs
   • Often larger and more muscular
2. Show Lines
   • More standardized appearance
   • Slightly more amenable to training
   • More predictable temperament
   • Greater emphasis on coat quality
3. Regional Differences
   • European lines (often larger)
   • American lines (more companion-focused)
   • Working farm dogs vs. family companions

Popular Mixes

Great Pyrenees are sometimes crossed with other breeds, creating unique hybrid dogs with varied characteristics.

Common Great Pyrenees Mixes:

1. Pyrenees-Lab Mix (Pyrador)
   • More trainable than pure Great Pyrenees
   • Moderate guardian instincts
   • Higher energy level
   • Often good family dogs
2. Great Bernese (Great Pyrenees-Bernese Mountain Dog)
   • Striking tri-colored coat possible
   • Strong working drive
   • Good with families
   • May have higher exercise needs
3. Newfoundland-Great Pyrenees
   • Excellent swimming ability
   • Very large size
   • Gentle temperament
   • Heavy grooming needs
4. German Shepherd-Great Pyrenees
   • Strong protective instincts
   • High intelligence
   • More trainable than pure Pyrenees
   • Requires extensive exercise

Ownership Considerations

Potential Great Pyrenees owners should carefully evaluate their ability to meet this breed’s specific needs.

Time Commitment:

1. Daily Requirements
   • Exercise (30-60 minutes)
   • Grooming (15-30 minutes)
   • Training sessions
   • Socialization and interaction
2. Weekly Tasks
   • Thorough grooming sessions
   • Property maintenance checks
   • Training reinforcement
   • Social exposure opportunities

Financial Considerations:

1. Initial Costs
   • Purchase price ($1,000-$2,500)
   • Initial veterinary care
   • Supplies and equipment
   • Fencing and home preparation
2. Ongoing Expenses
   • High-quality food ($70-100/month)
   • Regular veterinary care
   • Grooming supplies
   • Professional grooming (if needed)
   • Insurance ($50-100/month)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are Great Pyrenees good with children? A: Yes, Great Pyrenees are typically excellent with children, known for their gentle and patient nature. However, supervision is necessary due to their large size, especially with small children.

Q: How much do Great Pyrenees bark? A: Great Pyrenees bark frequently, especially at night, as part of their guardian instincts. This behavior can be managed but rarely eliminated entirely.

Q: Can Great Pyrenees live in apartments? A: Generally not recommended. Great Pyrenees need space to patrol and guard, and their barking can be problematic in close living situations.

Q: How much exercise do Great Pyrenees need? A: Despite their size, they have moderate exercise needs, requiring 30-60 minutes of daily activity, preferably in a secure area.

Q: Are Great Pyrenees easy to train? A: They can be challenging to train due to their independent nature. They require patient, consistent training methods and may never be as obedient as some other breeds.

Q: Do Great Pyrenees shed a lot? A: Yes, they are heavy shedders, especially during seasonal changes. Regular grooming is essential to manage their thick double coat.

Q: Are Great Pyrenees aggressive? A: No, they are not typically aggressive but are naturally protective. They prefer to deter threats through their presence rather than aggression.

Q: How long do Great Pyrenees live? A: The average lifespan is 10-12 years, typical for a dog of their size.