The Great Pyrenees is a large, muscular dog with a thick, predominantly white double coat that can sometimes feature markings of gray, badger, reddish-brown, or tan.

Males typically stand 27-32 inches tall, females 25-29 inches.

Males generally weigh 100-160 pounds, females 85-115 pounds.

Double coat with a thick, coarse outer coat and a dense, fine undercoat.

Primarily white, may have markings of gray, badger, reddish-brown, or tan around the face, ears, and sometimes the body.

Wedge-shaped with a slightly rounded crown.

Dark brown, almond-shaped, with a gentle, intelligent expression.

Long and plumed, carried low in repose and may be curled over the back when alert.

The Great Pyrenees is known for its calm, patient, and confident temperament, displaying unwavering loyalty and affection towards its family.

Known for their gentle nature, especially with children and smaller animals they consider part of their flock.

Naturally protective of their family and territory, making them excellent watchdogs.

Possesses an independent streak due to their history of working independently as guardians.

Deeply loyal and devoted to their families, forming strong bonds.

Generally calm and composed, but can be alert and ready to act if they perceive a threat.

Exhibit remarkable patience, making them suitable companions for families.

The Great Pyrenees is best suited for experienced dog owners who have a spacious living environment and can provide consistent training and socialization.

Beautiful and majestic appearance.

May be overly protective if not properly socialized.

The ideal owner for a Great Pyrenees is someone with experience handling large, independent breeds, who can provide a loving, structured environment with consistent training and socialization, and who appreciates a devoted, protective companion.

The Great Pyrenees requires regular grooming to maintain their thick coat, a balanced diet, and a living environment that accommodates their size and guarding instincts.

Brush at least weekly, more frequently during shedding seasons (spring and fall), to prevent matting and remove loose hair. Bathe only as needed.

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Monitor food intake to prevent overfeeding and obesity.

Prefer a home with ample space, ideally with a securely fenced yard. They can adapt to apartment living if their exercise needs are met.

Trim nails regularly, usually every few weeks, to prevent overgrowth and discomfort.

Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections, especially if they have floppy ears.

Training a Great Pyrenees requires patience and consistency due to their independent nature. They need moderate exercise to stay healthy and happy.

Great Pyrenees are intelligent but independent thinkers, which can make training challenging. Early socialization and positive reinforcement methods are crucial. Consistency and patience are key, as they may not always be eager to please. They respond best to gentle, firm guidance.

Despite their size, Great Pyrenees do not require intense exercise. Moderate daily activity, such as long walks, hikes, or playtime in a securely fenced yard, is sufficient. Mental stimulation is equally important to prevent boredom.

Expose them to various people, animals, and environments from a young age to ensure a well-adjusted temperament.

Use treats, praise, and rewards to motivate them during training.

Stick to a routine and maintain consistent rules to reinforce good behavior.

Be prepared for their independent nature and avoid harsh training methods.

Ensure a securely fenced yard, as they have a tendency to roam due to their guarding instincts.

The Great Pyrenees is generally a healthy breed but is prone to certain conditions like hip dysplasia, bloat, and certain cancers.

A genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, leading to arthritis and pain.

Similar to hip dysplasia, but affecting the elbow joint.

A life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood supply.

A type of bone cancer that is relatively common in large and giant breeds.

Occurs when the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal position.

The Great Pyrenees is an ancient breed, with origins tracing back thousands of years to the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. They were initially bred by the Basque people to be livestock guardian dogs, protecting sheep and other animals from predators like wolves and bears. Their thick, weather-resistant coats allowed them to withstand harsh mountain conditions. The breed gained royal recognition in 17th-century France, becoming popular as guardians of the chateaux. The Great Pyrenees was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1933.

Yes, Great Pyrenees are generally known to be gentle and patient with children, especially when raised with them. However, supervision is always recommended with any large breed and young children.

Great Pyrenees are known to bark, especially when they perceive a threat or are alerting their owners to something unusual. This is part of their guarding instinct.

They need moderate exercise, such as daily walks or playtime in a securely fenced yard. They are not high-energy dogs but do require regular activity to stay healthy.

Training can be challenging due to their independent nature. They require consistent, patient, and positive reinforcement-based training.

Yes, Great Pyrenees have a thick double coat and shed moderately year-round, with heavier shedding during seasonal changes. Regular grooming is essential.

While they prefer a home with a yard, they can adapt to apartment living if their exercise needs are met. However, a spacious environment is generally better suited for this large breed.

The average lifespan of a Great Pyrenees is 10-12 years.

They can be good with other dogs if properly socialized from a young age. However, their protective instincts may make them wary of unfamiliar dogs.

Yes, their thick double coat requires regular brushing, at least weekly, and more frequently during shedding seasons.

Yes, they are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and certain cancers like osteosarcoma. Regular veterinary check-ups are important.