Description

The Great Pyrenees gives the distinct impression of elegance and unsurpassed beauty combined with great overall size and majesty. Great Pyrenees have a weather resistant coat that will allows him to withstand intense cold temperatures. Great Pyrenees needs human companionship and attention and lots of space. The Great Pyrenees will not do well with apartment dwellers. He is a pleasant, gentle breed of enormous size, extremely intelligent, loyal to his family.

Size of Male: Height: 27-32 inches Weight: 100-160 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 25-29 inches Weight: 85-110 pounds

Temperament

The Great Pyrenees is a capable and imposing guardian, devoted to its family, and somewhat wary of strangers – human or canine. Great Pyrenees is often used to guard livestock. When not provoked, Great Pyrenees is calm, well- mannered, and somewhat serious. Courageous, very loyal and obedient. Gentle and affectionate with those he loves. Devoted to family even if self-sacrifice is required. It is very gentle with its family and children. It does best with children when it is raised with them from puppyhood. It has an independent, somewhat stubborn nature, and may try to dominate a less secure owner. A serious worker, but very independent. Be patient when training the Great Pyrenees, as it may be slightly difficult. It is important to socialize and train this breed properly to insure good citizenship. Male dogs can be aggressive with other animals. The Great Pyrenees is good with non-canine animals, and usually loves cats. These dogs do not reach maturity until they are about 2 years old. Some are not good off the leash and may wander away. The Great Pyrenees tends to bark a lot and some tend to drool and slobber.

Living Conditions

Great Pyrenees is not recommended for apartment life. Great Pyrenees needs space, but adapts well to family life. Great Pyrenees is not really active indoors, but would be happy with regular exercise outdoors or in a mid-to-large sized yard. Puppies are very active and might have the tendency to wander off or escape. The Great Pyrenees prefers cool climates.

Upkeep

The Great Pyrenees needs daily exercise to stay in shape, though its needs are not excessive. A moderate walk with the Great Pyrenees will usually suffice. Great Pyrenees enjoys hiking, especially in cold weather and snow. It does not do well in hot weather. This breed can live outdoors in temperate to cold weather, although it enjoys being with its family indoors. Its coat needs brushing once or twice weekly, daily when shedding. It may drool at times, and it tends to be a messy drinker.

Health

Major concerns: Hip dysplasia, patellar luxation

Minor concerns: entropion, osteochondrosis dissecans, skin problems, osteosarcoma

Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years