If you have ever seen a white ball of fluff that looks like a sheep but walks like a dog, chances are, you’re looking at a Great Pyrenees. This legendary, fearless dog is also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog. Their primary mission in life? To protect their flock from all kinds of predators, big and small.
The Great Pyrenees is a livestock guardian dog and one of the many breeds employed for centuries to guard farms. Today, while the breed is still prized for its loyalty and vigilance, they are also valued as excellent family dogs that are great with children. In this blog post, we’ll look at the impressive breed’s history and see what makes the Great Pyrenees an invaluable farm hand and household companion.
The Great Pyrenees Is an Ancient Dog Breed
The Great Pyrenees is a gentle giant breed that was originally bred to guard livestock. This ancient dog breed has a long and distinguished history, as evidenced by some fossils dating back to 1800 and 1000 BC. For centuries, the Great Pyrenees was used as a guard dog and considered an invaluable asset by farmers and shepherds.
In the 17th century, these dogs found their way to the border between France and Spain. From there, they quickly grew in popularity and were used to guard the property of the French nobility.
In addition to its livestock guarding duties, the Great Pyrenees was often employed to pull carts and carry weight to shuttle goods between France and Spain during World War I. After the war, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog was brought to North America and renamed the Great Pyrenees, quickly becoming a conformation show favorite.
Today, the Great Pyrenees continues to do the job it was born and bred to do across Europe and the U.S., but it has also found its way into the hearts and homes of many families that adore their loving, affectionate personalities.
The Great Pyrenees: Big Dogs, Bigger Shedders
These big teddy bears have an unbelievably thick, medium-to-long double coat that can be white or cream with markings that are gray or tan. These dogs “blow coat” about twice a year, where they’ll completely cover your home with hair! You can manage this intense shedding using specialized dog combs and brushes.
Males stand 28 to 32 inches at the shoulder and females are at 26 to 30. A healthy adult Great Pyrenees will weigh about 120 and 165 lbs. They are large, imposing dogs with a calm, placid demeanor. Just don’t get between them and their pack!
The Great Pyrenees Has Modest Exercise Needs
They have low to moderate energy levels and modest exercise needs considering their size. A good 45-minute to an hour walk a day should keep them happy, and they will do best in a place with a yard or some kind of outdoor area. These are not indoor or apartment dogs!
Great Pyrenees are loving, devoted, and affectionate dogs. But they’re also known for being cat-like dogs because of their independence and headstrong nature. This is a breed that was developed to spend many hours a day all alone guarding their flock in remote mountainous areas, so don’t expect a shadow that follows around you all day like a Golden Retriever.
Their sheer size and power make socialization crucial to their happiness, but their naturally calm personality makes them a breeze to train. Great Pyrenees have high biddability, meaning they’re eager to please their owners, and they’re among the most intelligent dogs.
These Dogs Have High Grooming Requirements
These dogs are furballs, and they are big ones. One of the funniest parts of having a Great Pyrenees at home is finding a spot in your home that ISN’T covered in soft, downy fur. Be prepared to brush your pooch at least once a day to try to keep the fur to a minimum, and still, you aren’t likely to completely succeed. Best just change your coverings to white!
You’ll need a top-quality bristle brush with soft tips and an undercoat rake will be a good idea. They are double-coated dogs, and a bristle brush might not be able to reach the thick undercoat to remove the dead fur.
Of course, you’ll also need to clean their eyes and ears, teeth, and clip their nails. If you live in an urban area with lots of concrete, this may naturally file down your dog’s nails, but don’t make any assumptions!
These Gentle Giants Have Some Health Considerations
Like any breed, the Great Pyrenees are susceptible to a few health issues. Firstly, their coats are made for very cold climates, and a Great Pyrenees in a warm climate might be prone to overheating and heatstroke. So, offer lots of water and shade during the summer months. These guys seem to be impervious to cold, so don’t be surprised if your Great Pyrenees decides to go outdoors in the dead of winter and lie in the snow for a nap.
Like any large breed, they are also prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, a painful condition where the ball and socket joint of the hip do not form properly. This can lead to pain, lameness, and eventually arthritis. Elbow dysplasia is a similar condition that affects the elbow joint, often caused by genetics.
Lastly, osteosarcoma is the most common bone cancer in dogs, and the Great Pyrenees is one of the breeds most susceptible to the disease. While the cause of osteosarcoma is unknown, there are several risk factors that have been identified, including age, gender, and history of trauma to the affected limb. Osteosarcoma typically occurs in the bones of the legs, and symptoms can include lameness, swelling, and pain.
The Great Pyrenees is an impressive, versatile breed that will suit many households. With regular vet visits and lots of love, you can ensure your big dog lives a long life.
