History
The Great Pyrenees, or Pyrenean Mountain Dog, is an ancient guardian breed that originates from the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain, although many believe they can be traced even further back to Siberia.
These dogs were bred to handle the dangerous task of guarding flocks of sheep and other livestock on the steep mountains from predators, all without human intervention.
Paintings and literature depict Great Pyrenees at least 2,000 years ago, however often under a different name. In 1675, the Great Pyrenees became a royal court dog due to their beauty, elegance, and majestic appearance by King Louis XIV.
Appearance
The Great Pyrenees is a regal dog who is predominately white, although some have coloring on their bodies. Per the breed standard, Great Pyrenees may have badger marks in various shades gray, brown, and tan on their face and covering up to 1/3 of their body.
The double dew claws on the hind legs are also a classic breed characteristic.
Height at the withers is 27-32 inches for males and 25-29 inches for females. Weight should be proportionate to the size and structure of the dog. Typically, Great Pyrenees will range from 90-150 pounds at a healthy weight.
The Great Pyrenees is considered a medium boned breed (for reference, a Newfoundland is well boned and a Mastiff is heavy boned). This means that a 120-pound pyr could appear to be the same size as a 150-pound Newfoundland.
A Great Pyrenees should not be overly lumbering or light—the dog’s proportions are most important.
Related: Great Pyrenees Tips (from people who know the breed)
Temperament
The Great Pyrenees is unlike most breeds as they were bred to think independently of humans in order to successfully do their job. This can often be interpreted as stubbornness as they typically do not strive to please people or listen to commands.
If your command occurs simultaneously with an instinctive drive, more than likely your pyr’s instinct will win. Sharing your life with a Great Pyrenees requires a deep understanding of this trait and the patience to be calm and gentle at all times.
Pyrs are slightly aloof with people, but always stun crowds with their calm, regal appearance. They are deeply devoted to their family and would risk their lives without a second thought.
Their strong, protective instincts can cause them to be territorial, but most often they will not do any harm. It is incredibly important to heavily socialize your pyr to all kinds of people from an early age.
Great Pyrenees are not attack dogs and generally won’t harm people, but they tend to intimidate with their size and deep bark. It is a pyr’s instinct to bark and it is usually impossible to train this breed not to bark. Bark collars and debarking are strongly advised against as a pyr will continue to bark regardless.
Barking is absolutely vital to the breed, so if you prefer a quiet dog this definitely isn’t the breed for you. Since barking is the way they protect their flock, expect them to bark a lot, especially at night.
Pyrs are nocturnal by nature and spend the night hours instinctively barking to deter any predators. Keeping pyrs inside at night and a good nighttime routine can help curb this barking.
The Great Pyrenees is known for roaming, so they require at least a 6’ fence (never an invisible fence) or a leash at all times. It is often said that an “off-leash pyr is a disapyr”. A Great Pyrenees will rarely have 100% recall, especially if you end up competing with instincts.
You cannot train a pyr to stay on your property because he feels his territory is as far as he can wander. Due to their independence and protective nature, they will often seek out threats to protect you and your family.
Pyrs do not have a sense of vulnerability and coupled with an exceptionally high pain tolerance, they will do whatever necessary to protect you. They also have extraordinary hearing and smell to sense potential threats long before you are even aware of them.
Although Great Pyrenees are large, protective dogs, they are extremely sensitive. Yelling, harsh tones, and aversive treatment will greatly harm your pyr.
They are also sensitive to the mood of their people and will stick close by to help you in your tough time. This breed must have companionship and affection or he will likely become destructive by digging up your yard or escaping your “escape-proof” fence.
Pyrs also typically do well with children and small animals. It is important to remember that pyrs do not fully mature until at least three years of age. Until then, you will have a clumsy puppy that can easily knock over a toddler accidentally.
While pyrs are more “tight-lipped” than most giant breeds, many still drool quite a bit. Drool and fur come for free with every Great Pyrenees!
Female pyrs tend to rule the show and be more strong-willed than the males, so it is often advised not to adopt two females together or a female with a strong-willed male. Of course, this varies per dog, so it is important to consider the individual personalities.
Training
As previously mentioned, the Great Pyrenees is an extremely sensitive breed and is easily traumatized. Hitting, yelling, and other aversive methods will quickly cause your pyr to lose trust in you.
Pyrs respond very well to positive reinforcement through treats and praise. Always lavishly praise any desired behavior.
It’s a common misconception that pyrs cannot be trained. Great Pyrenees are exceptionally smart and need to be challenged. While they may show little interest in training and will see what they can get away with, training is a must to prevent an unruly, 100-pound puppy.
Take time to find what motivates your pyr and work together to develop your bond. A strong bond will greatly improve your pyr’s responses and create a strong partnership.
Related: 10 Tips for Training a Great Pyrenees
Grooming
The coat of a Great Pyrenees is immensely beautiful and requires a lot of care to keep in top shape. Shedding occurs year-round with a blowing of their undercoat in the fall and spring. It is necessary to establish a weekly brushing routine, but 2-3 times per week is best.
A pyr’s coat is self-cleaning, so if they get muddy, simply let it dry and brush it out. Pyrs only need a few baths per year to keep their coat looking nice. Their double-coat is mostly mat resistant, but behind the ears and the pantaloons are subject to matting.
A pyr has a remarkable double-coat that keeps them warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and protects them from the elements.
Therefore, it is never advised to shave a Great Pyrenees. Shaving should only occur for medical purposes or in the case of neglect where the coat cannot be saved.
Great Pyrenees are also unique due to the double dew claws on their hind legs. These double dews are a part of the breed standard and akin to a thumb, so they should not be removed.
Unlike most dew claws, the double dews of a Great Pyrenees are attached by a bone and rarely are torn or problematic. The double dews should be trimmed regularly so they do not grow too long and into the dog’s pad, often causing a nasty infection.
(psst… you can check out all our favorite grooming tools here)
Health
The Great Pyrenees is one of the healthiest giant breeds and in a safe home often live 10 to 13 years. I have heard of several pyrs making it to 15 years of age, which is pretty amazing for a giant breed.
Pyrs tend to have few health concerns, but osteosarcoma and bloat are the most deadly to the breed. Hip and spine issues are also fairly common, especially as they age. Allergies are often an issue for pyrs so extra attention should be paid toward their environment and nutrition.
The Great Pyrenees has a very slow metabolism and is a low-energy dog so they require a smaller than expected amount of food. A full-grown pyr may only eat 2-4 cups of high-quality food per day.
Free feeding is typically okay with this breed as well as they usually do a good job at regulating their weight.
Grain-free food should usually be avoided until your pyr is two years of age due to high levels of calcium and phosphorus that can lead to rapid growth
Related: Breeding Great Pyrenees: Does Job Matter?
Exercise
Pyrs are not particularly active dogs and typically only need a brisk 30-60 minute walk each day (try our favorite harness to make walks easier). This should be accompanied with ample outside time as they usually prefer to be outside guarding.
Expect them to want to nap outside even in the winter cold. Their thick undercoat keeps them warm and protects them from the ice and snow. The Great Pyrenees is fairly inactive indoors, especially when properly exercised.
Vacations
It is highly advised to avoid boarding your pyr in a conventional boarding facility. As livestock guardians, their senses are extremely sensitive and they are easily over-stimulated in kennels.
I have actually known several pyrs to go “kennel crazy” from too many noises and smells.
If possible, your pyr should accompany you on vacation as that will keep him with his flock and at ease. If that isn’t an option, hiring a loving pet sitter is the next best option. Ensure your pyr meets this individual several times before leaving to increase comfort.
A pyr’s devotion to his family is the most wonderful thing. They are incredibly loyal and would fend off a grizzly without thinking twice
Pyrs are like potato chips – you can’t have just one!
Another great article
I haven’t got mine yet so I need to know how to take care of on I will get it in 5 weeks
Chloe our Pyr is 4.5 yrs old, and EVERYthing said in this article is true. We found it impossible to fit an hour+ into our weekly schedule to brush him, so he has a standing 1 hr appt every Tues 10:00am at the groomers for a simple brush out. At most, once a month, he gets a full groom which includes a bath with whiteners & conditioners. They always keep his nails, ears, and sanitary cut done. Our price for a one hour brush out is $25 because it is done weekly. The full groom (which takes 4 hrs) is $65 (+ we always tip our groomer). These prices reflect his “in good shape” coat. I’m sure if folks brought in an unruly pyr w/a great deal of matts, it would be much more expensive. In any case, we are grateful that we started very early w/this grooming routine, because today he is a “model” for a dog being groomed. He jumps up on their table, and stands perfectly still. He’s very used to people handling him. This whole regimen cost ~ $1200 – $1500 a year. This is NOT the cheapest breed to own, but WELL worth it. He also goes into local schools as a representative to a Pyrenees in a children’s series called, “Cowee Sam” (his stage name). In addition, he is always welcomed in nursing homes (be sure to bring your dog’s shot records, the nuring homes LOVE to have this breed visit). Best of luck with your new baby. HIndsite, as much as I wanted a puppy, if we EVER get another one, it will be a 3+ year old rescue. Its like a light switch goes off the day they turn 3. 🙂
Hi- I am a Pyr lover for many years. I am on numbers 8 and 9. I always bought them as pups from a breeder. The last two are a bonded brother and sister pair that I decided to rescue for the same reason as you…age 3-4 maturity sets in. These were my first rescues ever. We got them at age 3. We love them desperately. They are the best dogs and almost can show appreciation for where they came from and where they are now. However, be prepared for some damage done by previous owners or circumstances in their past. You have to be willing to work with them -not an easy task at age 3 – and get them over what ever they have been through. We often say these are the best two dogs we’ve had yet!
Hi there! We have a 26 acre farm in Central PA and are hoping to get this breed. Seeing your note above, it sounds like Pyrs need rescued often? Is that because they are kept indoors? Is there a website for rescues vs. puppies? Thank you!
Krazy_koda_bear on insta is now 10 months of age..
We absolutely love this breed
This is an excellent article – thank you! I am a Saint Bernard owner/devotee, but I have always admired GPs for their beauty, and I’m especially interested in their protectiveness. This article has inspired me to think about fostering a GP since I’m in-between SBs. I also wish there was an article like this about Saints…if you feel like branching out… 🙂
We have a male Saint and a female Pyr! They make the most awesome team. 🙂 I think our Pyr’s protectiveness is rubbing off on our Saint, though – now when they go to the dog park, they both have to check out and sniff around the entire perimeter before they can do anything else. It’s like they’re on patrol together. Too cute!
My Saints have always been very protective.
I rescued my Pry at 7 months and close to 70lbs as I remember…together now 3 years Eva Kiss is my loyal and independent companion …however, she is strong willed and if she senses I’m leaving to go somewhere she will shake her head “NO” when told to come but will circle the cars and when the back gate goes up on my car she’s unable to redid and jumps right in where I put a line on her and she reluctantly follows me to the house…she has cornered a wild animal at our front door but I called her off to minimize the bloodshed…I have no doubt that she would have attacked out visitor but I didn’t see the need …I am certain that she would not want another Pry sharing her space but I would have another in a heart beat!
What a Wonderful article! I have a 2 year old Pyrenees and I never knew females ruled the roost! I have had dogs all my life and Remi Lu is my first and I have found my breed! I love all my dogs but the connection I have with her is so different than any I have ever had before. Thanks Again
I shared this on the FB Group… Pyrenees Proud https://www.facebook.com/groups/1686378668275467/1725111997735467/?notif_t=like¬if_id=1463542021860537 . Have gotten 32 likes and some very positive comments.. I even printed it out to to make sure anyone in my family, or friends who are part of our lives, and the neighbors, understand this gentle, but intimidating, giant who greets everyone walking around and to our home Thank you for your time in putting this guide together.. Crystal and Shiloh
We adopted a 6 year old male GP in December only because he was going to be euthanized. We have 2 other dogs and I knew nothing about GP but he was so beautiful. He has been the best dog ever. I am so in love with this magnificent dog. You’re article is awesome! Thank you. I think I will always have one from now on.
I grew up with a male, and my family is now on its second female (both were rescues). Your article nails the breed very well. I would just add that kitchen counter surfing is a favorite pastime. Our current pyr has pulled brownies, bread, whole chicken and sushi off kitchen counters. I would also confirm its protective nature as she protected a family member when a coyote came into our yard. Yes, they look like big marshmallows, but their demeanor can change very quickly when a threat is detected.
Great article, but I would like more information on what dog food is the best for this bread? I have a 7 year old great pyrneese and she is the pickiest eater! She will eat dog treats all day long, food is a different story. Help in this direction please?
My pyr gets homemade food- chicken or liver with sweet potatoes, broccoli or green squash, and brown rice or whole wheat pasta
We recently rescued a great Pyrenees puppy that a guy dropped off in the middle of a flooded street by our home at nine pm during a terrible storm and then he drove off leaving her there. We emeditally picked her up and brought her inside. She was a terrible mess ! Was infested with fleas , thin , and had a rope tied so tight around her neck that I couldn’t get my finger founder it. I cut it off , dried her off , gave her food and water and made her a warm soft bed. The next morning is when I discovered she was infested with fleas so I bathed her and after 2 hours of combining them out of her fur got rid of them. We couldn’t get the jerks truck tag # because it was pouring rain and dark. We had no idea what breed she was until we took her to our vet and as soon as he saw her double due claws and examined her , did bloodwork , he told us she is a great Pyrenees. We are 69 and 78 , have 4 other small breed dogs and are now on retirement income and had no idea how to deal with her and our situation. I contacted 2 rescue groups but NEVER heard back from them. We don’t want just anyone to have her. Yet we are not able to care for her. Her needs are more than we can afford with 4 other dogs to care for too. We have done a lot for her already. We have literally begged for help but can’t get any. She is so smart and beautiful. Our vet said most likely that man stole her and then after trying to sell her cheap on line and people got suspicious, he decided to get rid of her in the darkness of night during a really bad storm thinking he wouldn’t be seen. If anyone out there can help us please let me know . Carol Rainey. carolrainey62@yahoo.com or at 940-613-2135 Thank you
If you still need help, try reaching out to pyrescue.org They are in Colorado but I know they have made travel arrangements to get the dogs to CO in the past. Good luck.
TX Great Pyrenees Rescue or Bluebonnet Rescue are closer.
We feed ours a frozen raw hind quarter every night, just as they might find in the wilderness of the Great Pyrenees mountains. We supplement that with a grain free, free-feed kibble and any “healthy human food” left overs such as boneless cooked meats, rice, potatoes, & vegetables. He maintains his own weight nicely. Found on sale, the chicken cost us literally 50 cents a pound.
My 5 year old pyr only likes chicken dog food. We feed him 4 Health. We get it at a Tractor Supply store. We also buy chicken broth to pour on it. About 1(4 cup.
We have adopted a great pyr.and golden retriever mix.He looks like a great pyr but has the color of a golden.We have had 3 others that were full great pyrennes.Barnabas is a rescue but he has all the great pyr characteristics plus the beautiful golden color.He loves kids so We will be taking him through therapy dog training so he can visit kids in the hospitals.Some folks refer to him as a Golden Pyrennes ,but I just call himPyrgold!,
We had a Pyr/Golden mix as well! Chance was the best dog!! Having him got us started with Pyrs. Chloe was my full Pyr and was the ruler of the roost, but such a princess with her beauty and demeanor! After the loss of Chloe in May we have recently adopted Tucker, another Pyr, who is just adorable, large and clumsy! Haha!
I am adopting my first pry from a local animal shelter. Thankfully he appears to have been well socialized and raised to be a people pry as he walks well on leash, sits to be rubbed, etc. as opposed to a herd guardian that bonded with livestock rather than people. While I’ve always had large dogs, they’ve been goldens, shepherds, and mutts; breeds that want to please their person. For this adventure I’m reading all I can to prepare for this transition to pyr-dome. I have an older golden that will hopefully help train the (estimated) 8-12 month old pup that his job is to watch over me while I’m working in the yard or at the barn with horses. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
My husband and I have had a dog in the past and each of us had dogs growing up. We are currently in talks with a rescue group about adopting a 15 month old male pyr. He is not house trained and I was just wondering if you have any tips for house training?
Our pyrs are about 90% potty trained. It helps to keep all the poop picked up – they don’t like a messy yard. Use lots of praise. And accept urine as part of your life- they like to pee where they like to pee!
Well written article, covering all the important aspects.They truly are sensitive dogs and I appreciated so much what you said about not being too harsh with them. They will trust you if you’re kind to them. I never WALK my dogs off the property and I’ve never had a problem with wandering. Walking them off the property just expands their territory. For whatever reason, my female pyrs don’t wander- ever! I LOVE these dogs. If I could, I would have herds of them!!
My great pyr is 5 months old and 70lbs! He still won’t do stairs. He is very afraid and at this point I can barely pick him up. There is nothing wrong with his vision- its been checked. Is this normal for the breed? Will he outgrow it? In all other ways he is happy, healthy and well socialized.
Fear of heights or stairs in dogs is the one piece of information I am unable to find anywhere on the internet.
I don’t if it’s normal, but my pyr was afraid of stairs too. Also concrete, and tile floors. He was also a few months old. Now he has no fear at all. He likes staying on tile, that’s where he really sprawls out. No more issues with stairs now too.
What food do you recommend for a 4 month old Pyr puppy? He has been on a grain-free puppy for one month now but since you commented on not feeding a Pyr grain-free for the first two years, I am curious on what you would recommend.
i am adopting a Pyr in a few days and purchased a grain free puppy food..what do you recommend as you commented on avoiding the grain free food?
I have 2 great pry, I absolutely love the breed,there so gentle kind ,the best breed I have ever had ,I would be lost with out my hoss, daisy, anyone thinking of getting a great pyr,will never regret it, wonderful, kind,loving giant s ,
I have rescued for years and a year ago was able to rehome a badly malnourished pyr pup…I thought he went to a great home, but 15 months later, he has become “growly” and aggressive. My adopters have been firm in training; have followed all my suggestions, and now we’re down to trying pain meds in case of “hidden issues”, all before they have him put down. I don’t want that to happen, but they are adamant they can’t handle him any more. I am thinking maybe his malnourishment as a pup caused brain issues, but I would rather place him again to see if it is environmental. Anyone know where I could try to rehome him without risking issues? I just am at a loss. He was not like that as a pup; he has become that way as he matures. He is in an adult household only; has had “trainer’s advice” and vet care. I have twelve dogs of my own; cannot take him myself.
I just adopted my GP in February – she was 7 months. The Humane Society wouldn’t let any who didn’t already own a dog to adopt her. I have a 5 year old German Shepard mix. Together they are the best of friends. I still have a lot to learn about this Breed. She is very timid and afraid of new surroundings. We have been going for walks and I do see some progress in her behavior and confidence level with all the traffic.
Ginger is still a work in progress. Stubborn and a mind of her own. I know she will be a good dog, one of these day!!!
I am delighted to read not only this outstanding article about Pyrs, also all your comments ; ours is a male today 9 months and we are totally in love with him. Loving, friendly, playful, fearless when encountering aggressive dogs, sometimes, I truly believe he doesn’t see they can be dangerous, I don’t know. Timo is extremely beautiful and everyone can just come to him and pad him or hug him and he loves that. He is our first pyr. Drooling has been a lot only because of his teeth, and he looks funny, kind of dirty around his mouth. No barking problems, only when he wants someone on the street to touch him because he knows the person 🙂 he does it and he is inmediately addressed to stop it.
We walked a lot with him he loves it, we live in basically two countries Germany/The Netherlands and there are many woods where dogs can run and play without leash, up to now he has always returned although I must admit he’d rather stay with the other doggies.
This is a very helpful article!
Our dog is 1/2 Great Pyrenees and half Newfoundland. I really didn’t know what I was getting into buying this dog but I am committed to making things work with him. At this point, we are working through the barking, the chewing (I think that comes from the Newfie side) and the desire to be nocturnal. But I’ve already gotten some great ideas from this website on how to make things better.
Thanks for your great suggestions!
You have a lancer half newfie half Pyrenees they are a very good breed
I love this and agree with everyone. We have a Male and Female and I just adore them. Our male, Rufus loves to play but Maggie will play for 2 seconds then it’s time to come back into house. I want to get a puppy…would a Male or female be best whrn the furr baby will be 8 weeks and our two are 6 years?
We have an almost 3 year old GP crossed with collie who we are so in love with. He is amazing with all of our kids. Even my 4 year old can get him to sit, stay and come. Very protective of our yard at night. You can hear him running circles around the house. We have a very close neighbor who had a coyote wander into their yard and he was right there to help their dog chase it away. I’ve been most impressed with his training with our new chickens. We have been able to free range them around him without any incident. I can walk the chickens right past him and he’ll just look the other way.
It was a very useful article for beginners like us. Thank you
Awesome information. Will be linking to this page.
So adorable and fluffy! My boyfriends family has two and they are such love bugs!
Thank you for a great article! A Pyrs owner for more than 17 years, I currently have five and have had three more that have passed away – mostly at 13+ years of age. They are all rescues. I have found the to be – as your article points out – so incredibly loving. Sometimes they all come in and jump on the bed – then hear a fantom sound and bang! they are all off to bark it out of the yard! <3 them too much!
Lived the article. I am on my second GP, Montana who is 13-1/2 and whom I have had since a baby. Apart from having some rear hind leg issues that I get her treated with acupuncture and laser therapy, she is in relatively good health. She is the love of my life and everything you stated about Pyrenees was spot on. Stubborn, hard to train, wanderers, barking, loyal, lazy, drool but so much love. My first one, Dakota I lost at the age of 8 to cancer. But I had already fallen in love with the breed, there was no going back for me. I live in L.A. and Montana is a showstopper wherever we go. She is gentle and majestic. Toddlers climb on top of her and she just obliges their every whim. I know her days are numbered and I am dreading that day. Worse, is that I fear she may be my last pyr just because as I have gotten older, they do require work. Getting Montana to and from the doctor is no small feat. I can’t imagine my life with another breed. I know that sounds crazy. Oh, and both of my pyrs had to be on special diets (bison) for skin issues which is quite common. Just FYI. If you’re considering a GP, jump in for the best love affair of your life.
cute and pretty dogs
Thanks for your stuff
A Great post ,These dogs are somewhat unusual in the UK although a friend of mine has one and its the first time i had seen one ,he lived with a dalmation till she passed so i imagine that was quite a stubbon household lol its lovely to see some blogs on the more unusual breeds and their fasinating history i especially love they use to guard the sheep without any humans about
Great article and blog! Super helpful! My husband and I are thinking of getting a Great Pyrenees.
Informative and very useful information, thank you.
I was going to adopt a go today but the one year old male Great Pyrenees g
rowled at me and refused to have anything to do with me. I have never had a dog not like me before and was disappointed. He was in an extremely noisey shelter and seemed very nervous. He knew the handler and seemed to really like her. I was looking for a great pyroneees to protect my fram animals. My wonderful Great Dane is old and is a house dog. I live in southern Oklahoma
We got our Pyr Easter this year. She is 10 months old and ever the handful. We also have a 5 year old female Rottweiler that is sweet, obedient easy to train and all about pleasing and being with us. Our Pyr is the exact opposite and we have reached a breaking point. No matter how much praise, love, affection, she does the exact opposite and is all about destroying and getting into everything. We have always had large dogs Rottweilers to be exact and devote ourselves to them with no issues. With our Pyr we are at a loss and don’t know what to do! Doesn’t obey commands, will go up and grab food off the counter right in front of us, can’t potty train her she will squat and pee in the living room without a second thought. We tried crate training but she destroyed 2 large crates and our living room to get out of them. We will take her outside every 30 minutes and she won’t do anything but sniff the ground and then come back in and pee on the floor. we were planning on getting her fixed but now we are contemplating giving her to a family friend. Tough decision because in spite of it all we love her, she’s the prettiest dog and just an absolute sweetheart! We just don’t know what else we can do. We live on 35 acres and just built a brand new house which she has caused damage to in several rooms. We have thought about just making her an outside dog but she comes to the door at night and if we don’t bring her in she scratches the door and has torn the weather stripping off all our exterior doors.is their any hope, has anyone else seen a calming effect after having their pet fixed?
Cayenne on the spots where she is going potty works. Maybe try tethering her outside until she gets used to it (with a dog house she is not forced to be in that has windows, etc. I found 2 large sides put together as a triangle shape that is open at both ends worked well- just make sure the run is far enough from it that they don’t get tangled around the house…). Once she gets used to being outside 24/7, she’ll find a spot for potty and you need to keep it clean.
Regular exercise off the run will be most beneficial a few times a day. Reinforce her good behaviour.
We have a GP that is 2 1/2 years old. He is a wonderful dog, but he loves to be outside and loves to bark. At everything. Some of my neighbors think that I am a bad pet owner ( I am not) and (understandably) are annoyed by his barking. I hate to get rid of him but do not know what to do.
Enjoyed reading everybodys comments on the article. Ever since I saw a painting of a pyr in a dog breed book I hoped to have one. Other breeds thru life and then at 40 I got my Buddha. After 5 years a 7month old abused starved Pyr found us. So that made 2 Django took a while to learn to trust and believe in others but you’d never know he started out badly. They both helped me thru cancer and sadly had to put Buddha down in 2018. Just last weekend another pyr showed up this time a female in the same shape Django was in plus someone shot her thru her abdomen. Already she is blossoming and learning quickly. Her name is Pua which means flower in hawaiian. All dog breeds have something to offer but the Pyr is my “heart dog” They are special!
Thanks for spending time sharing this useful article!
My boyfriend and I rescued our two Pry puppers from a lovely local rescue shelter. We went to volunteer one day, and I had mentioned to my boyfriend that I had my eye out for a puppy to take home. The shelter had a mommy pup who had eight puppies that were German Shepard/Pitbull mix. They were the sweetest pups, but I told my boyfriend I wanted to visit the other dogs. So we walked around the corner and there sat two LARGE fluffy dogs. They looked so sad 🙁 so we went into their kennels and they perked up immediately! They were so loving that it brought me to tears. We don’t have a large house because we are college students, but I told him that we were getting them and taking them home TODAY! Ever since then, our Pauline and Pierre have been the best dogs. We had our ups and downs with potty training, but they have gotten it down pat (sort of). They love their walks and they LOVE their nap times. We are getting another Pry puppy in March and we are very excited. They are the most loving and caring dogs. If they hear our neighbors’ dog whining, they go to the back door and practically beg to go out and play. I was not a big animal person before we got P&P, but they truly made me change.
What a fascinating breed!
Hi, wondering what your thoughts are on adopting a pup and a mom together. The pup will be 8-9wks when we bring her home and the mom is 4yrs old and will be spayed before she gets here. Thoughts on the puppy not bonding with us? Or mom helping or hurting the pups training?
GREAT WHAT? ANATOLIAN WHO?
How we learned about Great Pyrenees
Four years ago, we went to the shelter to find a new companion for our dog who had lost his pal.
I fell in love with a 4 month old white and tan puppy. Love.
The shelter person said the pup was not well socialized. He had had parvo, he and his flea bitten siblings had been found an a farm.
On the way out with our new puppy, I asked if they knew the possible breeds. (I did not really care at that point).
Great Pyrenees, he said. Hmm, I said, what other breed , do you know?
Anatolian Shepherd he said, hmmm, I said again. Wonder what that is.
We wondered why our growing darling started barking when the sun goes down. And why he looks at us and laughs when we call him in from the yard? He thinks It is the funniest thing to stand, and look at us while we call, and wave our arms, while the other dogs come in obediently.
My fluffy Casey is affectionate, demands his hugs and kisses. He is so waggy happy for open arm greetings and praise. He is the sweetest funniest, fluffiest , dearest buddy in the world.
He grew fast after we got him home. He didn’t get his furry coat, now tan and white, for a year. And oh, all those toes.
He does not need to guard or bark, our older German Shepherd, Boxer, Akita mix tears it up.
Little (114 lb) fat, cut down on food no more snacks, Casey is encouraged to bark along and is doing well.
I could never imagine my fluffy darling out alone at night.
He would love it. He would, if he could, lay out at night n the snow and be so happy.
I don’t know if this open hearted affection and sense of humor are Pyr things or Casey things.
So now I read everything about Pyrs. No one mentions the funny jokes.
Comprehensive information.
Very helpful for beginners thank you very much.
Our great pyr Sammie was very protective of me when pregnant, allowed both daughters to pull up on her to learn to walk and lay all over her. Definitely had the wander lust and would run away from everyone but me if off leash. Adopted from pound at about 2 and probably used to heard sheep, I found she was already trained to vocal commands when we got her. I kept this up and she was very bonded to me. Beautiful dog, loved the mountains where we live and the snow. Happy outside in all weather. When she came in wet and muddy she happily would lay down by the wood stove to dry and leave a perfect dog shaped ring of dirt that just slid off her fur when dry. Also excellent guide dog for our yellow lab who went blind at age 5. Best of friends.