The weather was beautiful for a lot of the weekend, so we spent a lot of time outside with the pups. Being outside in nice weather, you run into a lot of people.
I’m always amazed at the people that ask me what breed Mauja and Atka are and then tell me how to care for them. You didn’t know the breed, but you know what’s best for them?
You should probably avoid making these comments to Great Pyrenees owners.
You Should Get Them Shaved
This one normally comes with a nice tone to it. Like, how could you possibly let your dog suffer
I’m still usually given some sort of grief about not shaving my dogs from someone that doesn’t even know what a double coated breed is.
Your dog isn’t listening. Obviously, you aren’t alpha.
Another topic I could talk about for hours as the “alpha theory” has no true basis in science. Once again, do you know anything about pyrs? She’s sitting next to me quietly, but she didn’t “shake” when you asked
You really should have had the dewclaws removed as a puppy.
In some breeds, this is true. For the Great Pyrenees, the double dew claws are essential. It would be basically like cutting off your thumb. Their double dews are attached by a bone and serve a purpose. It is very rare for a pyr to snag their dews.
Related: Double Dew Claws
You shouldn’t tolerate your dogs barking.
Pyrs are livestock guardians. By barking, they are simply alerting us of any potential threats. They’re doing their job! Why would I get mad at my dogs for doing what they were bred to do
You need acres of land for such a big dog.
This is such a misconception about giant breeds! Most of them can make amazing apartment dogs. In the house, they are typically couch potatoes
I’d never own a dog that big. Too expensive.
Yes, giant breeds cost more, but more dog to love and be loved by! Plus, I’d rather have a 100+ pound dog protecting me than a 5-pound snack 😉 (Usually followed by…)
Related: Why Are Giant Breeds More Expensive?
Well, your food bill must be astronomical.
Meh, not really. Pyrs have a slow metabolism so they don’t eat more than your average medium-sized dog. On a good day, Mauja eats about 2-3 cups of food and she is a nice, healthy weight.
Now, don’t take this post the wrong way. I LOVE when people ask me questions about my pyrs. I have so much fun educating people about Great Pyrenees because I am so passionate about them
Has this ever happened to you? What other comments have you heard?
Sometimes I’m tired and I don’t have the energy to once again explain that my dogs aren’t minnie Lassies and no their growth wasn’t stunted. However, for the most part I realize if we don’t take the time to speak to people when we get the chance in the best way we can, the ignorance continues.
I’ll be honest enough to admit I always owned short haired dogs before having a Sheltie. I had to do lots of reading before we got one to really understand how they were going to survive the summer heat. One of the first signs of summer for me as a child was the dog’s summer grooming to help keep him cool in the summer heat. Different breeds, different needs. If I can acknowledge my ignorance when switching breeds it helps me to understand the lack of understanding in others.
As for the range of questions, I think some of it is just natural awe, some is frankly rude and obxnoxious. People often comment on how hard it is to care for one dog, they couldn’t imagine caring for two. Again if I’m tired I mumur some polite comment and move on. If I’m feeling more patient I will explain that some things are harder and more expensive, but some things are actually easier with two than when we only had one and I will list some of the positive experiences that have come from not having and only dog and why as long as we can handle the financial and physical needs we won’t have an only dog again.
I’ve heard similar complaint from human parents about rude comments people make. I think it is an overall statement about the lack of filters in our culture. People will say anything and think little of how it sounds. However, I think we can work on shaping that behavior by how we respond.
Many people really do lack a filter. And like I said, I don’t mind questions. I love them! I love talking and educating people about this breed. I also love asking people tons of questions about breeds I’m not very familiar with. People have just had such an attitude about how I should be caring for my dogs. What is interesting is that we never really experienced this when we lived in California. People would ask genuine questions that I loved answering. Since we’ve moved, we have gotten a lot more snarky remarks from people.
don’t mind me asking, where are you near now? i’ve been Blessed w/3 Pyrenees, 2 of Those were Rescues, one i raised from a Pup. Loved Them All, and would not hesitate to have another Great Pyrenees…
I get questioned in a negative way ” how can you allow such a shedding dog in your house?”. Answer:
Requires sweeping twice a day and brushing, so for me it’s all good.
My Anna be a house dog. She is 2yrs 6 months. I
This was a really great post!!!!!
I get the same sort of comments with my huskies! It gets really sickening sometimes! My husky knows how to shake a paw or sit down very well, and they do it for me when I ask, but right now, my husky just does not want to sit for you! People just think they can go up to any dog and say a command, and when they don’t listen, the dog must not be trained. It’s silly really!
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
It really is! Maybe if you had a nice treat in your hand they’d give you the time of day 😉
We have Labs, so we don’t get those kind of comments, but I can understand where you’re coming from. Personally, I love big dogs are yours are beautiful.
Thanks 🙂
I’m not sure why anyone would expect your dog to respond to their commands. Mine are trained to listen to my husband and I. The last thing I want is some stranger calling to them and having them walk off with my dogs. I like a little healthy suspicion.
The only question I had that I didn’t ask before is about the barking. When are they commenting about the barking. If the dogs are in public hanging around other dogs, yep they are going to bark. If we lived miles from the nearest neighbors, the barking might not be such an issue. However, we don’t and we do have to work on barking out of respect for our neighbors. I firmly believe in the do unto others. If I don’t want their kids screaming constantly day and night outside my window, their dogs howling at the moon in the early hours, than I too have to be respectful and make sure my dogs aren’t barking constantly either. It isn’t always easy for a breed that barks, but it is one of the realities of living with neighbors close to you. If you want good neighbors you have to be one.
There is a dog down the street from us that barks all hours of the day and night. I wish that family understood the concept of being a good neighbor and why allowing their dog to bark constantly creates a challenge for the rest of us who are trying to teach our dogs there are restrictions to how long you can bark when you live with neighbors.
I didn’t even think about another person calling my dog and responding to their commands. Great point! I’m really glad my pyrs don’t listen to other people 🙂 As for the barking, we got those comments at the dog park (we don’t go anymore), but I thought it was relevant to add to the list. We have a strict barking rule at home because we have LOTS of very close neighbors (we live on a military base). If they are outside and they bark, I go and see what they are barking at. More than half the time, it’s something I can’t see or hear. They are then told “quiet”, which they respond to about 50 percent of the time 😉 If they don’t quiet, they have to come inside. Once they settle, we let them back out. It’s really helped control the pyr barking. I could never leave them outside at night or we wouldn’t be friends with our neighbors 😉 Our neighbors have a basset hound and it barks day and night. I know your frustration. Thankfully, Mauja and Atka are used to him and don’t try to talk back!
Our “Jethro” is 11 now and has a decent size yard. I have explained to our neighbors that if he barks, there is a reason. Possums, raccoons, groundhogs and sometimes even a wild and deadly, attack type, bunny rabbit. They understand and he is usually inside by 11 pm. He is the best dog we have ever owned. He was a rescue from California.
Hi
So don’t they bark so much if you bring them inside ?
I’d love one but worry about the barking
When we lived on a base with our first pyr, he got to where he would sing (howl), whenever retreat played at the end of the day. The neighbors got to where they would come out and listen to him, because he sounded like he was out in the wild. I wish I could teach our current pyr to howl, but I have no idea why our first one did this.
Agree. My guy has won several rally events and picks up new commands very quickly. He’s a one person dog, though, so if anyone else gives him a command, he just looks at me for direction.
The interesting thing is that the more he’s learned, the less he responds to others. When I first got him, my trainer could show me how to work on new skills by going through the steps with him. Now, she has to use her own dog because mine will pretty much ignore her except for very basic commands.
Nope, those are not good things to say… to any dog owner for that matter. Once in a while I hear things and when it first started happening I really took offense but I’ve since learned that the person either doesn’t know better and I can educate them a bit or they are just being a jerk and I let it slide off.
I used to really take offense to it as well. I felt like I was being judged as a dog owner and compared to every other “young 20 something”. Now it is easier to just brush it off, but I can remember being upset about a comment made to me for days.
I love when I hear a little voice saying, “Mommy look! It’s a bear””.
A comment i get constantly is Why do they have those silly haircuts? I can’t say much because before I had Poodles I thought they were silly. Now I think it is the height of irresponsibility for a Poodle owner not to have these centuries old classic do’s on them.
They’re cute and that’s all that matters!
I love the Pyrs. I do. I’d love to have one. But Hunny insists on snack sized dogs once our Aussies pass. Or, as I call them, drop kick dogs. And now we have our own drop kick dog. I’m madly in love with him. But no, I don’t understand why people give so much unsolicited advice, except to say that I do it, too, and constantly fight that urge.
This is a good post and I’d agree. I generally think people should, well, keep their mouths shut. I’ve heard plenty of nasty comments regarding my small dogs. I absolutely love large breeds and have one large mutt, but in the future my husbadn and I have decided to stick with small dogs. They fit better into our life style. I’ve had plenty of people comment that small dogs are yappy or annoying. I also own pugs and a bulldog and plenty of people have said ” oh those poor dogs cant breathe”, not true., mine breathe fine, my youngest pug power walks five miles on a cool day with ease. I’ve also had people comment on my dogs not knowing I’m “alpha” because they are tugging on leash or lunging at another dog. Well I admit they are not perfect but I work on both behaviors and I think the whole “alpha” this is malarky! I basically think if you dont have something nice to say, say nothing at all!
retro rover
There is a family I nanny for that has a small dog – maybe ten pounds. I definitely see the appeal to them. I barely notice she’s there sometimes! Some people prefer large dogs, some people prefer small. People just need to let others like what they like!
Mr. N is a mix of two common breeds so I don’t really get many breed-specific questions aside from “do they bark a lot?” But I get all sorts of negative size-based comments (yappy, ankle biter etc.) and many people are just plain rude (yelling, trying to pick him up, barking at him etc).
People are so rude. I remember when Mauja was a puppy and a stranger walked right up to her and picked her up! She was even on leash! I can’t imagine having to deal with that all the time. You don’t pet other people’s dogs without permission and you certainly don’t pick them up!
Maybe it’s not so much that they are rude but they just feel so comfortable with dogs or like the dog so much. When I see a dog everything leaves my head. I immediately walk up and I’m hugging and kissing. I can’t even help it. Maybe try not being so judgmental.
I know this is old, but I don’t care… it’s not judgmental to be upset that someone just comes right up, and picks up your puppy, or pets them without asking for permission. So, if you get bit, because “you can’t help yourself”… remember that. It doesn’t matter that you “like the dog so much”… it just doesn’t even matter!
Well, I do have a pit bull so yes! Lol… We’ve removed some pyrenees dew claws before. But usually only the ones that weren’t attached by bone from what I can remember anyways. I’ve noticed it just varies from dog to dog and breed to breed.
Luckily we don’t get too many comments. Must wear thin after a while.
I have a five month old great pyrenees and he’s already 75lbs! He’s the biggest sweetheart and loves for people to come up and pet him when we’re out and about. I’ve had people ask me every single question in this post lol. Sometimes I get annoyed when people tell me how to groom him when they’ve never heard of the breed, but I’ve learned to just deal with it. I love my fluffy baby.
Ah, yes. My mother-in-law really pissed my husband off by telling him that we need to stop our Pyr from barking and insisting that she only barks because we haven’t set limits in place. She told us we need to yell “NO NO!” at her when she barks. Fool proof!
I would be heartbroken if someone came up to my Woofy and asked him to shake their hand and he did so without asking me. That’s MY boy.
The only thing I’d say to the owner of that dog is … “can I snuggle your dog?”
training advice from non-pyr owners drives me crazy! Its always ppl with 5 pound dogs too. Like, really is THAT all it takes to get your dog to come to you? I can’t believe I never thought of saying “come” and giving him a treat, wow! *eye roll* The
I understand completely. I have a Great Dane (my third) and I have always had these comments mostly that she is too thin. I could explain that it is dangerous to get a Dane overweight but honestly I can,t be bothered.
We have a Pyr who just turned 5 months old. We LOVE her and my husband can’t wait for her to be big(ger). She still tries to chew everything in sight, but we expected that. I loved everyone’s comments, and can related to people trying to tell you how to “train” your dog. Some of these people don’t even have dogs. I think this breed is unique and fascinating!
Oh yes, we love our Bentley!
We have a Pyr who just turned 5 months old. We LOVE her and my husband can’t wait for her to be big(ger). She still tries to chew everything in sight, but we expected that. I loved everyone’s comments, and can relate to people trying to tell you how to “train” your dog. Some of these people don’t even have dogs. I think this breed is unique and fascinating! She is so sweet.
I laugh when people ask how often do you bathe your dog to keep him so white! I say seldom and they never believe me. I still cringe though when they start with the shaving routine. I’ve never been able to let that one go.
You’ve definitely hit on all the big ones! Very annoying. Once I understood that they were bred to be independent thinkers, protecting sheep up in the Pyrenees mountains, I understood. They actually do stop and consider the command. But people don’t understand that independent thinking in a dog. When people comment about shaving a dog, I usually tell them that shaving a dog only makes the hair grow in thicker. Their coats are just amazing and cover all aspects of their needs. We live in the country with lots of room. I’d love to have another Pyr but I’m worried that they might not get along. I have a 3 year old female and just don’t want a male. I should’ve gotten 2 puppies so they grew up together. Any suggestions or comments on this?
We have two Great Prys// Ellie Mae a 2 year old female we raised from birth (we had mama at that time too). Two weeks ago we brought home Dash a 7 week old male. Ellie is a great protector and a well behaved outdoor dog. We are introducing them to each other in little spirts. She had the normal curious reaction when we first brought him home. But He stays indoors with us most of the time so he can bond with us and she gets time to herself outdoors. I let him outside three or four times a day to interact with her and they do great. I monitor them by being there. Then If she is being a really good girl I go inside and leave them alone for a about 15 minutes. Watching their every move (mostly hers) to make sure being alone with him isn’t stressing her to much. It is working great and as he gets older and older his time outside with her will increase. She is very protective of him even now, but the stress of watching over a pup that isn’t hers could be to much so we don’t push her. I do plan to make him an outside dog as well. So together they can watch over our farm. My advice. Have a plan, if you purchase a new family member and it just does not work out between the two dogs. How will you deal with it? Know what you will do in case it doesn’t/before you do it.
We are long time our owners. We have always had females and brought home a new puppy when the older one is about 5. The older dog has always established the pecking order but there was never a problem. This last time we got litter mates, One was much larger (Sophie) than the other (Sasha) and for some reason the older dog (Sadie) had it in for her. Sophie never hurt Sadie, but she kept her submissive. One thing we noticed with the litter mates is they didn’t mature like the single dogs did, they stayed young and rambunctious longer and they were more likely to get into trouble. Last fall Sophie passed at 13 yrs, then 2 months later Sasha died suddenly. Sadie is so lonely without her sister it’s heartbreaking. So from our experience, I wouldn’t advise litter mates and I’d add pups between 2 – 5 yrs apart.
My least favorite comment, at the vet’s office, from a person with a popular breed dog, “That’s just a mutt, right”, said about my Quibbletown pyr.
Our pyr, Bailey, is 7 now & we love all 135 lbs of her! We have gotten all of these same comments along with another common one “Does she shed a lot?”. I’m also usually correcting people on her gender. People assume she’s a boy due to her size since you can’t see her pink collar in all that neck fur! Ha! But I don’t mind all the questions as I feel here’s a chance to educate someone on this beautiful breed. But I’d have to say we get more “Your dog is beautiful” than anything and even had a runner pass by & say “Wow, seeing your dog made my day”!
We have 2 Great Pyrs that are out with our sheep. The sheep are their lives. They will do everything within their power to protect them, and they are miserable to be removed from them. A neighbor thought we were so cruel to leave them outside in the elements and tried to call the authorities about animal neglect. When the ASPCA person showed up and spent a few minutes with the animals, she was very happy to see how well the dogs were being taken care of and how totally happy they were do be doing the job they were bread to do. For them it is all instinct, and they are in their element. She said that she was sorry more people didn’t get to see the dogs in a natural environment. They have shelter, food, water, love, grooming, and a job to do that they do perfectly. I truly love the breed
What I dislike the most is people who say “they have to be so cold, bring them inside” when it is winter and snowing. Ours love the snow and they go into our barn if they want to but usually they would rather lay in the snow. Also, we lost 1 of ours a few years ago and had to find another one quickly because we couldn’t sleep without the all night barking. Since we have animals, we know the dogs are keeping all other animals away.
Oh god yes, and the “need to put a saddle on that” I have recently lost my lovely little girl, (Pyr’s don’t seem big to their owners). I got her as she was taken back by her previous owners as they didn’t know she would be that fluffy or big?? very intelligent, will jump through hoops for food and willingly put their lives at risk to protect there flock, human or animals but the things people try and tell you about them, even when they don’t own a dog!
We love our pyr, Liberty. I had done research even before I considered a pyr. Truly I was not prepared for the strength of this animal. For the most part I can verbally control her but, now and then outside when she thinks that dog who is not even near, is going to attack mom, she has drug me across the yard till I just have to let go. When it has gone she comes back. I feel, in that instance, I need a tazor, wink, wink. She makes us laugh most of the time. I am going to try you “no barking inside” thought. The neighbors don’t hear her but, it goes on forever with my husband yelling which only makes it worse. I usually go check to see what has her upset, I will tell her what I see and tell her it is ok niw. She and I move away from the door or window together. I do not go till she is with me. I love her attitude when a salesman comes to the door. We have glass panes at least half way down, so they can see her. I point yo her and give them the “NO” sign. They do not argue. Lover it.
My Pyr, Gordie, and I make a feed run to either Rural King or TSC almost every Friday. I have to plan for at least an extra half-hour of questions and GP stories. He thinks he is a rock star and loves all the attention he gets. I get the “you should shave him” statement alot and spend time explaining their double coat. The staff at both stores fuss over him too. Also comments about his drooling. He wears a Bandanna to absorb some of that slime, He knows when the trip is due. Stands while I brush him out then gets in the car with the command “Load Up” and waits while I hook his car harness. I love the big goofy furball.
I have been looking for a Great Pyrenees for a while now and I finally was able to find a perfect match on August 24th! His name is Edelbrock. He’s actually a Pyr-Aussie (Pyr- Australian Shepherd mix). Both parents are registered; but I got an amazing deal on him because of the mix. Anyway, he is SO pyr and this post had me cracking up because even though I’ve only had him for about 7 weeks, I’ve already heard all of these!!! He is literally the best dog I’ve ever had and it’s mostly due to that gentle giant in him. I’ve taught him some basic commands but like you said he doesn’t always do them and I honestly don’t care because he is so well behaved. And oh my, he is so proud to bark and tell us about anything threatening he sees! ❤️ I love it! Your posts make me laugh and say ‘Yep, that’s my dog!’
I can fully understand the feelings here.. Our Max is only about 1 year old, but he’s already 28 inches (at the shoulder) tall.. He is a “rescue”.. He was found VERY malnourished & alone on a roadside at the top of a mountain on a very cold February night. Max has since survived Parvo & is my ultimate teddy bear & foot warmer.. He is a blessing.. He has a strong Pyrenees influence even tho he’s shorter haired, only has 1 double dewclaw on his left rear (he has the toe & 1 claw on his right rear).. He actually stays cooler in summer & eats the same as our lab/pit mix, about 2-3 cups a day.. His barking can be quieted by telling him, “If it’s not in your lot, hush”.. He is my super sweet babyboy & even tho he’s a good 80lbs, he’s still my “lil boy”.. He likes his runs & rants, but enjoys the hot days when we take them to the creek..
I don’t mind the comments about having a horse in the house, but really don’t appreciate the people that consider him dumb when they ask him to “shake” & he just looks at them like they’re stupid. He can sit, stay, lay, shake, high five, high ten & dance (stand & put his feet on our shoulders for a bear hug & wiggle). He is NOT dumb, he CHOOSES what to do & with whom he does it… I disagree with people who go into anothers home & “tell” them anything, if there’s no sign of abuse or neglect, just hush it.
I don’t have a problem with dogs doing their job and barking. I have a problem with an owner who encourages their dog to bark all day and all night, with no regard to for their neighbors. We can even hear this dog barking from inside their house. It’s disrespectful to have to put up with this every day and every night. Yes, I want their dog to protect them, and to their job. I have a dog so i don’t expect them to not bark, but when mine does, I go see what the issue is and if I see no reason for it, then i distract my dog with toys or playing with them.
I have a Anatolian Shepard great Pyrenees mix and she barks a lot except when I’m around. She won’t walk or even play with any other human then me and my mom. But she will let you pet her. I live in town in Idaho falls so we have a small backyard but she still loves it. So I can fully understand all those comments that you get.
I have a Anatolian Shepard great Pyrenees mix and she barks a lot except when I’m around. She won’t walk or even play with any other human then me and my mom. But she will let you pet her. I live in town in Idaho falls so we have a small backyard but she still loves it. So I can fully understand all those comments that you get. But she is so gentle when she has eye gunk you can touch her eye to get it out and she doesn’t care people always tell me I’m hurting her but I just tel them that if I was she would be barking and pulling away.
I’ve never read anything SO true !!!
Ths is so true! We have an almost 2 yr old Australian Shepherd / Pyrenees mix named Roman. He definitely bonded more with me than my husband and obeys his commands when given. However, when strangers ask for his paw, or tell him to sit he always looks at me for guidance. (Or completely ignores them). I love your blog btw! Roman is our first Pyr, we have always had Labs. We loved him so much we rescued a Golden Pyr 2 mths later!
My husband and I got a Pyr mix almost a year ago. His dad was Pyr and his mother was Lab/Beagle mix. It leads to a lot of confusion and questions when people see him. Sometimes people don’t understand that just because he is 75 lbs doesn’t mean he isn’t still a puppy. He will not be perfectly behaved because not only is he an independent breed but also a baby.
I get the same questions when I walk my Tibetan Mastiff. Tibetans coat is similar to pry and where bred for guarding yaks, sheep and family. They like to bark to let you know they are there and doing there job. Also extremely independent thus giving the impression they aren’t listening.
We live in a rural area, unfortunately a lot of dogs and cats get abandoned not far from our house. I usually end up feeding and grooming them until I can find a home for them. Somebody dumped a Great Pyrenees a few days ago. He is obviously a year or less old. Such a sweet sweet boy! Who ever had him had obviously had him shaved before and his coat is growing out….they must have hated the shedding because other than that there is nothing you wouldn’t love about him. We don’t have livestock for him to adopt, I have two other rescues, a weimaraner and a staffordshire that I can’t part with. This pyr has stole my heart pretty quickly, I do prefer short hair dogs in the house. I’m feeling guilty for not allowing the pyr inside but right now he is content outside although he has tried to follow me in a couple times. So far, barking has not been an issue. He let me brush out a few of the cuckoburrs today. I know they are making him miserable, hopefully I can get the rest of them tomorrow, then he’s gonna get a good bath and his very own kiddy pool to play in!
This seems like a good place to make a plea to not rush straight in to pet. Our Pyr was a rescue who was both physically abused and neglected. The previous Pyr (and most of the ones I know) take their cues from their human: you’re happy to meet and greet, so are they. You feel anxiety, they go on guard. Beau is more likely to leap first and ask questions later. It’s like having found someone who won’t hit him, he’s planning to guard me from every other person forever. I’m working hard on socializing, but if you come in fast waving a hand towards his head, I may not have time to explain what “head shy” means or why he’s got all his teeth out and is suddenly crouching and growling. And if I get dragged on my knees across the street because you came rushing at him and he thought he was being attacked, please understand that I have two leashes in order to keep you safe, and that I’m getting a bit too old to break a hip. And if he bites you because you didn’t give me time to explain or him time to get himself under control, he’s the one who will pay the ultimate price for it. Fortunately he loves kids, so your toddler is safe, but for God’s sake, please train your kids to ask first, stand a respectful distance away, and wait for an answer. And never wave your hand at a dog’s head or try to play with his or her ears unless you know the dog and the dog knows you.
I’ve been feeding my maremma 4 cups of 26/16 per day. No wonder she is overweight. I will do as you do with your pyrs and cut back to 3 cups/day.
Also, as far as needing acreage to keep a LGD, my maremma would be perfectly happy living her life in the back seat of my car. Sometimes it’s a struggle getting her out of the car.
Hi, I live in Australia & have had Maremmas for over 30 years. I originally got them to guard my chooks(chickens to the non Aussies ) As we live between the local pub & a car park, we’ve had the weekend drunks invade our yard, so a Maremma lived with us. I get “your fence is very low, what if a child gets in your yard,they will be Killed” No your child is perfectly safe with my dog, but you won’t be(some kids in our town have used that to their advantage) You leave your dog out in this weather, you should be reported to the RSPCA(winter time) plus all the things that go with the great Pyrenees. Trying to explain to vets(the ones who don’t know anything about the breed) that they do not require the amount of food they recommend. I could go on &on about them as my husband & I are very passionate about our guardian dogs
I think the worst comment I’ve had was from a so-called expert dog trainer I had taken my Bella to. When I couldn’t do what she had told everyone to do, she turned to me and said it was me, not my dog.
And I did have one guy say his friend has a big black Pyrenees. When I said they come in white and it was probably a Newfoundland, he argued the point. I finally gave up. Lol
My husband and I had a sweet 14 year old Golden Doodle (stray). He was such a sweet boy,. and when he passed, we mourned the loss. We found a GP 5 month old puppy on a Facebook Rescue and went to have a look. He is a big, sweet goofball and we all laughed reading all of your comments! We have seen every one of these traits in him! He has limited vision in one eye, so we have to be mindful of that when walking and talking to him. We will try to retrain ourselves to suit ‘Buddy”s needs. Please know how appreciative we are of your sharing of wisdom with these unique sweet balls of fur and energy!
we have had Pyrs for 20 years and up until a little over a year ago we had 3 my 13 1/2 year old baby lost her second battle with cancer less than 2 weeks later her brother(same litter lost his battle with liver failure. 4 years ago we rescued 1 12 week old puppy 2 weeks b/4 Greta crossed the rainbow bridge i rescued a year old Newfi and we now have Jasper 4 yeays old 115 pound Rocky our Newfi is 26 months old 162 pounds when I walk them together we actually stop traffic I could go forever about the questions I get asked about them both breeds are great dogs
I’ve had lots of dogs with double coats and now a Pyr and I’ve had a few people tell me I ought to shave them in the summer. If I have time I’ll tell them their coat actually acts like a radiator, but if not I’ll just smile and nod and keep going.
Today someone told me my Pyr looks like Falkor from Neverending Story. I had to go home to look it up and I’m not sure if that’s a compliment or not. I’m used to everyone telling me how regal and handsome he is! Falkor is, well, a little goofy looking, but I admit he does look a little like a Pyrenees. I suppose I’ll hear that comment again!
I’ve found a fair number of people know about the double dew claws but the breeders told me not to remove them and a naturopath here felt them and said they have tendons in them. She said her dog’s dew claws do not have tendons, so removal wouldn’t be painful, but for a Pyrenees, it would be very painful. Mine loves to scale mountains and hang upside down so I take it he needs them!
This is such a good site, thank you for posting all of this information. I didn’t know enough about Pyrenees before I got my stubborn little (I mean giant) man.
My GP AKC – Anna teaches me things everyday, I got her at 12 weeks old, she was born and stayed out side, upon picking Anna up, a child said she won’t go in a house. I looked at the child and said, thank you for that, I will have too work harder, and have more patients .
Today Anna is 2.5 yrs old. Anna follows me more now than as a pup.
Ollie.. We call him, her cousin, he’s not always polite to people, dog, cats, squirrels, birds, ect…
Ollie belongs to grandma’s daughter and grand daughter. Grandma rescued Ollie, Amanda and her daughter Alyssa fell in love with this over grown big foot. I gave him to them. Then I missed him, and searched for my own big foot. I found her.
THEN I’m questioning…….
Is she deaf?
Why at 2 1/5 still digging?
Won’t fetch anything.
Ann’s a runner…… Can’t trust her.
Lmao …I SMH but at the end of the day….
I love my beautiful Great pyrenees
Sandra
we have had Pyrs for 20 years our Pyr Jasper is our remaining Pyr (115 #) has been called every breed you can think of people always say I have never seen a dog that big. I tell them he is my little dog his little brother is a 2 1/2 year old Newfi that broke the scales at 162 #. I had always wanted a Newfi and when I got the chance to rescue Rocky I jumped on it. when I walk them together they sop traffic
I know this post is old…. but I had to chime in to say thank you!!! I don’t own a Pyr yet, my partner and I are looking into adopting one so I’ve been reading as mush as I can. That being said I grew up with Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, which are the state dogs here in MD. They’re naturally independent and stoic creatures with a strong work ethic so I think pyrs won’t be too hard of a transition. But let me tell you my chessies have been called everything under the sun from pit bull mixes, Weimaraners, poodle mixes etc. or worse- when people think they’re labs and try to walk right up and pet them assuming they’re friendly to strangers. I’ve loved reading your posts so far and am so thankful you’re such a great advocate and resource for the breed!
My Shaman ( 21 mos) is my first GP and I love him dearly. He is beginning training as my mobility dog. He knows if mama is down. either inside the house or outside to position himself so I can brace on him to get back on my feet. He was a gift from a sister veteran and her husband. He isn’t really a barker though. He does talk to me alot but barks rarely. He can be stubborn but that to me is a minor concern as he learns at his pace..like most children. However, he is a runner. I have had to retrieve him 3 times since I have had him. So he goes no-where alone or off a leash. I love this page as it has been my go to for info on Shaman. Thank you so much!!
Ours neighbors have GPs and I just love seeing them. They are behind fences though. One is a llama ranch and the other is a sheep ranch. The two dogs guarding sheep recognize the sound of our car apparently, and come down to get their treats. Even late at night when we drive by, they are there. One day, the two dogs came to the fence and one sheep saw something going on and came running down to join them to get in on the act, so we had to have other things to give it. I’d just love to go in there and brush them and hug them and spend some time with them, and I think the owners would let me do it. They shaved them one year and I worried that it wouldn’t be good for them because it gets really hot up there in the daytime in the mountains where they are. We live on a private dirt road. Would love to have a couple ourselves but won’t happen so I enjoy others and the pictures.
I’m surprised that no one has mentioned how some people comment that big dogs don’t live long lives. Or they ask why would I want a dog that doesn’t live that long? Is it just me or does that seem like a rude and thoughtless question? I love my Pyr more than any dog I’ve ever owned. She is my best pal here on the farm with the alpaca. Do I really need to be reminded by a stranger that my dog may only have a few more years to live when she is standing right next to me as healthy as can be? I appreciate every minute of her existence and am happy to share it with her as long as she is on this earth.