It’s inevitable that people are going to want to talk to me about Mauja and Atka when we’re out and about, and I absolutely love it. However, sometimes people make comments that I really don’t know how to respond to. Sometimes, the comments are obvious, and other times, they’re slightly offensive.
Fair warning: After rereading the post, I realized I was feeling slightly sarcastic when I wrote it.
“Those are some big dogs!”
Yes, yes they are quite large; no, they’re not “white Newfoundlands;” and no, they’re not polar bears.
“They’re SO FLUFFY!”
Yes, they’re fluffy; yes, they require a lot of brushing; and no, I don’t shave them.
“Those dogs are bigger than you!”
No, they don’t drag me down the street; no, I don’t need help with them; and yes, they outweigh me.
Related: Great Pyrenees Tips (from people who know the breed)
“They’re so white!”
Yes, they are; and no, I don’t have to bathe them all the time.
“My aunt’s friend’s sister had one of those.”
Cool! I love meeting other pyr lovers, but calling them “one of those” means you’re probably not one of them. Can I meet your aunt’s friend’s sister?
“Put a saddle on that thing and you could ride it!”
First, please don’t refer to my dog as “that thing”. Second, that’s a terrible idea. I know sometimes people are joking, but children don’t typically recognize that. Then we end up with kids sitting on dog’s backs, injuring the dog, and sometimes getting themselves injured.
“How can you afford to feed them?”
I really don’t even know where to go with this one. Do I look like I don’t have money to care for my dog or do you assume I’m making a lot of money because I have giant breed dogs? What are you insinuating here?
Related: 5 Must-Have Tools for Grooming Great Pyrenees
“How much did they cost?”
Maybe it’s just me, but I really don’t feel like this is an appropriate question to ask anyone. Usually, I respond with a range that I’ve seen for Great Pyrenees from rescues and breeders. This question always makes me uncomfortable.
“Oh, I had a *insert random breed here* growing up too!”
That’s really awesome, but these are actually Great Pyrenees. Often followed by, “Oh, yeah! Great Pyrenees. That’s what I had.”
“Will you be having puppies soon?”
This question usually arises shortly after I tell people what breed Mauja and Atka are. They know nothing about the breed (except that they are stunning) and now want their own. I have to gently calm people down so we can discuss breed traits before they impulsively buy a Great Pyrenees. Also, no – they are both fixed.
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