• Blog
  • Amazon Shop
  • Pyr Apparel & Gifts
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

It's Dog or Nothing

All Things Great Pyrenees

  • Blogwhat’s happening
  • Aboutwho we are
  • Breed Infoall things pyrenees
  • Mediapartner with the pyrs
    • Awards & Recognition
  • Contactlet’s chat
    • Updates & Exclusive Deals
    • Disclosure
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

breed information

Great Pyrenees Statements I Don’t Know How To Respond To

June 20, 2016 43 Comments

 

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.

Pin It!

I absolutely love talking about Great Pyrenees, but sometimes people make comments I really don't know how to respond to.

Filed Under: Fluffy Life, What's New Tagged With: breed information, great pyrenees

Great Pyrenees Info – A Beginner’s Guide

May 9, 2016 63 Comments

Have you thought about adding a Great Pyrenees to your family? Here's a basic guide to determine if a pyr might be a good fit!

 

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.

[Read more…] about Great Pyrenees Info – A Beginner’s Guide

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: breed information, great pyrenees, great pyrenees info, grooming, health, training

Unique Double Dew Claws

April 25, 2016 25 Comments

When it comes to giant breed health and nutrition, there's a lot that goes into raising a happy, healthy dog. We're going from A to Z talking about giant breed specific needs! Today, it's all about the unique double dew claws of the Great Pyrenees.

Unique Double Dew Claws

If there’s one thing that can get Great Pyrenees lovers worked up (okay, there’s a lot of things, but just hang in with me), it’s the discussion of removing the double dew claws. Any pyr lover will tell you, never never never remove the double dew claws.

When Mauja was a puppy, we went through the standard vet visits that every puppy goes through. As she got older and we began discussing her spay with the vet, the vet casually said, “And don’t worry, we’ll remove those while she’s under”.

“Those?” I replied.

“The double dew claws on her back legs. We’ll remove them while we’re doing her spay so she doesn’t have to go under twice.”

I was confused. Everything I read about the Great Pyrenees breed stated that the double dew claws should never be removed. The rear dew claws serve a purpose and are attached by a bone, which means removing them is akin to removing a human thumb.

I told the vet that we would not be removing Mauja’s double dew claws, which certainly didn’t make her happy. At every visit until her spay, the vet mentioned removing them. No matter how many times I said no, she wouldn’t leave us alone.

Ultimately, Mauja was spayed at a different vet clinic because I didn’t trust our current vet. I was afraid she would remove Mauja’s dews without my permission.

Recently, I was randomly perusing the internet when I stumbled upon an interesting article about dewclaws. The article stated,

Some breeds, such as Great Pyrenees and several other flock guardian breeds, naturally have one or even two dewclaws on their rear feet as well. They don’t really serve any purpose but are considered part of breed type and are never removed.

My jaw dropped. Articles like this are exactly why vets are pushing new pyrents to remove their dog’s double dew claws. Per the breed standard, Great Pyrenees have two dewclaws on their rear feet. While it is possible to see pyrs with single dews on the rear, it is generally a sign that the dog is a mixed breed.

The double dew claws actually do serve a purpose. Most people who have spent time around pyrs have seen the double dew claws in action. I can see Mauja and Atka’s double dews dig in the ground for stability when they’re chasing each other around the yard or climbing a hill. They are able to gain traction by utilizing their double dew claws.

Please, do not let a vet convince you that the double dew claws on your Great Pyrenees are useless or highly-likely to be torn. I’ve been around a lot of pyrs and can count on one hand the number who have had issues with their dew claws. Most of these dogs actually had deformed dew claws at birth which made them more susceptible to experiencing issues.

If you’d like more information on Great Pyrenees double dew claws, I have a more in-depth post here!

Does your dog have double dew claws? Did anyone try to convince you to remove them?

Pin It!

When it comes to giant breed health and nutrition, there's a lot that goes into raising a happy, healthy dog. We're going from A to Z talking about giant breed specific needs! Today, it's all about the unique double dew claws of the Great Pyrenees.

Filed Under: A to Z Challenge, What's New Tagged With: breed information, dew claws, double dew claws, great pyrenees

Great Pyrenees: Myth or Fact?

March 17, 2016 68 Comments

When it comes to the Great Pyrenees breed, do you know what's a myth and what's a fact? Here's the truth behind seven common statements about pyrs.

When you walk around with two big, fluffy, white dogs, people are bound to stop you and ask questions. I always love chatting about Mauja and Atka, but I tend to hear several comments over and over.

Can you determine which of these statements are Great Pyrenees facts?

  1. Great Pyrenees eat a lot of food.
  2. Great Pyrenees should be shaved to keep cool in the summer.
  3. Great Pyrenees can live happily in a small house/apartment.
  4. Great Pyrenees are massive dogs.
  5. Great Pyrenees need to guard livestock.
  6. Great Pyrenees can be colors other than white.
  7. Great Pyrenees are easy to train.
[Read more…] about Great Pyrenees: Myth or Fact?

Filed Under: Pyr Paw Around, What's New Tagged With: breed information, great pyrenees, great pyrenees info

Meet the Giants: Leonberger

January 25, 2016 15 Comments

This week on Meet the Giants - the Leonberger! Head over to the blog to read all about this gorgeous gentle giant!

Guys, I have just been itching for this Meet the Giants post! While I will always have Great Pyrenees, Nick and I have been really interested in Leonbergers for awhile.

They are beautiful, beautiful dogs with such great personalities. I’m sure we will have one sometime down the road! To avoid me gabbing on and on, I’ll turn it over to Susie Jump to talk about this absolutely striking breed.

All information and photos are credited to Susie Jump.

This week on Meet the Giants - the Leonberger! Head over to the blog to read all about this gorgeous gentle giant!

If you currently have a Leonberger, please list their names, ages, and gender.
FozzieBear 7.5yr entire male, MojoLion 6yr neutered male, FleaBagMonkeyFace 2yr entire male.

Are there any other names/nicknames for the Leonberger?
If yes, list here. Lean-on-berger (like most giants they make good use of you if you stay still too long!), Wookies (they talk like Wookies), Peruvian Teddy Bear Dog (one I made up, which I use when I get sick of saying Leonberger!  )

What are three words you would use to describe the Leonberger?
Agile, intelligent, majestic

What is the Leonberger’s average size?
Height at withers: Dogs 72-80cms (28¼-31½ ins) ranging between 120-180lb; Bitches 65-75cms (25½ -29½ ins) usually between 90 – 145lbs.

What are the acceptable colors of the Leonberger?
Lion gold, red, reddish brown, sandy (fawn or cream) and all combinations in between, always with a black mask. Black hair tips are permitted but black must not dominate basic colour.

This week on Meet the Giants - the Leonberger! Head over to the blog to read all about this gorgeous gentle giant!

What is the average lifespan?
8-10, although the oldest recorded Leonberger was 17!

What was the Leonberger bred to do?
The Leonberger was bred to represent the lion on the town crest of Leonberg

How much exercise does the Leonberger need?
They are the most active, agile and versatile of the giants! Mine regularly walk 6-8 miles a day. Although exercise is restricted for growing puppies, and any activity must be built up slowly.

What are some common health problems?
DCM, LPN, Hip/elbow dysplasia, cancer, cataracts, Glaucoma

How much grooming does the Leonberger require?
Extensive! They have a thick double coat, shed throughout the year, but will completely drop their coat at least once a year.

What do you wish people knew about the Leonberger before bringing one home?
They need early training and socialization! Too many are rehomed when they hit adolescence as they’ve suddenly become 10 stone loons due to lack of training!

Why do you love the Leonberger?
Because they’re so versatile, if you build a good relationship they will do anything you ask of them. My boys show, take part in water rescue and draught work, they’re therapy dogs and blood donors, they’ve competed at agility, flyball, and obedience, they’ve tried afghan racing and rig-racing, rally, tracking, dancing to music……………the list goes on!

This week on Meet the Giants - the Leonberger! Head over to the blog to read all about this gorgeous gentle giant!

Anything else you want to say?
They’re not for everyone. They love water, they love mud, they think they’re a lap-dog, they can destroy a 3-piece suite in seconds if bored, they shed hair like there’s no tomorrow, insurance is expensive, there are health problems, they are not suited to kennel life and need to be part of the family.

They like to bop you with a massive paw and butt you with a great big nose, habits that are cute as a puppy wear very thin as a 10 stone dog. They need to be kept occupied.

They love to work and walks take forever because everyone stops you! BUT if you click, you will find yourself with the most loyal, sensitive, loving, intelligent best friend in the world, and I guarantee you won’t stop at one!

Pin It!

This week on Meet the Giants - the Leonberger! Head over to the blog to read all about this gorgeous gentle giant!

Filed Under: Meet the Giants, What's New Tagged With: breed information, giant breed, meet the giants

Meet the Giants: Akbash

January 18, 2016 12 Comments

Today on Meet the Giants, the Akbash! Head over to read all about this amazing livestock guardian dog.

Today, we have another big, white, livestock guardian dog to talk about – the Akbash! Many thanks to Emily Musgrove for the information and Amanda Kaiser for the pictures 🙂

Today on Meet the Giants, the Akbash! Head over to read all about this amazing livestock guardian dog.

If you currently have an Akbash, please list the name, age, and gender.
I have fostered 14 Akbash mixes and 1 purebred mom. Ages ranging from 2 days old to 2 years old.

Are there any names/nicknames for the Akbash?
I only know them as Akbash, many mistake them for pyrs, or lab/pyr/golden mixes. They only come in white and are descents of the Anatolian Shepherd which comes from the Turkish Kangal. Akbash are basically white Anatolian’s but are now considered their own breed like the white GSD.

Today on Meet the Giants, the Akbash! Head over to read all about this amazing livestock guardian dog.

What are three words you would use to describe the Akbash?
Aloof, watchful, and loyal once they trust you.

What is the Akbash’s average size?
Breed size is 90-150lbs

What is the average lifespan?
10-12 years

What are common health problems of the Akbash?
Joint issues

Today on Meet the Giants, the Akbash! Head over to read all about this amazing livestock guardian dog.

How much grooming does the Akbash require?
Grooming, lots of brushing, lots of shedding. Tend to have double dew claws watch for rear dews too.

What was the Akbash originally bred to do?
Originally bred for guarding livestock mostly sheep and goats. They have less coat than a pyr so they do better in warmer climates.

Today on Meet the Giants, the Akbash! Head over to read all about this amazing livestock guardian dog.

What do you wish people knew about the Akbash?
This breed is aloof unless they trust you. If they choose to work you must still feed and take care of them or they will get up and leave. They can be difficult to motivate so they are not the dog for dog sports. They tend to be very quiet unlike the pyr and they also tend not to have prey drive problems. Mine have always loved cats.

Pin It!

Today on Meet the Giants, the Akbash! Head over to read all about this amazing livestock guardian dog.

Filed Under: Meet the Giants, What's New Tagged With: breed information, livestock guardian dog, meet the giants

Meet the Giants: Neapolitan Mastiff

January 11, 2016 Leave a Comment

This week on Meet the Giants, we're talking about the Neapolitan Mastiff! Read more for tons of fabulous breed information!

This week on Meet the Giants, we’re talking about the Neapolitan Mastiff! Emily Musgrove has been amazingly helpful with the past several posts and she’s here again today.

When we were looking to adopt Kaeto, we were stuck between him and a Neapolitan Mastiff puppy. He was an adorable pile of wrinkles and about 12 weeks old. Obviously, Kaeto came home with us, but we often wonder how that puppy is doing today!

All photos and information are property of Emily Musgrove.

If you currently have a Neapolitan Mastiff, please list their names, ages, and gender.
Cain, Tawny, Gwendolynn, Moogie, Fosters ages 8 months to 7 years.

This week on Meet the Giants, we're talking about the Neapolitan Mastiff! Read more for tons of fabulous breed information!

Are there any other names/nicknames for the Neapolitan Mastiff? If yes, list here.
Neo

What are three words you would use to describe the Neapolitan Mastiff?
Sensitive, Goofy, Dramatic

What is the average size of a Neapolitan Mastiff?
Most are between 100-150 males can be up to 200. Most of mine were 120.

What are the acceptable colors of the Neapolitan Mastiff?
Blue, black, mahogany, and brindle are all listed colors.

This week on Meet the Giants, we're talking about the Neapolitan Mastiff! Read more for tons of fabulous breed information!

What is the average lifespan?
10-12 years

What was the Neapolitan Mastiff bred to do?
Neapolitan Mastiffs are guard dogs, but as most mastiffs they will guard you and not your things.

How much exercise does the Neapolitan Mastiff need?
High for a mastiff but low for most breeds. 1-2 mile walks are plenty.

What are some common health problems?
Heart disease, joint problems, eye problems.

This week on Meet the Giants, we're talking about the Neapolitan Mastiff! Read more for tons of fabulous breed information!

How much grooming does the Neapolitan Mastiff require?
They do shed a lot of little short hairs but no hair cuts or anything extra.

What do you wish people knew about the Neapolitan Mastiff before bringing one home?
Research!!!!!! This is not a breed for 90% of the population. They are only loyal to the family and they do not like change or strangers. Please don’t pick a Neo because you want a blue dog. They are amazing but not the easiest breed to care for.

This week on Meet the Giants, we're talking about the Neapolitan Mastiff! Read more for tons of fabulous breed information!

Why do you love the Neapolitan Mastiff?
I love the spunk, the attitude,  and they are not for everyone. They love their family but not many others. I love that they are agiler than most mastiffs but still laid back.

They get their feelings hurt and do not respond well to punishment or force. They really need positive reinforcement based training. I said previously, “Tell a Boerboel to do something and they will give you a look. Make them do it and you will get hurt. Ask them to do it and reward them and they will jump over the moon for you.”

The same could be said of Neos.

Interested in adopting/learning more about the Neapolitan Mastiff? Head over to Big Dogs Huge Paws to see their list of adoptable Neos! Did you learn anything new about the Neapolitan Mastiff?

Pin It!

This week on Meet the Giants, we're talking about the Neapolitan Mastiff! Read more for tons of fabulous breed information!

Filed Under: Meet the Giants, What's New Tagged With: breed information, giant breed, meet the giants

Meet the Giants: Kangal

January 4, 2016 2 Comments

Today on Meet the Giants, the Kangal! Head over to learn more information about this stunning livestock guardian dog.

With the busy holiday season, it’s been a few weeks since I’ve done a Meet the Giants post! Time to get back in the swing of things and get posting again. Without further introduction, the Kangal!

(Images and information provided by Emily Musgrove)

If you have/had a Kangal, please list their name, age, and gender.
Indy, pure breed female, 7 mix puppies

Today on Meet the Giants, the Kangal! Head over to learn more information about this stunning livestock guardian dog.

Are there any other names/nicknames for the Kangal? If yes, list here.
No.

What are three words you would use to describe the Kangal?
Independent, Aloof, Watchful.

What is the Kangal’s average size?
Most are between 100-150 males can be up to 200. Most of mine were 120.

What are the acceptable colors of the Kangal?
Variation of blond with black mask. Can have a saddle.

Today on Meet the Giants, the Kangal! Head over to learn more information about this stunning livestock guardian dog.

What is the average lifespan?
10-12 years

What was the Kangal bred to do?
Guard livestock in Turkey

How much exercise does the Kangal need?
1-2 mile walks are plenty

What are some common health problems?
Heart disease, joint problems, eye problems.

How much grooming does the Kangal require?
They do shed a lot of short hairs but no hair cuts or anything extra.

Today on Meet the Giants, the Kangal! Head over to learn more information about this stunning livestock guardian dog.


What do you wish people knew about the Kangal before bringing one home?
Research!!!!!! Kangals are meant to work; they are a rare breed but not for everyone. They need a job and someone to help them decide between friend or foe.

They tend to bark and not like new people in their home. Indy would bark her head off but because she trusted me to keep the family safe, I could tell her to stand down and she would sit back and watch or decide she liked the person and play like a puppy.

Why do you love the Kangal?
They are a hoot. They tend to be very watchful with strangers but silly butts with their family. You can’t get anything past them. If they want to work they will, if not they won’t. They are very loyal and once they have a good relationship they will do everything for their family.

Today on Meet the Giants, the Kangal! Head over to learn more information about this stunning livestock guardian dog.

Anything else you’d like to say?
Kangals are one of the rarest breeds in the US. They are not allowed legally out of Turkey. Almost all of the ones found in the US trace back to a few dogs there were smuggled here in the 70’s.

Be careful when looking for one, many are inbreed or are mixes. Kangals are the original or motherland of the LGD’s. The Anatolian came from the Kangal, the Akbash indirectly too.

What a stunning, stunning breed! I had no idea that they aren’t legally allowed out of Turkey. Definitely something to be aware of if you are interested in the breed and living outside of Turkey. Thanks again to Emily!

Did you learn anything new about the Kangal?

Pin It!

Today on Meet the Giants, the Kangal! Head over to learn more information about this stunning livestock guardian dog.

Filed Under: Meet the Giants, What's New Tagged With: breed information, giant breed, meet the giants

Meet the Giants: Boerboel

December 7, 2015 8 Comments

This week on Meet the Giants, we're talking about the Boerboel! Read more for tons of fabulous breed information!

Today on Meet the Giants, we’re going to be talking about the Boerboel! This is another breed that I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting in person, but it’s just such a stunning breed!

Many thanks to Emily Musgrove for providing the information and pictures of the Boerboel!

This week on Meet the Giants, we're talking about the Boerboel! Read more for tons of fabulous breed information!

If you currently have a Boerboel, please list their names, ages, and gender.
Egypt 4 years, female spayed. I have had 21, including Egypt as fosters.

Are there any other names/nicknames for the Boerboel? If yes, list here.
African Mastiff, South African Mastiff

What are three words you would use to describe the Boerboel? Independent, Intense, Dramatic

This week on Meet the Giants, we're talking about the Boerboel! Read more for tons of fabulous breed information!

What is the average size of a Boerboel?
Most are between 100-150, males can be up to 200. Most of mine were 120.

What are the acceptable colors of the Boerboel?
Fawn, apricot and Brindle. Black is not accepted by AKC and most other registries do not accept, piebald, blue or anything with more than 30% white.

What is the average lifespan?
10-12 years

This week on Meet the Giants, we're talking about the Boerboel! Read more for tons of fabulous breed information!

What was the Boerboel bred to do?
Guard people from lions and predators in Africa. Some say they were breed to guard diamond mines too. I have never had one guard things always people.

How much exercise does the Boerboel need?
High for a mastiff but low for most breeds. 1-2 mile walks are plenty.

What are some common health problems?
Heart disease, joint problems, eye problems.

This week on Meet the Giants, we're talking about the Boerboel! Read more for tons of fabulous breed information!

How much grooming does the breed require?
They do shed a lot of little short hairs but no hair cuts or anything extra.

What do you wish people knew about the Boerboel before bringing one home?
Research!!!!!! This is not a breed for 90% of the population. They are only loyal to the family and they do not like change or strangers. If you like the look but want a social dog, go for a Bullmastiff instead.

This week on Meet the Giants, we're talking about the Boerboel! Read more for tons of fabulous breed information!

Why do you love Boerboels?
I love the spunk, the attitude, and they are not for everyone. They love their family and not many others. I love that they are more agile than most mastiff but still laid back.

They get their feelings hurt and do not respond well to punishment or force. They really need positive reinforcement based training. Tell a Boerboel to do something and they will give you a look; make them do it and you will get hurt. Ask them to do it and reward them and they will jump over the moon for you.

The same could be said of Neos.

This week on Meet the Giants, we're talking about the Boerboel! Read more for tons of fabulous breed information!

I found this week’s Meet the Giants post SO interesting because I don’t know a single thing about Boerboels! I love people that truly embrace the personality of each breed. Thanks again, Emily, for all the info!

This week on Meet the Giants, we're talking about the Boerboel! Read more for tons of fabulous breed information!

Interested in your own Boerboel? Head to Big Dogs Huge Paws for a list of available dogs and more information!

Pin It!

This week on Meet the Giants, we're talking about the Boerboel! Read more for tons of fabulous breed information!

Filed Under: Meet the Giants, What's New Tagged With: breed information, dog, giant breed, meet the giants

  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Want to find something?

Raise That Pyr Paw

Raise That Pyr Paw

Welcome to It's Dog or Nothing, the go-to resource for all things Pyrenees.

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Subscribe

Join our email list to never miss a post and gain access to exclusive deals!

Footer

Features

  • Blog
  • Amazon Shop
  • Pyr Apparel & Gifts

Join Me On

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Main

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact

Copyright © 2023 · Studio Mommy Themes · Custom Scene Images

Copyright © 2023 · Adore Me on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in