Dog Breed

Great Pyrenees

Primary image of Great Pyrenees dog breed
Full Name
Great Pyrenees
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Life Span
10 - 12 years years
Weight
85 - 115 pounds
Description

Strong Willed, Fearless, Affectionate, Patient, Gentle, Confident

Origin
France
Bred For
Sheep guardian
Attachments
    Family Considerations
    Child Friendly

    Is the Great Pyrenees good with children?

    Yes, the Great Pyrenees is very friendly with children. We still recommend introductions to children while they are young so they get used to them, but the Great Pyrenees naturally loves children.
    Stranger Friendly

    Is the Great Pyrenees friendly with strangers?

    The Great Pyrenees is about average in how friendly they are with strangers. They can be timid or protective, but with proper training and socialization can be fine for any household.
    Dog Friendly

    Is the Great Pyrenees friendly with other dogs?

    Yes! The Great Pyrenees naturally loves other dogs. As always, socialization is always important, but the Great Pyrenees typically gets along with every dog it meets
    Likes to Cuddle

    Does the Great Pyrenees like to cuddle?

    The Great Pyrenees likes to cuddle up every once in a while. They appreciate physical affection, but probably won't stay in your lap for extended amounts of time.
    Playfulness

    Does the Great Pyrenees like to play?

    The Great Pyrenees is always ready for play! It's important to keep in mind, as they need to be stimulated with games and affection throughout the day.
    Service Dog Ability

    Does the Great Pyrenees make a good service dog?

    The Great Pyrenees is not typically used as a service dog. There are always exceptions to the rule, but a service dog has to have many natural traits in addition to the proper training- smart, patient, and obsessed with pleasing their owner.
    Overall Ease of Breed
    Ease for Novice

    Is the Great Pyrenees good for first-time owners?

    The Great Pyrenees would not be the best fit for first-time owners. A breed is only good for first-time owners if it is raised for home companionship, and is open to training and is motivated to please its owner.
    Training Potential

    How well can the Great Pyrenees be trained?

    The Great Pyrenees can be trained very well. With discipline and a routine training program the Great Pyrenees can be incredibly well-trained.
    Amount of Shedding

    Does the Great Pyrenees shed a lot?

    The Great Pyrenees is an average shedder. Great Pyrenees owners will probably still tell you it's a lot of shedding, but certain breeds shed even more.
    Ease of Grooming

    Is the Great Pyrenees easy to groom?

    The Great Pyrenees requires an average amount of grooming. Taking your Great Pyrenees to the pet salon will make your life easier, but its possible to groom a Great Pyrenees on your own as well.
    Exercise Need

    Does the Great Pyrenees need a lot of exercise?

    The Great Pyrenees has a lot of energy and getting daily exercise is very important, both for their well-being and for their focus, which is important when you train them.
    Personality
    Intelligence

    How smart is the Great Pyrenees?

    The Great Pyrenees is very smart. Above-average intelligence means they can pick up on cues and signals quickly when it comes to training. But it also means that they need to be challenged mentally, in addition to their standard exercise needs.
    Amount of Barking

    How much does the Great Pyrenees bark? Does the Great Pyrenees bark too much?

    The Great Pyrenees barks an average amount. It can vary widely between Great Pyreneess - some may be much more expressive than others.
    Guard Dog Ability

    Is the Great Pyrenees a good guard dog?

    The Great Pyrenees is not a dog breed necessarily known as a guard dog, but they are alert. The Great Pyrenees is protective of its family, and has above average tendencies when it comes to guarding property.
    Tolerates Being Alone

    Is the Great Pyrenees good at staying alone? Is the Great Pyrenees independent?

    The Great Pyrenees does not enjoy being left alone for extended periods. They can do well for a couple of hours alone, but may have anxiety for time beyond that.
    Home and Environment Considerations
    Good for Apartment Living

    Is the Great Pyrenees a good apartment dog?

    The Great Pyrenees is not a good dog for apartment living for several reasons. It is still possible to make it work if the owner is dedicated to plenty of training and daily exercise, but it may be challenging.
    Size

    How big is the Great Pyrenees?

    The Great Pyrenees is a large dog breed. A dog's size is important to consider when it comes to travel arrangements, budgeting for food, and how big of a living space you have.
    Tolerates Heat

    How much does the Great Pyrenees tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Great Pyrenees?

    The Great Pyrenees can tolerate hot weather well. They still prefer having some variation and a cool space to sleep, but overall they can do well in warm climates.
    Tolerates Cold

    How much does the Great Pyrenees tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Great Pyrenees?

    The Great Pyrenees can tolerate cold weather well. Play time in the snow or on particularly cold evenings may need to be limited, but overall they can do well in cold climates.
    Potential to Run Away

    Does the Great Pyrenees try to run away?

    It is natural for the Great Pyrenees to run away. They are easily distracted and excited, so the urge to run away should be expected and prepared for- a fenced yard is important.
    Physical Characteristics
    General Health

    Is the Great Pyrenees a healthy dog? The health of a Great Pyrenees should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

    The Great Pyrenees is healthy, but has an average number of health risks that should be taken into consideration.
    Energy Level

    How energetic is the Great Pyrenees?

    The Great Pyrenees has a lot of energy and this needs to be considered before bringing the Great Pyrenees into your home. Can you give your Great Pyrenees enough exercise? They will need several small daily walks, or a large dog park trip to get all of the energy out.
    Amount of Drooling

    How much does the Great Pyrenees drool?

    The Great Pyrenees drools a decent amount, especially if that irresistible food is nearby.
    Prey Drive

    Does the Great Pyrenees have a large prey drive? Does the Great Pyrenees like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

    The Great Pyrenees has average prey drive. They will probably enjoy chasing after birds and other small animals at the park, and it may be an issue at the home if you have small animals, but with some training and introduction can usually learn to live with them.
    Athleticism

    Is the Great Pyrenees atheltic?

    The Great Pyrenees is athletic and has average levels of endurance. They need a lot of exercise, and can be an exercise partner as long as it's nothing too extreme.
  1. Working
  2. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a purebred dog that falls within the larger Working dog breed group.
Working group: Working dogs encompass a wide range of different breeds- but they all were bred to assist people, so they are used to working hard. It is important for them to feel they have a "job" as their roles traditionally have varied from rescuing people to pulling sleds. Because of their large size and intensity, they may be a handful for first time dog owners. On the other side, they can be trained well, so any owner who can exercise and dedicate to training their working dog, will be well rewarded. A common misconception may be that the working dog's jobs are only in physically challenging jobs; actually working dogs can also make excellent service dogs, since they are also kind and attentive to their owners.

Great Pyreneess for adoption

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