Great Pyrenees breed grooming, training, and health 2025

In this article, we’ll talk about the Great Pyrenees breed, including its history, temperament, grooming, training, and health conditions.

The Great Pyrenees is a large, intelligent, and guarding dog with a majestic white coat and a gentle disposition. Bred as a livestock guardian dog in the Pyrenees Mountains, the breed is renowned for its loyalty, independence, and strong guarding instincts. Large in size, the Great Pyrenees dog is a gentle and loving animal, a great family pet and a solid working dog.

History and Origin of the Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is as ancient as time itself, with a history dating back thousands of years. They were originally bred in the Pyrenees Mountains, which form the natural border between France and Spain. They were originally bred to protect livestock, that is, sheep, from predators such as wolves and bears.

Great Pyrenees have gained popularity with European monarchs throughout the ages and today are being wanted for work and even as family pets.

Physical Attributes of Great Pyrenees

Size and Apperance

• Weight: Males: 85-120 pounds; Females: 75-100 pounds
• Height: 25-32 inches
• Longevity: 10-12 years

The Great Pyrenees is a large and muscular dog with a double coat that is thick and weather-resistant. They have a broad chest, strong legs, and a typical fluffy tail. Their expressive eyes and calm demeanor add to their dignified look.

Coat and Colors

Their coat is double-layered, fluffy, and thick, providing protection against harsh weather.
The Great Pyrenees has a white coat with some having tan, reddish-brown, or gray markings.

Great Pyrenees Temperament and Personality

The Great Pyrenees temperament is best explained as calm, wise, and guardian-like. They are guardians by nature and independent in mind.

Are Great Pyrenees Good Family Dogs?

• Protective and Loyal: They make excellent family guards.
• Gentle with Kids: They’re playful and patient with children despite their size.
• Friendly to Other Pets: They are cooperative with other pets and livestock.

But their powerful will makes them more stubborn and demanding during training.

Are Great Pyrenees Easy to Train?

The intelligent yet independent Great Pyrenees breed can cause training challenges.

• Early Socialization: Socialize them with various people and places as pups.
• Positive Reinforcement: Reward-based training is best applicable.
• Consistent Leadership: They need a firm but kind owner.

Grooming and Care for Great Pyrenees

How to Groom Great Pyrenees?

Great Pyrenees grooming plays an important role in maintaining their thick coat healthy.

• Brushing: Brush their coat 2-3 times a week to discourage matting.
• Bathing: Bathe them sparingly to maintain natural oils.
• Shedding: They are heavy shedders, especially around shedding season, so brushing regularly is essential.

Nail Care & Dental Health

• Clip their nails every 2-3 weeks to prevent overgrowth.
• Brush their teeth 2-3 times per week to keep dental issues at bay.

Great Pyrenees Health Problems

Like all large breeds, the Great Pyrenees dog carries some susceptibility to specific health issues.

Typical Great Pyrenees Health Issues:

• Hip Dysplasia: One of the big breed joint afflictions.
• Bloat (Gastric Torsion): Serious condition where stomach twists over onto itself.
• Luxating Patella: Knee joint malady.
• Ear Infections: Since they have floppy ears, they are more susceptible to infection if not regularly cleaned.

How to Keep Your Great Pyrenees Healthy?

• Regular Vet Checkups: Early identification of health problems.
• Balanced Diet: Provide them with good quality food for big breeds.
• Daily Exercise: Keep them occupied but avoid overjumping during puppyhood.

Exercise and Activity Requirements of Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees, despite being large in size, is not high on energy. Nevertheless, they require regular exercise for optimal health.

• Daily Walks: 30-45 minute walk is advised.
• Outdoor Playtime: They like patrolling and wandering around their territory.
• Mental Stimulation: Training, puzzle play, and interactive toys keep their mind active.

Since they are independent minds, they may wander if not well fenced.

Training Great Pyrenees Dogs

• Start Early: Train them from puppyhood to establish good habits.
• Use Firm Commands: They respond to firm leadership.
• Socialization Matters: Socialize them early with new individuals, pets, and locations.
• Patience: They are obstinate but very intelligent.

Great Pyrenees Diet and Nutrition

A good diet enables the Great Pyrenees to be healthy and strong.

Best Dog Food for Great Pyrenees

• High-quality kibble consisting of meat-protein sources.
• Glucosamine and chondroitin to keep joints.
• Omega fatty acids for healthy coats.

Feed twice a day and don’t overfeed as it has a tendency to gain weight.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Great Pyrenees

Pros

• Obedient and protecting family pet
• Great with children and other pets
• Low indoor energy, so they are a quiet companion
• Excellent livestock guardian

Cons

• Constant grooming needed
• Can be independent and stubborn
• Prone to health issues like hip dysplasia
• Heavy shedder, especially near seasonal changes

Is the Great Pyrenees Right for You?

Great Pyrenees is the right breed for anyone looking for a gentle, guarding, and loyal companion. They require proper training, regular grooming, and a balanced diet to keep them healthy. If you can provide the space, time, and patience necessary to care for the breed, they will reward you with undying loyalty and affection.

FAQs

1. Do Great Pyrenees Shed a Lot?

Yes! They possess a double thick coat and shed a great deal, especially with season changes.

2. Do Great Pyrenees Make Good Apartment Dogs?

No. They need an enormous amount of space to roam freely.

3. Can Great Pyrenees Handle Warm Climates?

They’d prefer cooler climates but can manage with suitable shelter and water consumption.

4. How Much Will a Great Pyrenees Puppy Cost?

Anywhere from $1,000 to $3,500, based on breeder and bloodlines.

The Great Pyrenees dog breed is a wonderful companion for those who appreciate their protective nature, gentle temperament, and majestic appearance. If you’re looking for a loyal and affectionate family dog with strong guarding instincts, this breed might be the perfect match for you.

Looking for more dog breed guides? Check out our previous articles on:

• Newfoundland: Everything You Need to Know
• Border Collie: A Smart and Energetic Breed
• Best Dog Food for Small Puppies

Have any questions about the Great Pyrenees dog breed? Please let us know in the comments.