Great Pyrenees Dog is a huge dog that works with full energy. They are beneficial dogs that spend their life in saving and protecting sheep, goats, humans, Livestock, grass, flowers, moon, bird feeders, and kids. They provide unconditional love, and they also offer their personal space to you.
They also consist of a reliable and thick coat, which is very smooth and beautiful. They include an excellent level of majesty and elegance. They can get trusted on every issue and condition. They are perfect for watching dogs that help in protecting their surroundings.
They can easily judge other people’s minds that they are good or bad. They never try to hurt anyone, but if someone is not good at them, then they show their bad sight.
Breed Overview
The character of the Great Pyrenean
The character of the Pyrenean mountain dog is that of a self-confident but very kind animal, especially with children, and very affectionate. It is a territorial dog, which can protect its family or its flock very well The Pyrenees are very calm, docile, and gentle dogs. They need the best socialization because then they can get easily open with other people. They are well-mannered dogs, and they require much exercise. He gets proved to be a warm dog-like warm blanket, and they also have good therapy doze.
The Great Pyrenees have a very gentle and patient character. They are also very calm and intelligent. These traits make the Great Pyrenees an excellent family dog. They can exhibit playful behavior, making them a good companion for the child. These dogs do best with young children when they are socialized from an early age and have the ability to interact with children.
Since they were bred as mountain dogs to keep an eye on sheep, the Great Pyrenees does bark a little. They will bark loudly to warn their owners if a stranger is nearby. The Great Pyrenees can also be destructive if left alone; It is important to make sure your dog is crate trained.
History
The Great Pyrenees probably developed from mountain shepherds from Central Asia that date back many thousands of years. As confirmed by the remains of fossils, the Great Pyrenees (or a close ancestor) were brought to the Pyrenees in southern France somewhere between 1800 and 1000 BC. This species was developed as a keeper of sheep and houses of the Basque people of that area. In the 17th century, it was adopted by the French kingdom and nobles.
The Great Pyrenees were brought to the United States in 1824 by General Lafayette.
However, the American Kennel Club (AKC) did not recognize the breed until 100 years later in 1933. He is known as a mountain dog in Europe and is still a happy worker to this day.
The moment of greatest popularity of the Pyrenean mountain dog dates back to the late seventeenth century, when the Duke of Maine, the son of the Sun King Louis XIV, fell in love with the breed during a trip to the Pyrenees and wanted to take it with him to Versailles. From that moment it became a much-desired dog, so much so that it was proclaimed a royal breed.
Diet for the Great Pyrenees
How much should a Great Pyrenees eat a day? These dogs need a well-mannered diet because this will let them have the best potential. They require 4 to 6 cups of best quality dry dog food to promote digestive health while nourishing the skin. A source of prebiotic fiber to support a balanced gut microbiome in your grown dog.
When choosing dog food, always choose quality options from trusted manufacturers. Since the Great Pyrenees is prone to bloating, you shouldn’t feed them large meals and then force them to exercise a lot. It is best to feed your dog several times a day in small portions and give him time to digest before exercising. This will help reduce the chances of bloating.
Compared to other large dog breeds, the Great Pyrenees generally eat less. However, they should be getting enough omega-3 and omega-6, so be sure to look for foods high in these healthy fats.
The Great Pyrenees puppies have a smaller belly than their adult counterparts. It will be important to feed them even more often during the day. Each meal should be relatively small. As the puppies get older, you can gradually reduce the number of feeds they feed and increase the amount of food they receive with each meal.
Adaptability and friendly nature of Great Pyrenees Dogs
Affection for the family
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is dedicated to its family as if it were a flock to be preserved from any attack and threat. He is a very sweet and balanced guardian, friendly and very affectionate with all people. The mountain dog the Pyrenees is a reserved dog, but which expresses its dedication with absolute fidelity and love.
He has an innate predisposition towards children and the elderly. He needs to have a very present, firm, and coherent guide figure, otherwise, he could live and decide in a totally independent way without following the “rules” of the house and perhaps trying to impose himself with arrogance.
Friendly with children
The Patou will never be a succubus dog and is proud of its independence. He is an excellent babysitter and a delicate and kind companion for the elderly, who will not have to worry about his size, being extremely agile.
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is an excellent friend for children because, in addition to his innate propensity for them, he has an imposing size that will inspire respect to the malicious. A child, an elderly man, and a Pyrenean Mountain Dog a wonderful trio.
Relationship with strangers
The Pyrenean Mountain is a very suspicious breed of strangers. This does not indicate that he is a nervous or irascible dog, but he must know instantly the intentions of those who “invade” his territory or get too close to his possessions.
It will be enough for the visitor to allow himself to be “inspected” and not to have clearly hostile attitudes, for the Mountain to limit itself to restraining the intruder only with posture. Woe to those who really want to cause harm!
Social with other dogs
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is an excellent guardian of flocks. For this reason, he will be very protective of animals that belong to his family, but not as friendly as those who are not well known. It is recommended not to give too much confidence to the pet who meets another dog, much less if he invades its territory.
Adaptability to apartment living
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a large breed that can hardly be adapted to living in an apartment unless it has a large exterior where the Pyrenean Mountain will be able to let off steam and keep fit. It is not absolutely forbidden to own a Mountain and to expect to keep it inside the house, but the walks will be numerous and you will have to find a fenced place where you can run and exercise. However, it is necessary to take into account that it could be destructive to furniture and furnishings if it does not release its energy and if it gets boring.
Tolerance of being alone
The mountain dog loves to be alone, it absolutely does not suffer from the absence of the owner as precisely because of their propensity to work these dogs are used to grazing with cattle in total solitude, carrying out their tasks in total relaxation. Of course, he is very happy when he can hang out with someone from the family, but once he has been pampered he immediately goes back to doing what he was doing.
Suitable as a first dog
The Mountain of the Pyrenees is not the most suitable breed for those without dog experience. It is a very sensitive and affectionate dog, but it is certainly independent and must necessarily have an owner who demonstrates his authority and consistency. If he does not find a leader in his pack, he will try to impose his authority. It would not be the best choice for those who expect a dog that will bend easily to the wishes of the owner if the owner is not an attentive person and who spends a lot of time educating him.
Tolerance to cold temperatures
The Pyrenees has extra tolerance for cold weather. Given the conformation and the abundance of the coat, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a breed that lives very well at low temperatures. He was selected as a coadjutor of man in inhospitable places where the cold and critical conditions have tempered his character and morphology. The long hair mainly covers the shoulders, the neck, the back, the back, and the tail, so that, when it is curled up, the “external” parts have a natural shelter. Its thick coat defends it from any weather. On the snow, you will see him running at breakneck speed, happy to be in contact with his favorite atmospheric agent.
Tolerance to hot temperatures
As much as he is used to cold so he will never get used to the heat. It must be defended on hot days and kept sheltered and in a cool and dry place, with fresh water available at will. You must always be on the lookout for situations that can lead to heat exhaustion. In addition, the heat could cause dermatitis.
Are Great Payreness Dangerous?
The Great Pyrenees are very brave and will be willing to defend their loved ones in any dangerous situation, even so, it is not a breed considered dangerous or aggressive. He is also very smart and wary of strangers. They tend to get along very well with children and with other pets.
Do the Great Pyrenees like to cuddle?
Health Problems
Before you bring one of these dogs home, you should be aware of several common health problems that affect this breed. While not all of them will be affected by these issues, knowing about them can help you prepare to provide the best level of care for your dog.
As a large breed of dog, the Great Pyrenees can suffer from stomach torsion, more commonly known as bloating. The belly of a bloated dog is stretched and then curled. This prevents the dog from belching or vomiting from excess air in the stomach. Bloating can be life-threatening and you should take your dog to the vet immediately if it shows any signs of it. Eating small meals throughout the day and limiting exercise after meals can help prevent bloating.
Another potential health problem for these dogs is hip dysplasia. It is a genetic disorder in which the dog’s femur does not fit properly into the hip joint. This causes the two bones to rub against each other, which can be quite painful and can lead to lameness in the dog. As this is a hereditary condition, you should check your parents’ health history before purchasing the Great Pyrenees from a breeder
These dogs can also suffer from Addison’s disease. This condition, also called hypoadrenocorticism, occurs when a dog’s adrenal glands are unable to produce enough adrenal hormones. Adrenal hormones control potassium and salt levels in the body. Signs of this condition may include loss of appetite, vomiting, lethargy, or, in some cases, cardiac arrhythmias. Veterinarians may treat Addison’s disease with corticosteroids or fludrocortisone acetate.
To recap, here are some of the most common health problems that can affect these dogs.
• Bloating (stomach torsion)
• Hip dysplasia
• Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease)
Pros and cons
Pros! | Cons! |
---|---|
Great family dog: The Great Pyrenees is an excellent family dog. They are affectionate and friendly with the people they love. They can also be very gentle and patient with children. | Barks a lot: The Great Pyrenees can be very territorial and will bark loudly at strangers. |
Only Moderate Exercise Needed: Exercise requirements in the Great Pyrenees are within reach of most people. They are perfect for daily walks and games in a fenced yard. | Destructive: Puppies bites whatever they come across. This breed can also be destructive if left alone at home outside the cage. |
Initiate: The Great Pyrenees are very loyal and loyal to their family members. | Excessive shedding: The Great Pyrenees have thick and long hair and sheds quite often. Be prepared for dog hair in your home. |
Grooming
Does the Great Pyrenees shed a lot? Yes, the Great Pyrenees have long and thick white fur. In the spring they shed a lot of hair from the undercoat. Brushing your dog with a smooth brush or pin brush once a week or even more often can help reduce shedding.
Aside from brushing regularly, it’s also important to brush your dog’s teeth several times a week to reduce plaque and tartar build-up. Their nails should also be trimmed regularly so they don’t get too long. If their nails become too long, it will hurt them to walk.
Training
Training in the Great Pyrenees can be challenging. They were raised to be very independent and don’t always follow commands right away. The Great Pyrenees is best for experienced dog owners who know how to train a dog. You can also enroll your dog in obedience training classes.
Positive reinforcement training methods are best for the Great Pyrenees. If the Great Pyrenees are not properly obtained, they can spiral out of control. A dog weighing over 100 pounds that does not know how to behave can be a real problem.
Exercises
The Great Pyrenees is not a very active dog, but they still need moderate exercise. They were bred as mountain dogs to protect livestock. While they will patrol the territory they protect, they do not expend a lot of energy, unless there is a threat that they need to fend off. Daily walks and jogging in a fenced yard can satisfy this breed’s exercise needs. The Great Pyrenees also thrive on obedience trials or pulling a cart.
Great Pyrenees price
The price of a puppy of the Pyrenean Mountain Dog breed tested and with a pedigree, is between an average of $1400-$5000
Sonal is a Visual Artist and Social Media enthusiast. She is also a community manager of Picovico and enjoys writing and painting in her free time.