GREAT PYRENEES
APPEARANCE
This giant dog looks cuddly because of his long coat, but actually has a sturdy build and carries himself with elegance and dignity. He has a sweet and gentle expression. The Great Pyrenees has a large head, drooping rounded ears and a long plumed tail. Their coats are white and can have varying shades of gray, red (rust) or tan around the face (including a full face mask), ears and sometimes on the body and tail. The weight of the Great Pyrenees is around 85-130 pounds, and the height is 25-29 inches for females and 27-32 inches for males.
PERSONALITY
This dog is courageous, loyal and obedient, but it can also be very stubborn. It tends to be gentle and affectionate, somewhat independent, with the family. A gentle, friendly, and affectionate breed, the Great Pyrenees loves the companionship of humans, and is a great choice for a family pet for those that have adequate space for this giant dog to get some exercise.
TRAINING
The Great Pyrenees is very intelligent and quick to learn, and is a courageous and protective dog that makes for a good watchdog. They may be stubborn so serious, consistent, and firm training is a must. With the right training techniques, a dominant handler, and proven methods, this breed should be very obedient and loyal.
EXERCISE
Exercise requirements are modest, but a large space is nevertheless necessary for the Pyrenees to run and play. Regular exercise would benefit a Great Pyrenees due to their natural instinct of patrolling a large territory. It is important for it to enjoy outdoors activities as a bored and lonely dog of this breed can be destructive.
SOCIALIZATION
The Great Pyrenees gets on well with children when raised with them, but their size can prove a problem when it comes to very small children. He is gentle and protective with children. They also must be socialized from an early age to prevent aggression toward other animals. Does surprisingly well with cats.
LIVING CONDITIONS
The Great Pyrenees is independent and needs its own space, both for living and for exercising. The Great Pyrenees does not do well in apartment life, and should always have a medium to large sized yard. The Great Pyrenees revels in the cold and hates the heat; make sure the dog has a place to keep cool on warm days.
GROOMING
Shedding heavily once a year, the Great Pyrenees requires much maintenance during this period. Regular brushing is always necessary with a medium to long haired breed, and should be brushed all the way to the undercoat to prevent matting. You will need to step up the grooming when he is shedding more heavily, which is twice yearly. The Great Pyrenees is a very heavy shedder, and is therefore not suited to those with allergies.
HEALTH ISSUES
Some areas to be checked regularly are the presence of worms and other parasites, ear infections and fungus between toes. This breed has a low metabolism and sensitive to anesthesia. The Great Pyrenees is prone to hip dysplasia and may develop skins problem in warmer weathers. The life expectancy of the Great Pyrenees is around 8-12 years.
HISTORY
This dog is native from France and was used as a guard dog for sheep and cattle. They were also used to draw sleds. The Great Pyrenees was registered with the AKC in 1933.
