Breed Info

The Great Pyrenees dog truly inspires an endless array of adjectives. To attempt to describe this dog in a simple sentence does not seem possible to those of us who love the breed. The innate intelligence, magnificent beauty, aristocratic presence, and self confidence which are characteristic of the breed draws one into the magic. Upon first meeting, a pyr is guaranteed to make a lasting impression on the viewer. Only after one has met a pyr and studied the breed’s unique history does it become apparent that the breed’s true and greatest value is not in its beauty, but in the admirable and unique character of the dog. It is said that a pyr’s eyes are the gateway to their soul. Monsieur Bernard Senac-Lagrange, a Frenchman who cared deeply about the breed and...

Dog of the Mountains These dogs take their name from the mountain range in southwestern Europe where they long have been used as guardians of the flocks. In the United States they are called Great Pyrenees. In the United Kingdom and Europe, they are known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog. In their native France, they are Le Chien de Montagne des Pyrenees or Le Chien des Pyrenees. Whatever the name, it is the beautiful white dog with a “certain elegance” which for centuries has been the working associate of peasant shepherds high on the mountain slopes. While it is generally accepted that no living breed of dog can be traced back to its wild form, and that what is known about dogs of any sort prior to a century or two ago is so little, it is interesting to...

General Appearance  The Great Pyrenees dog conveys the distinct impression of elegance and unsurpassed beauty combined with great overall size and majesty. He has a white or principally white coat that may contain markings of badger, gray, or varying shades of tan. He possesses a keen intelligence and a kindly, while regal, expression. Exhibiting a unique elegance of bearing and movement, his soundness and coordination show unmistakably the purpose for which he has been bred, the strenuous work of guarding the flocks in all kinds of weather on the steep mountain slopes of the Pyrenees. Size, Proportion, Substance  Size–The height at the withers ranges from 27 inches to 32 inches for dogs and from 25 inches to 29 inches for bitches. A 27 inch dog weighs...

Is one of those big, beautiful white dogs for you? They are not the ideal pet for everyone! That mature, sedate Great Pyrenees did not just materialize suddenly. It grew from a cuddly, lovable ball of fluff which at 8-12 weeks of age is most captivating. From puppyhood to adulthood is a 2+ year journey. As a breed they are remarkably healthy and long lived. They have few major genetic problems and usually live to be 10-12 years old. Pyrs are intelligent, have a deep devotion to family and home, and have a natural-born instinct to guard and protect. While trustworthy, affectionate, gentle and tractable, they can become, when and if the need arises, protective guardians of their family and their territory. Thus, they command respect as watch dogs as well as...

The Dis-a-Pyr or What Do You Call a Pyr Off Leash? – Gone! One of the most unpleasant surprises a new owner of a Great Pyrenees encounters comes the first time he takes his adolescent or adult Pyr for an off-leash walk. The puppy who had clung to his owner’s side suddenly moves out of reach, becomes deaf to all commands and entreaties, and decides to wander away, far faster than an ordinary human can move. For some, the surprise comes when the front door is left open – the result is the same. One “gone” dog. The explanations for this behavior vary – the dog isn’t obedience trained, it is examining its territory, it needs more exercise – and the “solutions” range from yelling and running after the dog, to long sessions in obedience class, to...

And Never Want to Answer HOW BIG, REALLY, IS A GREAT PYRENEES? Your dining room table is 27″ from the floor, kitchen counters 36″. The average female Pyr can walk under your dining room table only if she ducks her head; the average male need to either scrunch himself smaller or lift your table a few inches higher. In either case, the front of the counter is not the place to store meat thawing for dinner. The top of the refrigerator is out of the reach of most Pyrs. HOW MUCH DO THEY WEIGH? On the scale at the feed store, 80 to 120 pounds. While trying to give one a pill or cut its nails: as much as a Moray eel. On the first day of obedience class: as much as a young elephant. The day you teach the “down” exercise in obedience class: as much...

GREAT PYRENEES: IS THIS THE BREED FOR YOU? You’ve seen these big, beautiful white dogs. You’re impressed, naturally. You think you want one. This is understandable. But . . . is this the breed for you? They are not the ideal pet for everyone! The mature, sedate Great Pyrenees which you have seen did not just materialize suddenly. It grew from a cuddly, lovable ball of fluff which at 8-12 weeks of age is most captivating. From puppyhood to adulthood is a great distance and a considerable time. As a breed they are remarkably healthy and long lived. They have few major genetic problems and usually live to be 10-12 years old. 8 week old pupsPyrs combine a great intelligence with a deep devotion to family and home, and a natural-born instinct to guard and...

The Great Pyrenees Temperament From the Standard of the Breed: “Temperament: Character and temperament are of utmost importance. In nature, the Great Pyrenees is confident, gentle, and affectionate. While territorial and protective of his flock or family when necessary, his general demeanor is one of quiet composure, both patient and tolerant. He is strong willed, independent and somewhat reserved, yet attentive, fearless and loyal to his charges both human and animal. “Although the Great Pyrenees may appear reserved in the show ring, any sign of excessive shyness, nervousness, or aggression to humans is unacceptable and must be considered an extremely serious fault.” The GPCA Standards Committee put careful thought into the above paragraphs....

What is a “Great Pyrenees”? Great Pyrenees are a very large breed of 100+ pounds. Color varies from pure white to white with brown, gray or badger markings. Eyes and nose pigment should be very dark. These giants are known for their natural kindness to their “herd” while still being great guardians. This combination of gentleness and strength added to their unmatched beauty makes them one of the best breeds available for working dogs, pets and/or show dogs. Do I need a fenced yard? This is a roaming breed so a visible, securely fenced yard is indeed necessary. An uncontained Pyr can roam for many miles. Also for obvious safety reasons (cars, dognapping, etc) a fence is mandatory. Do they shed? Great Pyrenees are a heavily coated breed and...

Discovery Channel’s Animal Planet show Dogs 101 has an episode on Great Pyrenees. Visit http://animal.discovery.com/videos/dogs-101-great-pyrenees.html to view it.