Pyrenean Mountain Dog

As well as being a fearless protector, the Great Pyrenees is a loving and affectionate dog that loves human company and contact.

Working dogs have active minds as well as active bodies, meaning that regular playtime is really important for both their physical and mental health. These lively, active dogs love stimulating games and activities.

Generally speaking, the Great Pyrenees is a calm and relaxed breed. However, these guys are constantly on alert and will quickly activate those guard instincts at the first signs of any potential threats. Unless they’ve been well trained, these dogs will bark at visitors, knocks on the front, and even passers-by. A poorly socialised Pyrenees may also become quite confrontational.

These dogs are very smart,  but they’re also quite stubborn. An inexperienced owner will have trouble keeping them engaged and stimulated. Training the Great Pyrenees is a job for a confident, well-skilled dog handler.

Although they're more of a protector than a hunter, these big and athletic dogs still have a high prey drive. This can make them difficult to handle in built-up, urban environments; these dogs need lots of time off the leash and are much more suited to country living.

He trusts no one but his master and his family.

The Great Pyrenees is a willful animal with an independent mind. It’s really important that they are socialised from a young age. If not, their strong natures can overwhelm their owners and they may start displaying some dominant, and even aggressive, behaviours.

These social dogs thrive off being part of a family and should never be left alone for long periods of time. Not only will they get lonely, but they'll also get bored and frustrated. If such feelings persist, they will have a negative impact on the dogs mental health.

This depends on the ability and knowledge of the trainer. An inexperienced handler will have a very tough time keeping this dog focused.  In fact, if you've haven't trained a pet before, then the Great Pyrenees is not the right dog to start with.

These dogs were breed as nocturnal watchdogs, and they become more active and alert at night. This means that they can be very vocal when they see or sense something they don't like.  It’s important to properly socialise a Great Pyrenees. Otherwise, you and your neighbours could be in for some sleepless nights.

These dogs won’t run away on purpose, but they do have a curious nature and an instinctual desire to explore. So make sure all outside spaces are properly secured and that gates and fences are at least four feet high. These dogs can jump.

This depends. As long as their needs are being met, these dogs will rarely become destructive. However, if they're bored or lonely, they’ll soon start expressing their frustration through destructive behaviour. And given its size, the Great Pyrenees can do a lot of damage.

Like most big dogs, the Pyrenees has a substantial appetite. However, they’re not known for being particularly greedy.

The Great Pyrenees is an ideal watchdog. It’s what they were bred for! These guys are constantly on alert and will quickly let you know about anything they don't like the look or the smell of. In fact, these dogs can be a bit too good at their job!  An untrained Pyrenees will start barking at pretty much anything, and especially at night.

Otherwise known as the Pyrenean Mountain dog, this natural working breed is not suited to living in a flat or a small house with no outdoor area. This active animal needs to roam and explore;  a flat doesn't have enough space for these big dogs.

Working breeds need lots of exercise and the Great Pyrenees is no exception. Ideally, they need around two hours of exercise each day, which must include plenty of time off the leash. If you've got the time, you can take them for one long walk each day. Alternatively, you can split it up with a morning walk followed by a more intense late afternoon run out.

These big dogs are not the easiest to travel with. Given their huge frames, cars or other enclosed spaces can feel quite claustrophobic.  They’re also a bit too big for a crate and its not in the nature to lay motionless for long periods of time.

These dogs are generally ok around other family pets, especially if they come into contact with them at an early age. But they can be very territorial and may not be as welcoming to new cats or dogs.

This big dog likes to feel in charge, especially around other animals. This can be a source of conflict when they come into contact with other pooches, but the right kind of training from a young age will help them "unlearn" these competitive behaviours.

Underneath that tough exterior, the Great Pyrenees has a gentle and playful soul, making them a great companion for children of all ages. However, given their size and strength, they should always be supervised around younger children. It’s also important to teach your children how to approach a dog and when to leave them alone.

The Great Pyrenees is a dog that comes with huge responsibilities. Training them requires time and lot of expertise, and they also have very demanding physical requirements. This might not suit elderly people who prefer a more sedate lifestyle.

These big, powerful, and independent dogs are not suited for the first time owner. They’re not the easiest to train and their strong wills will quickly “break” an inexperienced handler. However, if you’re set on getting one of these dogs, you’ll need to enlist the help of an expert dog trainer.