Pyrenean Mountain Dog
Other names: Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a large, powerful dog. Breed to guard sheep and other livestock, the Great Pyrenees is a brave and fearless animal. This dog will quickly confront any perceived threats to the pack but displays gentle and affectionate behaviours towards it other members. The Great Pyrenees is a bit of night owl and has a tendency to bark late at night, especially if they haven't “unlearnt” this instinctual behaviour. Like the majority of large working breeds, this dog is smart but stubborn. These strong-willed dogs need a confident and experienced handler.
Key facts about the Pyrenean Mountain Dog
Access the rest of the content after the ad

Loading advertisement ...
Origins and history
The Great Pyrenees was developed in and around the Pyrenean mountain range. They were used as both guard dogs and sheepdogs. They would herd the flocks during the day and then switch over to guard duties during the evenings. This explains their nocturnal behaviour and tendency to bark during the night. The Great Pyrenees is still more of a working dog than a domesticated canine, although they're popularity is slowly starting to grow, especially among active dogs lovers living in more rural environments.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 2 - Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs
Section
Section 3 : Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs
Physical characteristics of the Pyrenean Mountain Dog
Adult size
Female : Between 26 and 30 in
Male : Between 28 and 31 in
Weight
Female : Between 110 and 130 lb
Male : Between 123 and 141 lb
Coat colour
A Great Pyrenees will usually have a brilliant white coat, although it can also be cream, tan, or light grey.
Type of coat
A thick, fluffy undercoat. A long and straight outer coat.
Double coated.
Eye colour
Amber brown.
Description
The Great Pyrenees is a large, imposing dog with a confident posture and measured gait. They have deep, powerful chests, a long body, and powerful hindquarters. Their thick white coat gives them a “softer” look, although these tough dogs should never be underestimated. The fur is much more profuse around the neck area, especially in males, and they have a long, curved tail that hangs down quite low.
Good to know
Like many larger dogs, the Great Pyrenees is sensitive to anaesthesia. Given that they're a fairly rare breed, make sure your vet is aware of this before performing any surgical procedures.
The Great Pyrenees has a unique double dewclaw. This should only ever be trimmed and never removed.
Unlike most other breeds, the Great Pyrenees has nocturnal tendencies. They can become quite active at night and have a tendency to bark a lot.
Temperament
Behaviour of the Pyrenean Mountain Dog
Access the rest of the content after the ad

Loading advertisement ...

Is the Pyrenean Mountain Dog right for you?
take the testLifestyle
Compatibility
Price
The average cost of a purebred Great Pyrenees is somewhere between £960-£980.
You'll also need to budget around £100 a month for feeding costs, and the average cost of a basic insurance policy is around £20.00 per month, although this varies from dog to dog.
Grooming
The Great Pyrenees is a medium to heavy shedding breed, especially during the warmer times of the year. Their pure white coats will need a weekly brush, and you'll need to pay close attention to the extra fluffy parts around the neck and tail. They do a pretty good job of keeping themselves clean, although they will a bath once every 8 weeks or so.
Shedding
Although they shed quite regularly, they’re not at risk of any permanent hair loss.
Nutrition of the Pyrenean Mountain Dog
The Great Pyrenees has a substantial appetite. They need around 4 to 6 cups of high quality dog food split into two meals. They also need access to fresh drinking water.
Health of the Pyrenean Mountain Dog
Life expectancy
The average lifespan for these dogs is between 10-12 years.
Strong / robust
The Great Pyrenees is one of the most robust breeds. These strong, sturdy dogs were developed for the great outdoors and are well equipped to thrive in harsh weather conditions and inhospitable environments. They're brave, tough, and independent.
Withstand heat
These dogs were not designed for warmer climates and may struggle in very hot temperatures. They do shed during the warmer months but avoid exercising then during the hottest parts of the day.
Withstand cold
The Great Pyrenees has a thick, insulating undercoat covered by a long, weather resistant outer layer. They have no problems getting through the average British winter.
Tendency to put on weight
The Great Pyrenees isn’t prone to obesity or weight gain. Still, they will pile on a few extra pounds if you let them. So feed them the right amounts and make sure they’re getting the right amount of exercise.
Common illnesses
- Addison’s disease
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Entropion
- Patellar luxation
- Gastric Torsion