Facts about Great Pyrenees Puppies

It's an old breed -- dogs very similar to this breed existed in Europe more than 3,500 years ago. The breed was developed in, and got its name from, the Pyrenees Mountains in France.

Having been developed in the mountains, it remained in isolation for a very long time. It was used to guard flocks of sheep from packs of wild animals that roamed the mountains.

In the 17th century, the Great Pyrenees became very popular with French nobility.

The breed was introduced to the United States in 1824.

In addition to herding, the breed's other talents include guarding, avalanche search and rescue (move over, Saint Bernard!) and cart pulling. It's also a very popular family pet and companion.

Physical Characteristics of Great Pyrenees Puppies

This is a large and powerful dog.

Its body is slightly longer than it's tall. It has a wedge-shaped head with small drop ears, black nose and lips, and brown almond shaped eyes. The tail is long, well plumed and may be carried low or over the back.

Its coat consists of a soft and thick undercoat, and a long outer coat. The outer coat may be straight or slightly wavy and comes in solid white, pale yellow, and white with patches of tan.

Temperament

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is an intelligent, loyal, obedient, and courageous breed.

The Great Pyrenees is gentle with its family, including children, and those it knows well but wary of strangers. It's also overly protective and territorial.

These dogs are known for their independence and may try to dominate a less experienced owner. Though intelligent and not lazy, they require patience when you are training them.

In general, they are good with other non-canine animals, including cats, but may be wary of other dogs. Puppy socialization training will make your pet more tolerant of other dogs.

Best Owner / Living Conditions

These dogs prefer living in a cool climate and require an experienced, calm, and patient owner.

The breed is not well suited for an apartment lifestyle and will do best in a suburban environment.

Some Great Pyrenees breeders will interview prospective owners to make sure this is the right breed for them.

Activity and Exercise

The Great Pyrenees is an active breed and needs plenty of exercise.

If you have a fenced yard, your pet will enjoy running off leash. Otherwise, consider getting an electronic dog fence. There are a lot of systems that are cheap, easy to install, and will prevent your pet from escaping an unfenced yard.

At a minimum, take your pet for several brisk walks every day.

Grooming

These dogs shed heavily in the spring.

During the shedding period, brush daily with a hard brush. Daily brushing will not only keep your pet's coat looking good but it will also speed up the shedding process. When not shedding, brushing at least 2 to 3 times per week will be enough.

Bathe only when necessary.

Health Concerns

Like all dog breeds, the Great Pyrenees is susceptible to complications caused by parasites such as dog ticks, fleas, and puppy worms, including tapeworms, roundworms, and heartworms.

Other potential health problems include hip dysplasia, skin problems, and bloating. To prevent bloating, feed your pet several smaller meals instead of one large one.

For more information about dog diseases and health, visit dog health problems.

To reduce the risk of the above and many other health problems, buy only from reputable Great Pyrenees breeders (visit dog breeders to learn how to identify responsible dog breeders).

No matter how small the risk of health problems is, any puppy may get sick or injured. Many health problems will require an immediate attention from your Vet, but there are many others that will not, and you may handle them on your own.

To save time and money, learn how to diagnose and treat dog health problems that don't require your Vet's attention.

Life Expectancy

The average life expectancy for healthy Great Pyrenees puppies is between 10 and 12 years.

Did you ever consider adopting your next pet?

If this is the breed you are interested in, and adoption appeals to you, consider contacting your local Great Pyrenees rescue. There are thousands of pets waiting for a loving home and, yes, it's possible to adopt a purebred dog.