Great Pyrenees Purebred
Dog Breed Information

The Great Pyrenees

This is considered to be an old dog breed that was brought to Europe by migrating Germanic tribes. Herders in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain came to rely on this dog breed as a master herd guarder that could protect sheep, goats, and cattle from various wolves or bears in the region.

Additionally, the Great Pyrenees is still used today to guard herds in Europe and North America. It is also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog. They possess a keen intelligence and a kindly, while regal, expression.

He has been bred to work, to protect, and to defend for centuries and tends to be wary and suspicious of strangers with a strong guarding instinct which is typical to the breed.

They are often used as a flock guardian and were bred to guard without instruction from humans. These dogs are slow to mature and do not reach full maturity until they are around 2 years old.

Enjoy a short dog breed video

Their all-weather coat and huge size made him perfectly adaptable to the job of guard and protection as well as the cold climate. He has a white or principally white coat that may contain markings of badger, gray, or varying shades of tan. His soundness and coordination unmistakably show 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. Overall character and temperament are of utmost importance. The Pyrenees is confident, gentle, and affectionate and also territorial and protective of his flock or family when necessary. His general demeanor is one of quiet composure and he is both patient and tolerant. The Great Pyrenees can be strong willed, independent, and somewhat reserved as well as attentive, fearless, and loyal to his human and animal charges. A securely fenced yard is a must have with this breed, otherwise they will roam and they typically consider their domain ranging anywhere from 5 to 15 square miles. Size: the height at the withers ranges from 25 inches to 32 inches for males and from 25 inches to 29 inches for females. A 27 inch male weighs about 115 pounds and a 25 inch female weighs about 95 pounds. He is a heavy-bodied and strongly muscled dog breed. Their coat is longer and thick with a soft, dense undercoat. It does mat easily and needs daily brushing to keep it in good condition. Some Pyrenees owners trim their dogs coat to make grooming easier. Their color can be either pure white or white with gray or tan markings.

Unless you have a working sheep ranch, a house in the country is the next best home for this breed. This dog breed needs plenty of space and loves to have a job to do. Daily exercise is very important to keep this dog happy. A job such as herding or tracking will give him purpose and will additionally discourage restless or destructive behavior.

Country of origin: France
Lifespan: 10 years
Colors: White - sometimes with markings of gray, reddish brown, badger, or tan
Known health problems: Hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, osteosarcoma

Order Your Own Great Pyrenees Blanket Here

Return from Great Pyrenees to Working Group