GREAT PYRENEES DOG BREED

Description:

The Great Pyrenees (Pyrenean Mountain Dog) is a very loyal dog, which makes him an excellent protector. This dog was bred to be a livestock guardian dog. Even though the Great Pyrenees is very obedient, gentle and affectionate, he can be quite serious. This fluffy dog of a large size somewhat resembles a big teddy bear. The Great Pyrenees was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1933.

Height: 25-32 inches  Weight: 85-160 pounds  Lifespan: 10-12 years

Characteristics:

Despite great stubbornness and independence, the Great Pyrenees is extremely devoted to his owner. Whereas the representatives of this breed have very good manners by nature, they make wonderful family companions. This dog breed thrives best in rural areas, where it can perform its traditional duties (protecting the sheep and goats). Comparable Breed: Newfoundland and Saint Bernard.

Character:

Gentle, calm and balanced, the Great Pyrenees is always happy to earn a reward from his master. Since the Great Pyrenees’s most distinct trait is obstinacy, training can be quite challenging. This breed is great with other dog breeds and other pets within the family. Surprisingly, Pyrenean Mountain Dogs are very fond of cats but very distrustful of strangers.

Coat / Care:

The Great Pyrenees has a snow-white coat, consisting of two layers. The outer layer is rather rough and long, usually straight or slightly wavy. The undercoat is thick and soft, somewhat reminiscent of cotton. The coat is a great protection from adverse weather. Generally, the Great Pyrenees, just like any other long-haired breed of dog, needs regular combing, in order to prevent the hair from tangling. However, during the shedding season (which happens once a year), the dog needs particularly thorough care.

Health Problems:

The Great Pyrenees is generally healthy dog breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to Hip Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation, Bone Care, Gastric Torsion, Elbow Dysplasia, Addison’s Disease, Cataracts, Entropion and Anesthesia Sensitivity. The Great Pyrenees has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.

Weight / Height

The male Great Pyrenees dog breed’s height is around 27 – 32 inches and weighs around 100 and 160 pounds. Female Great Pyrenees dogs can reach a size from 25 – 29 inches and weighs between 85 and 115 pounds. Male dogs are generally larger than females.

Training:

As has been said, because of a great deal of stubbornness, Pyrenean Mountain Dogs may not be a too good student. Furthermore, these dogs are independent thinkers, so they need to be treated with patience and respect. Too strict or aggressive teaching methods should be a last resort.

Activity:

This breed is not suitable for living in a city apartment. It needs a large or medium-size yard for free running and exploration of the environment. The Pyrenean Mountain Dog enjoys long walks but cannot be trusted without a leash.

Photo credit: aiko vanhulsen/Flickr; About Aiko, Thomas & Juliette+Isaac/Flickr; Wei Ti Chiang/Flickr;