Great Pyrenees Dog Breed Overview
One of the most searched dog breeds on the internet, Great Pyrenees belongs to the large size dog. Also known as Chien Des Pyrénées, this breed was discovered first in Spain, France. The average lifespan of this dog breed is 10-12 years and is associated with the Working Dogs.
| Dog Breed Name: | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|
| Other Names: | Chien Des Pyrénées |
| Size: | Giant large size dog |
| Average Height: | Male: 27-32 inches (69-81 cm), Female: 25-29 inches (63-74 cm) |
| Average Weight: | Male: 120-200 pounds (54-90 kg), Female: 100-130 pounds (45-59 kg) |
| Energy: | high energy dog |
| Origin: | Spain, France |
| Group: | Working Dogs |
| Life Span: | 10 to 12 years |
| Dog Breed Overview: | The sheep-guarding Great Pyrenees originated in the Pyrenees Mountains, which form a natural border between France and Spain. He's known by different names: Great Pyrenees in the United States and Canada, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog in the United Kingdom and most of Europe.His ancestry is believed to date back ten to eleven thousand years to dogs who originated in Asia Minor. His ancestors are thought to have come to the Pyrenees Mountains sometime around 3000 B.C. There the breed was developed to create a dog who would aid shepherdsAt first, the Great Pyrenees was considered to be a dog owned by peasants. But in 1675, the Dauphin in the court of King Louis XIV declared that the Great Pyrenees was the Royal Dog of France. This prompted the French nobility to acquire Great Pyrenees and use them to guard estates.The first Great Pyrenees to be imported to North America went to Newfoundland, Canada. There the breed is attributed with creating the Landseer Newfoundlands, after crossbreedings between the Great Pyrenees and the Newfoundland.Throughout the 1800s, the breed gained popularity throughout England, Europe, and the United States. He was introduced into the St. Bernard's breeding program in Switzerland in an effort to reestablish the numbers of dogs at the famous hospice where the St. Bernard originated. In the Pyr's homeland, however, the breed began to deteriorate due to unscrupulous breeding practices.The two World Wars took a toll on all dog breeding; luckily several Great Pyrenees were imported to the United States before the European continent was effectively closed due to World War II. After the war, breeders began efforts to restore the breed to its former glory, and today the Great Pyrenees is a much-loved and admired dog. |
| Colours: | White |
| Temperament: | Affectionate,Fearless,Patient,Confident,Gentle,Strong,Willed |
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Great Pyrenees Dog Breed Price
Great Pyreneess from regular breeders cost you from $500-$600 per puppy.
Great Pyrenees Dog Breed Size
The Great Pyrenees vary in size: males are normally about 27-32 inches (69-81 cm) in height and around 100 pounds (45 kg) in weight, while females are normally around 25-29 inches (63-74 cm) in height and 85 pounds (38 kg) in weight.
Great Pyrenees Dog Breed Temperament
The Great Pyrenees is a calm, well-mannered, serious dog known for his great devotion to family, including well-behaved children. These dogs are generally trustworthy, affectionate and gentle, but if the need arises, they will not hesitate to try to protect their family and their territory.
Great Pyrenees Dog Breed Lifespan
The average lifespan for a Great Pyrenees is 10 to 12 years. That’s because these are medium-sized dogs with a good mix of genes in their blood.
Interesting Facts about Great Pyrenees Dog
- The Great Pyrenees is okay in apartments because he’s mellow. But homes with large yards are better.
- If you want a dog you can walk off leash, this may not be the dog for you because of his independent thinking and wandering tendencies.
- Expect some shedding on a constant basis and at least one major shedding period per year. On the up side, the Great Pyr only requires about 30 minutes of brushing a week.
- A Pyr can be difficult to train because of his ability to think on his own. He’s not a good match for new or timid dog owners, because he needs consistency and a strong owner who will socialize him and train with positive reinforcement.
- He’s a wonderful watchdog for the family, but he needs socialization to keep from becoming shy or aggressive to both dogs and people.
- He thrives with his family and should live inside the house. He can become bored and destructive when separated from his family or left to live out in the backyard.
- A Great Pyrenees is generally loving and gentle with younger creatures, so he’s a wonderful dog for families with children.
- He’s a hard-core barker and is not recommended for homes where his barking can disturb others.
- Great Pyrenees do best in cooler climates, but don’t clip his hair during hot weather. His coat insulates him and keeps him cool, so when you shave the hair you compromise his natural protection from the sun.
- He needs exercise, but not as much as you’d think — 20 to 30 minutes a day is fine.
- He has a double dewclaw that should not be removed but should be kept trimmed.
- To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store.
FAQ’s on Great Pyrenees Dog
Are Great Pyreneess smart?
In general, The Great Pyreneess is highly intelligent but can be a handful to train, early socialization is highly recommended.
Are Great Pyrenees trainable?
The Great Pyrenees breed is very trainable as they take on commands skillfully and obediently. Training is a necessary learning experience for your dog where it can assist in: Mental stimulation.
Do Great Pyreneess have locking jaws?
No, they do not have locking jaws.
How long does a Great Pyrenees live?
The Great Pyrenees can live anywhere from 10 to 12 years.
