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They are not the ideal pet for everyone! That mature, sedate Great Pyrenees did not just materialize suddenly. It grew from a cuddly, lovable ball of fluff which at 8-12 weeks of age is most captivating. From puppyhood to adulthood is a 2+ year journey. As a breed they are remarkably healthy and long lived. They have few major genetic problems and usually live to be 10-12 years old.
Pyrs are intelligent, have a deep devotion to family and home, and have a natural-born instinct to guard and protect. While trustworthy, affectionate, gentle and tractable, they can become, when and if the need arises, protective guardians of their family and their territory. Thus, they command respect as watch dogs as well as admiration as pets.
Adult Pyrs are placid by nature and usually calm in the house. But they are a large breed and as such are not always suited to life in a small apartment or urban setting with little yard space and lots of activity around. They want their life to be consistent and predictable.
The addition of any dog to your family is a major decision and deserves a great deal of time and thought. Yes, an adult Pyr is a beautiful, calm dog, and can make an excellent house dog, but there are other considerations.
If you owned a Pyr . . .
. . . are you physically able to handle a very large dog? Basically gentle, they are strong, and during the phases of puppyhood can be a real challenge.
. . . can your afford a Great Pyrenees? To begin with, they are not inexpensive to acquire. They are big dogs and big eaters while gaining maturity, although as adults they eat less than other, more active giant-breed dogs. Routine veterinary care (regular shots, etc.), occasional professional grooming, and the assortment of accessories (combs, brushes, toys, very large dog crate, etc.) are not inexpensive.
. . . does dog hair around the house bother you? If so, forget a Pyr. While with routine grooming they are not much different than any other breed, they do shed and there is white hair in Pyr homes, in Pyr cars, and on Pyr people.
. . . are you and your family able to provide love and attention on a daily basis. A lonesome Pyr is a bored dog, and a bored dog can become destructive.
. . . are you willing to invest time in basic obedience training? All large-breed dogs should learn the fundamentals so that they are pleasant company, and not dangerous to others. Having a 130-pound dog jump up on your 85-pound grandmother is not usually a desirable thing!
. . . do you want a dog that obeys your every command? Great Pyrenees are members of the great family of livestock guardian dogs. As such, they share with them certain strong characteristics. Pyrs were bred to be left alone with the sheep up in the mountain valleys. They are guard dogs by instinct, not by training. Their basic personality is different from most breeds, since most breeds were bred to take commands from people, while Pyrs were bred to work on their own. A Great Pyrenees is an intelligent, sometimes willful animal. They have minds of their own and are not easily obedience trained. Things that you consider important may not be the same things your Pyr considers important. Many are almost cat-like in their independence. If you require a dog that will be a great “off-leash” companion for your outdoor activities, if you want a dog who will follow your every command, or if you want a competition obedience dog, the Pyr is probably not for you.
. . . do you have room for a Pyr, either indoors or outdoors? They are large dogs and need space. Would their outdoor space be securely fenced, preferably with six-foot fencing, to keep them safe and to prevent wandering? A Pyr must not be tied continuously nor allowed to run loose. They have been known to wander enormous distances . . . and rarely find their way home by themselves. When out of their fenced area, they must be kept on lead at all times.
. . . would your Pyr have yard space of his own? Many love to create “Pyr-size” craters to sleep or lounge in. Some are truly impressive in their ability to sling dirt and sand yards away from the “epicenter.” If your entire property is landscaped and you do not have a place for your Pyr to practice his art, you might want to reconsider your priorities.
. . . can you accept that most Pyrs bark a lot? Like all livestock guardian breeds, Great Pyrenees are barkers, especially at night. The amount of barking varies from individual to individual, but the instinct is there and in some cases can cause major problems. Most Great Pyrenees in urban or suburban settings must be kept indoors at night. Remember, they are territorial guard dogs and they bark to protect their domain. One owner described their barking as “industrial strength.” Good relationships with neighbors can be severely strained by a bored, barking dog.
. . . can you maintain your Pyr so that his guarding instincts can be exercised in a responsible way? Great Pyrenees are guard dogs and as such cannot be expected to welcome uninvited intrusions onto your property. They will accept anyone whom you invite into your home. They are not “attack” dogs, but can be very intimidating to the surprised visitor.
These are things to think about. If you find you’ve answered them honestly and still want a Pyr, here are some suggestions as to how you should choose your new dog.
How to acquire your pyr
First, choose a reputable breeder. While membership in a breed club does not automatically confer respectability, most responsible breeders belong to their regional breed club as well as the national club. Members of the Great Pyrenees Club of America, as well as many regional Pyr clubs, are bound by a code of Ethics that outlines the proper care and treatment of dogs and relationships among members. Ask to see a copy of this Code. It outlines what you have a right to expect as a buyer.
If you’re interested in getting a puppy, ask to see the parents of the puppy you are interested in. Inquire if both parents were certified clear of hip dysplasia. Make sure the surroundings are clean and that the puppy is healthy. Look for a happy, outgoing puppy. You don’t want a shy, emaciated, or sickly-appearing pup. Make sure the coat carries a glossy shine. There should be no discharge from eyes or nose, and he should stand up on strong legs and good feet.
What about papers? If you are buying a pup that the breeder claims is “show quality” or “potential breeding stock,” you should receive the AKC registration application at the time of the sale. If you are buying a dog for companionship or for livestock guardian work, you should receive either the AKC Limited Registration certificate for that pup or a signed agreement that the registration will be furnished when the dog is neutered. The breeder should also supply you with a pedigree on the pup, information of inoculations and medications the pup has received, and care and feeding instructions.
Nine to 12 weeks of age is a good time for a pup to leave its litter. But don’t overlook an older pup, provided it is outgoing, happy to see people, and in good health. Many responsible breeders are concerned that their pups go to excellent homes and are willing to keep a pup until that home comes along.
Carefully bred and cared-for Great Pyrenees puppies are expensive. While prices may vary, people who sell pups for much less than the average for your area probably have not put as much time or care into the breeding or rearing of their pups.
Male or female? This is a personal choice. Males are larger, and usually have a heavier coat. Both males and females show the same affection for their families and are equally as protective. The female, unless spayed, will come into season every six months; the first season is usually around a year of age.
If you are looking for a companion or livestock guardian, have it spayed or neutered at 6 to 8 months of age. A neutered animal will make a happier and healthier pet, and will probably live longer. It does not interfere with its natural protectiveness, and it does insure freedom from several kinds of cancer.
What about buying a mature dog? Many breeders have older dogs which they will place as companion dogs. Or, an alternative to buying from a reputable breeder is to adopt from your local breed club. Most clubs have a “Rescue” service, with older Pyrs looking for loving homes. Owners turn in dogs for a variety of reasons. Divorce and living circumstances are high on the list. Also prevalent is the mismatch of expectations: “he’s so much bigger than I expected,” “he barks too much and my neighbors complain,” and so on. The age of rescue dogs varies widely, but most are adults, are usually housebroken, and have had some basic obedience training. Most adjust readily to a new home. Such a dog may be just right for you, providing protection and companionship and allowing you to skip the puppy and adolescent growth stages.
Contact any of our club members listed on this site for more information.