Not everyone is familiar with the Great Pyrenees or how to pick the perfect Great Pyrenees puppy. It is not as common as the German Shepherd or Golden Retriever, but once you see one, you’ll want one.
Get an overview of this beautiful large dog so you can pick the right Great Pyrenees puppy for you and your home.
Before we talk about how to choose the right great pyrenees for you, lets talk about the background and history of the Pyr.
History Of The Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees came from the Pyrenees Mountains, the natural border separating France and Spain. This breed is also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog in greater Europe and the UK.
The ancestry of this sheep-guarding dog dates back almost 11,000 years.
They are part of the dogs that came from Asia Minor. The first batch of Great Pyrenees are thought to have set foot in the Pyrenees Mountains in 3,000 BC. The dogs were bred and trained here, mainly to help shepherds.
Back then, this breed was primarily owned by peasants, but when King Louis XIV declared it the “Royal Dog of France,” the breed’s ranking changed.
As a result, almost all French nobles got Great Pyrenees as status symbols and used them to guard their estates and properties.
Physical Attributes of the Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is massive and has one of the biggest hearts in the dog world. On average, adult males grow to a height of 32 inches, while female Great Pyrenees reach up to 29 inches. Males can weigh up to 160 pounds, while females up to 115 pounds.
This gentle giant has a muscular build, sporting a double-coat. The Great Pyrenees’ outer coat is coarse and long and can be either straight or a little wavy, while their undercoat is soft, thick, and fine hair.
This breed’s most common coat color is pure white, but some dogs have mostly white coats with patches of gray, pale yellow, and tan. All Great Pyrenees have a black nose and dark brown eyes.
This breed’s ears flop downwards and are triangular, while their long tails are plumed, reaching near their hocks.
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Temperament And Character
Despite its overwhelming size, the Great Pyrenees is a well-mannered and calm dog. It is loyal to its human pack and is strong, gentle, and affectionate, but if it feels threatened, this dog will not hesitate to stand its ground and protect its family.
A relatively serious breed, the gentle Great Pyrenees is smart, and you can depend on it to work on its own and figure things out.
It was bred to be alone and to guard sheep effectively, so it has evolved into a self-reliant animal. Being an independent thinker, it tends to be stubborn. Also, you must be ready to put up with this breed’s penchant for excessive barking.
Today, the Great Pyrenees does more than shepherd animals. It has become an effective therapy dog due to its gentle demeanor.
The Great Pyrenees, like all dogs, need early socialization so you can be sure that they will grow confidently without any aggressiveness or nervousness around humans and other pets.
Overall Health of the Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees are generally healthy, with a lifespan of up to 12 years. But it pays to know the most common health scares this breed is vulnerable to.
With routine check-ups, a proper diet, and an overall healthy lifestyle, you shouldn’t need to worry too much, but here are a few health issues that you need to be aware of:
1. Bone Cancer
Huge breed dogs have massive bones, and you must be mindful of your Great Pyrenees’ bones until it reaches 18 months of age. This breed’s bones can develop extremely fast, and it can cause physical pain and discomfort. Great Pyrenees don’t fill out until they reach four years old.
2. Bloating
This life-threatening illness, known medically as gastric torsion, typically affects deep-chested, large dogs. If you feed your dog once a day, and they devour this large meal and consume too much water, it could trigger this ailment. This developing condition also worsens if your dog immediately engages in physical activity after eating
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3. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia
This hereditary and degenerative disease can cause lameness and weakness in the rear legs and joints. In most cases, it is accompanied by arthritis and is painful for your Great Pyrenees. When you are out to buy a Great Pyrenees puppy, confirm that both of its parents have undergone testing and have been found to be disease-free.
4. Anesthesia Sensitivity
This condition impacts breeds with low metabolism, the Great Pyrenees included. It won’t hurt to remind your vet about this before surgery.
How to Care for a Great Pyrenees
This intelligent breed requires plenty of mental and physical stimulation because it can get bored quickly. Keep your dog entertained with toys and long walks to avoid destructive behavior and aggressiveness.
Training this breed is a challenge. It is not ideal for first-time dog owners, but if you start it young, with positive reinforcement and consistent training, you can keep your Great Pyrenees in line.
You need to establish the rules as the alpha of your pack, and you need to be fair too. So if one of your rules is “no dog on the couch,” whether a 100-pound Great Pyrenees or a 25-pound Shih Tzu, no dogs are allowed.
Feeding your dog four to six cups of high-quality dry food, divided into two meals daily, is enough. Give treats in moderation to avoid the risk of obesity.
Expect your home to be covered in hair for virtually the entire year because this dog is a heavy shedder. Despite the hair, the Great Pyrenees are easy to groom. Grooming it once a week should do. The good news is that because of its coat’s silky texture, it dries quickly.
5 Tips On How To Choose The Right Great Pyrenees Puppy
1. Inquire about the puppy’s parents and be involved in your puppy’s life as soon as possible, even if it is still with the breeder. Doing this will give you an idea about the parents’ temperament and your pup’s early environment. Talk to your breeder and ask questions as needed.
2. A healthy pup is the best choice, so opt for an active Great Pyrenees puppy with alert, bright, clear eyes, pink gums, and one without odor.
3. Know if you want a male or female Great Pyrenees. Both will triple in size and will love and protect your pack. Note that females will come into heat every six months.
4. Your future Great Pyrenees should be able to stand on strong legs and support its weight on all its feet. Unsteady gait and wobbly feet could be symptoms of a medical condition.
5. The best Great Pyrenees pups come from the top breeders. Reputable breeders always prioritize the overall well-being of the pups. Forego backyard breeders and pet stores.
How to Identify A Purebred Great Pyrenees Puppy
Here are the different ways to determine your dog’s pure ancestry:
1. Physical Structure
A purebred Great Pyrenees would have the following physical traits:
- Head: It looks like a wedge sans the heaviness. The crown is slightly rounded, and the cheeks are flat.
- Eyes: The color is dark brown with black rims and is almond-shaped.
- Ears: The ears of a purebred Great Pry are shaped like a “V” but with the edges slightly rounded. Both ears hang flat and are on the same level as the eyes.
- Coat: This breed sports a double coat, with a thick and long outer coat and a dense inner coat. The skin of the Great Pyrenees is weather-resistant.
2. Pedigree Papers
Check your dog’s pedigree papers from the breeder.
The American Kennel Club only recognizes purebreds, so if your dog is registered, there’s that confirmation that it is purebred. You’ll also be able to check and gather details of up to the last five generations on your dog’s family tree.
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3. DNA Test
Having your dog undergo a DNA test will help you learn some of your dog’s intimate secrets, including ancestry, breed, health, and relatives.
Conclusion
The Great Pyrenees can complete your home. It is a reliable guardian, courageous protector, and faithful friend. Pick the right puppy using the tips mentioned in this article, and you’ll have the perfect companion.
Related Questions
Do All Purebred Great Pyrenees Have Double Dew Claws?
Based on the Great Pyrenees standard, all have two dew claws on their hind feet. If you have a Great Pyrenees with a single dew claw, it indicates that it is a mixed breed.
Do Purebred Pyrenees Have Spots?
No, purebred Pyrenees don’t have any black spots or markings.
What Colors Are Purebred Great Pyrenees?
The most common purebred Great Pyrenees has a solid white to cream coat, and a solid black coat is considered the rarest color for this breed.
Are Purebred Pyrenees All White?
No, although most purebred Pyrenees are white and the predominant color of their coat is white, some purebreds have reddish brown, gray, and tan markings specifically on their tail, head, and ears.