Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is an ancient breed with a history that stretches back thousands of years, originating in the Pyrenees Mountains, the natural border between France and Spain. These majestic dogs are believed to have descended from ancient Mastiff-type dogs brought to the region from Asia Minor around 3000 B.C. For centuries, they were indispensable to shepherds in the isolated mountain valleys, serving as formidable guardians of flocks against large predators like wolves, bears, and lynx. Their thick, weather-resistant white coats provided camouflage in the snow and protection from the harsh mountain climate.

By the 17th century, the Great Pyrenees’ noble appearance and steadfast character also led to their adoption by French nobility as impressive estate guardians. King Louis XIV even declared them the “Royal Dog of France” in 1675. Despite their aristocratic favor, they remained essential working dogs for shepherds. The breed was first imported to North America in the 19th century by General Lafayette. The American Kennel Club recognized the Great Pyrenees in 1933. Today, they are valued both as working livestock guardians and as calm, devoted family companions.

The Great Pyrenees is known for its calm, patient, and gentle temperament, especially with its own family and charges (whether livestock or children). They possess a natural nurturing instinct and are typically very tolerant and kind. However, beneath this gentle exterior lies a courageous and fearless guardian, deeply protective of its home and loved ones. They are inherently wary and suspicious of strangers and unfamiliar dogs, a trait essential for their historical role. This makes them excellent watchdogs that will readily alert to any perceived threat, often with a deep, resonant bark, particularly at night.

Great Pyrenees are intelligent but also highly independent thinkers, bred to make decisions on their own while guarding flocks in remote pastures. This independence can sometimes be interpreted as stubbornness during training. They are not typically driven by an overwhelming desire to please in the same way as some other breeds. Early and extensive socialization is crucial to help them develop into well-adjusted adults who can discern real threats from normal occurrences and to manage their natural guarding instincts appropriately. They require a confident, experienced owner who understands and respects their guardian nature.

The Great Pyrenees has a magnificent, thick, weather-resistant double coat. The outer coat is long, flat, and coarse, while the undercoat is dense, fine, and woolly. This coat is primarily white, though it may have markings of gray, badger (a mix of gray, brown, and black hairs), reddish-brown, or tan, usually on the head, ears, or at the base of the tail.

This impressive coat requires regular grooming to keep it clean, healthy, and free from mats. Great Pyrenees are significant shedders, especially during their seasonal “coat blows” (typically once or twice a year), when they lose their undercoat in massive clumps. Thorough brushing several times a week with a pin brush, slicker brush, and an undercoat rake is essential. Daily brushing will be necessary during heavy shedding periods. Their coat is somewhat dirt and tangle-resistant, so baths are needed only occasionally. A unique feature of the breed is their double dewclaws on the hind legs, which should be checked regularly and trimmed along with their other nails. Ear cleaning and dental care are also important.

Great Pyrenees have moderate exercise needs but require space to roam and a sense of purpose. They are not high-energy dogs in the sense of needing constant vigorous running like some herding or sporting breeds, but they do need regular daily activity to stay healthy and prevent boredom. Several daily walks and access to a large, securely fenced yard where they can patrol and explore are ideal.

They were bred to conserve energy, often resting or observing calmly until a threat appears, at which point they can exhibit surprising speed and agility. They enjoy leisurely walks with their family, especially in cooler weather, as their thick coats can make them prone to overheating in hot, humid conditions. Exercise should be adjusted accordingly during warm months. While they may not be enthusiastic about repetitive games of fetch, they enjoy activities that allow them to use their minds and guardian instincts, such as patrolling their property or participating in carting or drafting activities if opportunities exist. Mental stimulation is important to prevent boredom.

The Great Pyrenees is generally a hardy breed, but like all large and giant breeds, they can be susceptible to certain health conditions. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for these issues. Potential health concerns include:

• Hip Dysplasia: A common concern in large breeds, involving malformation of the hip joint. Elbow dysplasia can also occur.
• Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus – GDV): A life-threatening emergency where the stomach twists; a significant risk for deep-chested giant breeds.
• Patellar Luxation: Dislocation of the kneecap.
• Eye Conditions: Including entropion (inward rolling eyelids), ectropion (outward rolling eyelids), and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA).
• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM):** A progressive disease of the spinal cord.
• Addison’s Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism):** A disorder of the adrenal glands.
• Certain Cancers:** Like many large breeds, they can be prone to some forms of cancer, such as osteosarcoma.
• Sensitivity to Anesthesia:** Some giant breeds can be sensitive to certain anesthetic drugs.