4 things to know before getting a Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees are renowned for their loyal and affectionate nature, beautiful white coats, and charming nature – making them a popular choice among dog owners.
If you’re considering getting a Great Pyrenees, here are four things you need to know about the breed before you bring one home.
Space and exercise requirements
Great Pyrenees are large mountain dogs that are known for their tall stature, with the average male standing between 27 and 32 inches, and a female between 25 and 29 inches. For this reason, you must have plenty of space for them to play, sleep and relax both inside and out in the garden.
You’ll need to create enough space for a large dog bed or crate, where they can lie down fully and stretch out. You should also consider their exercise needs and whether this will suit your lifestyle. While they are a big breed, they don’t need as much exercise as you may think – with around 30 minutes a day usually being sufficient!
Temperament and behaviour
What makes Great Pyrenees such a great companion is their affectionate nature. They are extremely caring dogs with a typically calm and gentle demeanour.
However, it’s important to know that they are an intelligent breed and extremely protective. They were bred as guardians of their flock and have a natural instinct to protect their family – so they’ll take action if they think their owner is being attacked or is in danger.
Grooming and coat maintenance
Despite their thick double coat, Great Pyrenees don’t need much grooming. As they were bred as mountain dogs, their fur is resistant to dirt and matting, and it self-cleans – but that’s not to say they need no grooming!
It’s recommended to comb their fur once per week to keep the coat looking its best. You’ll also need to bath them occasionally, as well as brush their teeth, clip their nails, and clean their ears. You can either learn how to groom your dog yourself or take them to a professional who will give them the TLC they need!
Health considerations
There are certain conditions that Great Pyrenees can be affected by, which the American Kennel Club recommends breeders should test for.
This includes conditions like elbow and hip dysplasia, eye disorders, and luxating patellas. They also advise checking for Neuronal Degeneration and Dwarfism, which they say “are of great significance in Great Pyrenees”.
If you go ahead and get a pooch, you should do regular checks of them to make sure they’re fit and healthy. Plus, if you’re getting a puppy, you’ll need to make sure they’ve had all the essential vaccinations and immunisations they need to live a healthy and waggy-tailed life.
We hope this information will help you decide whether a Great Pyrenees is the right dog for you!