Great Pyrenees Puppies

The Great Pyrenees is an affectionate and confident breed with a gentle demeanor. Unless provoked, these dogs are usually quite calm and well-mannered. Great Pyrenees are devoted to their family members and are especially tolerant of children. However, they tend to be somewhat suspicious of strangers, so they make very good guard dogs. They're natural barkers, though, so apartment living isn't ideal for a Great Pyrenees. Training a Great Pyr is on the challenging side and requires patience as they are strong-willed, independent, and occasionally stubborn in nature. This breed responds best to firm and consistent, but kind, training. They're not recommended for novice or timid dog owners.

The Great Pyrenees breed is susceptible to many health conditions including hereditary cancer, bloat, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, luxating patellas, immune-mediated diseases, neurological disorders, and eye problems.

Great Pyrenees have a medium energy level and require at least an hour of exercise daily. They love going on long walks and hikes, but this should be avoided on hot days. They love spending time with their family, and playtime and daily walks are usually enough to get their energy out.

The Great Pyrenees has a silky coat that isn't difficult to brush or keep clean. You'll want to brush this breed weekly to keep their heavy shedding manageable. Since the Great Pyrenees has a coat that naturally stays clean, this breed can be bathed on an as-needed basis.

The Great Pyrenees is a breed that sheds heavily and frequently. Brushing these dogs on a weekly basis will help reduce the amount of loose hair they shed, but owners will still need to clean up plenty of hair year-round.

The Great Pyrenees' most recognizable trait is their long, thick, and wavy white coats. They are large and muscular combined with their beautiful coat gives them a majestic look. Their long coat is dirt and tangle resistant so they require minimal maintenance. Their feathered ears are set low on their head and hang close to eye level.

Developed to assist shepherds and guard flocks of sheep, the Great Pyrenees originated in the Pyrenees Mountains, which run along the border of France and Spain. It is believed that the breed is of Mastiff descent and has been around for thousands of years. At first, the Great Pyrenees was owned mostly by peasants, but in 1675, the breed was deemed the "Royal Dog of France" by King Louis XIV. Other French nobility followed suit and used the dogs to guard their estates. Throughout the 19th century, the Great Pyrenees gained popularity throughout Europe and parts of the United States. It wasn't until the 1930s that the breed's popularity became more widespread in America, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Great Pyrenees in 1933.