Great Pyrenees
Updated December 1, 2025
The Great Pyrenees is a gentle and affectionate companion with a strong guarding instinct. They are patient with children and other pets when properly socialized and are fiercely loyal to their families. Their intelligence and independence require a confident and patient owner.
Gentle, Confident, Patient, Fearless, Affectionate
85-160 pounds
25-32 inches
10-12 years
White, White with markings of gray, White with markings of badger, White with markings of reddish brown, White with markings of tan
At a Glance
Good with Kids
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About Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a gentle and affectionate companion with a strong guarding instinct. They are patient with children and other pets when properly socialized and are fiercely loyal to their families. Their intelligence and independence require a confident and patient owner.
What Makes Great Pyreneess Special
The Great Pyrenees is a calm and majestic dog with a long history as a livestock guardian. They are known for their gentle nature with their family and their strong protective instincts.
With their beautiful white coat and impressive size, they are a striking breed. They are intelligent and independent, which can make training a unique experience.
Great Pyrenees History & Origin
The Great Pyrenees is an ancient breed that originated in the Pyrenees Mountains, which form a natural border between France and Spain. They were bred for centuries to guard flocks of sheep from predators like wolves and bears.
Fossils of dogs resembling the Great Pyrenees have been found dating back to 1800 B.C.
In the 17th century, the Great Pyrenees was adopted as the Royal Dog of France by the court of King Louis XIV.
The breed's numbers declined in their native region, but they were saved from extinction by dedicated breeders in the early 20th century.
The American Kennel Club recognized the Great Pyrenees in 1933.
Great Pyrenees Characteristics
Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Training Needs
Health Issues
Shedding Level
Great Pyrenees Appearance
The Great Pyrenees is a large, powerfully built dog with a thick, weather-resistant white coat. They carry themselves with an elegant and majestic gait.
Their coat can have markings of gray, badger, reddish-brown, or tan, though a pure white coat is also common. Their expression is intelligent and thoughtful.
Physical Features
Ears
Their ears are V-shaped with rounded tips, set low on the head and carried close to the face.
Eyes
They have almond-shaped, dark brown eyes that convey a gentle and intelligent expression.
Nose
The nose is always a solid black color.
Coat & Build
Coat Length
The Great Pyrenees has a long, thick double coat. The outer coat is coarse and straight or slightly wavy, while the undercoat is soft and dense.
Coat Color
The primary color is white, which can be solid or have markings of gray, badger, reddish-brown, or tan.
Tail
Their tail is long and plumed, carried low in repose and curling over the back when they are alert or in motion.
Great Pyrenees Temperament
The Great Pyrenees is known for its Zen-like calm and patience, making it a gentle companion for the whole family. They are incredibly loving with their people.
Bred to be a guardian, they are naturally confident and fearless, possessing a strong will and independent nature. This can sometimes be mistaken for stubbornness.
While they are gentle giants, their instinct is to protect. They are watchful and will bark to alert their family of any perceived threats, especially at night.
Their protective nature extends to children, with whom they are typically very patient and gentle. However, due to their large size, supervision is always recommended.
Early and consistent socialization is key to ensuring a well-rounded temperament, helping them to distinguish between welcome guests and potential threats.
Temperament Traits
Good With
Health
The Great Pyrenees has a lifespan of 10-12 years. They are a generally healthy breed, but like all large breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary care are important for a long and healthy life.
Common Health Issues
Preventive Care
Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and early screening for genetic conditions are crucial for preventative care.
How to Care for a Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a majestic breed that requires commitment to grooming and training. While not overly active, they need space and a securely fenced yard. Their independent nature requires a patient and consistent owner.
Grooming
The Great Pyrenees has a thick double coat that sheds heavily, especially during seasonal changes. Regular brushing, at least a few times a week, is essential to prevent matting and control shedding.
Their coat is naturally resistant to dirt, so baths are only needed occasionally. Over-bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils.
Regular nail trims are important to prevent discomfort and mobility issues. Ear cleaning should also be part of the routine to prevent infections.
It is also important to check for and remove any debris or tangles from their coat, especially after being outdoors.
Training
Training a Great Pyrenees can be challenging due to their independent and sometimes stubborn nature. They were bred to think for themselves, so they may not always be eager to please.
Positive reinforcement methods work best. Use treats, praise, and toys to motivate them. Harsh training methods should be avoided.
Early socialization and puppy training classes are crucial to help them become well-behaved companions.
Consistency and patience are key. Keep training sessions short and engaging to maintain their interest.
Diet
A high-quality dog food formulated for large breeds is recommended. These formulas provide the right balance of nutrients for their size and growth.
The amount of food will depend on their age, size, activity level, and metabolism. It is important to monitor their weight to prevent obesity, which can lead to health problems.
Feeding two smaller meals a day rather than one large meal can help prevent bloat, a serious condition in large, deep-chested breeds.
Always provide access to fresh, clean water.
Exercise
Despite their large size, Great Pyrenees have moderate exercise needs. A couple of daily walks and some time to roam in a securely fenced yard is usually sufficient.
They are not built for long-distance running but enjoy leisurely walks where they can sniff and explore.
It is important to keep them on a leash when not in a fenced area, as they have a tendency to wander.
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle toys and interactive games can help keep their minds sharp.
Environment
The Great Pyrenees is not well-suited for apartment living due to their size and need for space.
A home with a large, securely fenced yard is ideal. They are not a breed that can be left to roam freely due to their strong instinct to wander and guard a large territory.
They have a thick coat that protects them in cold weather, but they can be sensitive to heat. It's important to provide a cool, shaded area for them in warmer climates.
Their tendency to bark, especially at night, might be a concern for close neighbors.
Living Conditions
Space Requirements
A home with a large, securely fenced yard is a necessity.
Climate Adaptability
They thrive in cooler climates and are not well-suited for hot weather.
Apartment Living
Apartment living is not recommended for this breed.
Best Suited For
Best suited for experienced owners who understand their independent nature and can provide a suitable environment.
Training Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Great Pyrenees good family dogs?
Yes, Great Pyrenees can be excellent family dogs. They are known for being gentle and patient with children. However, their large size requires supervision around very young children.
How much do Great Pyrenees shed?
Great Pyrenees shed heavily, especially during the spring and fall. Regular brushing is necessary to manage the shedding.
Are Great Pyrenees easy to train?
Great Pyrenees are intelligent but also very independent, which can make them challenging to train. They require a patient and consistent owner who uses positive reinforcement techniques.
Do Great Pyrenees bark a lot?
Yes, Great Pyrenees have a strong instinct to guard and will bark to alert their owners of anything they perceive as a threat, particularly at night.
Can Great Pyrenees live in hot climates?
Great Pyrenees have a thick double coat and are best suited for cooler climates. They can struggle in hot weather and need access to shade and air conditioning to prevent overheating.
Specialized Care Guides
Puppy Care
Early socialization with a variety of people, sights, and sounds is crucial. Puppy training classes can be beneficial.
Senior Care
As they age, they may require joint supplements and adjustments to their exercise routine. Regular veterinary check-ups are important.
First-Time Owner Tips
The Great Pyrenees is generally not recommended for first-time dog owners due to their independent nature and specific care requirements.
Looking for a Great Pyrenees?
Connect with responsible breeders, rescue organizations, and pet adoption services in your area.