Great Pyrenees are easy discern by their long , flow white coats and meditative expressions . cover to guard sheep from large predator in the Pyrenees mass , these big , strong , calm , and smart pawl , bang to their fans as " Pyrs , " have long been accustomed to working hard and make believe their own determination .
They ’re not especially common in the United States , perhaps because this stock is n’t for everyone : They can sometimes seem willful and challenge to train one moment , and docile and endearing the next . For the right owner , however , the Great Pyrenees can be a loyal family dog .
Appearance
With the Great Pyrenees ' size , impressive intensity , andthick , downy white coating , it ’s no surprise that this breed is often compare to a glacial bear . The Great Pyrenees top ranges from 25–32 inches at the shoulder . Females weigh around 85 pounds and male can be well over 100 pound . These dogs have rich , brown centre that are soulful and level-headed .
" These are really pretty dogs , " says Scott Neabore , DVM , who ownsNeabore Veterinary Clinicin Haddonfield , N.J. The Great Pyrenees colors are ashen , or mostly white , and can also bear markings in badger , gray , or tan . The double pelage is amazingly resistant to dirt and tangles . Shedding , however , is constant with the Great Pyrenees , so brushing help handle the fly fur .
Temperament
Bred to watch over sheep and farm animal for long periods of metre , the Great Pyrenees have a temperament that is patient , calm , and composed . " The unity I see are fairly stoic , " Neabore says . " They ’ll kind of let you do what you want . They ’re not overly dramatic like some other breeds . "
Independence is in their nature , and that can hail through as fractiousness or aloofness towards strangers . Because of that inclination , and their large size , it’simportant to trainandsocialize Great Pyrenees puppieswhile they ’re young . Overall , this breed is easy and loyal , and he can be a great menage dog as well as a defender , watching over his owner , their children , and other pets .
Living Needs
With mess - dog origin , the Great Pyreneescan’t get enough of the cold . “These are the kind of cad that , if it ’s hoodwink out , they need to be out of doors and they do n’t want to add up in spite of appearance , " Neabore says . " Certainly if you live in Florida , you might not view a breed like this . It ’s not that you ca n’t have it , but they ’re cash in one’s chips to be more well-situated in the cooler weather condition . "
Alarge , fenced yardor even a farm or cattle ranch is an idealistic setting for the Great Pyrenees , who was literally hold to roam . With that wander inclination fare a desire to escape and explore , so gates andleashes are a mustfor this breed - off - trine adventures are n’t advised . The Great Pyreneestends to barkand enjoys quiet and routine . Because they were accustomed , long ago , to standing precaution over sheep at night , these dogs are nocturnal and be given to be more playful after darkness and snooze the day by . Pyrs are splendid companions for other pets , gentle around catsand other much small beast .
Historically , the Great Pyrenees spent a heap of time alone . Today , they can tolerate solo meter but also have a tendency to get blase , and that can lead to unsuitable demeanour .
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" If you are a syndicate that does n’t have a lot of time for a dog , and you ’re working a spate and the andiron is just staying home and stare at the wall , they ’re in all probability fail to start having some behavioral issues . They might be uneasy , they might have separation anxiety , those sorts of problems , " Neabore says . " These are dogs that need a job . You desire to do long walks , you want to play with them , you need to do some enrichment with them so they ’re not make completely bored . "
Care
Pyrs have a double coating to protect them against cold atmospheric condition , and because of that , they shed … a lot . Shedding happens throughout the class , as well as a more thoroughgoing shed in the bounce . brush their hairat least once a week help oneself . unconstipated nail trimmingandteeth brushingshould also be a part of thegrooming routine .
The Great Pyrenees is an active breed and a moderateexercise procedure , in the form of regular walks , is healthy for these Canis familiaris both mentally and physically . They also are excellent working click and savour activities includingobedience breeding , trial , and pulling go-cart .
Smart and willful , Pyrs can be strong - willed when it come up to training , agree to the Great Pyrenees Club of America . They might not see the point insitting on cue stick , and are sometimes describe as " almost Caterpillar - like in their independence . " Consistency , positive reward , and solitaire are key when working with these dog .
Health
The Great Pyreneeslifespan is lengthyfor a large hound , at 10–12 year . And whilegenerally sound , Great Pyrenees are susceptible to a number of wellness conditions , including cubital joint andhip dysplasia , knee problems , oculus diseases , neurological disorders , andcertain cancers .
In addition , this breed can get frombloat , or stomachic dilation volvulus ( GDV ) complex , which is a consideration that happens when air collect in the stomach , causing it to twist . It can be aliveness - threatening . While there are some steps owners can take that may diminish the endangerment of bloat , there seems to be a genetic connection to the circumstance , Neabore says .
When he speaks with the owners of large - breed puppy , admit the Great Pyrenees , he often recommends a procedure called a gastropexy , which can be execute when the animal is beingspayed or neutered , and entails suturing the stomach ’s outer wall to the body wall , preventing it from moving . " It ’s a small procedure , " Neabore says . " With any of those large , deeply - chested breeds , I normally commend doing that as a protective measure against having that problem down the road . "
Owners of Great Pyrenees should speak with their veterinarian about health risks and preventive pick .
History
These classifiable white whelp are name for the hilly region between Spain and France , where they once guarded sheep for their possessor . In the gamy elevation , their thick , weather - repellent coats shelter them from the cold .
Throughout account , these dogs have been widely respected for their smarts and their regal looks . fit in to the Great Pyrenees Club of America , the Great Pyrenees was so precious in France , that in 1675 , the strain was declared the " Royal Dog of France " by King Louis XIV ’s court .
Fossil evidence suggests that these dogs have been around since ancient times . Deposits from the Bronze Age that date to 1800–1000 B.C. bear a resemblance to this stock , which is thought to have originated in Asia as far back as 11,000 year ago .
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Today , there is only one eccentric of Great Pyrenees , but there are a number of Great Pyrenees premix , such as Malanees ( Great Pyrenees plusAlaskan malamute ) , Shepnees ( bang-up Pyrenees plusGerman shepherd ) , Pyredoodle ( Great Pyrenees pluspoodle ) , and others .
Fun Facts
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