Great Pyrenees

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Great Pyrenees

Great Pyrenees Characteristics

Size:
Grooming Needs:
Exercise Needs:
Good With Dogs:
Watchdog Ability:

Great Pyrenees Breed Information

Breed Group: Working

Weight: Male: 100; Female: 85 lbs

Height: Male: 27-32; Female: 25-29 inches

Color(s): white or white with markings of gray, badger, reddish brown, or tan

great pyrenees akc reg

Great Pyrenees

$600.00

Overview

This very devoted and protective breed makes for a great guardian of both his family and livestock. An obedient dog, the Great Pyrenees is gentle and affectionate, but also relatively serious. The Great Pyrenees is a loveable large breed that reminds many of a teddy bear.

Character

Sometimes stubborn and independent, the Great Pyrenees is very loyal but wary of unfamiliar people or animals. Basically well mannered and affectionate, this breed does do well for companion purposes but shows his true colors in a country environment.

Temperament

Gentle, affectionate, obedient and eager to please, this breed does exceptionally well as a guardian of livestock. Commonly used for sheep and cattle. As the Great Pyrenees can be willful, training can be difficult. Good with other animals, and does surprisingly well with cats.

Care

Shedding heavily once a year, the Great Pyrenees requires much maintenance during this period. Regular brushing is always necessary with a medium to long haired breed, and should be brushed all the way to the undercoat to prevent matting. Occasional baths are acceptable.

Coat

The Great Pyrenees has a beautiful solid white double coat. The outercoat must be coarse and long, and is either straight or very slightly wavy. The undercoat should be thick and soft, somewhat like cotton. The coat of this breed is weather resistant.

Training

The Great Pyrenees can prove difficult to handle, and train. However, they are very eager to work and please their owner. With the right training techniques, a dominant handler, and proven methods, this breed should be very obedient and loyal.

Activity

The Great Pyrenees does not do well in apartment life, and should always have a medium to large sized yard. Regular runs off lead are best for this large dog, but supervised walks will also do.

Ask a Question Great Pyrenees Questions & Answers

QUESTION: Can a seven month old Pyrenees be introduced to livestock and instinctively know to protect them without another experienced Pyrenees to teach them? The reason being is that I live in a neighborhood with a big backyard where he has to roam around. He just barks so much when he is outside and I don't want to annoy the neighbors. I bought a mastidoodle puppy for him so he could have a buddy, and they love each other dearly and are the best of friends but he still barks so much that I might have to give him up. People keep telling me to try a bark collar to see if that helps but I don't know if I should because barking is just so natural for him. Does anyone reccomend that I try a collar? Or will it mess with his emotions if he cant bark anymore. Thank you very much

Anonymous - 2/1/2012 4:53:00 PM

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At seven months a Pyrennes isn't ready to guard anyway. They do their best when about 1.5 to 2 years old. I don't think it would be a problem to rehome him with a good home in the country. Mine protects my home, my cats and my chickens believe it or not. As far as the barking collar, I don't know. Mine barks but it doesn't bother me and homes are far enough apart here to where I receive no complaints. Barking is their primary guarding instinct. He's just letting everything know he's there and stay away. I'd rather have a barking guard dog than a biting one.

Anonymous - 2/7/2012 3:27:50 PM

QUESTION: I have a female Pyr that is 2 yrs. old and not spayed. She has a definate aggression issue towards anyone outside of our immediate family. We are working on this daily and seeing improvement. Is there any evidence that spaying will help settle her down hormonally or emotionally? She has had absolutely no interest in breeding and will chase any male away.

Anonymous - 2/1/2012 3:14:28 AM

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QUESTION: how do i stop my pyrenees puppy from non-stop barking in her crate?

Anonymous - 1/13/2012 8:23:15 PM

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If you are trying to raise a house pet: your Pyrenees needs a lot more time outside in a yard, loose in the house and safe chew toys. This breed isn't designed to be a house pet, boredom is not an option for these dogs. Also, their original working instincts have not been bred out of them, so they are harder to obedience train than some other breeds. These dogs were designed to work independently and make their own decisions, not constantly accept the commands of people.

wywildfire - 1/28/2012 10:32:03 PM

Pyrs should not be in a crate. It is against their nature to be boarded up. They are guardian livestock dogs. It is what they are bred to be. We have pyrs and are outside all the time guarding our alpacas and other farm animals. The older dogs, believe it or not, do train the younger dogs. When people come, they are great and are affectionate but also respectful of the elderly and the young children. They are the best dogs.

Anonymous - 1/21/2012 8:31:58 PM

QUESTION: HOW OLD DO PYRENEES PUPPIES NEED TO BE TO BE WEANED?

Anonymous - 1/6/2012 9:42:36 PM

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6-8 weeks old

wywildfire - 1/28/2012 10:35:25 PM

QUESTION: We have 3 dogs, all rescues, male pyr mix, female Newfoundland and Beaux, male pyr-14 mos. We got Beaux at 5 mos. He’s fixed, and an alpha. He loves his bro and sis dearly and is part of the pack. He dislikes other dogs. If we’re petting him and the others walk up, he fights. If we're petting the others and he walks up, he's fine. Tonight was the scariest instance to date. Beaux was laying by us when the Newfie came up. Beaux started to growl intensely. My husband tapped Beaux's nose and told him, No, bad boy and I said the same. Normally he backs off but he didn’t. He suddenly stood up and lunged towards Bill, still growling and barked. It happened so fast we don't know if he lunged at Bill or Sofie. He laid on his bed. I went to him and told him he was bad and he became submissive, showing he was sorry. He apologized to Bill also. I've never had a Pyr this jealous; I worry whether it will get worse. We’ve had him 10 mos. Outside of this he is very loving. Advice please. Thanks DJ

Anonymous - 12/29/2011 4:15:41 AM

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QUESTION: We have a 4 year old Great Pryenees we got as a rescue 6 months ago. She is a great dog, but does not like other animals (dogs or cats) and gets very aggressive towards them. Any suggestions on how to change the behavior?

Anonymous - 12/16/2011 2:07:22 PM

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Obedience classes.

wywildfire - 12/31/2011 4:01:42 PM

i also have the same problem with my pyre. she was a rescue and has been unbelievably great except for small dogs and cats. larger dogs are fine but i feels as if she considers small dogs her meals. it scares me when i take her out in a public enviroment. please let me know if you come up with any answers. thank you

Anonymous - 12/16/2011 4:52:55 PM

QUESTION: how old does a great pyrenees need to be before she can have babies?

Anonymous - 12/11/2011 4:29:49 PM

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A great pyrenees should be 2 years old.

wywildfire - 12/31/2011 4:02:32 PM

QUESTION: We are moving across state and are wondering how Great Pyrenees dogs do on long distance trips?

Anonymous - 11/10/2011 7:09:46 PM

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Great Pyrenees do fine riding in cars, you will need to stop for potty breaks.

faulkrancho - 12/12/2011 10:04:17 AM

QUESTION: I adopted a great pyrenees from a dog shellter, in the beginning it was an awsome dog to have around, time passed and he started going to the bathroom in my boy's room and on their toys as well and pretty much all over the house, he's going on 3 yrs now and we've talked to vets, specialist and so forth and tried everything except for a training shock collar. I would hate to get rid of him, but im at work alot and he doesn't listen to me or my wife at all and its driving her nuts, I love the dog but something has gotta give. any suggestions plz write back. Thanks, The Franco's

Anonymous - 10/24/2011 10:36:25 AM

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This is a bored dog. He is a working dog and needs a job. Unless you get involved with your dogs life and spend some time with him it will only just get worse. There are so many things you can do. Obedience training is a must for him and for you. Then start do something like obedience competition, carting, backpacking etc that will keep him busy, give him exercie. Idealy, he needs something to guard, whether it be goats, bunnies, anything like that. Also you need to do some research online about the character of your dog. That will help you understand him better.

tanimara - 1/9/2012 8:00:33 AM

Tried obedience classes? Closing the bedroom door? Keeping your great pyrenees outside when no one is home, or in a dog crate in the house? Get him in an obedience class asap.

wywildfire - 12/31/2011 4:05:15 PM

Is your great pyrenees neutered? This is dominance marking more than likely and whenever you catch him in the act squirt him with water, distract him, make a noise and take him outside. He is being dominant and saying this is mine. If not neutered get him done

Anonymous - 12/23/2011 4:12:18 AM

QUESTION: I'm planning to get a Great Pyrenees but I live in Los Angeles. I don't really have a backyard but there is a park near my house. Also, I live next to the Los Angeles river which I can take him to exercise/walk with. How will a Great Pyrenees do in a typical summer at Los Angeles(inside the house? with AC and stuff)? Thanks!

Anonymous - 10/20/2011 2:06:00 AM

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Inside with A/C a Pyr will survive. Please research this breed's instincts BEFORE you try to make one a housepet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

wywildfire - 1/28/2012 10:59:39 PM

QUESTION: We have 2 indoor cats and are thinking of adopting a 6 year old Great Pyr. from a rescue organization. We need to have the cat's litter, food, etc. in a separate room, but obviously need them to have access, and the dog not to have access. Does anyone have experience as far as keeping the dog out of the cat's "Safe" area? Thank you!

Anonymous - 10/7/2011 3:57:02 PM

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Put a small doggie door leading into the cat safe room so the cats have access.

Anonymous - 1/20/2012 10:02:23 AM

We also have a GP and 3 cats. A baby gate that is high enough for the cats to get under but blocks access for the dog is really what worked for us.

Anonymous - 12/10/2011 2:45:26 AM

I have two indoor cats and a GP and a boston terrier living with my fiancée and I in a camper. I do not have a problem with anything, they all get along great

Anonymous - 10/24/2011 4:07:29 PM

install a cat door in the wall or door leading to the litter box and food

Anonymous - 10/7/2011 11:26:38 PM

QUESTION: Help I have a 3 year old Great Pyrenees that i rescued and house training is not going well she will not go in a crate or small rooms so she has the whole house. i have had her for 8 months and we have only had afew dry nights. food & water are taken away around 7 p.m. she will go outside and do her jobs 2 times before bed time 10 i even take her out at midnight and by 6 a.m. she has had an accident any advice would be great. She has been through so much and is now doing very well emotionaly i love her,but my carpet dosen't

Anonymous - 10/4/2011 2:43:44 PM

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You might have your Great Pyrenees checked for Addison's. We got one over a year ago and she has the disease. Guess that is not uncommon for the pry. We are doing better, now that we are treating the Addison's.

Anonymous - 1/21/2012 6:20:29 PM

Maybe your Great Pyrenees has a bladder(UTI) infection. Mine had one which caused frequent urination and is now all cleared up

Anonymous - 10/27/2011 5:52:05 AM

QUESTION: I just bought a 5 week old female pyrenees puppy. I am giving her wet food only at this time. At what age can I switch to dry/wet food? And is crating her for 4 hours too long? Damage in the long run?

Anonymous - 9/21/2011 9:55:52 AM

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Crating for 4 hours at a time is ok. You can start mixing dry food into your pyrenees wet till she is on dry food by 7-8 weeks.

wywildfire - 1/28/2012 10:49:30 PM

QUESTION: I was given a beautiful 14 month old female pyrenees 9 months ago. She is very rambunctous but attached to the family and our other animals. She is especially protective of our home to the point she will not allow anyone to step foot on the property. No mailman, Fed Ex, or garbage pick up even if she is behind the fence as they are afraid she may get to them. I am required to have her in the house or garage! She is so loving with us - what has gone wrong? Thanks for any help you can give.

Anonymous - 9/13/2011 3:13:34 AM

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Your Pyr is doing EXACTLY what the breed is supposed to do. They were not designed to be pets in modern society. Personally I would love to have some of her bloodline! Great original instinct! With a leash, obedience training and patience you can teach her that it is ok for you to decide who may approach your property when you are home. Remember Pyrs were designed to decide for themselves because the shepderds were rarely present. You will never be able to tone down this instinct when you are not home! You may wish to consider a breed more designed for modern society.

wywildfire - 1/28/2012 10:57:37 PM

Agreed, the Great Pyr is a Livestock Guard dog... that is their nature. You can definitely get a well rounded guard dog though if you start your training! At this point, I recommend a professional trainer in your area. Good luck friend!

Anonymous - 11/12/2011 8:26:14 PM

I owned 2 pyrs and took to heart early on advise to raise them to accept strangers by socializing them at every opportunity. I lived way out in the country but there was enough of a population that I could usually count on someone taking an evening walk by my place on a daily basis. I tried to have one or both dogs in the front yard at this time and would ask people to stop and say hello. I started mine very young and would recommend that, at 14 months, you have her on a leash when you do this. If you are consistent she should eventually learn to be a little more accepting but don't count on it if you're not home and do NOT tell the mailman etc. that she'll be OK with them if you are not around.

Anonymous - 11/12/2011 10:43:07 AM

You adopted a great pyrenees.... These dogs were bred for guarding their flock and to your pyr, You are the flock. Sounds like you need to call in a trainer or maybe even look up a local pyr rescue person for some helpful tips. Your pyr is still young but without training this situation sounds like it could get worse. Good luck and start training now!

Anonymous - 10/8/2011 5:05:15 AM

QUESTION: My Great Pyrenees guards our alpacas, hence she is out in the field. When she got into heat, a neighbor's pit bull got her pregnant. Now she has 10 puppies which most of it looks more like a pit and few have the 2nd dew claw. The combination of the two breeds worries me. Any advise other than givng the pupps away at 6 weeks.

Anonymous - 9/2/2011 1:39:51 PM

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Consider spaying your dog or remember that a vet can give her a shot within 48 hours of a breeding so she doesn't concieve. At this point only give them to people who aren't dog fighters and who will take them to obedience classes.

wywildfire - 12/31/2011 4:10:51 PM

Check veterinarian records for potential adopters, make sure that the pets they have had or have go to the vet for yearly exams and are up to date on vaccines, heart worm preventative. This would not be a dog for the first time dog owner. Maybe ask an adoption fee and then put it towards a training class somewhere? So they pay the remainder if any? Check groomers as well to see if previous dogs if long coated were well kept, just a thought but definitely don't give these pups to just anyone! Good luck! :)

Anonymous - 9/6/2011 7:11:41 AM

QUESTION: Do great pyrenees kill baby goats?

Anonymous - 8/22/2011 10:55:20 AM

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A young great pyrenees pup may accidentilly kill livestock by playing with it to much. Pups should be raised in their own pen beside the livestock until they are almost one year old.

wywildfire - 8/30/2011 9:54:49 PM

QUESTION: How well would a great pyrenees do in south Louisiana? Would all of the fur make him hot if outside?

Anonymous - 8/18/2011 6:26:58 PM

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I'm in North Central Texas, and I own 2 Pyrs. They are GREAT house pets, we have a big back yard, and keep them inside except when they go out for pottie. They're not hugely active, and do quite well with just a bit of running in the back along with walks in the neighborhood when it's not too hot out!

Anonymous - 9/4/2011 10:30:52 PM

I have great pyrenees and I am familiar with that climate. A Pyr would have to be a house pet with air conditioning to survive. Even in an air conditioned house you will have to brush every day and check for hot spots. Unfortunately the Pyrs instincts and personality are not meant for a house pet's life. Personally, I would hesitate allowing one of my pups to go into that kind heat & humidity. I would ask you to consider an Anatolian shepherd for that climate first.

wywildfire - 8/30/2011 10:02:33 PM

QUESTION: Our wonerful Great Pyrenees pup is 9 months old, and after she got spayed, she seemed to be slowly failing. She had intermittent diarrhea but also runny eyes, nose, and occasional cough, seemed feverish at times, and mostly slept - she lost weight. The vet did not find anything despite hundreds of bucks... my husband had tick fever, so he took doxycycline, and when i looked up the doggy tick fever symptoms, she had them all. She got much better on doxycycling 200 mg am/pm but after 3weeks, we stopped it, and she got worse again, not as bad yet, but another slow slide of decline. Shall we retreat at a higher dose? Some of the websites say to treat at 10mg/kg twice a day, for a month... to really get rid of the disease. Our vet seemed to think we did not give a high enough dosage... please any guidance?

Anonymous - 8/15/2011 8:10:08 PM

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No rimadyl, at least as far as I know. I can look into it....I was looking at photos of her from before getting spayed, and she had a pink area of the nose prior to that. Once she started doxycycline her nose got all black again.... The websites indicate this pink nose indicates the tick born disease process.

Anonymous - 10/10/2011 7:36:17 PM

Just Curious, Was your Great Pyrenees puppy given Rimadyl for pain after she was spayed ?? My puppy almost died after receiving this medication. Her liver was damaged and I had to force feed and give her water from a syringe for two months. I'm very happy to say, she recovered and is doing well now.

Anonymous - 10/10/2011 5:00:40 PM

Just wanted to give you all an update on our Great Pyrenees pup -- she is soooo much better now, after approx 3 weeks on the higher dose: there was a pinkish area of her nose which got black again, her eyes and lips got a lot less droppy and runny -- we had not realized that was all part of the infection! she is starting to run and play more, and is finally starting to really eat and gain weight - no longer looks so bony. Our vet is a nice person, but she really missed the boat on this one! How do we find a really good vet? And does anyone know how long this pup needs to take the doxyxycline... I am now afraid to stop it too soon. I think she was on her way to a slow death :( but now she looks really happy and playful again.

Anonymous - 8/31/2011 7:09:15 PM

Your vet is correct about the dosage. But I would demand to know why he didn't test for or think of the disease himself, he is SUPPOSSED to be a professional.

wywildfire - 8/30/2011 10:04:31 PM

QUESTION: Would you recommend getting a male or a female Great Pyrenees for beginners? Also, is it better to get them as puppies or as adults?

Anonymous - 7/19/2011 8:37:49 PM

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I have had both. The male was much more strong willed than the female. Both of my Great Pyrenees were a delight but I'd definitely recommend the female for a first time owner if you were getting only one. If you have room (lots of room ie. country) get a male and a female. Great fun to watch two 100 lb. white dogs running together. Never tow of the same sex; male OR female.

Anonymous - 11/12/2011 10:49:42 AM

It is your choice. Males may not get along with other males when they grow up. Beginner's should always get a puppy! After the age of six months it can take months for a Pyr to trust a new owner. A dog over 100 pounds can easily kill someone it doesn't trust! Rescuing adult Pyrs takes a lot of experience and patience.

wywildfire - 7/22/2011 4:38:34 PM

I have a female Great Pyrenees and she is the highlight of my day amd a great protector and get as puppy.

Anonymous - 7/20/2011 8:44:38 PM

QUESTION: I am trying to convince my husband to get a bernese mountain dog/ great pyrenees mix. The problem is we already have 4 cats- 1 ten year old, 2 8 year olds, and 1 4 year old. He doesn't want a big dog because of the cat problem. We have a big yard fenced in, with all the room for it to roam around in. Do great pyrenees have problems with cats and are they territorial?

Anonymous - 7/19/2011 8:30:38 PM

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My Pyr lives with two black cats in a camper, they all ignore each other

Anonymous - 10/24/2011 4:14:54 PM

We have a 6 month old pyr. He was brought in to our home at 8 weeks. We have 2 cats. He does play and is curious with them, but has always been very gentle. In fact, there are times when they will curl up next to him now. Good luck!

Anonymous - 9/9/2011 10:24:44 PM

Our 8 yr old Pyr didn't even acknowledge our cat when we got it. Should not be a problem at all.

Anonymous - 8/1/2011 11:25:03 PM

My pyrs have no problem with my cats, they just ignore them. You didn't say what problem the cats are causing (just rubbing the husband the wrong way?)

wywildfire - 7/22/2011 4:40:21 PM

QUESTION: Would a great pyrenees do well in a small/medium sized house with a small yard but several walks/runs a day?

Anonymous - 7/13/2011 9:25:02 PM

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My Great Pyrenees boy (small house, small yard, with walks)developed his own "job." (Pyrs are pretty smart) Each morning he dragged me up the trail, cut across to the schoolbus stop, and made sure all the kids got onto the bus properly. He barked at the driver if kids were late so they wouldn't be left. Only then could we go back home. Find a school or a nursing home that is on your "walking route" and your dog will make his own job...and will make you many friends, too.

Anonymous - 9/12/2011 6:07:30 PM

It might with enough walks and toys to avoid boredom. By the time your great pyrenees is a year old it's instincts to protect a flock and patrol its territory will turn on. If you don't have a "flock" (children, cats, small pets, etc) it may go wandering until it finds a flock to protect.

wywildfire - 7/22/2011 4:44:15 PM

QUESTION: i have a 14 week old Great Pyrenees that we can't stop jumping on people and cars. How can I keep her to stay down?

Anonymous - 6/19/2011 3:52:32 PM

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when our Great Pyrenees used to do that we would put our knee up to stop them. Of course all dogs need fences or leashed and you won't have to worry about the cars. we never let ours play bite as a puppy either, we always say no and play with them using an appropriate toy instead

hawaiihill - 7/17/2011 2:37:13 PM

Use a leash when she is around other people or cars. I find that bending down and yelling NO at a puppy with its paws on me startles them and is very effective- put your hands on your hips when you do this so you don't accidently touch the pup (she will think it is praise and petting). Teach your Great Pyrenees to lay down on command. So when she meets people she can be told to lay down and then get her fill of petting, praise and attention (which is what she is after).If she is jumping up on your car when you come home- roll up the windows before you get home and listen to a couple of songs on the radio while you wait for her to relax. Do not look at her, talk to her or yell at her thru the glass or get out of your car until she has moved away from the car and her attention is focused on something else. Take her to an obedience or AKC canine good citizen class that will teach you howto handle/train your dog properly (before she is 70 pounds at 7 months old!)

wywildfire - 6/27/2011 5:11:50 PM

If your Great Pyrenees jumps onto people turn and ignore her till she sit's then give her a reward repeat till she doesn't jump

Anonymous - 6/27/2011 12:06:19 PM

QUESTION: I have a 1 year old Great Pyrenees, and whenever I let her out without a leash, she runs away, and whenver I call her, she just ignores me and keeps on running. Yet, whenever I call her when I'm inside the house, she comes right away. How do I get her to stop running away and to come when I call her?

Anonymous - 6/13/2011 2:03:12 PM

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My Great Pyrenees is almost 6. 72 acres to be a guardian with goats but still takes off through fence. Will not listen when I call her if she is off my place. Listens when she is inside 72 fenced acres. 5 1/2 years of her not listening.

Anonymous - 1/25/2012 3:57:02 PM

haha your answer lies in the first 8 words of your question. Great pyrenees know no boundaries and will run away like no other no matter what!! Im sure you've read all about this before acquiring your girl though..

Anonymous - 10/24/2011 4:18:41 PM

if you have alot of property where your Great Pyrenees can't bother anyone and she is running off that is normal. but no matter how long it takes her to come home when she returns reward with a delicious treat. she'll learn quickly that when you call she gets rewarded. otherwise all dogs should have fences.

hawaiihill - 7/17/2011 2:39:01 PM

Take your Great Pyrenees to an obedience class. Also use a long leash (20-30 feet) so she understands that you can still reach her most of the time. And is she getting enough excersise? Sounds like she is desperate to move around. And remember no matter how mad you get- no one wants to approach someone who is mad and yelling! Always call her with a happy voice and praise her A LOT when she come to you. Convince her it is more fun getting pets and praise than running. I do not recommend using a radio controled shock collar as most Pyrs just don't feel the pain or care about it.

wywildfire - 6/27/2011 5:18:14 PM

QUESTION: Hi,I have a 8 yr pld great pyrenees and i get him shaved very short every june is that a good thing or not?i heard a pyrenees should never be shaved because their hair helps keep them cool

Anonymous - 6/1/2011 11:58:44 AM

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Shaving any double coated breed is never a good idea. It seems like it would be a good idea-but working as a groomer for several years I have seen the effects of double coats being shaved. The hair has a risk of either growing back patchy, not at all, too thick, another color, and it can also shed more because the folicles themselves become damaged. The double coat protects the skin and acts as a cooling system and helps to regulate body temp. A much better alternative to shaving is to brush the coat often with a rubber curry brush, a furminator brush (to take out dead undercoat) and a slicker brush. All of these brushes combined will remove dead hair and allow for better circulation. Some grooming salons offer "low shed" services using these tools and others like it if you don't want to do it at home. This will help keep your dog much cooler than shaving, and it will not damage the coat. Hope this helps.

Anonymous - 12/10/2011 3:05:46 AM

I had a pyrenees and kept him shaved, primarily to control shedding. It depends on where you live and how much sun they get. If your pyr is out in the open all day without shade they will burn up. Our pyr spent most of the day inside enjoying the air conditioning so it wasn't ever really an issue.

Anonymous - 6/9/2011 2:56:50 PM

QUESTION: We have a 17 month old female pyrenees. To keep her teeth and gums healthy I have tried all kinds of dog bones (real and synthetic) from the pet stores and she is not all that interested in them (includes Greenees and other similar products. I have also tried brushing her teeth and she resists most of the time. I recently tried beef dog bones from a butcher shop. She loves them, her teeth and gums look great, but each time she has one of these bones, it results in upsetting her stomach and messes the next morning. Does anyone have any advice on whatelse I can try to keep her teeth and gums healthy and clean?

Anonymous - 5/29/2011 6:37:09 PM

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Normal dog bones should work, and if it is a large concern, just like you, you can take your Great Pyrenees to the vet for regular cleanings.

hawaiihill - 7/17/2011 2:40:16 PM

QUESTION: I have a 2 yr. pyr . He scratches all over his body. I keep him clean and put flea and tick repellent but he still scratches?.

Anonymous - 5/19/2011 5:19:05 PM

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My Pyr has allergies to the grass/pollen. Does your dog shake its head alot or lick its feet? If so, you may need to inquire about allergies..... I have to give her allergy pills every day....but she is worth it!

Anonymous - 7/1/2011 9:34:16 AM

Comfortis pills for flea control is the BOMB! Must be used according to weight! Cortismoothe Shampoo does wonders. Feed your Great Pyrenees dry food, made special 4 skin & coat. I use Nutro Holistic Superfood from Petsmart, Lamb & rice formula. Expensive but worth it. I feed him one can a day of simple Pedigree now made 4 skin & coat. Assorted flavors. Human food is a NO NO! My dog is allergic to evthing, especially fleas. Spray never works. He may need a jumpstart on the flea control using Capstar. Abt 6bucks f the vet. He has been to the vet numerous times. My vet does not chrg me evtime i take him in & will refill his meds, antibiotics for sores, prednisone 4 itching, right over the phone. He is now doing wonderfully as long as he stays on his flea medicine. He is allergic to fleas!!!! Another thing i discovered is that NO flea medicine will last a full 30days. Always administer at least 3-5 days than the full 30. Hope this helps. Food is a big issue!

Anonymous - 6/26/2011 1:15:42 PM

PLEASE take him to a vet!! He may have a parasite that the flea spray doesn't affect. He could have a food allergy. You could be bathing him to frequently or with something he is allergic too. If you bathe him and then apply a flea spray or dust within a week he won't have any of his natural skin oils to protect him from the fla spray chemicals. The chemicals can soak into his skin and irratate him or even eventually poison him! I almost lost a 10 pound dog from a bath and flea spray applied to soon! She went into convulsions within half and hour and I spent $250 at the vet and 3 days "detoxing" her little body.

wywildfire - 5/27/2011 12:09:44 PM

QUESTION: Our female Great Pyrenees had pups about 1 month ago. When can they be introduced into the field with the male? Also, there are 2 small rams in the field as well. Should they be relocated if the pups are introduced?

Anonymous - 5/12/2011 7:01:05 PM

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1 month is way too young. Keep the Great Pyrenees mom someplace comfortable and safe with her pups. Even if its in the barn.

hawaiihill - 7/17/2011 2:41:59 PM

Some ranchers will put pups in a puppy pen near the stock around 8 weeks old. The best way is to let your Great Pyrenees puppies follow their mother when they are ready, between 2 and 4 months of age.

wywildfire - 5/18/2011 1:53:17 PM

QUESTION: I have an adult male and female Great Pyrenees, approx 1 1/2 years old. They are escape artists. No matter how high the fence, protection from digging etc, they find a way out. He is currently jumping a 6 foot fence without even any effort. Any suggestions?

Anonymous - 5/12/2011 6:57:22 PM

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We have found that a pet safe radio fence has actually worked very well with our great pyrs tho they are very smart and know when the collar batteries are dead so you must be smarter than them and change the battery every month.

Anonymous - 9/21/2011 4:41:11 PM

definitely get an electric fence. go to your local coop, lowes or tractor supply. get poles, clips, wire and a hot box, with lots of amps. (you'll need an outlet to plug in) since your dogs haven't been introduced to it before put atleast 3 wires high. after its up walk each one around the perimeter on a leash, making them sense the electricity and for them to know their perimeter. this is the only thing that works.

hawaiihill - 7/17/2011 2:45:24 PM

Take your Great Pyrenees for walks and play with them when it is not to hot outside. Increase their physical and mental excersise to decrease boredom. When you can't be outside to watch them put them in a kennel or run with a wire top and a wire bottom that is securely fastened so they can't dig, jump or climb out. Unfortunately the escaping is a lifelong habit. The only cure is to place them on a ranch so big that their natural patroling instinct will not be labeled as escaping. PLEASE do not tie them up. The toll on their emotions and instincts can lead to aggression or a sickening depression!

wywildfire - 5/18/2011 1:51:24 PM

QUESTION: I have a 5 month old Great Pyrenees puppy and he always sits on my other dog. Is this normal?

Anonymous - 5/12/2011 3:59:35 PM

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My 6 month old pyr does the same to my westie, who weighs about 20 pounds. We laughed when we saw your post, we just thought ours was weird.

Anonymous - 9/9/2011 10:30:00 PM

Your Great Pyrenees puppy is trying to dominate the other dog. If your other dog will weigh less than 100 pounds as an adult you may wish to put a leash on your Pyr puppy and stop this habit, before it kills the other dog. Your Pyr puppy should weigh between 100 and 150 pounds as an adult.

wywildfire - 5/18/2011 1:43:58 PM

QUESTION: Why do Great Pyrenees have dew claws and why 2 dew claws and do i need to clip them

Anonymous - 5/8/2011 10:21:20 PM

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Dew claws are part of the Great Pyrenees breed and they are useful for climbing/hiking/running and are part of the breed. I don't recommend clipping them, but do trim the nails to ensure they don't grow too long and snag. Many dogs/animals have dew claws in the wild and they don't have problems.

Anonymous - 5/13/2011 1:25:35 AM

If you are looking for Great Pyrenees puppies for sale from reputable Great Pyrenees breeders or to adopt a Great Pyrenees from a Great Pyrenees rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Great Pyrenees puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find Great Pyrenees puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.