This breed heils from Siberia and this is where they get their name. They’re named after the Southwestern Europe mountain range and they’re actually one of the oldest actively bred dog breeds on the planet.
Because of their history, they have a dense coat that is resistant to cold and rain and their main job was to protect sheep from predators.
In this guide, we’ll go over the basics of how to care for this breed and some of the important breed characteristics you’ll need to know.
Caring for a Great Pyrenees
Here are a some bullet points that will help you understand the main caring concerns for this breed:
- Having a fence and distinct boundaries are important because this breed likes to wander
- Crate training is helpful because it can prevent accidents when you’re away
- Socialization from a young age is incredibly important because Great Pyrenees are often bred to be isolated and can quickly become aggressive
- Great Pyrenees are heavy shedders so expect to have a lot of hair laying around the house, groom them for around 30 minutes each week
Let’s expand upon some of these traits and characteristics:
Great Pyrenees are a Mellow Breed
Great Pyrenees are one of the more calm breeds and do not generally have hyperactive tendencies. This does not mean that they don’t require attention, because every dog craves stimulation.
What it does mean is that they’re good apartment dogs and they’re okay with being left alone for short periods if you have to go to work or have any type of obligations.
Great Pyrenees are Difficult to Train
Caring for this breed requires a lot of patience because they’re not the easiest breed to train. It’s important that you have a little experience with dogs if choosing this breed.
One of the things that makes them so difficult to train is the fact that they like to be independent and have a mind of their own. It can take a little while to get your pup to respect you to the point where they’ll actually listen and follow your lead.
Great Pyrenees are Great Watch Dogs
Since they were bred to watch over flocks of sheep, they’re also great watchdogs for you. It’s important that you create a clear distinction between threats and non-threats because Great Pyrenees can become increasingly violent if they do not understand who is a risk and who isn’t. This includes other animals and people as well.
Great Pyrenees do Better in Cool Climates
This doesn’t mean that you can’t own a Great Pyrenees if you live in Florida, it simply means you need to keep in mind what makes them comfortable and what doesn’t. You’re not supposed to clip their hair because it actually insulates them and keeps them cool as well but you just want to make sure not to overheat them by taking them for long walks on days when it’s 85 degrees or warmer.
Final Thoughts on taking care of a Great Pyrenees
Caring for a Great Pyrenees is not any more or less difficult than most other breeds but it’s important to understand the traits and characteristics that make them who they are. Care for your Great Pyrenees with much love and compassion and you’ll develop a relationship that knows no bounds.
