Great Pyrenees
These dogs are not recommended for apartment life and would do best with a mid-to-large sized yard. They need space, but adapt well to family life. They are not really active indoors, but need regular exercise outdoors. A fence is a must as they may wander away in search of the borders to what they believe is their territory. Puppies are very active and might have the tendency to wander off or escape. Prefer cool climates. Elegant, imposing and majestic, the Great Pyrenees is a large to giant dog of medium substance that is slightly longer than tall. Its thick coat gives the impression of heavier bone and stature. This breed was developed to guard flocks on steep mountain slopes and so must combine strength with agility. It moves smoothly, with good reach and drive. Its weather-resistant double coat consists of a dense, wooly undercoat and a long, flat, coarse outer coat, imparting great insulation from the Pyrenean cold. Its expression is elegant and contemplative. The Great Pyrenees is a capable and imposing guardian, devoted to its family and somewhat wary of strangers — human or canine. When not provoked, it is calm, well-mannered and somewhat serious. It is very gentle with its family and children. It has an independent, somewhat stubborn, nature and may try to dominate a less secure owner. Some are not good off leash and may wander away. The Great Pyrenees tends to bark a lot. The Great Pyrenees originated in Central Asia or Siberia. The breed was descended from the Hungarian Kuvasz and the Maremmano-abruzzese. The Pyrenees is also a relative of the St. Bernard, contributing to its development. It has a long history as a guard dog of sheep. The dogs made their way to Europe; the Great Pyrenees remained in the high mountain regions until the Middle ages, when the breed gradually gained popularity with the French nobility as a guard dog. By the late 17th century, every French noble wanted to own one. Armed with a spiky collar and thick coat, the Great Pyrenees protected vulnerable flocks from such predators as wolves and bear. The Great Pyrenees has proven to be a very versatile breed working as an avalanche rescue dog, as a cart-puller, sled dog, as a pack dog on ski trips, a flock guardian, dog of war, and as a companion and defender of family and property. The AKC officially recognized the Great Pyrenees in 1933.
| Stranger Friendly: | 2 stars |
| 10: | Lucky |
| Dog Friendly: | 3 stars |
| Health Issues: | 5 stars Hypoallergenic: No |
| Cat Friendly: | 4 stars |
| Playfulness: | 2 stars |
| Type: | Purebred |
| 01: | Max |
| Colors: | White |
| Grooming: | 3 stars Moderate Maintenance: Grooming should be performed regularly to keep its fur in good shape. Occasional trimming or stripping needed. |
| Shedding Level: | 4 stars Constant Shedding: The Great Pyrenees requires weekly grooming with a brush and comb, daily when shedding. |
| Trainability: | 2 stars Difficult Training: The Great Pyrenees is very sensitive to the tone of its trainer’s voice. Training must be calm, consistent, and patient, but Great Pyrenees will be obedient once trained. They may run away off the leash, so proper precautions should be taken. |
| 02: | Charlie |
| Height: | Male: 27-32 inches (69-81 cm) Female: 25-29 inches (63-74 cm) |
| Life span: | 10-12 years |
| Litter Size: | 6-9 puppies |
| Origin: | France Spain |
| Weight: | Male: from 100 pounds (45 kg) Female: from 85 pounds (38 kg) |
| Barking Tendencies: | 4 stars Frequent |
| 06: | Jake |
| 08: | Sam |
| 09: | Oscar |
| Exercise Needs: | 2 stars Pyrenees need plenty of exercise to stay in shape. If they are not actively working as flock guardians, they need to be taken on a daily, long brisk walk. |
| Other names: | Great Pyrenees, Patou, Chien Des Pyrénées, Chien De Montagne Des Pyrénées, Montañés Del Pirineo, Gos De Muntanya Dels Pirineus |
| Popularity: | 2022: #69 2021: #63 2020: #70 2019: #69 2018: #66 2017: #66 2016: #67 2015: #67 |
| 03: | Bear |
| 05: | Oliver |
| 07: | Rocco |
| Breed Group: | Working (AKC:1933) Guardian Dogs (UKC) |
| Name: | Great Pyrenees |
| Puppy Prices: | Average $800 - $1500 USD A Great Pyrenees puppy taken from decent breeders will cost you approximately $800 to $1,500 normally. If you choose a show-quality puppy, then be ready to pay around $2,500 or more. |
| Rank: | Boy Names |
| Size: | Giant |
| 04: | Brody |
| Watchdog Ability: | 5 stars Great Watchdog Ability: This dog will bark and alert its owners when an intruder is present. It exhibits very protective behavior, acts fearless toward any aggressor, and will do what it takes to guard and protect its family. |
| Temperament: | Affectionate Confident Fearless Gentle Patient Strong Willed |
| Apartment Friendly: | 2 stars More + Less - These dogs are not recommended for apartment life and would do best with a mid-to-large sized yard. They need space, but adapt well to family life. They are not really active indoors, but need regular exercise outdoors. A fence is a must as they may wander away in search of the borders to what they believe is their territory. Puppies are very active and might have the tendency to wander off or escape. Prefer cool climates. |
| Child Friendly: | 4 stars Good with Kids: This is a suitable dog breed for kids. It is also friendly toward other pets and shy toward strangers. |
| Intelligence: | 3 stars Ranking: #64 Full Ranking List |
| Adaptability: | 4 stars |