| The Great Pyrenees makes a good watch dog and | | | | where they were an old natural breed. They |
| guard dog. They are wary of strangers, both | | | | were developed as herders and sled pullers. |
| man and beast. They need plenty of exercise | | | | They were first registered by the American |
| and are not suitable for an apartment. A | | | | Kennel Association in 1933. |
| properly fenced in yard or acreage would be | | | | |
| ideal. They may tend to wander so they should | | | | Some Registries: |
| be kept under control. They are generally | | | | |
| good with other pets but may fight with other | | | | * Great Pyrenees Club of America |
| dogs. They like older children, especially if | | | | |
| they have been socialized with them at an | | | | *UKC United Kennel Club |
| early age. As a reminder, never leave a child | | | | |
| unsupervised with a puppy or dog. | | | | *NKC National Kennel Club |
| | | | |
| *Approximate Adult Size. The approximate | | | | *CKC Continental Kennel Club |
| adult size (two years old or older) of the | | | | |
| male Great Pyrenees is 27 to 32 inches to the | | | | *APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc. |
| withers (highest point of the shoulder) and | | | | |
| 100 to 125 pounds. The female ranges from 25 | | | | *AKC American Kennel Club |
| to 29 inches to the withers and 80 to 90 | | | | |
| pounds. | | | | *FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale |
| | | | |
| *Special Health Considerations. Most dog | | | | *NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club |
| breeds have certain inherited health problems | | | | |
| associated with that specific breed and the | | | | *KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain |
| Great Pyrenees is no exception, although they | | | | |
| are considered very healthy. Be on the look | | | | *ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club |
| out for Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based | | | | |
| looseness in the hip joint that can lead to | | | | *ACR = American Canine Registry |
| arthritis pain and lameness), epilepsy | | | | |
| (common in dogs), eyelid defects and skin hot | | | | Litter Size: 6 to 10 Great Pyrenees puppies |
| spots. This disease list is an informative | | | | |
| guideline only. Other diseases may also be | | | | Category: Working, Flock Guard |
| significant threats, please contact your | | | | |
| veterinarian for a complete list. | | | | Terms To Describe: Beauty, elegance, majesty, |
| | | | regal, coordination, soundness, substance, |
| She should visit the veterinarian several | | | | intelligent, kindly, affectionate, |
| times in the first year for shots, boosters | | | | territorial, quiet, tolerant, patient, |
| and check up. Then, as an adult, she should | | | | fearless, loyal |
| visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and | | | | |
| check up. As she gets older, six years and | | | | *SPECIAL GOOD POINTS |
| on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a | | | | |
| year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid | | | | Good watch dog. |
| feeding your dog sweets. | | | | |
| | | | Good guard dog. |
| *Grooming. The Great Pyrenees has a double | | | | |
| coat that is weather resistant. The outer | | | | Generally a one family dog. |
| coat is flat, long, and thick. The inner coat | | | | |
| is dense and wooly. They intensively shed | | | | *SPECIAL BAD POINTS |
| their inner coat in spring and summer. They | | | | |
| should be brushed regularly. Brushing will | | | | Shed heavily in spring and summer. |
| help her maintain a clean and healthy coat | | | | |
| and help you keep a closer eye on her health | | | | They can become aggressive. |
| and strengthen your emotional bond with her. | | | | |
| | | | They need an experienced handler. |
| Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a | | | | |
| week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed | | | | Takes a lot of grooming. |
| for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation | | | | |
| of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities | | | | Can be stubborn. |
| (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog | | | | |
| periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of | | | | May tend to wander. |
| teeth, bad breath and other serious disease. | | | | |
| | | | Slow maturing. |
| Her toenails may need to be examined for | | | | |
| growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of | | | | May be a barker. |
| the rear feet grow slower than the toenails | | | | |
| of the front feet. Generally a guillotine | | | | May slobber and drool. |
| type trimmer is the best for this chore and | | | | |
| competent instructions to accomplish this can | | | | *Other Names Known By: Chien de Montagne des |
| be found on the net. | | | | Pyrenees, Chien des Pyrenees, Pyrenean |
| | | | Mountain Dog |
| *Life Span. The Great Pyrenees can live | | | | |
| between 10 and 12 years with proper | | | | *Every dog is an individual so not everything |
| nutrition, medical care and excellent living | | | | in this information may be correct for your |
| conditions. | | | | dog. This information is meant as a good |
| | | | faith guideline only. |
| *History. The Great Pyrenees came from France | | | | |