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