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Great Pyrenees
moderateGood with KidsGood with Pets
Patient, calm, and smart. Great Pyrenees are majestic guardian dogs known for their devotion to family and independent nature.
Weight39-73 kg86-161 lbs
Height64-81 cm25-32"
Lifespan10-12 yrs
Overview
Personality and care at a glance
PatientCalmSmartGentleIndependent
Height
64-81 cm25-32"
Weight
39-73 kg86-161 lbs
Lifespan
10-12 yrs
Breed Traits
Size
Giant - Size category based on typical adult weight
Energy Level
Balanced - enjoys play sessions and moderate activity
Trainability
Independent thinker - requires patience and creativity
Grooming
Regular grooming - weekly brushing
Barking
Frequent barker
Attachment Style
How much this breed typically wants to be near their people versus enjoying time on their own.
IndependentHighly Dependent
Enjoys alone time
Size Comparison
🧍
Human~6ft / 183cm🐕
Great64-81 cm25-32"Compatibility
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Things to Consider
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Exercise
Activity requirements for Great Pyrenees
medium energy45-60 min/day
Great Pyreneess need regular daily exercise to stay fit and content. A mix of walks and play will keep them mentally and physically satisfied.
1 hour daily of moderate exercise
Recommended Activities
Low intensity
Mental Stimulation
Puzzle toys and training games for mental exercise.
10-15 min
Moderate intensity
Daily Walks
Regular walks at a moderate pace, ideally twice daily.
20-30 min each
Moderate intensity
Fetch & Retrieval Games
Active play sessions with balls or toys.
15-20 min
Moderate intensity
Social Play
Playdates with other dogs or interactive games with family.
20-30 min
Grooming
Coat care and maintenance for Great Pyrenees
Moderate Carefur coat
Great Pyreneess need regular grooming attention to maintain a healthy coat and prevent matting. Establish a consistent routine.
Regular Brushing
Brush 2-3 times per week to prevent tangles, remove dead hair, and keep the coat shiny and healthy. Increase to daily during seasonal shedding.
2-3 times per week
Bathing as Needed
Bathe every 1-2 months or as needed. Over-bathing can strip natural protective oils from the coat.
Every 1-2 months
Optional Professional Grooming
Professional grooming is optional for nail trimming, ear cleaning, and deshedding treatments. Many owners handle grooming at home.
As needed
Ear Cleaning
Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections, especially in breeds with floppy ears.
Weekly
Nail Trimming
Keep nails trimmed to a comfortable length. Long nails can cause pain and affect gait.
Every 2-3 weeks
Training
Training approach for Great Pyrenees
Independent Thinker
The Great Pyrenees thinks for itself and may question why they should follow commands. Training requires creativity and understanding their motivation.
Best Approach
Understand that independence isn't disobedience - it's how they're wired. Find what motivates them (often not just treats) and make training feel like their idea.
Training Tips
Essential
Find Their Motivation
Discover what truly motivates them - it might be play, specific treats, or simply their own curiosity.
Essential
Keep It Interesting
Vary your training approaches and keep sessions unpredictable to maintain their interest.
Essential
Build Relationship First
A strong bond makes them more willing to cooperate. Focus on relationship before commands.
Recommended
Respect Their Nature
Don't expect robot-like obedience. Appreciate their unique personality while establishing boundaries.
Common Challenges
- May ignore commands they find pointless
- Can be selectively obedient
- May need 'what's in it for me' motivation
- Recall can be challenging
Nutrition
Feeding guidelines for Great Pyrenees
Giant Breed2-3 smaller meals$73-183/month
Giant breeds have unique nutritional needs. Careful diet management from puppyhood through adulthood is essential for their health and longevity.
Feeding Tips
Giant Breed Formula
Essential for puppies - giant breed formulas have carefully balanced calcium and phosphorus for proper bone development.
Bloat Prevention
Feed smaller meals 2-3 times daily rather than one large meal. Avoid exercise 1 hour before and after eating.
Slow Feeder Bowl
Use a slow feeder bowl to prevent gulping food, which can contribute to bloat risk.
Joint-Focused Nutrition
Joint supplements or foods with added joint support are especially important for giant breeds.
Maintain Healthy Weight
Extra weight is extremely hard on giant breed joints. Keep them lean throughout life.
Important Considerations
- High risk of bloat (GDV) - a life-threatening emergency
- Shorter lifespans make nutrition quality crucial
- Overfeeding puppies leads to serious joint problems
- Higher food costs - budget accordingly
Health
Common health conditions to watch for in Great Pyrenees
2
High Risk
2
Common Issues
Understanding breed-specific health risks helps you provide better preventive care. Regular vet checkups and health screenings can catch many issues early.
High Risk Conditions
Common Issues
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.
Ownership costs
Estimated expenses for Great Pyrenees
Monthly costs
Food
$73-183
Insurance
$53-123
Supplies
$20-39
Monthly total
$146-345
Annual costs
Veterinary care
$564-936/yr
Parasite prevention
$504/yr
Annual total
$1,068-1,440/yr
Estimates based on 2024-2025 research, adjusted for Great Pyrenees's size. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Regional insights
Local factors affecting pet ownership costs in United States
- •Pet industry expenditure reached $152B in 2024, projected $157B for 2025
- •66% of households own pets (86.9 million homes)
- •Pet CPI continues to outpace general inflation
What's not included
- •Initial adoption/purchase fees
- •One-time equipment purchases (beds, bowls, leashes)
- •Emergency veterinary surgeries
- •Boarding/daycare services
Sources
5 references for Great Pyrenees
American Kennel Club Breed Information
Registry·American Kennel Club
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Veterinary·Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs
Veterinary·Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Canine Health Information Center - Great Pyrenees
Health·OFA-CHIC
Bloat in Dogs
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Information sourced from breed registries, veterinary organizations, and peer-reviewed research