Great Pyrenees
Also known as Patou, Pyrenean Mountain Dog, Pyrénéen
- Height at the withers
- 65 to 82 cm
- Weight
- 40 to 60 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 12 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- Pyrenees Mountains, France
- FCI group
- 2 · Pinschers, molossers and Swiss mountain dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- a calm, mostly stay-at-home life
- being left alone for a few hours during the day
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
Overview
A majestic and very powerful livestock guardian dog with a thick white double coat and a natural guarding instinct shaped by work in the mountains.
History and origins
An ancient breed used for centuries by shepherds in the Pyrenees to protect flocks from wolves and bears. Also prized as a guard dog for castles, it was adopted at the court of Louis XIV. Standardized in 1927, it is now taking up its guardian role again as large predators return.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
- Osteosarcoma
- Patellar luxation
- Entropion
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length double coat. Very heavy shedding, average coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Calm, 2 out of 5
- Apartment
- Impossible, 1 out of 5
- Home alone
- Well, 4 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Reserved, 2 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Not advised, 1 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- High, 4 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Very heavy, 5 out of 5
- Drooling
- Rarely, 2 out of 5
- Barking
- Very vocal, 5 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Great Pyrenees FAQ
How big does the Great Pyrenees get?
The Great Pyrenees stands 65 to 82 cm at the withers and weighs 40 to 60 kg. It is a giant dog.
Does the Great Pyrenees shed a lot?
It sheds very heavily and its coat needs average care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the Great Pyrenees live in an apartment?
It is not recommended: it needs space, ideally a house with a yard. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Great Pyrenees need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: it is a calm dog.
Is the Great Pyrenees good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Great Pyrenees live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat).
