About the Breed       

IS A GREAT PYRENEES RIGHT FOR YOU?

Temperament
The Great Pyrenees is known as the “Gentle Giant”. They are wonderful family dogs and are very loyal. The Great Pyrenees is very even-tempered and loves attention, especially from children. They are very intelligent, but they can also be very independant and willful so they need consistent training. If you are looking for a dog who will be an “off leash” companion and will follow your every command, then the Pyrenees is probably not for you. They also have a natural tendency to roam, so it is important that when left outside in the yard all gates are closed and locked.

The Great Pyrenees does shed all year. This shedding can be minimized through routine grooming and regular brushing to remove dead hair.

The Great Pyrenees was originally bred to be a livestock guard dog. They can bark as a reaction to unusual noises, but the amount of barking varies for each dog. They will accept anyone whom you invite into your home, but their physical size can be intimidating to a first time visitor. They are not attack dogs and are usually very responsible in exercising their guarding instincts.

If you are looking for an easy going dog as an addition to your family then the “Gentle Giant” may be just what you are looking for.

BREED STANDARDS

LIFESPAN: 10-12 years w/ few major genetic problems
HEIGHT: Males 27"-32”; Females 25”-29”
WEIGHT: Males 100 lbs @ 27”; Females 85 lbs @ 25"
HEAD: The width and length of the skull are about equal. The muzzle blends smoothly with the skull. The cheeks are flat. The eyes are a rich dark brown and almond shaped; set slightly oblique. Eyelids are close fitting with black rims. A slight furrow exists between the eyes. The bony eyebrow ridges are only slightly developed. Lips are tight fitting with the upper lip just covering the lower lip. There is a strong lower jaw. The nose and lips are black.
EARS: Of small to medium size and carried low, flat and close to the head. They almost disappear by blending into the fur of the neck and ruff. Shaped in a blunted triangle.
TAIL: Normally, carried low in repose. It should hang down so that the last bone of the tail reaches at least to the hock. A kink (Shepard’s crook) with one or two bones angled away from the straight tailbone alignment is acceptable. When in motion, the tail is carried either over the back or low.
COAT: Double coated with a flat, thick, coarse outer coat and a seasonal undercoat grown in the fall to provide warmth. It is a dense growth of fine, wooly textured hair and typically shed in the spring. Male’s coats tend to be longer and more profuse, with thicker ruffs around neck and shoulder. Coats should be straight or slightly waving (never curly or standing out from the body).
COLOR: White or white with markings of gray, badger, reddish brown or varying shades of tan. Markings of varying size may appear on the ears, head (including a full face mask), tail and a few body spots. The undercoat may be white or shaded.
TEMPERMENT: Confident, gentle and affectionate. While territorial and protective of their flock or family (when necessary), the general demeanor is one of quiet composure, patience and tolerance. They are strong-willed, independent and somewhat reserved, yet attentive, fearless and loyal to their charges (both human and animal).