Great Pyrenees

All that fur might look like it takes hours to tame, but it’s usually not the case. That said, you still need to spend time making sure your pup looks (and feels!) their best.

• Bathing: A monthly bath is plenty for this breed, unless they get extra dirty. If you see matted fur, ask your vet about detangling conditioners. 
• Brushing: A Pyrenees’ thick coat is surprisingly resistant to dirt and tangles. Still, you should brush your dog several times a week using a slicker brush or rake brush to keep them clean and mat-free.  
  • Pro Tip: Any pet parents with a black wardrobe may want to rethink their outfit choices. Great Pyrenees shed a ton, leaving a literal white trail all over the floor, sofa, and (possibly) you. Add an extra brushing session (or three!) to combat this blizzard of fluff. 
• Dental care: Brush your pup’s teeth daily, and get a yearly professional cleaning. 
• Nail care: Trim your dog’s nails every two weeks or anytime they start to touch the floor when your Pyr is standing (too-long nails may be painful). You’ll hear when it’s time for a trim—they’ll make clacking noises on hard surfaces. 

You might feel a bit ignored when trying to train your Great Pyrenees, but don’t take it personally. They were bred to be independent thinkers, and it’s a powerful trait that lasts to this day. Once upon a time, these guardian dogs were used to working alone—not having to sit and come each time you offer a peanut butter treat. 

For best results, keep your training sessions short and reward good behavior with treats, praise, and playtime.  

Don’t overdo it with repetition, or you might get a look from your pup that lies somewhere between boredom and sympathy. Again, don’t take it personally; these calm, clever pups are super smart and prefer to be actively engaged with new things.  

Train in various settings and be realistic with your goals. Great Pyrenees are very intelligent, but they’re not as athletic as Border Collies or other breeds who live for competitive sports. Slow and steady wins the training race with the Great Pyrenees.  

Pyrs do well on high-quality commercial dog food that’s high-protein and specially made for large breeds. Choose a diet that’s AAFCO-compliant for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior).  

Make sure your dog doesn’t gobble up kibble. Great Pyrenees are susceptible to bloat, and eating a lot of food quickly can lead to this life-threatening condition. To help prevent bloat: 

• Feed your Great Pyrenees two or three meals per day instead of one big dinner. 
• Give your dog food in a slow feeder bowl, snuffle mat, or puzzle toy to prevent them from eating too quickly.  
• Don’t exercise your Pyr for an hour before or after they eat.  
• Avoid using elevated food bowls—these might increase the risk of bloat.  
• Ask your veterinarian about a preventative gastropexy procedure. 

Treats are great rewards for good behavior, but don’t go wild. Too many yummy snacks add calories and could lead to obesity, which can cause health problems like heart disease.  

Chat with your vet if you have questions about your pup’s diet (or if they need to shed a few pounds). Treats should never be more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories. 

If you want a running buddy, a Great Pyrenees is not your perfect match. They don’t need a ton of strenuous exercise to be happy and healthy, and fast-paced activities don’t suit them.  

Just like their ancestors, the Great Pyrenees is happiest on patrol—they prefer to conserve some energy in case they must protect a lost lamb! It’s a noble trait (shh, don’t tell them there won’t be sheep to save), but it’s up to you to ensure they get enough exercise to maintain muscle strength and physical conditioning.  

Make sure your Great Pyrenees has 20–30 minutes of exercise a couple of times a day. They’ll love gentle strolls, afternoon hikes, or hanging out in the yard together.  

Chances are, a Great Pyrenees is going to get along great with your whole family, including the kids. You should still supervise them—if only because the Pyrenees is so big—and make sure that both kiddos and dog know how to interact with one another.   

The Great Pyrenees is usually happy to share a home with other dogs and cats, too. 

Lots of (fenced!) outdoor space to roam and pace is ideal for the Great Pyrenees. They’d love acres of land, if you have it, which might rule out a small apartment or home in the city. However, you can meet your Great Pyrenees’ exercise needs anywhere if you’re consistent with your outings. 

These pups are intelligent and independent—generally great characteristics in anyone, though they can be challenging for a first-time dog parent. New pet parents should recognize that this breed needs a confident and patient person to lead them through training.  

Climate plays a huge part in an ideal environment for these dogs. Great Pyrenees were initially bred on snowy mountain tops, which means they’re accustomed to lower temperatures and don’t do well in hot weather.  

If you live somewhere warm, keep your outdoor activity to the cooler parts of the day and ensure your pup has access to plenty of fresh, cool water.  

And while a Great Pyrenees does best in cooler locations, that doesn’t mean they should be left outside in freezing temps (or outside alone at all). Find a happy medium where your dog is always comfortable.