Great Pyrenees

For such a large breed with mountains of soft white fur, you might assume you’ll be brushing a Great Pyrenees’ coat for hours on end. A Pyr’s thick, luxurious coat is surprisingly resistant to dirt and tangles. However, they do benefit from weekly brushing to keep them clean and mat-free.

If you’re game, your dog pal will appreciate brushing several days a week (it feels good!), especially if you use a slicker or rake brush. A monthly bath is plenty, and if you spy matted fur, ask your vet about de-matting conditioners.

When it comes to shedding, put your black wardrobe away! This dog’s undercoat sheds a ton, leaving a literal white trail all over your couch, floors—you name it. Add an extra brushing session or three to your routine to combat this blizzard.

Remember your Pyr’s nails, which you should trim about every two weeks or anytime they start to touch the floor when the dog is standing (overly long nails may be painful). You’ll hear when it’s time—they’ll clack-clack-clack on hard surfaces.

The last—though just as important—part of Great Pyrenees grooming is dental care. Strive to brush your pup’s teeth daily. Take them to the vet yearly for a professional cleaning to keep plaque at bay.

Attempts to train your Great Pyrenees puppy may leave you feeling ignored but know you’re not alone. With this breed, independent thinking is a powerful trait. The reason? These guardian dogs are used to working alone—not having to sit and come each time you dangle a bacon-flavored nugget their way.

Your best bet is to make training a positive experience (reward good behavior with treats, praise, and playtime) and keep the sessions short. Don’t overdo it with repetition lest your pup looks at you with disdain and sympathy. Change things up by training in various settings, and remember, be realistic with your training goals and know that while Great Pyrenees are an intelligent breed, they’re not like Border Collies or other types who typically excel at obedience and competitive sports. Slow and steady wins the training race with the Great Pyr (don’t worry, your pet will get there!).

The Great Pyrenees does well on high-quality commercial dog food that’s low-protein and specially made for large breeds. Always consider your dog’s age and choose a formula that fits their stage in life, whether they’re a puppy, adult or senior.

Some Great Pyrenees pet parents have noticed this canine doesn’t gobble up kibble like other giant breeds, which may benefit the animal. Because a Pyr is susceptible to bloat, a gastrointestinal concern, serve smaller portions multiple times a day. Another feeding tip: Keep exercise to a minimum around mealtime to help reduce the risk of bloat. (More on bloat below in the Health section.)

Treats are acceptable as a reward for extra good behavior and as a training enhancement, but don’t go wild. Too many yummy snacks add calories and could lead to obesity, which can lead to health problems down the road, 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—not because of their coat). They’re in the best position to help you choose the right food and portions for your pup based on their unique needs.

Great Pyrenees don’t need too much strenuous exercise to be happy and healthy. If you want a dog to hike with, this might not be your breed. Aim to exercise your canine pal for 20 to 30 minutes a couple of times daily (totaling about an hour). The most suitable movement for this big dog is walking or allowing your Pyr to move at their own pace in the park or dog run. (These dogs are not known for speed, so they don’t make good running buddies.)

As a former sheep guardian, the Great Pyrenees is happiest on patrol, so their energy can be conserved in case a quick chase is necessary to protect a lost lamb. Still, while the Great Pyrenees isn’t highly active, exercise is important to maintain muscle strength and physical conditioning. Your Pyr pup will be content to stroll amiably in a fenced-in yard or at your side.

When you consider the Great Pyrenees as a pet, you can feel confident this pup will get along well with your little ones, although supervision is still recommended, especially considering the sheer size of the dog. The Great Pyr dog is also known to share space amicably with other dogs and cats.

Outdoor space to patrol and pace is ideal for the Great Pyrenees (they would love acres of land!), 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 outings.

Their intelligence and independence are well established, but these traits may prove demanding for a first-time dog parent. New pet parents should be aware of training challenges and recognize this breed needs a confident and (very) patient leader.

Climate plays a huge part in a Pyr’s ideal environment. Great Pyrenees were initially bred on snowy mountain tops, which means they’re accustomed to lower temperatures and sensitive to warm weather. That doesn’t mean they should be left outside in freezing temps. The bottom line is that a Pyr thrives best in cooler locations. If you live where it’s warm, keep your outdoor activity to the cooler parts of the day and ensure your pup has access to plenty of fresh, cool water.