The Great Pyrenees makes a good watch dog and guard dog. They are wary of strangers, both man and beast. They need plenty of exercise and are not suitable for an apartment. A properly fenced in yard or acreage would be ideal. They may tend to wander so they should be kept under control. They are generally good with other pets but may fight with other dogs. They like older children, especially if they have been socialized with them at an early age. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Great Pyrenees is 27 to 32 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 100 to 125 pounds. The female ranges from 25 to 29 inches to the withers and 80 to 90 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Great Pyrenees is no exception, although they are considered very healthy. Be on the look out for Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), epilepsy (common in dogs), eyelid defects and skin hot spots. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Great Pyrenees has a double coat that is weather resistant. The outer coat is flat, long, and thick. The inner coat is dense and wooly. They intensively shed their inner coat in spring and summer. They should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

*Life Span. The Great Pyrenees can live between 10 and 12 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Great Pyrenees came from France where they were an old natural breed. They were developed as herders and sled pullers. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1933.

Some Registries:

* Great Pyrenees Club of America

*UKC United Kennel Club

*NKC National Kennel Club

*CKC Continental Kennel Club

*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

*AKC American Kennel Club

*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 6 to 10 Great Pyrenees puppies

Category: Working, Flock Guard

Terms To Describe: Beauty, elegance, majesty, regal, coordination, soundness, substance, intelligent, kindly, affectionate, territorial, quiet, tolerant, patient, fearless, loyal

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Good watch dog.

Good guard dog.

Generally a one family dog.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Shed heavily in spring and summer.

They can become aggressive.

They need an experienced handler.

Takes a lot of grooming.

Can be stubborn.

May tend to wander.

Slow maturing.

May be a barker.

May slobber and drool.

*Other Names Known By: Chien de Montagne des Pyrenees, Chien des Pyrenees, Pyrenean Mountain Dog

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.