Hey! Are you eager to welcome a four-legged companion into your home? Do you have any plans to expand your family with an active and guarded friend? You must have the Great Pyrenees Dog on your list, right?
So, we’re here to assist you by providing all the information you require about this wonderful dog breed.
To learn more about your Great Pyrenees Dogs, read the article after this one.
Origin of Great Pyrenees Dog
An ancient breed, the Great Pyrenees may have its roots as far back as 1800 B.C. In Europe, this breed is referred to as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog. Its forebears include the Maremma Sheepdog and the Anatolian Shepherd.
In the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain, they were introduced and used as herding dogs.To protect their flocks, the dogs traversed vast stretches of rocky terrain and endured prolonged exposure to the weather.
When driving off wolves, bears, and other predators, the Great Pyrenees thrived. They have a reputation for being famous livestock protectors. The dogs frequently slept out with their shepherds to protect their houses while they weren’t working.
These kind and compassionate spirits were dubbed the Royal Dog of France by Louis XIV in the 1600s. Despite the prestige and their extraordinary aptitude as working dogs, the Great Pyrenees population was in decline.
In order to increase the number of Great Pyrenees, devoted breeders searched the slopes for the animals and brought the best specimens home. They succeeded in creating the first breed standard in 1927 as a result of their efforts. The first Great Pyrenees came to America a few years later, and it is still a well-liked pet and working dog today.
Physical Characteristics of Great Pyrenees Dogs
It’s hardly surprising that the Great Pyrenees is sometimes compared to a polar bear given its enormous size, remarkable strength, and thick, fluffy white coat. Longer hair on the tail makes a plume, and feathering over the backs of the front legs and thighs produces the appearance of pantaloons. White or white with grey, badger, reddish-brown, or tan patterns are the two colorations of the Great Pyrenees. They could also have an undercoat that is white or colored.
The height of the Great Pyrenees varies from 25 to 32 inches at the shoulder. Males can weigh over 100 pounds, while females typically average approximately 85 pounds. These canines have deep, dark eyes that are clever and soulful. These are powerful, elegant huge canines with well-developed muscles, graceful, swift movements, and excellent coordination.
The Great Pyrenees have two weatherproof coats. The undercoats of wool are fine and thick. The hair on the outer coats is straight or slightly undulating, flat, thick, and coarse. Their facial hair and ear hair are shorter and denser across the neck and shoulders, creating a ruff (that is more pronounced in males).
The tail has longer hair, which creates a plume, and the front legs and thighs’ backs have feathers, which look like pantaloons. The two colorations of the Great Pyrenees are white or white with grey, badger, reddish-brown, or tan patterns. They could also have a colored or white undercoat.
The temperament of Great Pyrenees Dogs
A Great Pyr often exhibits a calm, polite, and submissive personality. Shyness, aggression, and anxiousness are never acceptable, but while it’s a puppy, do your part by exposing him to a tonne of socialization. He can become well-mannered with instruction.
It is kind and might be a little sombre. He is the finest buddy anybody could have since he is brave and committed to his people. He is also a warm blanket and a soul that comforts in the dark. He adores his job as a therapy dog.
It is clever, accustomed to working alone, and capable of making decisions on his own, making him an independent thinker who may be obstinate. It is nice, quiet, kind, and a wonderful guard dog all at the same time.
The Great Pyr needs early socialization or being exposed to a wide variety of people, sights, noises, and experiences, while they are young, much like any other breed of dog. The process of socialization ensures that your Great Pyr puppy develops into a well-rounded adult dog.
He should start by enrolling in a kindergarten class for puppies. Regularly hosting guests, taking him to crowded parks, and dog-friendly shops, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will all help him hone his social skills.
Health of Great Pyrenees Dogs
Although not every Great Pyr will contract one or more of these illnesses, it’s vital to be aware of them if you’re thinking about getting one of these dogs.
Bone-care
Large-breed bones need specific attention when it comes to bone care. Until your Great Pyr is around 18 months old, treat him like an antique. Because of how quickly his bones develop, he may experience painful growth pains. Not until he is three or four years old does he begin to fill up.
Gastric Torsion
This life-threatening illness, often known as bloat, can affect huge, deep-chested dogs. This is particularly true if they only eat one substantial meal per day, eat quickly, drink a lot of water thereafter, and engage in strenuous activity right afterward.
Older dogs are more likely to get bloat. It happens when the stomach twists after becoming bloated or filled with air (torsion). The regular flow of blood to the heart is hampered because the dog is unable to belch or vomit to get rid of the extra air in the stomach.
The dog has a dip in blood pressure and shock. The dog might die if not given timely medical care. If your dog has a protruding tummy, profuse salivation, and retching without vomiting up, you might suspect bloat.
He can also be agitated, sad, sluggish, weak, and have a fast heartbeat. If you see any of these symptoms, it’s critical to take your dog to the doctor right once.
Hip Dysplasia
The thigh bone does not fit securely into the hip joint due to this hereditary problem. Dogs can exhibit lameness and pain in one or both of their hind legs, although not all of them do. (X-ray screening is the most accurate method of issue diagnosis.)
In any case, as the dog ages, arthritis might appear. If you’re buying a puppy, ask the breeder for documentation that the parents have undergone hip dysplasia testing and are healthy. Dogs with this condition shouldn’t be bred.
Elbow Dysplasia
This condition is degenerative, like hip dysplasia. It is thought to be brought on by aberrant growth and development, which leads to a weak and deformed joint. The dog may only experience arthritis or he may become lame depending on the degree of the ailment. Surgery, weight loss, medical supervision, and anti-inflammatory drugs are among the forms of treatment.
Patellar Luxation
This issue, sometimes known as sliding stifles, affects tiny dogs often but can also affect larger dogs. The kneecap is the patella. Anatomical portion dislocation is referred to as luxation (as a bone at a joint).
Patellar luxation is a painful condition in which the knee joint (typically of the back leg) moves in and out of position. Although many dogs with this illness have quite normal lives, it may be devastating.
Addison’s Disease
This severe condition is often referred to as hypoadrenocorticism. The body’s salt and potassium levels are impacted when the adrenal gland does not generate adequate adrenal hormones. Lethargy, vomiting, and a lack of appetite are some of the first indications of Addison’s illness.
Heart arrhythmia may be a serious symptom. Fludrocortisone acetate or corticosteroids are used as a kind of treatment, along with salting meals. Intravenous medicine is a component of aggressive therapy.
Cataracs
Cataracts result in opacity on the eye’s lens, impairing vision. The dog will appear to have hazy eyes. Cataracts often develop as people age, and they occasionally need to be surgically removed to enhance eyesight.
Entropion
The eyelid rolls inward due to entropion, which is often noticeable by six months of age and can irritate or harm the eyeball. Affected eyes might be either one or both. You could see your Great Pyr scratching his eyes if he has entropion. The illness is surgically treatable.
Anesthesia Sensitivity
Low-metabolizing dogs, such as the Great Pyrenees, are susceptible to this. Before the procedure, remind your vet of this sensitivity.
Find a reputable breeder who will provide you with the health clearances for both of your puppy’s parents if you are purchasing a puppy. Health certifications attest to a dog’s having undergone testing and being declared free of a specific ailment.
You may expect to find health certificates for von Willebrand’s disease, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and thrombopathia in Great Pyrs, as well as certificates from Auburn University and the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) stating that the dog’s eyes are healthy. You can visit the OFA website to validate health approvals (offa.org).
Price of Great Pyrenees In India
When considering the Great Pyrenees pricing, it can range from ₹35,000 to ₹45,000, depending on the age, color, and location of the dog, among other things
Great Pyrenees In India (City-wise)
| States Name | Capital | Great Pyrenees Price |
|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | Hyderabad (Proposed Capital Amaravati) | Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Itanagar | Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 |
| Assam | Dispur | Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 |
| Bihar | Patna | Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 |
| Chhattisgarh | Raipur | Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 |
| Goa | Panaji | Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 |
| Gujarat | Gandhinagar | Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 |
| Haryana | Chandigarh | Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 |
| Himachal Pradesh | Shimla | Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 |
| Jharkhand | Ranchi | Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 |
| Karnataka | Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore) | Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 |
| Kerala | Thiruvananthapuram | Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 |
| Madhya Pradesh | Bhopal | Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 |
| Maharashtra | Mumbai | Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 |
| Manipur | Imphal | Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 |
| Meghalaya | Shillong | Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 |
| Mizoram | Aizawl | Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 |
| Nagaland | Kohima | Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 |
| Odisha | Bhubaneswar | Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 |
| Punjab | Chandigarh | Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 |
| Rajasthan | Jaipur | Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 |
| Sikkim | Gangtok | Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 |
| Tamil Nadu | Chennai | Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 |
| Telangana | Hyderabad | Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 |
| Tripura | Agartala | Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 |
| Uttar Pradesh | Lucknow | Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 |
| Uttarakhand | Dehradun (Winter) | Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 |
| West Bengal | Kolkata | Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 |
All Expenses of Great Pyrenees Dogs
Food Cost
₹8000-₹15,000 per month
Large dogs use a lot of food, which results in greater monthly costs. Some dog owners exclusively feed their dogs fresh food, but they anticipate paying more. To ensure that your dog consumes a properly balanced diet, be sure to choose high-quality food.
The Great Pyrenees is also prone to stomach torsion because it is a huge dog, so you’ll need to get raised dog bowls and feed them more frequently in order to stop this from happening.
Health Care Cost
₹20,000- ₹35,000 per month
It would be a good idea to become informed about some of the health issues that your Great Pyrenees is prone to. They might develop bone cancer, ear infections, hip dysplasia, kneecap dislocation, stomach torsion, elbow dysplasia, and hip dysplasia.
Your breeder will inform you if your Great Pyrenees has a history of any of these health issues. Naturally, your dog may be in perfect condition and you would just need to worry about regular exams with the vet.
Grooming Cost
₹15,000-₹30,000 per month
You may save a lot of money by providing your own Great Pyrenees grooming. These dogs shed heavily in the spring and summer due to their double coats. They must have their teeth and ears cleaned on a regular basis, and you must brush them with a slicker or pin brush at least once a week.
Due to their size and thick coats, Great Pyrenees groomers will charge a fair price for them.
Vaccine and medicine cost
₹25,000-₹30,000 per month
If your Great Pyrenees only requires an annual visit to the vet, which might cost $150 or more, you won’t have to pay for any further visits beyond the yearly one. The physical examination, immunizations, and any other required testing are all included in this price.
Additional expenses of ₹8,000 to ₹12,000 will be incurred for the tick, flea, and heartworm parasite treatments.
You should clean your dog’s teeth as part of routine grooming at least a few times each week, if not every day. The cost of having your dog’s teeth cleaned by your veterinarian once a year can range from ₹30,000 to ₹80,000, depending on how well-maintained your dog’s mouth is.
Other Expenses
There are always supplemental expenses for which you may not be prepared. It’s possible that having a dog this size may cause occasional damage to your house and possessions. Your best china on the table could be knocked over, and your nicest shoes might get chewed up.
The good news is that the Great Pyrenees is a peaceful dog and is less likely to run amok in your home and knock over everything, but watch out for their huge wagging tail!
You should consider training your new dog as well. For around 6 to 8 weeks, obedience training may cost between 16,000 and ₹40,000 per week.
The time you spend away from home is another factor. You’ll need to board your dog or hire a pet sitter if you’re going on vacation. Additionally, bear in mind that the cost of boarding a large dog is typically higher. If you work long days, you might also need to employ a dog walker.
Frequently Asked Question
Are great Pyrenees healthy dogs?
Although Great Pyrenees are typically extremely healthy dogs, professional breeders should check for a few potential health issues.
Do the Pyrenees make a good house dog?
If you lead a quiet life and reside in a suburban or rural region, the Great Pyrenees might make a fantastic companion. These dogs like peaceful times indoors and a regular, structured schedule. Socialization is crucial for this breed because of its protective character.
What two dogs make the Great Pyrenees?
An ancient breed, the Great Pyrenees may have its roots as far back as 1800 B.C. In Europe, this breed is referred to as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog. Its forebears include the Maremma Sheepdog and the Anatolian Shepherd.
Do the Pyrenees like water?
The Great Pyrenees enjoy drinking water (and lots of it). The Great Pyrenees isn’t a particularly strong swimmer in general, although some puppies that are early introduced to water may grow to adore it.
Can great Pyrenees puppies live outside?
They can, yes!
These dogs like spending their days playing and guarding their area. They were developed for generations to be able to survive outside in frigid locations. The Great Pyrenees are not ideally suited to living as indoor-only dogs.
Can the Pyrenees survive in India?
The European Great Pyrenees is a big-sized dog that may perform well in a place like India because it has a fantastic weather-resistant coat that allows it to live in cold weather conditions and also makes it acceptable in hot and humid climates, which are typically seen in India.
However, it is also true that this dog is not suitable for everyone since it is difficult to handle and needs a skilled, seasoned owner who is familiar with canine psychology. Therefore, while this breed may be suited to flourish in this nation, a rookie owner will find it challenging to grow it.
Are the Great Pyrenees aggressive?
In general, the Great Pyrenees are a non-aggressive breed of dog. They may, however, become hostile to other dogs and animals if they are not familiar with them or do not see them as members of their family.
Are great Pyrenees dogs good with cats?
In general, Great Pyrenees get along well with cats. If you intend to retain these two animals, they are among the breeds that are advised due to their patient and quiet disposition. Since these canines are used to guard cattle, protecting the creatures under their care is in their nature.
When do great Pyrenees dogs stop growing?
Based on their age, you may make an educated guess as to where your puppy is in the Great Pyrenees growth stage. If a Pyr is younger than two years old, you may anticipate that it will continue to develop because most Pyrs take up to 24 months to achieve their mature size.
Are Pyrenees dogs dangerous?
Although they are big and headstrong, Great Pyrenees are not a dangerous breed of dog. These factors, together with a lack of socialization and training at a young age, have the potential to make these canines hazardous.
Great Pyrenees dog vs golden retriever
The thick, fluffy white coat of the Great Pyrenees can have various color markings. Additionally, they are twice as big as even the biggest Golden Retrievers. Their dispositions also differ, with the Great Pyrenees being the serious guard dog and the Golden Retriever being more playful and aloof.
What do great Pyrenees dogs look like?
The Great Pyrenees is a huge, powerful dog with a double coat. The undercoat is fine, velvety, and thick, while the outside coat is long, coarse, and either straight or somewhat wavy. White, white with spots of pale yellow, tan, or grey are the available coat colours. The eyes are dark brown, and the nose is black.
Are the great Pyrenees smart?
Pyrs were designed to have autonomous thought, to work alone while keeping an eye on and guarding their flock. Despite their intelligence, they won’t respond well to routine obedience instruction.
Are the Pyrenees good with other small dogs?
A likable breed that can get along with other dogs is the Great Pyrenees. Unlike certain breeds, they are not thought to be aggressive, however, their compatibility with other animals might vary. They are all outgoing, devoted, and fun among their animal companions.
What is the lifespan of the Pyrenees?
The Great Pyrenees live 10 to 12 years on average.
What are great Pyrenees dogs used for?
The Great Pyrenees is a big, heavily covered, and incredibly strong working dog that was created to keep wolves and other predators away from sheep on icy mountaintops. Today’s pyrs are calm friends and watchful protectors of the house and family.
Are great Pyrenees dogs nocturnal?
When predators were out at night and shepherds were asleep, the Great Pyrenees was developed to protect the sheep. He is nocturnal by nature as a result. The fact that Pyrs frequently bark at night shouldn’t surprise those who own them as pets.
How many hours do Pyrenees sleep?
Great Pyrenees often snooze for 10 to 12 hours every day. Since this breed is known for being active all through the night, it is not unexpected that they prefer to slumber and catch up on their sleep for most of the day.
Are the great Pyrenees indoor dogs?
If you lead a quiet life and reside in a suburban or rural region, the Great Pyrenees might make a fantastic companion. These dogs like peaceful times indoors and a regular, structured schedule. Socialization is crucial for this breed because of its protective character.
How often do the great Pyrenees need a bath?
It is necessary to regularly brush and bathe the Great Pyrenees. Up to once every six weeks, this magnificent dog can be washed every other week. In order to get a lovely coat in this double-coated breed, correct bathing and drying methods must be used.
Do the great Pyrenees drool?
Yes, Great Pyrenees do occasionally drool a bit, generally after eating or exercising. Due to their poor climate adaptation, Pyr puppies may pant (and drool) when they become too hot.
Are great Pyrenees dogs hypoallergenic?
No, Great Pyrenees dogs do not cause allergies. Due to the excessive amounts of fur and dander produced by this breed, sensitive noses get itchy and scratchy.
When do great Pyrenees puppies open their eyes?
Puppies are blind for the first two weeks of their existence. When they are between 14 and 21 days old, their eyes open, but their vision is still imperfect.
When do great Pyrenees puppies lose their teeth?
All of your dog’s puppy teeth should have fallen out by the time he is six months old or thereabouts, and his adult teeth should have begun to erupt. Adult dogs typically have 42 teeth.
Do the great Pyrenees like dog beds?
Despite their size, the Great Pyrenees don’t require a lot of room. They adore sleeping on enormous dog beds or cozy furniture and are often quiet inside.
Conclusion
So, if you want to bring this wonderful Dog into your family, you need to be aware of the information just mentioned. We hope your Great Pyrenees will be a loyal member of your family and that you will be a responsible owner.