GPCPS

This article will answer most of your basic questions about what a Pyr is and why it might or might not be a good breed for your family

You've seen these big, beautiful white dogs. You're impressed, naturally. You think that you want one. This is understandable. But...is this the breed for you? Give it some thought.

The mature, sedate Great Pyrenees which you have seen did not just materialize suddenly. It grew from a cuddly and lovable ball of fluff through the sometimes difficult and trying stages of puppyhood and adolescence.

The Standard for the breed says "In nature the Great Pyrenees is confident, gentle and affectionate. While territorial and protective of his flock or family when necessary, his general demeanor is one of quiet composure both patient and tolerant. He is strong willed, independent and somewhat reserved, yet attentive, fearless and loyal to his charges, both human and animal". Thus, they command respect and admiration as watch dogs and as pets.

As a breed they are remarkably healthy and long lived. They have few major genetic problems and can live to be 10-12 years old.

They are placid by nature and calm in the house, enjoying quiet periods in which to rest and sleep. Because of these qualities, despite their size, they are excellent house dogs

Great Pyrenees have characteristics which may not make them the ideal pet for everyone.

The Great Pyrenees is a very large dog. As an adult it may weigh between 90 and 135 lbs. Are you physically able to handle a large dog? Basically gentle, they are strong and during phases of puppyhood can be a real challenge.

Its stunning white coat needs to be brushed on a regular basis. Does dog hair around the house bother you? If so, forget the Pyr. While with routine grooming they are not much different than any other breed, they do shed and there are white hairs in Pyrenees homes and on Pyrenees people.

A Great Pyrenees needs love and attention on a daily basis. Are you and your family able to provide this? A lonesome Pyr is a bored dog, and a bored dog can be destructive.

The Great Pyrenees is at heart a guard dog and a member of the great family of livestock guardian dogs. As such it shares with them certain strong characteristics.

1. A Great Pyrenees is a roamer and must be confined behind an adequate fence (5' high or more). If not, they will not remain on your property. When off your property they must be kept on lead at all times or they will exercise their powerful instinct to establish and patrol a large territory. So, if you want a great "off lead" companion for your outdoor activities, you might want to consider other breeds that are more suited to being off lead.

2. A Great Pyrenees is an intelligent, sometimes willful animal. They have minds of their own and are not the most easily obedience trained. Those things that you consider important may not be the same things your Pyrenees considers important. If you want a dog who will follow your every command or if you want a competition obedience dog, the Pyrenees is probably not for you.

3. Like all livestock guard breeds, Pyrenees are barkers, especially at night. The amount of barking varies from individual to individual but the instinct is there and in some cases can cause major problems. Most Great Pyrenees in urban or suburban settings must be kept indoors at night.

4. While a Great Pyrenees will accept anyone whom you invite into your home, it is a guard dog and as such cannot be expected to welcome uninvited intrusions onto your property. They are not "attack" dogs, but can be very intimidating to the surprised visitor. It is an owners obligation to maintain a Great Pyrenees so that his guarding instincts can be exercised in a responsible way.

The Great Pyrenees is an extraordinary animal--proud, protective, loving and loyal. For those who own, love and admire them, they are the ideal companion.

This information is designed to provide you with some basic knowledge about Great Pyrenees. If after considering your needs and wants, and those of the dog, you are still interested in the breed, we strongly recommend that you contact a breeder or owner who is a member of the Great Pyrenees Club of Puget Sound and arrange to visit and meet the dogs in their own environment.

The addition of a dog to your family is a major decision and deserves a great deal of time and care.