Great Pyrenees

Life span: 10 to 12 years

Availability : Easy to get

About Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a giant purebred known for being affectionate, alert, gentle, independent, loyal, and quiet. The most common colors for Great Pyrenees are brown, gray, red, and white. To keep it healthy, it will need to get exercise regularly. Known to be multi-talented, the Great Pyrenees participates in a wide variety of activities such as carting, guarding, and sledding.

The sheep-guarding Great Pyrenees originated in the Pyrenees Mountains, which form a natural border between France and Spain. He's known by different names: Great Pyrenees in the United States and Canada, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog in the United Kingdom and most of Europe.

The first Great Pyrenees to be imported to North America went to Newfoundland, Canada. There the breed is attributed with creating the Landseer Newfoundlands, after crossbreedings between the Great Pyrenees and the Newfoundland.

Throughout the 1800s, the breed gained popularity throughout England, Europe, and the United States. He was introduced into the St. Bernard's breeding program in Switzerland in an effort to reestablish the numbers of dogs at the famous hospice where the St. Bernard originated. In the Pyr's homeland, however, the breed began to deteriorate due to unscrupulous breeding practices.

The two World Wars took a toll on all dog breeding; luckily several Great Pyrenees were imported to the United States before the European continent was effectively closed due to World War II. After the war, breeders began efforts to restore the breed to its former glory, and today the Great Pyrenees is a much-loved and admired dog.

Visits to Groomer-Low

Drooling-No

Bath-Rare

Tolerance to heat-Basks in it

Tolerance to cold-Loves snow

Exercise Requirement-Lots

Under Coat-Yes

Colour- Grey, Tan, Red, White

Coat Type-Thick and ruff

Hair Length-Flowing

Hair Density-Dense

Great Pyrenees are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Great Pyrenees will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed.

Bone Care

Gastric Torsion

Hip Dysplasia

Elbow Dysplasia

Patellar Luxation

Addison's Disease

Cataracts

Entropion

Anesthesia Sensitivity

Temperament
Pyrenees are patient and gentle with kids in their own family, but often don't take kindly to outside children engaging in rough play with their charges. These gentle giants love to play, and their favorite time to romp and play is after a good snow. In nature, the Great Pyrenees is safe, friendly and caring.

Training & Intelligence
A Pyrenees can be difficult to train because of his ability to think on his own. He's not a good match for new or timid dog owners, because he needs consistency and a strong owner who will socialize him and train with positive reinforcement.

Breeding
Litter Size- 6 to 9 puppies (approximately)

Complication in Breeding-No

Procreation

Great Pyrenees are a healthy and sturdy breed . Generally a dog takes around 18 months to reach his or her full height and structure. It is advisable to breed your dogs after at least two years of age. If you are a first timer at breeding then taking a vets help.