Breed guide

Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is a magnificent breed with a storied history that can be traced back thousands of years to the Pyrenees Mountains in France and Spain. Originally…

Large breed Weekly grooming
Great Pyrenees

No Great Pyrenees puppies right now

New puppies arrive weekly — leave your info and we'll reach out the moment one arrives.

At a glance

Great Pyrenees quick facts

85–115 lbs Weight
25–32 in Height
10–12 yrs Life expectancy
Large Size
Personality & needs

Is a Great Pyrenees right for you?

Energy & exercise

  • Energy Level
  • Mental Stimulation Needs
  • Playfulness

Living environment

  • Apartment Friendly
  • Tolerates Being Alone
  • Cold Tolerance
  • Heat Tolerance
  • Barking Tendency

Family & social

  • Good With Young Kids
  • Good With Older Kids
  • Good With Other Dogs
  • Good With Cats
  • Good With Strangers
  • Affection Level

Care & grooming

  • Shedding Level
  • Drooling Level
Weekly grooming

Trainability

  • Trainability
  • Intelligence
  • Independence (vs Clinginess)
  • Prey Drive
  • Stubbornness
  • Territorial

Great for

  • Protection Aptitude
  • Therapy Aptitude
  • Running Partner Aptitude
  • Hiking Aptitude
  • First-Time Owner Friendly
  • Senior Owner Friendly
Get to know them

About the Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is a magnificent breed with a storied history that can be traced back thousands of years to the Pyrenees Mountains in France and Spain. Originally bred to guard flocks of sheep, these dogs are celebrated for their keen protective instincts and their regal presence. If you are considering welcoming a Great Pyrenees into your home, you’ll be charmed by their gentle and affectionate nature. They tend to be particularly patient and loving with young children, which makes them an excellent choice for families.

In terms of energy, the Great Pyrenees strikes a balance that can suit a variety of lifestyles. They have a moderate energy level, so while they enjoy daily walks and outdoor playtime, they are just as happy to lounge by your side in the evenings. Being large dogs, they do best in homes with a bit of space where they can stretch their legs. They are not ideally suited to apartment living, but if you have a secure yard, they’ll be in their element.

Grooming your Great Pyrenees takes some diligence due to their beautiful, thick coats. Expect a weekly brushing routine to help manage their moderate shedding and keep their fur looking its best. Despite their size, they are relatively easy to care for in terms of grooming, making them a practical choice for someone who appreciates a dog with striking looks without excessive maintenance.

Training a Great Pyrenees can be an exercise in patience. Their independence and protective instincts, while admirable, sometimes mean they may not always be responsive to commands. Early socialization and consistent, positive reinforcement are key to helping them thrive. This breed is known for their intelligence, which can manifest as a life-long eagerness to protect their beloved family members, both human and furry. With understanding and a bit of effort, you’ll find that their loyalty and love make every moment spent with them worthwhile.

Good to know

Great Pyrenees FAQs

Absolutely! Great Pyrenees are known for their affectionate and gentle nature, making them fantastic companions for families, especially those with young children. They tend to be very protective and loving, which adds to their appeal as family pets.

Great Pyrenees have a moderate energy level, which means they enjoy playtime and walks but also appreciate their downtime. A couple of daily walks and some playtime in the yard will usually keep them happy and content.

Great Pyrenees do shed, but their shedding level is considered moderate. Regular grooming, ideally once a week, will help manage the shedding and keep their beautiful coat healthy and looking great.

Great Pyrenees are not typically suited for apartment living due to their large size and need for space. They thrive in environments where they have room to roam and explore, so a home with a yard is highly recommended.

While Great Pyrenees can get along with other pets, their compatibility really depends on the individual dog. They are known to be somewhat protective, so early socialization is important, especially with other dogs and cats.

Dig deeper

Learn more about the Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is a gentle giant, known for their affectionate nature and protective instincts, making them a wonderful addition to families, especially those with young children. They are generally friendly and can be good with other pets, although they may sometimes prefer their own company. With their calm demeanor, they quickly become beloved family members, offering warmth and loyalty in abundance.

This breed has a moderate energy level, so while they enjoy their daily walks and playtime, they are equally content to lounge around the house with their loved ones. Great Pyrenees do appreciate a good romp in a secure backyard, as they love to explore and investigate their surroundings. Just remember, they’re more about leisurely strolls than high-octane games!

Great Pyrenees have a beautiful double coat that requires weekly grooming to keep it looking its best and to manage shedding. Their moderate shedding means you’ll likely find some fur around your home, but regular brushing will help keep it under control. It's a small price to pay for a furry companion that brings so much joy into your life!

When it comes to training, the Great Pyrenees may not be the quickest learner, but their inherent intelligence shines through with patience and positive reinforcement. Consistency is key! With gentle and fun training methods, you’ll create a strong bond with your furry friend while also teaching them the important skills they need to thrive in your home.

Keep exploring

Similar breeds you may love

Akita

Meet the Akita, a majestic breed with a rich history that finds its origins…

Learn more

Boxer

If you're looking for a spirited and affectionate canine companion, the Boxer might just…

Learn more
Let's talk puppies

Ask us about Great Pyrenees puppies

Tell us a bit about you and we'll be in touch within one business day.

Time running out Book your visit