• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Great Pyrenees Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Great Pyrenees so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank66
Reviews3
User Ratings
Compare the Great Pyrenees With Other Dogs
Select at least one dog breed to make the comparsion.
 
 
Great Pyrenees dog profile picture
OriginSpain flagSpain France flagFrance
Other Names
What other names does the Great Pyrenees have?
Chien De Montagne Des PyrénéesChien Des PyrénéesGos De Muntanya Dels PirineusMontañés Del PirineoPatouGreat Pyrenees
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred The Great Pyrenees is considered a purebred dog breed, but many mixes and hybrids have been created from this breed. We have compiled a list of Great Pyrenees Mixes.

Overview

 

Photo Gallery of the Great Pyrenees Breed

Great Pyrenees Size and Weight

Size
Is a Great Pyrenees small, medium or large dog?

How big do Great Pyrenees get?

What is the average size of a Great Pyrenees?

Giant
Weight
How much does the Great Pyrenees weigh? How much should a Great Pyrenees weight? What is the normal weight of a Great Pyrenees? How much does a full-grown Great Pyrenees weight?
Male: from 100 pounds (45 kg), Female: from 85 pounds (38 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Great Pyrenees?
Male: from 100 pounds (45 kg), Female: from 85 pounds (38 kg)
Height
How tall is the Great Pyrenees? Great Pyrenees height:
Male: 27-32 inches (69-81 cm), Female: 25-29 inches (63-74 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Great Pyrenees?
Male: 29.5 inches (75 cm), Female: 27 inches (68.5 cm)

Great Pyrenees Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Great Pyrenees puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Great Pyrenees in the United States? How much money is a Great Pyrenees?

Where to buy a Great Pyrenees with a good pedigree?

$500-$600
If you choose to purchase the Great Pyrenees, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Great Pyrenees for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Great Pyrenees gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Great Pyrenees? How many Great Pyrenees are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Great Pyrenees is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Great Pyrenees Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Great Pyrenees? Is the Great Pyrenees breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Great Pyrenees ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Great Pyrenees dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Great Pyrenees?
Great Pyrenees dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is Great Pyrenees good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Great Pyrenees dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Great Pyrenees dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Great Pyrenees dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Great Pyrenees dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Great Pyrenees Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Great Pyrenees have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
ConfidentAffectionatePatientGentleStrongWilledFearless
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Great Pyrenees sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Great Pyrenees dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Great Pyrenees a good family dog?
Average: Great Pyrenees dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. Some breeds are forthcoming and friendly, while others are independent and don't bond too closely with their owners.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Chien De Montagne Des Pyrénées need? Great Pyrenees social needs:
Great Pyrenees dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Great Pyrenees to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Great Pyrenees roam?
Great Pyrenees dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command. This breed is also able to cause damage to your fence.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Great Pyrenees have high prey drive?
Great Pyrenees dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Great Pyrenees dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Great Pyrenees Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Great Pyreneess are not the most playful dog breed. Sometimes they do like playing, but that's not their favorite activity.
Barking
Do Great Pyrenees dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Chien De Montagne Des Pyrénées bark?
Average to High: The Great Pyrenees is a vocal breed. Not the best choice if you prefer a quiet breed. They often bark loudly and howl sometimes. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Great Pyrenees good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Great Pyrenees in an apartment?
It is not recommended to keep the Great Pyrenees breed in the home. It does best in the garden, but if you do want to keep it indoors, it should be exercised thoroughly with long daily walks, so you can keep the Great Pyrenees indoors by introducing daily routines.

Great Pyrenees Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Great Pyrenees dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Great Pyrenees be left alone? How long can you leave a Great Pyrenees alone?
Great Pyrenees dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Great Pyrenees Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Great Pyrenees has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Great Pyrenees? How much bite force does a Great Pyrenees have? How strong is a Great Pyrenees bite?

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Great Pyrenees bite force: The Strongest. The Great Pyrenees bite force is among the strongest in the canine world. The bite force Great Pyrenees measurements are typically quite high, which is a testament to their powerful and large stature. The bite force of Great Pyrenees dogs is impressive, and their Great Pyrenees bite PSI is reflective of their powerful nature.

The Great Pyrenees PSI bite should be respected, and appropriate precautions should be taken when interacting with these dogs. The PSI of a Great Pyrenees bite is high, making them one of the strongest breeds in terms of bite force.

They are very protective of themselves and their families, therefore a dog bite from them could be exceptionally dangerous with their PSI being above 400.

To ensure a well-behaved and controlled dog, it's important to learn how to train a Great Pyrenees puppy not to bite from an early age. It is important that they’re trained to be around others safely.

Biting Potential
Do Great Pyrenees bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Chien De Montagne Des Pyrénées? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Great Pyrenees? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Great Pyrenees has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Great Pyrenees do?
Great Pyrenees dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Great Pyrenees dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Great Pyrenees Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Great Pyrenees dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Great Pyreneess are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Great Pyrenees breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Great Pyrenees breed? Most common health risks of Great Pyrenees:
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Patellar LuxationBloatEntropionDrug SensitivityElbow DysplasiaAddison's Disease
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Great Pyrenees breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Great Pyrenees see the vet?
Rare
The Great Pyrenees should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Great Pyrenees dogs live? How old can a Great Pyrenees be? What is the age limit of the Great Pyrenees? How many years can the oldest Great Pyrenees live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Great Pyrenees?

How long is the lifespan of a Great Pyrenees?

10-12 years
The average lifespan of Great Pyrenees: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers cold weather
The Great Pyrenees can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. Dogs can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia in extremely cold weather, so it is important to take precautions to keep your dog safe and comfortable during the winter months.

Great Pyrenees Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Great Pyrenees have? What is the activity level of the Great Pyrenees?
Great Pyrenees dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Great Pyrenees need? How much exercise do Great Pyrenees dogs require per day?

Do Great Pyrenees dogs need a lot of exercises?

Great Pyrenees dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Great Pyrenees breed need?
Great Pyrenees dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

Great Pyrenees Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Great Pyrenees need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Great Pyrenees breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Great Pyrenees? How much food should I feed my Great Pyrenees?
8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Great Pyrenees risk for obesity:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Great Pyrenees's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Great Pyrenees weight regularly.

Great Pyrenees Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Great Pyrenees have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
DenseDouble
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Great Pyrenees coats?
White
Grooming
How to groom the Great Pyrenees and how often? How often should I take my Great Pyrenees to the groomer?
Average: The Great Pyrenees requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Great Pyrenees, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Shedding Level
How much do Great Pyrenees dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Chien De Montagne Des Pyrénées? Do Great Pyrenees dogs shed a lot?
Great Pyrenees dogs shed above average. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type. If you don't like vacuum cleaning, you might have to reconsider your choice of having a puppy from the Great Pyrenees breed.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Great Pyrenees need a bath? How often should you give a Great Pyrenees a bath? Can I bathe my Great Pyrenees every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Great Pyrenees breed hypoallergenic?
No
Great Pyrenees dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Great Pyrenees has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Great Pyrenees drool?
The Great Pyrenees is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. If you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, the Great Pyrenees could be a good choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool less than others, just like the Great Pyrenees.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Great Pyrenees Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Great Pyrenees dogs get along with other pets? Are Great Pyrenees dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Great Pyrenees dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Great Pyrenees temperament with other people:
Great Pyrenees dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are Great Pyrenees dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Great Pyrenees temperament with children:
Great Pyrenees dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Great Pyrenees dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Great Pyrenees breed live with a cat?
Great Pyrenees dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Great Pyrenees good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Great Pyrenees dogs get along with other dogs?
Great Pyrenees dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Great Pyrenees breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Great Pyrenees breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Great Pyrenees dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Great Pyrenees dogs good office canines? Do Great Pyrenees dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Great Pyrenees is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Great Pyrenees dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Chien De Montagne Des Pyrénées temperament with senior people? Are Great Pyrenees dogs good for elderly owners?
Great Pyreneess are usually recommended for elderly people.

Great Pyrenees As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Great Pyrenees be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Great Pyrenees is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Great Pyrenees be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Great Pyrenees be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Great Pyrenees is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Great Pyrenees be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Great Pyrenees is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Great Pyrenees be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Great Pyrenees is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Great Pyrenees be a boat dog?

Not really

Great Pyrenees breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Great Pyrenees be a drafting dog?

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Great Pyrenees breed is a good choice for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Great Pyrenees dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Great Pyrenees Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Great Pyrenees pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Great Pyrenees breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Great Pyrenees: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Great Pyrenees have in a litter? How many puppies can the Great Pyrenees breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Great Pyrenees have? How many puppies can a Great Pyrenees give birth to?
6-9 puppies

Great Pyrenees Recognition

AKC Group
Is Great Pyrenees recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1933 as a Working breed.
FCI Group
Is Great Pyrenees recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Great Pyrenees breed?
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryCanadian Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Australian National Kennel CouncilContinental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubUnited Kennel Club

Great Pyrenees Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Trainability: Great Pyrenees dogs are easy to train.
  • Health Issues: Great Pyreneess are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Great Pyrenees is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
  • Watchdog Ability: Great Pyrenees dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Mouthiness: Great Pyrenees dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Adaptability: Great Pyrenees dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Great Pyrenees dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Great Pyrenees dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Great Pyreneess are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Great Pyrenees dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog: A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Great Pyrenees dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: It is not recommended to keep the Great Pyrenees breed in the home.
  • Shedding Level: Great Pyrenees dogs shed above average.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Great Pyrenees's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Great Pyrenees dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Great Pyrenees dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: Great Pyrenees is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Great Pyrenees History

Introduction and ancestry

The Great Pyrenees or in its other name, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is one of the tallest dog breeds in the world. The breed’s ancestry is believed to date back 10 or 11 thousand years to dogs who originated in Asia Minor. Roman records and documents from at least 2,000 years ago, account for a large-sized herding breed, resembling the Great Pyrenees, indigenous to the Pyrenean Mountain region, that divides Spain and France.

Early history and development

Despite these very ancient artifacts, it was not until the early 16th century, that a concrete description of the Great Pyrenees was written. The breed’s description was made by Brother Miguel Agustin, Prior of the Temple de la Fidelissima of Perpignan. He described this pastoral breed, as sturdy and strong, but athletic enough to chase and to bring down even wolves when protecting the livestock. The dogs’ duty was to watch over and guard the flock deter and occasionally fight predators, whether wolves, bears, or livestock rustlers. The breed’s innate patience came in handy when sitting atop a freezing-cold mountain for days on end with nothing to do but to guard the livestock. Their courage when defending the flock was legendary. Later, in 1675, the Dauphin in the court of King Louis XIV declared that the Great Pyrenees was the Royal Dog of France, with the result that it became the guardian of choice for many of the palais and chateaux all around France. This declaration prompted the many in the French nobility to acquire Great Pyrenees and use them to guard estates and personal properties.

Spreading throughout the world

The Great Pyrenees was first exported to North America during the late 18th century, straight to Newfoundland, Canada. It is thought that the breed had a serious contribution to the creation of the Landseer Newfoundland, which is basically the result after cross-breeding the Newfoundland and the Great Pyrenees. Later, throughout the whole 19th century, the Great Pyrenees gained more popularity mainly in England, in Europe, and in the United States of America, after their introduction. The breed was also introduced in the breeding program of St. Bernard in Switzerland, with the intention of re-establishing the population number in the famous hospice where St. Bernard originated. Nevertheless, in the Great Pyrenees’ homeland, the breed started to deteriorate, because of the unscrupulous breeding practices during the early 20th century.

Modern times

As with many breeds, the two world wars took a toll on the breeding of the Great Pyrenees. Fortunately, several specimens were imported to the United States of America before the European continent was effectively closed because of World War II. After the war, breeders, organizations, and associations started serious breeding programs and made efforts with the intention of reviving this old breed. Nowadays, the Great Pyrenees is renowned for its gentle and caring attitude to children and smaller pets, but equally for its qualities as a guard dog. Consequently, the breed is still kept both as a guard dog, and also as a loving family companion.

Rate The Great Pyrenees Breed

Great Pyrenees Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Max

    Aug 26, 2023, 4:59:19 AM:

    I have a 53% great pyrenees and it's sweet protective smart strong and amazing at killing animals

  • lhasa apso

    Mar 13, 2022, 5:31:10 AM:

    I am about to get a great Pyrenees and I just wanted to ask, are they good with a golden retriever, Saint Bernard, Newfoundland Thanks

  • Olivia Hutchinson

    Jan 9, 2020, 1:52:38 AM: