Great Pyrenees
PatientCalmStrong-willed
France / Spain · 10–12 years
About the Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a majestic, white livestock guardian breed that has protected flocks in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain for thousands of years. These impressive dogs can weigh over 100 pounds and are covered in a thick, weather-resistant white coat. Great Pyrenees are calm, patient, and deeply devoted to their families, but they are also independent thinkers bred to make decisions about threats without human direction. They were designated the Royal Dog of France by King Louis XIV. Today they serve as both working livestock guardians and beloved family companions known for their gentle, zen-like temperament.
Breed stats
- Height
- 25–32 in
- Weight
- 85–100 lbs
- Lifespan
- 10–12 years
- Group
- Working
- Coat
- Long, thick, weather-resistant double coat
- Origin
- France / Spain
Coat colors
- White
- White with Gray Markings
- White with Tan Markings
- White with Badger Markings
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
30–60 min
per day recommended
Daily food
4–6 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
- Osteosarcoma
- Patellar luxation
- Addison's disease
Not every Great Pyrenees will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Great Pyreneess eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Yes, Great Pyrenees are among the most vocal large breeds. They were bred to bark — loudly and persistently — to warn predators away from their flocks. This deep, booming bark carries for miles and increases significantly at night, when they are naturally most alert. They bark at strangers, unusual sounds, wildlife, passing cars, and perceived threats. Training can moderate barking, but you will never eliminate it — barking is fundamental to their guardian nature. They are not suitable for neighborhoods with noise restrictions or close neighbors. Nocturnal barking is particularly challenging for suburban owners.
- Great Pyrenees are wonderful family dogs — gentle, patient, and especially good with children. They seem to instinctively understand the need for gentleness around small family members and often appoint themselves as guardians of children. They are calm and steady in the home, surprisingly low-energy for their size, and deeply devoted to their families. However, they are independent thinkers that require patient training, they shed heavily, they bark a lot (especially at night), and they need secure fencing as they tend to roam. For families who can manage these traits, they are exceptional companions.
- Great Pyrenees have a strong instinct to patrol and expand their territory — this is a core part of their livestock guardian heritage. They were bred to patrol large perimeters around flocks, which translates to a tendency to wander away from home if not properly contained. Standard 4-foot fencing is usually insufficient; they need at least 5-6 foot secure fencing. They are surprisingly agile for their size and can climb or dig under inadequate fencing. Electronic/invisible fences are generally ineffective because their guardian instinct overrides the deterrent. Secure physical fencing is essential for Pyrenees ownership.
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