Are you ready for a Pyr?
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THIS MATERIAL IS COPYRIGHTED BUT MAY BE REPRODUCED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES WITH PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR - SHARON J. ARMSTRONG.
You've been considering a Great Pyrenees for your family but want more information on the breed. Are you wondering if this breed is the right choice? To make an informed decision plan to spend time on breed research BEFORE purchasing. Don't make the mistake of buying without giving first consideration to the full time, long term responsibility you are taking on. The decision to acquire a Great Pyrenees should never be made on impulse! All Pyr puppies are adorable, but they will not remain puppies for long. Even after a few months some owners will be at wit's end wondering "What did I get myself into?". Before long the dog goes back to the breeder or it becomes a public trust left in a pound or put out on the streets. NEVER BUY THE PUPPY. Buy for the 'adult dog' that your puppy will grow up to be.
This page is designed to help you make the right choice, for you and the dog. It is lengthy but contains important information. The information points out some of the characteristics, responsibilities and special concerns pertaining to this breed. To provide a balance, many NEGATIVE aspects of Pyr ownership are also included. Sit down and honestly ask yourself the following....
WHAT IS YOUR LIFESTYLE?
Your lifestyle determines what breed of dog will best fit your needs. Dogs need love and attention, much like children, and each has its own unique personality. Pyrs rely on their owners for the complete care required to develop into reliable and responsive companions. It just doesn't happen on its own. If you are away from home for much of the day, your unsupervised Pyr will probably form a lot of bad habits which will take extra time and training to correct. A bored dog is often a destructive dog. Excessive barking, extensive excavation of your backyard, chewing up your shrubbery, fence or house, and/or a multitude of other bad habits are signs that the dog feels neglected. Dogs don't deserve to be left alone for extended periods of time. How can you consciencely discipline a dog for it's misbehaviour if you are the one who hasn't had the time to provide direction on what the dog can or can't do? If you spend a lot of time away you must be certain that your dog is provided for, every day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks of every year.
Great Pyrenees are natural guardians and their first line of defence is to announce their presence on the property. Young dogs have a tendency to bark more often, at the slightest (or imagined) provocation. This barking seems to decrease as the dog acquires the confidence and skills it needs to protect it's charges. Consider your neighbour's reaction to listening to this barking day and night. How would you handle it? Would you do all in your power to resolve it, for example, by bringing the dog in at night? Would you be willing to surgically "debark" your dog to avoid potential confrontations with your neighbours, or the by-law enforcement officer, should this barking become a serious problem? Or would you just simply give the dog up? Most responsible breeders will assist in taking a dog back and try to find it a good home. If the dog is salvageable, they will try to work through the problem behaviour before placing the dog into a new home. This could take several months of training, so do not expect your breeder to offer to refund your money. Be happy that there is someone who cares for the dog's welfare.
Are you an active person who is willing to share your activities with your Pyr? Since Great Pyrenees are such large dogs, the public deems that they must have much better manners than any smaller breed. Pyrs should not be allowed to go off leash as they are notoriously known for NEVER coming when called. Are you physically able to handle a powerful, large breed dog? Consider the energy and time required just in basic training. Obedience training is highly recommended as these dogs can pull you, or your child, off their feet. By running loose they could easily frighten or injure passersby. Pyrs take training readily, at first, but they do not have that ingrained "must do anything for my master" mentality. Their heritage was borne of thinking for themselves. They were frequently left with their flocks on the isolated slopes of the Pyrenees Mountains without the benefits of regular human contact. Great Pyrenees retain the right to make their own decisions. You may not be able to mold your Great Pyrenees into a high scoring obedience worker, like you would a Sporting or Herding dog, but you will enjoy your dog much more with some basic training.
Are you a frequent traveller? Will you be taking your Pyr with you? Some hotels/motels will accept well behaved, crated dogs and many require a damage deposit on check-in. Only crated dogs can be left unattended in the room while you go out for dinner, short sightseeing trips, etc. This is an excellent motivation for early crate training so your dog will be relaxed, and quiet, while you are away from your room. If you can't take your dog with you into the hotel room then leave him at home. It is irresponsible to leave your dog locked in a parked vehicle on warm days. Heat can be decieving. The rapid amount of time it takes for a car's temperature to soar inside the vehicle, even with the windows cracked open, can result in a horrendous death for your Pyr. Alternate arrangements such as "Dog Sitting Services" or boarding kennels should be made when you plan to travel.
WHAT IS YOUR FINANCIAL COMMITMENT?
The purchase price and possible shipping costs to the new owner of a Great Pyrenees are minor compared to the costs of the raising and upkeep of the dog. Consider the costs of food, veterinary services, grooming supplies, housing, and training expenses before you buy your Pyr. Will you be able to afford it over the next 10 to 12 years that you've committed to this dog?
Although Pyrs are moderate eaters for their size, they can consume a 20kg (40lb) bag of dog food about every 3 weeks, easily! Growing puppies eat much more and their food is more expensive to purchase. Great Pyrenees puppies require specially formulated "puppy foods" for the first 6 months of their life for controlled growth. A regular, balanced, quality "adult food" should be fed for the day to day maintenance of a large breed dog. Don't be persuaded to purchase the best "designer" food for your Pyr. Often these foods are too rich for the puppy and could accelerate their growth causing bone and structural defects in later life. These designer foods are best left to veterinary or special needs usage. This also goes for lamb, fish, duck, venison and other alternative meat diets - save these for options should your dog develop food allergies. Some companies offer foods that are specifically formulated for large breeds but expect to pay more. A bag of basic quality food will cost from $20.00 to $45.00 a bag. This food need not be supplemented but you can provide your Pyr with "extras" by adding canned food (avoid vegetable based products) or biscuits. Great Pyrenees should NEVER be given bones to chew nor are rawhide products recommended. These dogs can shatter bones which could cause pieces to be impaled in the esophagus. Large chunks of rawhide chews could be swallowed whole and impact in the dog's digestive tract. Purchase instead "Nyla-bones" or "Kong" toys which they can safely chew and enjoy for years.
General dog supplies are necessary to keep your Pyr healthy and well-kept. Ask your breeder for a grooming equipment list and advice on where to purchase supplies. Although the Pyr's coat is primarily white, and very thick (double-coated), with the right equipment and techniques it is relatively easy to keep it clean and well-groomed. The Great Pyrenees' coat is non-oily so most dirt will brush out of it when dry. A good basic set of grooming supplies (brushes, comb, scissors, nail clippers etc.) can cost you upwards of $60.00. It will cost you much more than that each time you send your dog to a professional groomer...so buy your own, learn how to use the equipment, and save!
Because the Pyr is a large breed dog veterinary expenses can be exorbitant; just walking in the door could cost you upwards of $50.00. Routine veterinary services must include your dog's annual vaccinations, wormings, preventative health checks, flea, tick and heartworm control, and skin care products. Pyrs are "fair-skinned" and seem to be more prone to flea alergies, "hot spots", and other related skin disorders. Pyrs are a drop-eared dog so their ears require frequent cleaning and may be subject to infections. Most conditions can be resolved with a little preventative care such as good grooming techniques, proper nutrition, and kennel hygiene. As with all conditions the sooner you treat, the better.
Inquire about the recommended vaccinations for your area. Parasites, such as Heartworm and the ticks carrying Lyme disease, may be prevalent. Both are life-threatening to your dog but can be prevented with proper veterinary care. Consider purchasing a Pyr Health Care Plan for your dog. They may look expensive initially but your annual premiums could be saving you substantially in future veterinary fees. Read the fine print as not all conditions or treatments are covered.
All breeds of dogs have health problems with cancer as one of the leading causes of death. Ask about the health of the dog's parents. Have these dogs experienced any serious health problems that might affect their pups? Some serious concerns that might have cause for alarm are genetic predispositions to Hip Dysplasia, Patella Luxation, and Osteochondritis. Not only are these conditions a serious threat to the soundness of the dog you purchase, but can be very expensive to surgically correct. Include in your veterinary budget the costs of having your Pyr x-rayed for these conditions when the dog reaches 2 years of age. With good,early medical care these dogs can continue to live active, quality lives.
Early spaying and neutering may be an available option from your breeder. This could be done as early as 2 months of age and has been proven to have no ill efects on the development of your dog. Spaying your female Pyrenees is much safer if done prior to her coming into season (6 months or so). Neutering can prevent males from "marking" their territory in the house. Altering can be done safely at any age and can prevent serious conditions such as mammary tumours and ovarian cancers in females, or prostate cancers in males. Before ANY surgery make sure your Veterinarian is aware that "GREAT PYRENEES HAVE A LOW BASAL METABOLIC RATE THAN OTHER BREEDS OF COMPARABLE SIZE" (Robert Brown DVM)and are very sensitive to anaesthesia. An accurate weight for your dog is vital for proper dosages. This should in no way discourage you from having this potential life-saving surgery done. Tranquillizer use can also be affected and the Pyr may require a lower dosage.
A secured yard is mandatory for your dog's safety as Great Pyrenees have no respect for boundaries. Save yourself the worry, potential impoundment fees, possible lawsuits, and extensive veterinary bills by building an exercise area for your dog before you purchase. A safe, sheltered kennel run (minimum 10' x 20') is recommended, especially for confining bitches in season, or when guests come to enjoy your yard. Not all people are comfortable around a dog, especially a large one and certainly not when he's on their lap! A secure yard is the best solution against road accidents, the number one cause of preventable death in this breed. Or, worse yet, your dog could be involved in a motor vehicle accident causing someone else needless injury or death while trying to avoid hitting your dog! How can you justify the heartbreak of losing your beloved companion from the lack of spending a little extra to provide it with a safe home. Many communities will require your dog to be licensed with hefty fines for dogs at large.
Though your best investment for longevity is a secure yard also consider purchasing a crate for your Pyr. A crate will protect the dog from damaging your home or car, and may prevent serious injury in the event of a vehicle accident. There are cases when loose dogs have been shot because they prevented rescue workers from reaching victims trapped in car crashes. A severely injured dog is less likely to suffer if transported inside its crate to the veterinarian's office. This also protects handlers from being bitten while the dog is in distress. Don't think of a crate as a prison for your Pyr - think of it as a safe den. If the crate is left out, chances are your Pyr will seek it out to sleep in. Most Pyrs actually like their crates! A good crate, Pyr-sized, will start around $150.00 but second-hand equipment is often listed for much less in the classified sections of your local Bargain newspaper.
Obedience training or show handling classes are highly recommended especially if you plan to compete in trials or the conformation show ring. Consider the monetary commitment required to attain your dog's titles. Competition is not for everyone. If you enjoy the social contacts and exchanges that can develop with people who share the same interests, the recognition your Pyr can achieve, or the challenges of competing successfully, this might be something to try. Talk this over with your breeder before purchasing a Pyr. Dog shows are costly but to most people it is the enjoyment of the showing experience that counts the most. Classes are available through most all-breed or obedience dog clubs or the local school board's night classes. Pick your trainer wisely. A poor trainer can do more damage to your Pyr than not having the dog trained at all! Good trainers spend as much time training you, as the dog, and treat the dog with rewards for positive behaviours rather than constant discipline. Remember that choke-type training collars (and even muzzles) should NEVER be left on an unattended dog to avoid accidental hanging or choking. Replace these collars with a nylon or rolled leather buckle collar when each training session is over.
Join a Great Pyrenees breed club! Clubs offer opportunities for getting to know other Pyr-people in your area, will arrange activities you can attend with your dog (picnics, dog-walks), provide educational material via the club newsletters, and offer the support and expertise of other members should you need advice. Membership fees are nominal. For information on Great Pyrenees clubs contact your breeder or the Canadian or American Kennel Clubs. Your local SPCA or veterinarian can supply you with their numbers (a link available on this site). Canada currently has a National organization (The Great Pyrenees Club of Canada) and several provincial Regional Clubs. Should you wish to pursue showing and/or breeding, a membership in the Canadian Kennel Club is also advised.
WHAT IS YOUR TIME COMMITMENT?
Grooming and training account for the largest block of time spent on a new Pyr in the household. Do you have the time, and the energy it takes, to regularly groom your dog? If you bring your dog indoors be prepared to wear Pyr hair on your clothes, on the carpets, and on the furniture. The Great Pyrenees has a dense double coat which will shed out a minimum of twice a year, more frequently if the dog is kept indoors. Grooming out a Pyr puppy coat, or stripping an unkept adult coat, requires an hour or more a week. Adults in good coat condition will require at least a half hour. Will you do this yourself or will you use the services of a professional groomer?
Bathing your Pyr, or even clipping your dog's nails, can be monumental tasks. Baths should be done a minimum of twice a year, just after each major shed. If you plan to show your dog, or take part in visitation programs to schools or care facilities, bathing must be done before each event. Bathing can take up to a half hour to do - drying is another matter!
Great Pyrenees have double rear dewclaws and singles in the front which, along with the rest of their twenty-two nails, need regular trimming to keep the dog comfortable, to prevent the dewclaws from catching and tearing, or from growing into the pads of the feet. If you have a Pyr who hates having his nails cut you may require a groomer or veterinarian to restrain the dog for the procedure. Dewclaws on this breed are NOT to be removed. If you intend to compete with your Pyrs at conformation dog shows they must be intact.
Ear and teeth cleaning must be done often to prevent costly infections from settng in. Because of the Great Pyrenees' drop-ear, the ears are not as self-cleaning as other breeds and should be attended to. The teeth will build up plaque even if you faithfully feed your dog dry, hard kibble. You can purchase toothpaste specifically for dogs and brush your dog's teeth with a finger brush. Any plaque/tarter build-up can be removed (scaled) by your veterinarian.
Don't be afraid to ask your breeder to show you the proper equipment and techniques used to groom your dog. Getting the right supplies for the job will save you money and time.
Basic taining should begin as soon as you bring your new Pyr into your home. Obedience classes are an excellent way to socialize your dog, and your veterinarian will thank you for it come exam time! Kindergarten puppy classes can start as early as 3 months of age, and regular obedience classes usually begin at 6 months. But don't wait for enrolment to begin teaching your Pyr manners at home - start them off on Day One. Plan to spend at least 10 hours in class plus extra at-home time for practises. People who successfully train Great Pyrenees are generally very patient, creative, good-natured and CONSISTENT. And YES, you can successfully teach an old dog new tricks!
It is important that your Pyr gets used to as much outside stimuli as possible. This socialization can be done during regular walks with your dog and you will reap the benefits of having a fit and happy Pyr. Quality time with your Pyr is paramount for a close relationship to develop. If you are not willing to put in the time - DO NOT BUY A DOG!
DO YOU HAVE CHILDREN OR ANIMALS AT HOME?
Children will naturally be excited at the prospect of a new puppy or adult Pyr in the house. They should be taught to respect the dog and learn not to tease or handle the dog roughly. Puppies play hard and require a lot of sleep in their growing period. Supervise the play periods, especially with your children. A growing puppy could easily upset a child in play as coordination may not be as fine-tuned as an adult Pyr. A six month old Pyr pup can weigh in at 60lbs. and could do a lot of damage if a child should accidentally get knocked over. Give your dog a place of his own that is out-of-bounds to the children so the dog will have a safe, quiet place to retreat to.
Be aware that your other pets may not accept a new addition to their household. Take into consideration your pet's perceived attitude to the new arrival. Introduce them to each other in a controlled manner, ie. both dogs on lead, to prevent any serious confrontations. Try not to make too much of a fuss of the new dog to avoid any jealousy. Always feed the animals separate from each other.
As a rule of thumb, male dogs will NOT tolerate other male dogs. Female - male combinations seem to cause the least problems for their owners. Two females can reside together but have been known to have vicious fights. Great Pyrenees generally will not start a fight with other dogs, but are extremely quick to defend should they feel challenged. Your chances of any confrontations will decrease dramatically if both animals are spayed or neutered. Altering your Pyr may also extend it's life and will prevent any unplanned and unwanted pregnancies.
DO ALL THE MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY WANT A DOG?
Just as it is important for the Pyr to suit its new home, it is equally important that the home/family accept the dog. Raising a Great Pyrenees should be a commitment for the life of the dog. Puppies grow enormously in their first 9 months and require a lot of attention in their early training and socialization. They can be temperamental as "teenagers" (1 - 2 years of age). The older Pyr will require extra attention in its senior years, often due to declining health. Pyrs live on average 10 to 12 years. Think of the long term before you buy. Does your family agree to provide the love and attention this dog will need during its entire lifetime? Do you understand what this will entail and what sacrifices might need to be made?
If your circumstances change and, for whatever reason, you cannot continue to keep the dog PLEASE contact your breeder first before giving up the dog. Your breeder should help you relocate the dog into a good home, or may be in a position to take your dog back. If you do not receive any support from your breeder contact the local Pyr Club. They usually have a Rescue Referral Service and may have a waiting list of qualified people willing to accept an unwanted Pyr into their life. Don't turn your dog out onto the streets or give it to the first person who comes along. You owe it to your dog to do your best in finding it a home that will provide a loving environment and tend to its needs.
I will be glad to assist you with any specific questions you may have regarding the Great Pyrenees.
For further Great Pyrenees information and links...
Weskyuwin Perm. Reg'd Home Page
What type of Pyr do you want? (article)
