.png)
Great Pyrenees, is it the right breed for you
Have you ever seen a great pyrenees puppy? Who could resist. Unfortunately many folks are unaware just what exactly these majestic beauties are all about.​ Great Pyrenees ( pronounced like a "great pair of knees) or pyrs as we call them originated in the Pyrenean Mountains of France where they were bred to be Guardians of The Flocks NOT herders. ​The Great Pyrenees were used to guard against wolves, coyote, bear or others that would bring danger to their flocks.
These giant beauties are rottweilers in a snow suit. Those "snowsuits" let them blend in easily with flocks of sheep or goats. Ready to lay down their lives for those they guard, instinct is sometimes so ingrained in a breed that even though there are no sheep to guard, you their family, become the flock they will guard and why a lot of people discover they have issues with their pyr when they have people come into their "pasture". These dogs are doing what man bred them to do.
Well socializing your puppy and young pyr is a must!!!​
Wanderlust is also an instinctual thing that no matter the trainer you sometimes just can't keep these guys on your property as a pyr has no boundaries. A six foot fence will keep your furry friend safe and your neighbors happy. Speaking of neighbors, have them invest in a good pair of ear plugs and hope that they have a good sense of humor as pyrs bark at anything and everything. Where do you think the name of our farm came from?
The Great Pyrenees is also quite fond of digging so if your pristine lawn is your pride and joy you may want to rethink one of these guys. But don't worry about the pool these kids typically don't like to swim. Luckily that white double coat is self-cleaning. All that mud they laid in will fall off in your house.​
Sadly, because the surge of homesteaders and wannabe farmers thinking you can just plop a great pyrenees in the field and think they will automatically know what to do, many pyrs are showing up in shelters. It is worse now than it ever has been. Now more than ever we need foster homes to help save more lives. For more info check out the fostering section.
Why so many in the south? Lots of farm land and a disposable mindset down there. ​
​
All the negative aside those of us who have shared our heart with this breed will never want to be without one. Which is evident of the loyal repeat adopters we have had over the years.
Great Pyrenees are like potato chips, it is hard to have only one.
​
Sadly as with any large breed these guys just don't live long enough. Their life expectancy is 10 -12 years but we have been blessed to have a bunch until 13 or 14 if damn cancer doesn't get them.
For the most part they are a pretty healthy, hardy breed but prone to large breed issues of hip dysplasia, torn cruciates, bone cancer, hemangiosarcoma to name a few. There is some research that they now think early sterilization is leading to this which is one of the reasons we will not alter dogs younger than six months if we can.
​
Pyrs are well known to be stubborn but a lot of this has to do with the fact the were bred to be able to think for themselves. They have to when they are out there protecting their flocks.
​
A female pyr is typically 85 to 100 pounds where a male will go up to 100 to 125 pounds.
​
There is no other as loyal and loving as a pyr.
