Are Great Pyrenees Good First Dogs?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Great Pyrenees have earned a reputation of being “willful and stubborn” animals.

Many people say that this is not a good breed for first-time dog owners

. However, if you are aware of, and accept, the negative breed traits, we promise that the positive traits will make Pyrenean ownership more than worthwhile.

Are Great Pyrenees puppies aggressive?

Though Great Pyrenees are

not inherently aggressive or misbehaving dogs

, they do require proper training as puppies to make sure that they stay in check. Great Pyrenees puppies are known to be stubborn and quite difficult to train, which can be quite challenging for new owners.

Are Great Pyrenees hard to take care of?


Training a Great Pyrenees can be difficult, but it can also be easy if you start early and maintain kindness and consistency

. Originally bred for guarding livestock, the Pyr is used to working and thinking on his own. This trait is still strong, whether he comes from a line of pet dogs or working dogs.

Which dog is best for first-time owner?

  • labrador retriever.
  • poodle.
  • cavalier king charles spaniel.
  • papillon.
  • soft coated wheaten terrier.
  • english springer spaniel.
  • shih tzu.
  • whippet.

Do Great Pyrenees bark a lot?

If your Great Pyrenees is prone to barking, rest assured you are not alone.

Barking in this breed is very common

—so common that it’s rare to see one that doesn’t exhibit this behavior.

Are Great Pyrenees easy to potty train?


Potty training a Great Pyrenees can be accomplished at home with the assistance of a dog crate

. Place the Great Pyrenees puppy in a crate during the night, when the owners are away from the home or every time the dog cannot be closely monitored. For the most part, a dog will not void where it sleeps.

Is it better to get a male or female Great Pyrenees?


Female pyrs tend to rule the show and be more strong-willed than the males

, so it is often advised not to adopt two females together or a female with a strong-willed male. Of course, this varies per dog, so it is important to consider the individual personalities.

Do Pyrenees like other dogs?

Do Great Pyrenees Get Along with Other Dogs?

Generally, Great Pyrenees get along well with other dogs

. The two most important factors will be your Pyrenees’ personality and the way that they are introduced to other dogs. Like all dogs, Great Pyrenees have instincts that can make first impressions less than appealing.

How long does it take a Great Pyrenees to be full grown?

You can expect your Great Pyrenees to reach his adult size somewhere around

18-24 months

. Most Great Pyrenees come very close to their full-grown height by their first birthday but continue to gain weight, build muscles and fill out afterwards for several more months.

Are Great Pyrenees good hiking dogs?

Thanks to their mountain heritage,

the Great Pyrenees makes an excellent hiking companion

. These moderately active dogs have a protective and watchful nature, which is needed when exploring the great outdoors. If you do plan to take your dog on a hike, put him on a leash because they’re territorial and wanderers.

How strong is a Great Pyrenees bite?

What is the bite force of the Great Pyrenees? There is no definite answer or calculation of this but it is expected that given his size and the size of his head, the bite force could be anywhere between

400 to 600 pounds

.

How much is a Pyrenees dog?

I’ve seen Great Pyrenees puppies being sold for about

$1,000 to $2,500

from reputable breeders. But I’ve seen puppies for about $200 from irresponsible breeders. Rescues may have pyrs for about $500 depending on the dog’s age. But remember—a higher price doesn’t mean you’re getting a better-quality puppy.

What is the calmest dog to have?

  • English Bulldogs. It’s easy to write these hefty pups off as lazy, but English Bulldogs welcome the frequent exercise they need in order to stay trim. …
  • Great Pyrenees. …
  • French Bulldogs. …
  • Bichon Frises. …
  • Greyhounds. …
  • Scottish Deerhound. …
  • Golden Retriever.

What is the easiest dog to have?

  1. Basset hound. Puppy basset at the beach | imantsu/iStock/Getty Images. …
  2. Beagle. Beagle | Alaskla/iStock/Getty Images. …
  3. Bichon frisé Bichon frise | Eudyptula/iStock/Getty Images. …
  4. Border terrier. Two border terriers | iStock.com/shellhawker. …
  5. Bulldog. …
  6. Cavalier King Charles spaniel. …
  7. Chihuahua. …
  8. Collie.

What’s the easiest dog to train?

  • Border Collie. Prized for its instincts and working ability, the Border Collie is thought to be the most intelligent and easy to train dog. …
  • Poodle. …
  • Miniature Schnauzer. …
  • Labrador Retriever. …
  • German Shepherd. …
  • Bearded Collie.

Can I train my Great Pyrenees not to bark?


You cannot train a Great Pyrenees not to bark

.

Yes, you can absolutely manage the barking, reduce its frequency and intensity, and remain on the good side of your neighbors, but attempting to eliminate pyr barking is going against their natural instincts.

Are all Great Pyrenees white?


Great Pyrenees Are Not Always Pure White

Although the body is primarily white (ranging from bright white to cream), some Great Pyrenees have gray, reddish brown, or tan markings on the ears, head, tail, and body (a few spots only). Darker markings might fade as puppies mature.

How do you discipline a Great Pyrenees?

  1. Dog should sit and/or do a “watch me” for every treat and every meal.
  2. Sit when you put on his leash or when visitors enter.
  3. Wait, not push his way through the door; you decide who goes first.
  4. Attention is given at your discretion.

Are Great Pyrenees chewers?

The Great Pyrenees can also be quite destructive.

They are chewers

and require lots of chew toys and bones. Otherwise, they might start chewing on something you don’t want them to. They are alert dogs, so they may bark at anything they think might be a threat.

At what age do Great Pyrenees start guarding?

Usually

around six months

, a Great Pyrenees will find his voice and begin his job of guarding and protecting.

How much exercise does a Great Pyrenees puppy need?

This breed isn’t considered a high energy dog but they do need lots of mental stimulation to keep them happy.

Two hours of exercise a day

is recommended – ideally on a route with lots of sniffs and smells to keep them interested.

Is it better to have 2 Great Pyrenees?

“Pyrs are like potato chips – nobody can have just one.” Most of our Pyrs seem to enjoy the company of other Pyrs and thrive with their companionship. If we can find a potential new home for a dog with another Pyr and IF the temperaments of the 2 (or more) dogs are compatible, this is probably the ideal placement.

Why Do Great Pyrenees paw you?

Pretty much, he does it

when he wants attention

, which is all the time. Sometimes, this behavior can be sweet or funny. It can make you want to engage with your dog or make you feel more affectionate. It can also help you know when your dog needs something.

What is the lifespan of a Great Pyrenees?

10 – 12 years

Do Great Pyrenees protect their owners?

He is a guardian.

The Great Pyrenees protects the members of the flock

, and he also cares for and nurtures them. His instinct is to be kind to and patient with all vulnerable animals.

Are Pyrenees loyal?

According to dog breed websites,

it is characteristic of Great Pyrenees to be very loyal and devoted to their family

, which causes them to be territorial and protective. Not all are so welcoming to strangers as the Kleines’ Pyrenees, which tend to the gentle side.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.