Although these dogs are strong and powerful, they are also known for their intelligence and calm, patient nature. They have a sweet, affectionate, and gentle disposition that makes them a great fit for families with children. They are notorious for getting along with children and other pets.

They are natural guardians and protectors with a working dog background that also tend to be a fairly mellow family companion. Because of their protective nature, they can be wary and suspicious initially of strangers who enter their territory. But, a Pyr will welcome them graciously to your home, as long as they were invited.

These are large dogs that are built to roam. Because of that, they do not tend to be a good fit for apartments. They are best-suited to larger homes with a securely fenced-in yard where they can be off-leash. Without a secure fence, they should not be allowed to roam off-leash as they will wander off and attempt to expand their territory.

This dog was built for cold weather, so they thrive in the cold and are one of the dog breeds that love winter. However, they are sensitive to heat. Great Pyrenees are also independent dogs that are used to working alone and without guidance. As long as they have enough exercise and a job to do, they don’t need to be attached to your hip at all times. This does not mean you should leave them alone for long periods of time as they can become destructive if they are permitted to get bored.

The Great Pyrenees is a relatively healthy dog breed. As with any dog breed, there are potential health conditions to be aware of that can affect the breed. With the Great Pyrenees, these can include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, eye disorders, and certain types of cancer.

Reputable breeders will test and screen their breeding stock to reduce the chance of passing on these types of health conditions. So, don’t be afraid to ask the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and to see any relevant health clearances or test results. In addition to these potential health conditions, the Pyr is a large dog breed that can be prone to bloat. Bloat in dogs can become a dangerous condition, so it’s important to know the signs and symptoms.

The Pyr is an independent dog breed and is used to working without guidance. Although they are highly intelligent and understand standard obedience perfectly, they often get bored and don’t see the point of basic commands. So, if you ask them to “sit”, “stay”, or “heel” during a training session, they may be slow to respond simply because they are indifferent.

This stubborn, strong will and independent nature tend to make this dog breed a better fit for more experienced owners. It’s still important to start socialization early and to enroll in puppy training classes. Even if the Great Pyrenees won’t see much point in performing tricks later in life, training and socialization early on sets them up to be a well-behaved and well-rounded dog.

The Great Pyrenees stands out due to their large, powerful frame and thick, fluffy white coat. Although this dog breed is a fluffball, their weatherproof double coat is relatively low-maintenance. But, they will shed. Their undercoat is soft while their outer coat is longer and the undercoat will shed more heavily as the seasons change.

The Great Pyrenees coat is naturally resistant to collecting dirt and to tangles. Brushing their coat on a weekly basis is usually sufficient to remove loose fur and help to control shedding. Upping this to a few times a week or daily during heavier shedding sessions will help control the excess loose fur. After all, if most of it is contained to a brush, less of it ends up all around your house. Regular brushing plus the occasional bath will keep the famous Pyr coat healthy and looking great.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to care for your Pyr’s nails, ears, and teeth. Overly long nails can cause your dog discomfort, but monthly nail trimming is usually sufficient to keep them from growing too long. You also want to make sure to check your Pyr’s ears regularly to make sure they are clean, free of debris, and dry. Regular ear checks with careful cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections.

It’s also important to practice good dental care for dogs. Ideally, this includes brushing your Great Pyrenees’ teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day. This can help reduce the tartar and plaque buildup that leads to painful dental diseases.

Although the Great Pyrenees is a strong working dog, they don’t share the high energy requirements of many other working dogs. Moderate exercise is enough for this dog breed. They will definitely give their all while working, but will be happy with their daily walks and some extra activity with their favorite humans. They are also a great fit for dog sports, especially cart-pulling events and obedience trials.