Great Pyrenees
Trait scores are tendency indicators from 0-100. Example: 42% alone tolerance roughly maps to around 4 hours alone.
Great Pyrenees are massive white mountain dogs bred to guard flocks independently. These gentle giants are calm, patient family members but naturally protective and independent, prone to roaming and barking at night, and their thick white coats shed heavily year-round.
Verified source: American Kennel Club profile (2026-02-10)
Quick Facts
AKC VerifiedGroup
Working
Life Expectancy
10-12 years
Height
25-32 in
Weight
85-100 lb
Alone-Time Tolerance
About 5 hours
Exercise
60 min/day
AKC popularity rank: #74
Working context: Working breeds were built for jobs like guarding, pulling, and rescue. They are typically powerful and purpose-driven.
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (verified 2026-02-10)
Finding Your Great Pyrenees
🏠Consider Adoption First
Many wonderful Great Pyreneess are waiting in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Adoption saves lives and gives deserving dogs a second chance.
Adoption Resources
Search for Great Pyreneess in shelters and rescues near you.
Responsible Breeder Checklist
- Provides health clearances for both parents
- Allows you to visit the breeding facility
- Offers a written health guarantee / contract
- Provides references from previous buyers
- Asks you screening questions about your home
- Breeds only one or two breeds
Whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, always prioritize the dog's health and well-being. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores that source from irresponsible breeders. For Great Pyreneess, ensure health testing for common breed-specific conditions.
Life Stage Simulator
Who This Breed Fits
Watch Out For
A Day in the Life
A purposeful walk and short training game helps this breed settle for the day.
Most do best with another activity block before winding down near their people.
Longer outings and enrichment games improve behavior and sleep quality through the week.
People often underestimate how quickly behavior slips when routine and enrichment are inconsistent.
Exercise & Activity
Expect about 60 minutes of daily activity, with a mix of walking, enrichment, and short training blocks. Consistency matters more than occasional intense sessions.
Moderate
Moderate
Mental Enrichment Ideas
Health
Long-term outcomes improve with weight control, preventive care, and condition-specific screening based on known breed risks.
Known Health Concerns
Large frame and growth rate can increase long-term joint strain.
Deep chest conformation raises emergency stomach-torsion risk.
Elbow malformation can lead to chronic lameness and arthritis.
Boarding complexity and cost are driven by size, exercise demand, and any special handling needs.
Behavior Reality Check
Good news! This breed typically has manageable behavior traits with proper training and socialization. Of course, individual dogs vary, but Great Pyreneess generally don't present severe behavioral challenges.
Temperament & Traits
All traits rated on a 0-100 scale representing tendency scores.
Lifestyle & Activity
Moderate
Moderate
~6h alone capacity
High
Social & Compatibility
Very High
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Training & Behavior
Moderate
Moderate
Very High
Moderate
Maintenance & Care
Low
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Environment & Adaptability
Moderate
Moderate
Very High
Very High
High
Grooming & Coat
Low
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Coat care depends on coat type, but weekly brushing and routine nail, ear, and dental care are baseline requirements. Curly, silky, wire, and long coats usually need more frequent grooming support.
Shedding level varies by coat and season, but routine brushing keeps loose hair and skin debris manageable.
Common Barking Triggers
Lifestyle Planner
PROInteractive Cost Calculator
Adjust the options below to see how your choices affect ownership costs.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Annual Cost Summary
Estimates based on breed size, grooming needs, and health risk. Actual costs vary by location, individual dog health, and lifestyle choices. Emergency vet visits and unexpected health issues not included.
10-Year Cost Calculator
PRONeighborhood Compatibility
Breed History
Origin
The Great Pyrenees originated in France.
Original Purpose
Great Pyrenees lines were developed for draft, guarding, and utility work. That working role still shows up today in temperament, stamina, and day-to-day needs.
Breed Group: Working. Working breeds were built for jobs like guarding, pulling, and rescue. They are typically powerful and purpose-driven.
In modern homes, this history matters because it predicts what helps the dog thrive: enough movement, clear structure, and outlets that match their original instincts.
Fun Facts
Great Pyrenees were bred by French and Spanish shepherds to guard flocks from wolves in the Pyrenees Mountains—they're livestock guardian dogs, not herders.
The breed's massive size (up to 160 pounds) and white coat were specifically selected to intimidate predators and blend with sheep, allowing them to move among flocks unnoticed.
Great Pyrenees have a deep, distinctive bark and were selected to make loud warning sounds when predators approached, making them unsuitable for apartment living.
The breed nearly went extinct in their native mountains as wolves were eliminated and shepherding declined, but devoted breeders saved them.
Great Pyrenees are prone to hip dysplasia, bloat (gastric torsion), and bone/joint disorders due to their massive size.
Famous Great Pyrenees Dogs
Service and rescue icons
Public recognition often comes from rescue, guarding, drafting, and assistance work.
Expedition and duty dogs
Historically, many notable dogs in this group are tied to demanding real-world jobs.
Practical Next Steps
First-Month Supplies Checklist
Breeder Red Flags
Preparation Timeline
Week Before
Purchase all supplies, puppy-proof your home, choose a veterinarian, and set up training schedule.
Day 1
Gentle introduction to home, establish crate/bed location, first bathroom break routine, quiet time to adjust.
Week 1
Vet checkup, start basic training, establish feeding routine, begin socialization carefully.
Month 1
Continue consistent training - patience is key with this breed. Regular vet visits for vaccinations, establish grooming routine.
Training Priorities for Great Pyreneess
- • Gradual alone-time training (high separation anxiety risk)
- • Patient, consistent training - this breed needs extra time
Recommended Products
Joint Supplements
Larger and active breeds often benefit from joint support supplements starting early.
Shop Supplements →Training Programs
Structured training helps this breed reach its potential and prevents behavior issues.
Explore Programs →Is Great Pyrenees right for you?
Use our breed matcher to see how Great Pyrenees compares to other breeds based on your lifestyle.
Try the Breed MatcherData Transparency
Quick facts for Great Pyrenees are cross-checked against publicly available American Kennel Club breed pages.
AKC source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/great-pyrenees/ (verified 2026-02-10)
AKC sync coverage: 188/188 non-mix breeds as of February 10, 2026.
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC) breed profiles, Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standards, United Kennel Club (UKC) breed standards, Merck Veterinary Manual (canine health references), Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screening guidance, AKC: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/great-pyrenees/