Great Pyrenees

Published: Last updated: by Kyle J. Larson

Average size and lifespan

chihuahua silouette
great dane silouette
Height: 2ft 1in - 2ft 8in
Weight: 85-115lbs
Lifespan: 10 - 12 Years

Behavior

  • Affection5/5
  • Kid-Friendly3/5
  • Stranger-Friendly3/5
  • Dog-Friendly3/5
  • Barking Amount4/5

Care

  • Grooming Difficulty2/5
  • Shedding Amount3/5
  • Easy to Train2/5
  • Can Be Alone3/5
  • Exercise Need5/5

Environment

  • Cold Tolerance5/5
  • Heat Tolerance2/5
  • Apartment-Friendly3/5

Great Pyrenees Information

Great PyreneesA big dog with a large, strong body and lustrous, fluffy white coat, the Great Pyrenees truly is a gentle giant. They have a zen, calm demeanor but can quickly spring into action if needed. They are patient and smart, making them an excellent choice for those with children and other pets. The breed is not particular active but does need daily exercise to stay healthy.

Historians note that the breed appeared in Europe between 1800 and 1000 B.C., and likely originated in Siberia or Central Asia.  Later the Pyrenees was adopted by the French Court in the 1700s A.D.

All dogs have their own personality and unique training, causing them to differ slightly from these breeds stats. However, please let us know if we made an error in the stats, we appreciate your help!

Breed FAQs

Can Great Pyreneess be apartment dogs?

Great Pyreneess aren't ideal for apartments, but might be able to live there successfully if there are enough opportunities to find larger spaces nearby to play.

Can Great Pyreneess be left alone?

While Great Pyreneess prefer to be around their owners, they can do fairly well when left alone if necessary.

Are Great Pyreneess good with kids?

Great Pyreneess can do fine with kids. They will require some monitoring and training to make sure they get along and react well to unpredictable behavior.

Are Great Pyreneess friendly with strangers?

Although Great Pyreneess can take a bit to warm up to a stranger, they are mostly friendly with others.

Do Great Pyreneess get along with other dogs?

Although Great Pyreneess will mostly get along with other dogs, they may have some issues. They can typically be dealt with by socializing them with other dogs.

Do Great Pyreneess bark a lot?

Most Great Pyreneess bark fairly often, which can be a nuisance. Some steps can be taken to limit this, but is part of their nature.

Do Great Pyreneess shed a lot?

Great Pyreneess shed a medium amount. They will have seasonal shedding, but aren't terrible to clean up after.

Do Great Pyreneess need a lot of grooming?

Great Pyreneess don't require very much effort for grooming. You'll just need to provide typical maintenance and baths.

Do Great Pyreneess need a lot of exercise?

Expect Great Pyreneess to have high energy levels and need a lot of exercise. You'll need to find options to release this energy or they may exibit bad behavior.

Are Great Pyreneess easy to train?

Most Great Pyreneess are stubborn and will take extra work to train. They can still learn trained behaviors, but will take more effort.

Can Great Pyreneess handle cold weather?

If you live in a cold climate, Great Pyreneess will do extremely well and may even enjoy being outside in the chilly weather.

Can Great Pyreneess handle hot weather?

Be careful with Great Pyreneess in the heat. They don't do well in hot climates for long periods.

View All Breeds