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The Great Pyrenees is
a large dog - some might even say the breed is
massive. Adult Pyrenees look like a large white
bear, so they have a frightening appearance to some
people. This is something to keep in mind as you
consider bringing a Great Pyrenees into your home.
This size, and the natural tendency to be a guard
dog and working dog, may be reasons to consider
other breeds. However, if you want a loyal companion
and a good watchdog, the Great Pyrenees fits the
bill. A well-socialized Great Pyrenees can actually
be quite calm and friendly.
This breed has a very
strong protective instinct, and is generally serious
in nature. The Great Pyrenees can be aggressive
toward other dogs and people it is not familiar
with, so it would be best to make sure that you buy
a puppy from a top breeder who spends time
socializing its dogs to be comfortable with people
and the other dogs. This step can help eliminate
some of the training and behavior problems that
might otherwise come up.
One of the things you will want to have in place
when you bring a Great Pyrenees home is a large,
fenced-in yard. This breed needs regular exercise
and, because of its size, plenty of room for
exercise. You should also be aware that the Pyrenees
is naturally suspicious of something that makes it
feel threatened so this breed may disturb you and
the neighbors with its deep bark at night. Basic
obedience training will probably be a good idea,
though the Great Pyrenees is generally thought to be
one of the more difficult breeds to train.
The breed tends to be a bit stubborn, even dominant
if the owner allows the dog to gain the upper hand.
Consistency in training is a key with the Great
Pyrenees. Some owners teach the pet to pull a
cart or take part in some structured activity to
satisfy the dogs need for exercise and working.
After all, the Great Pyrenees spent most of its time
guarding sheep and pulling carts and small wagons
for its European owners.
Those who have experience with the Great Pyrenees
say that the absence of this breed from the
obedience competition and other meetings can be tied
to its independent nature and its dislike for
repetitive training. However, it would be a mistake
to think that a well-bred Pyrenees lacks
intelligence. It is really just the opposite. This
breed’s level intelligence means that it is
accustomed to working alone and making decisions
alone.
Your dog may be much more comfortable walking the
boundaries of your property as a guard dog, pulling
a cart or even spending its time guarding the
smaller members of the family. Great Pyrenees, even
those that are well socialized and comfortable
around your family, usually cannot be taught to stay
in one place for long. The breed loves to wander and
investigate, as well as patrol a large area in their
guarding mode.
It will probably not be necessary to train, or try
to train, your Pyrenees to sleep on a particular dog
bed or blanket, because their soft, thick undercoat
and coarse outer coat make a naturally soft blanket.
In connection with this, as you work with your Great
Pyrenees in areas such as housebreaking and potty
training, remember that prevention is always best.
Therefore, plan to take your pet outside early in
the morning and again at night, with a trip or two
outside during the day being best. If you keep in
mind that this breed works slowly and steadily, you
will enjoy the learning and growing process much
more.
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