Bringing Home a Pyr?
The Great Pyrenees is a versatile breed with many attributes. Every dog breed has positive and negative characteristics depending on which family they will fit into. These characteristics are primarily physical genetically driven structures and behaviors. They are the outcome of purposeful breeding for hundreds if not thousands of years. So, are you bringing home a Pyr?
Why would you want a six bedroom house for one person? Would you need a Ford F350 truck if you never pull trailers or if you have long daily highway commutes? Similarly, finding out which dog breeds (characteristics) are best for you is of utmost importance to make a good decision. Ultimately, finding the right breed and the right personality within that breed will be what makes you love your puppy for life as they perform their family role. Up North Pyrenees is here to assist you getting an appropriate puppy for you and we’ve listed a few details from out personal experience with this wonderful breed.
The Good:
Protection – The Great Pyrenees is known best as a protector. They will selflessly place themselves between danger and their family, livestock, or other small animals under their care. They are gentle as they become adults and move out of the puppy stage. A quick look at you tube will show numerous videos of children and goats jumping or playing on their Pyr.
Loyalty – If loving their family is a fault then this big white dog is definitely guilty. The large breed dogs love their people and look after them. This breed will lay down their life for you. Please read the story of my daughter on this linked blog post.
The Bad:
Hair – Can you think of a snow storm of white hair? 1-2 times per years the beautifully thick white undercoat is shed. This can be removed with several heavy combings which will fill a garbage bag. All dogs grow hair. It needs to be removed at some time whether it is cut, combed, or simply falling out. I appreciate that the long white hair requires heavy combing 1-2 times per year as opposed to constant shedding like a Labrador Retriever.
Barking – The low bark of the Great Pyrenees intimidates predators and just about everyone for miles around. This will continue for long periods outside if they feel there is a threat. This is essential if they are guarding livestock outside from predators. The bark is their primary defense tool. Putting them in a kennel indoors or outdoors with a blanket over top of it will virtually eliminate barking and give them a place to call their den. The will enjoy retreating to their sanctuary when they need a rest.
Stubbornness – The confidence that allows this breed to stay outside all year at the coldest temperatures during their role as a protector means that they also like to think on their own. They will obey you “eventually” and require training just like any other breed. I believe that most obedience issues are due to a lack of training as this breed wants to please you but also wants to protect everyone under their charge.
Personality will differ significantly throughout a litter of puppies. Please see my last blog post to read more about how we not only help you to decide if this breed is the right one for you but also picking the right personality for you.
Up North Pyrenees hopes that you find the right puppy for you and that you will pick us as your breeder of choice for Great Pyrenees puppies. We strive for excellence for the glory of Jesus Christ and for the benefit of your family! We also hope that your puppy will remind you of the majesty of their Creator and the unconditional love demonstrated on the cross. Please check Up North Pyrenees out on Facebook or share us with a friend.