The Great Pyrenees Herd

Great Pyrenees are amazing gentle giants! They have the most unique personalities and tend to beat to their own drum. Naturally, they are very docile canines. This breed is very ho-hum and nonchalant for the most part. There are always exceptions, especially in rescue and those that come from prior homes. But would say it is an accurate generalization for the breed.

They tend to get along well with all other dogs as long as they are socialized correctly and have enough space. Again, there are always exceptions to this! But as a general rule, they socialize pretty well and will team up together to care for a herd. They will do best with others of their own breed. But ours here are also good with our German Shepard and French Bulldogs (which can be bullies). They took to them just fine.

The breed originates from the Pyrenees mountain region, that borders both Spain and France. This region is referred to as  the Basque region. The breed was developed to assist in sheep herd Managment. They are fierce protectors of their flocks and take patrolling their area very Seriously! Notice how they also blend in very well with sheep, this was done on purpose!

Despite being the sweetest and most lovable dogs, there are a few drawbacks to this breed! 

They roam, bad! They are notorious for walking their fence lines habitually! If there is a break in the fence, oh well, that’s your problem; they are off to patrol the neighborhood and most likely a 10 mile radius! Most are pretty savvy and will always manage to return home. But you better be ready to provide 6ft fences and combat their digging. Yes, many will dig to stay cool. However, they are happiest on a farm and with a heard to watch over. They can be kept comfortably in a secure back yard. But beware, you will need to watch their routine and maintain fences accordingly! The roaming is the #1 reason Great Pyrs are sent to shelters. They can roam very large farms and I am in the  minority on this, but hundreds and thousands of acre farms can’t always fence every section of land. They can be taught! But understand that it will take extreme patience and a lot of time to teach them their ”area.” A GPS collar with a paid subscription, is also highly recommended!

They bark! Yes, they will bark at many odd things! Some of ours have sat and barked at a windmill for hours. One barked at a frog for hours. So if you live really close to neighbors, be aware that you may be plagued with this! Some are better than others, but there is no way to really tell until you get them in to their new environment. There are several bark collars that we have used with success. They don’t shock but vibrate hard and make a high pitched beep. It can be managed, but find your patience! 

They kill my chickens! Yep, Great Pyrs were not originally bred to protect chickens! They were bred to protect larger stock. They can and will happily protect chickens but they need training or puppies to learn from an adult dog that does it successfully already. Do NOT purchase this breed and expect them to guard your chicks right out the gate, it wont happen, they will die.  

They don’t listen Well! Welcome to Pyr ownership! They have the listening ability of a rock! They aren't trained the same as most dog breeds either. Sit and stay are NOT in this breeds vocabulary and although they can do it with years of consistent practice, it’s rare. They are meant to watch and lay with their herd, not follow obedience commands like other breeds. So be forewarned, they wont take to your yelling SIT, STAY, COME at them. They will give you one side eye and walk off.