With a gentle personality and innate protective streak, Great Pyrenees puppies are the perfect choice for families.
The Great Pyrenees is a majestic and gentle giant, celebrated for its loyalty, protective instincts, and serene nature. Originally bred to guard livestock in the mountainous regions of France and Spain, this breed is known for its calm demeanor and unwavering devotion to its family. With their thick, weather-resistant double coats and regal appearance, Great Pyrenees dogs are as beautiful as they are functional. Despite their large size, they are incredibly gentle and patient, making them excellent companions for families with children or other pets. These dogs are naturally nurturing and thrive in environments where they can form strong bonds with their humans while also having a sense of purpose. They are known for their independence and intelligence, which can sometimes make training a unique challenge, but their eagerness to please ensures they respond well to consistent, positive reinforcement. At Peak Legacy Ranch in Peyton, CO, we are proud to offer well-socialized and healthy Great Pyrenees puppies who are ready to find their forever homes. Whether you’re seeking a loyal family companion or a reliable guardian for your property, the Great Pyrenees brings unmatched love, courage, and calmness to any household. Visit us today to meet these remarkable dogs!
History
This is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, with ancestry dating back to 3000 BC, when it was first bred to assist shepherds in guarding livestock. It takes its name from the Pyrenees Mountain range between France and Spain. Though it started out as a peasant dog, its status was elevated in 1675 when King Louis XIV declared it the Royal Dog of France and it was used to guard the estates of the nobility. It was introduced to North America when it was brought to Newfoundland, Canada and by the 19th century it had gained popularity in England, Europe and the United States. It was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1933 as a member of the Working Group.
Temperament
The Great Pyrenees is known for its gentle, calm and docile demeanor but its natural herding instinct also makes it very protective. Since it was bred to guard flocks on mountainsides, the breed also developed a distinct independent streak as well as a profound sense of courage and devotion. Despite their independence, they are very friendly and loving and sometimes even see themselves as overgrown lap dogs. This incredible combination of traits makes them ideal both as family pets and guard dogs. They especially love children and will protect them with fierce loyalty.
Environment
Not surprisingly, their extraordinary size means that the Great Pyrenees are not well suited to apartment living. They need room to move around and as vigilant watchdogs they also have a tendency to bark quite a bit, which can become a challenge when living in close quarters. They do best in homes with large yards or in rural settings.
Exercise
They are not an overly active breed but they do require regular exercise to maintain good health and prevent boredom. Daily walks or hikes are usually more than enough to ensure that they remain active and burn off any excess energy. While Great Pyrenees are naturally suited to cold weather and will even enjoy carrying your pack for you, they don’t do so well in warm weather so be careful not to overwork them during hot days.
Grooming
The Great Pyrenees is an average to heavy shedder, so you can expect to find white fur everywhere. They’ll need about 30 minutes of grooming each week to keep ahead of shedding, but aren’t really high maintenance. They have a double coat that provides insulation in all sorts of weather, protecting them from the sun and regulating body temperature, so you should never shave them when the temperature gets hot. Their double coat also naturally sheds dirt, so you should only need to bathe them every couple of months.
