You've just seen these big, beautiful white dogs. You're impressed. You think you want one. But...is this the breed for you?. They are NOT the ideal pet for everyone!.

The mature Great Pyrenees which you have just seen did not just materialize suddenly. It grew from a cuddle, loveable ball of fluff which at age 8-12 weeks of age is most captivating. Puppyhood to adulthood is a great distance and takes considerable time. Great Pyrenees combine a great sense of intelligence with a deep devotion to family and home, and a natural-borne instinct to guard and protect. While trustworthy, affectionate, gentle, and tactile, they can become, when the need arises, protective guardians of their family and territory. Thus, they are command respect as watch dogs as well as admiration as pets.

Great Pyrenees are at the heart and members of the great family of livestock guardian dogs. As such, they share with them certain characteristics. A Pyrs basic personality is different from most breeds, as they were bred to be left alone with their charges and not take commands from people, as other working dogs. They are guard dogs by instinct not training.

A great Pyrenees is an intelligent, sometimes willful animal. They have minds of their own and are not easily trained. Things that you might consider important may not be the same things your Pyrenees considers important. Many are almost "cat like" in their independence. If you require a dog who will be a great "off-leash" companion for your outdoor activities, if you want a dog who will follow your every command, or if you want a high scoring competition obedience dog, the Great Pyrenees is probably NOT for you.

Adult Pyrs are placid by nature and calm in the house, enjoy quiet periods in which to rest and sleep. But they are a large breed and as such are not always well suited to life in a small apartment or urban setting with little yard space and lots of activity around. They want their life to be consistent and predictable.

Like all livestock guardian breeds, Great Pyrenees are barkers, especially at night. Pyrs cannot be expected to welcome uninvited intrusions onto your property. They will normally accept anyone you invite into your home. They are not attack dogs, but can be very intimidating to the surprise visitor.

Does dog hair around the house bother you?. If so, forget the Great Pyrenees!. While with routine grooming they are not much different than other breeds, they do shed and there will be white hair in your homes and you. Many Pyrs "blow their coat" once a year providing a wonderful snow-like holiday decoration!.

Are able to handle a very large dog?. Basically gentle, they are deceivingly strong and during their puppyhood can be a real challenge. Puppyhood lasts until their growth stops which is around 2 years of age!.

Do you have room for a Pyr?. They are large and must be confined in a well fenced area or they will exercise their powerful instinct to establish and patrol a large territory. When out of the fence, they must be kept on a lead at all times. Some Pyrs can easily jump a 6 foot black wall!.

Sound depressing and wonder who would ever want a Great Pyrenees?.

Great Pyrenees are also the most wonderful, loving, kind, sweet natured breed around!. They are typically excellent with children of all ages, other animals (including livestock), make superb Therapy Dogs, and have very few genetic health issues. They do not eat as much as one would think and do not require excessive amounts of exercise.

WE THINK THEY ARE JUST GREAT!!!!