Great Pyrenees Breed Information

Temperament & Personality: 

Great Pyrenees are guardian dogs, devoted to their people or flock. If you have farm animals such as goats, cattle, or horses, they will become the dogs family and will always be kept under a watchful eye of your Great Pyrenees. Look for one whose parents have nice personalities and who have been well socialized from early puppyhood around other animals and children if possible. At Zion Meadows, our 2 dogs Sachchit (our AKC Champion Bloodline Sire) and Sweet Sage  (our momma) have been raised around the whole family. They have grown up around the farm animals and our children and we consider them part of our family! We are so blessed to be working with such amazing dogs and are hopeful we can provide you and your family with the perfect Great Pyrenees Puppy! 

At his best, the attentive and fearless Great Pyrenees is confident, gentle, and affectionate toward his family and flock. With children and other animals (especially new babies on the farm!) he is extraordinarily patient and tolerant. We were amazed to watch as one of our Nigerian Dwarf goats @ Zion Meadows was giving birth to 4 babies to have one of our momma Great Pyrenees dogs watch after the newly born baby goats and even allow one to nurse from her for a few minutes while the momma goat was still giving birth! Even for several months, we caught our little baby goat nursing our Great Pyrenees momma every now and then - they must have developed a special bond! This gives you an idea of the nurturing nature of these gentle giants as outstanding livestock guardian dogs. The Great Pyrenees heritage as a flock guardian makes him territorial and protective. He is reserved with strangers and somewhat suspicious. For those reasons, early, frequent socialization is essential to prevent a Pyr from becoming overly mistrustful or fearful of anything new or different. Purchase a Pyr puppy from a breeder who raises the pups around other farm animals and children (like we do at Zion Meadows) and ensures that they are exposed to many different sights and sounds around the home and farm, as well as people, before they go off to their new homes. Pyrs will bark at anything that might be a threat. It is, however, possible to teach them to be discriminating in their warnings so you won't get complaints from the neighbors! 

General Breed Information: 

The Great Pyrenees was once known as the royal dog of France and, with his stunning white coat and imposing presence, is considered to be one of the most beautiful breeds. His heritage is that of a flock-guarding dog in the Pyrenees mountains of France and Spain. Rather than herding sheep or other livestock, it was his job to protect them from predators such as wolves. The job called for a large, powerful, brave, and wary dog. He worked independently, often on his own for days or weeks at a time, and is unaccustomed to taking a lot of orders.

These days, the Great Pyrenees is known to be an amazing livestock guardian, but many find enjoyment as an indoor family companion. The Great Pyrenees is a flock-guarding breed who is placid in the home and gentle with children and other animals. He has a watchful, protective nature and is more serious than many dogs. He is only moderately active.  If you love the outdoors, the Pyr’s mountain heritage makes him a good hiking companion.

The Great Pyrenees requires a securely fenced yard that will prevent him from roaming and attempting to enlarge his territory. While he thrives in cold weather, he is sensitive to heat and must be supplied with plenty of water especially on hotter days. 

This is a giant breed. That cute little white ball of fluff will grow up to weigh 85 to 115 pounds. Because they are guardian dogs, Great Pyrenees are suspicious as a rule. They will graciously admit anyone you invite into your property, but intruders or unexpected visitors will get a very different, much more intimidating reception. 

Breed History: 

The Great Pyrenees originated as a flock-guarding dog in the Pyrenees Mountains of France. Working in partnership with the shepherd and the smaller Pyrenean Shepherd, he watched over flocks and protected them from predators such as wolves and bears.

Dogs such as the Great Pyrenees descend from ancient mastiff-type dogs. Their white coats allow them to blend in with the sheep they protect, the better to catch a predator by surprise. They wore heavy iron collars with spikes for protection.

Famed for their bravery, the dogs were drafted as guardians for chateaus. One of the earliest mentions of them was in 1407 by a historian named Bourdet, who wrote that they guarded the chateau at Lourdes, located in the Pyrenean region of southwest France. Later, King Louix XIV became a great admirer of the dogs and made them part of his household guard.

The first Great Pyrenees came to the United States in company with the young country’s great friend the Marquis de Lafayette, who was also a noted dog fancier. It wasn’t until more than a century later, though, that the dogs were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1933. As of 2022, the Great Pyrenees ranks 69th among the breeds registered by the AKC (but is our #1 favorite dog breed in the whole world!!)

Please contact us with any questions you might have and to see if we have any Great Pyrenees Puppies available!