Yes, They Love The Snow... But...

I recently relocated to south Jersey with my two Great Pyrenees.  As if there were not already too many pieces of misinformation out there about giant breed dogs, I anticipate a hard summer down here.  Not for my dogs, but for the commentary from the ever-so-vocal east-coasters who let their opinions be known at all times.  I have been preparing myself for "How can you have those dogs around here?  It must be so hot for them".  No doubt said with a degree of anger and spitefulness, for certainly how could any owner of a Great Pyrenees have them in any place other than snowy mountains?

It amazes people when I inform them that a large percentage of Pyrenees dog ownership in this country is in Texas.  I cannot speak to the family pet aspect, but I know from speaking with Texan rescuers that their shelters get a huge influx of Great Pyrenees.  But..  Texas is so hot!  How could anyone have this long-haired, white breed down there?

I think when it comes to many dog breeds, people need to think less aesthetically and more practically.  Would I be less or more protected walking around naked in glaring sunlight versus wearing clothes?  "They must be sooooooo hot"...  Ironically people always make the "hot" comment while my Pyr stands next to a Bulldog about to fall over from heat exhaustion.  I feel so bad for all the other dogs... so often people neglect their needs because they assume that without a thick, warm coat, that they are great in warm weather.  It's just not true.

Like with all things, we have to ask ourselves where our dogs originated from, what *kind* of a coat do they have, and is their area of origin exposed to many different kinds of weather?  Great Pyrenees love the snow.. Yes.. but they are very resilient to heat and weather, and tend to hold their heads up like champs on summer days while many short-haired breeds suffer. 

Why to Great Pyrenees fair well in hotter climates?  Their coats serve as insulation as well as protection against sun exposure.  On top of it, they are very low energy dogs who don't get all worked up on an amazing summer day.. jumping and loosing their minds and working up their core temperature.  These angels are so good at self-regulating; they are that friend that always says "I'm cool, do whatever."

Please, please never alter your Great Pyrenees.  I don't care if we're talking dew claws or shaving their coats..  These dogs were made to such perfection and beauty.  So please, south Jersey, cut me some slack with my dogs when spring and summer roll around.  After all, everyone so far as thought they were Siberian Huskies.

Great Pyrenees Mixed Dogs: What to Expect

I have often ran into owners of dogs they claimed were "part Great Pyrenees".  Upon vocalizing my affection for the breed, they immediately perk up and ask, "So, what do you think my dog will grow up to be like?"  To this question my answer is often the same: "It depends."

When owners adopt "mutts" they begin a quest to understand the influences in the gene pool and what that may mean for the dog's temperament.  Usually the Great Pyrenees mixed dogs I meet are mixed, in theory, with a breed people tend to know a lot more about.  Uncovering the Pyrenees mystery becomes a pursuit for that new owner.  On the whole, the breeds I have seen Great Pyrenees most commonly mixed with (either on purpose or by accident) are Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, and the occasional Saint Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, or Anatolian Shepherd.  This finding may be unique to my area, I cannot be sure.  And, honestly, we have only theories.  I must add that often owners *think* their Pyr is a mix due to coat color, and they are merely undereducated about the potential for darker colors to naturally appear within the coat of this breed, in moderation.

Ultimately, we never know what breed traits will influence our mutt pups more than others.  I feel like I have been able to identify certain traits as "that probably comes from the Pyr side", but it's not been with any consistency.  For example, some "Lab" mixes have displayed the enthusiasm, trainability, and energy of a lab, while demonstrating the leaning, night barking, and double dew claws of a Great Pyrenees.  I have met herding dog mixes where the dogs have behaved wholly like Great Pyrenees, they merely resemble their mix and have a bit more energy than a typical Pyr.

As with all dogs, some are just anomalies within their own breed:  Labs who are low energy, Pyrs who never bark.  Who's to say what the parents of your dog were truly like?  And of course the eternal truth: we mold our beloved canines.  A lot of unwanted behaviors may be due to our lack of attention and training, and we cannot so easily blame a "breed" on the quest to deflect blame.

I can only say, with a great amount of certainty, there is 1 trait that I have experienced with nearly all Great Pyrenees mixes:  they are gentle, loving, and affectionate.  Many dogs are.  Of course, I assume having a "Pyr in the wood pile" can only help the cause for gentle temperament. 

Bottom line, "You never know".  You have to watch your dog grow and change, and realize that certain traits may counteract that of the other assumed breed influence.  Your Pyr mix may offer a lower energy level and a gentleness with children and other animals.  The only advice I give to Pyrenees mixed breed owners is this:  beware the naughty traits, as they may rear their heads.  Upon meeting a Labrador/Great Pyrenees puppy owner, I suggested she watch her pup closely.  While Labs are renowned for being responsive to commands such as "come", I cautioned her to look for a Pyrenees influence which may bring more stubbornness.

When adopting any mixed breed dog, do your breed research on both.  Be prepared to have to address the positive and negative influences both genes may bring.  There is no magic answer for what to expect when a Great Pyrenees is in your dog's gene pool.  Hopefully you will get "the best of both worlds".

Great Pyrenees: Understanding Nature versus Nurture

One of the most important things about adopting a new dog, is understanding it's breed.  While great leadership and training will yield amazing results for just about any dog, each dog breed is unique.  There can be decades or even centuries of breed development which will almost ensure certain traits you can expect.  Our job as great owners is understanding what has been bred into our dogs to serve a beneficial purpose versus what is perhaps just naughty dog behavior, or just their unique personality.  A lot of dog traits are very intentional for what their "working" purpose is, yet can be undesirable in a home setting.  It's key to understand what your dog was born to think of as "good, I'm doing my job" so we can cater how we approach training if those behaviors are undesirable in the domestic setting.

So this is your first Great Pyrenees, what can you expect?  Like all large breed dogs, if it's a puppy, you can expect bursts of play followed by very important periods of rest and sleep.  If you've had a high energy breed puppy before, do not have the same expectations.  Pyr puppies still play like the best of them, but they can crash pretty hard and do need time to rest so their huge bones can grow properly.  Great Pyrenees tend to reach their full height at about 1 year old, and may continue to "fill out" for the next year.  Personal experience has told me that Pyrs don't tend to tolerate ear cleanings or nail trims very well (as they are a stubborn breed) so early exposure to these routine things is key, especially since double dew claws need trimming, and they can be prone to ear infections due to having floppy, long-haired ears which can trap moisture and breed yeast and bacteria.

Expect your Great Pyrenees to want to be by your side.  People often mistake the fact that they were bred as livestock guardians as a reason to think they will do well outside, alone, for long periods of time.  In the absence of a farm and flock, *you* become their flock, and your house the farm.  They are bred to always be with those things to protect them, and depriving your house pet of these can lead to depression and unwanted behaviors.  Because this breed was in fact bred for outside work, their coats are very resilient.  The coat of a Great Pyrenees reflects dirt and water very well, and requires more brushings to release dirt than baths every time they get muddy.  In addition, their coats serve as amazing insulators.  If you are concerned your Pyr is only a cold-weather dog, think again.  While they love the snow, they tolerate reasonable heat well.  Never shave a Pyr's coat, as this exposes them to direct heat and sunlight.

Pyrenees are "leaners".  While a lot of people like to take it as personal compliment (ie. "he likes me!") it's a breed trait.  Pyrenees didn't watch their sheep from afar, they nestled amongst them and watched for predators.  Leaning enables your Pyr to know where you are without having to keep eyes on you, freeing them up to survey their surroundings.  Because this is already in them, they will lean when not feeling threatened or not "working".  I've noticed that we can see this trait when leash-training our Pyrs.  In my experience, a Pyr is quick to lean against you as you are walking them.  While I'm not super confident I could train this out of a Pyr, I have never felt it to be a detriment to their other leash walking manners.

As most know, Great Pyrenees are prone to night barking.  If you have a Pyr pup, ensure you are addressing this right away.  We need to respect why they do this, and not consider them naughty for it.  Barking is ideal in a livestock guardian setting, as it scares away the threat.  Your Pyr will absolutely think he is doing his job, and will be confused when you say otherwise.  Natural, breed barking is in response to stimulus from surroundings.  If your dog, any dog, barks incessantly, there may be another underlying issue.  Often times, we cannot see or smell what they do, and their stimulus is beyond our immediate comprehension.  Versus reprimanding a barking Pyr, I have found it more effective to show them you "see what they see", praise them for a job well done, and they should cease so long as the threat doesn't persist.  This is natural for this breed, and should be expected upon adoption.  A well-balanced Pyr shouldn't bark more than is justifiable.

Bored dogs will dig, yet some dogs have digging in their DNA.  Pyrenees will dig, and this should be another consideration with your new dog.  If you allow them a spot or two to have their hole for coolness and comfort, they are likely to leave the rest of the yard alone.  It may take some patience on your part to let them find their ideal spot.

Expect your Great Pyrenees to be gentle and accepting of people, children, and other animals.  A Pyrenees who is aggressive with children or cats, for example, is not the breed standard.  If your Pyr shows these signs, this is something that could and should be remedied with training and guidance.  The only normal time for aggression would be in a guardian setting, where the Pyr felt threatened that another dog was impeding on his property.  This means your Pyr may be great with all dogs outside of the house, but potentially feel they are a threat to their "property" inside the home or the yard.  While I have found most Pyrs to be sweet 99% of the time, it would not be unusual for a Great Pyrenees to insist on being the only guardian if an alpha presented himself as a threat.

It is not in this breeds nature to have any predisposed health concerns specific to the breed.  Health concerns associated are more or less due to them being a giant breed, but not a Pyrenees specifically.  We worry about all our large and giant breed dogs when it comes to dental and bone health.  You can read a ton of literature and studies, and never see this breed pop up as a breed with specific health concerns.

Aloofness is in the nature of this dog.  Your Pyrenees isn't distant, cold, or disinterested because it stares off at times.  Being stoic, they tend to greet strangers thusly.  That stoicism is coupled with stubbornness.  Expect your Pyr to be resistant to training, perhaps only willingly sitting for a snack.  This nature is key to ensure these dogs are not easily tempted to leave their flocks.  If you were to visit a farm with livestock guardians and hold up a juicy slab of meat and call their name, they won't come.  Good job on their part.  Patience is required to teach our gentle giants to come when called and other various commands, and food/treat motivation is an expected component initially.

Understanding their nature is so important, so we select the right breed to begin with, and then to understand why they do, or don't do, certain things.  Owners, through education, can be spared having to hear themselves lament, "I can't stop her from doing that!".  While training does work wonders, understand you choose a Great Pyrenees, and love them for all their amazing breeding and characteristics.

-Shannon Murphy

Before You Adopt A Great Pyrenees: Night Barking

No one wants "a barker".  That loosely describes what owners interpret as dogs that bark without relent, and whose training to diminish barking seems a daunting and impossible feat.  Like with any dog ownership, we must do our research on breed traits that are specifically bred into that dog breed.  There are dog breeds not inclined to bark, and while that doesn't mean they won't, shop there first if you are unsure you can tackle this topic of barking.

Great Pyrenees are PRONE TO NIGHT BARKING.  The list of reasons why owners surrender their Great Pyrenees is short—the dog escaping, the dog barking, or the cost to feed and care (which is not unique to the breed).  It's important to distinguish 'unwanted behavior' from 'unnatural behavior'.  Unnatural behavior is alarming, and knowing it is such is by understanding your breed.  For a Pyr to dig at the corner of your living room floor relentlessly in search of ‘something’ is not natural for this dog.  It may, however, be natural for a terrier breed that was bred to find vermin.   Pyrenees guard livestock, period.  When are our furry sheep at most threat?  Dusk, early dawn, and during the night.  These are the hours when their farmers are sleeping, and predators lurk.  It is natural behavior.

Barking tends to escalate due to the improper response on the part of the owner.  Frustrated owners yell "stop it!", which of course is discouraged in pretty much everything I have read on how to modify unwanted barking.  They're already freaked out by something, and now they're really freaked out!  You are barking too, they think, so of course they will continue.  Of course, other times mimicking barking can be recommended for corrections.  I give my dog a quick, deep, calm "hey!" when he tries to chase my kitty.  I am alpha, and he responds positively to my 'bark'.  (I must point out that this scenario is with our Bullmastiff, who is young and still learning about the kitties.  My Pyrs are true to their breed standard, and amazing with my cats!)

I do think it's wise, when adopting a Pyr into a more city-like environment, to really put thought into the stimuli they will see through your windows at night.  I have recommended to people in the past whose Pyrs were barking too much to consider eliminating their visual stimuli.  I haven't had much feedback on the results.  My one Great Pyrenees will hardly make a peep all day long.  Garbage men, mailmen, people on the sidewalk…it all changes at night.  I am thankful for him.  What I have experienced is that when he is dead set that something is upsetting him, he won't relent with the barking until I have taken certain actions.  A few barks, I don't even get out of bed.  I don't say anything to him.  If I get up, and I look outside to see a strange person, I praise him for doing his job.  "Thank you, good boy.  It's okay, I see him.  It's fine, let's go back to bed."  Sounds nuts, but I swear this works!  He wants me safe, and he wants to be sure he woke me to see what has him so concerned.  Admittedly, nights with bad storms cause him to bark at non-persons…trees, etc.  I have to just let him bark a bit.  Those things just scare him, and if he realizes that I'm not scared, he gets it.

The thing is, I'm not going to get him to change.  He is a Great Pyrenees, and he is prone to night barking. Like all breed characteristics, this must be heavily weighed before adopting one of these angelic dogs.  I always say how I don't think I'd suggest a Pyr for someone anticipating a newborn.  I think I would lose my mind if I just finally got the baby to sleep and the dog started barking.  But it's not to say all people anticipating growing their family should avoid this breed, because they are amazing family dogs and great with children.  Perhaps you have a way to ensure the barking won't be 'in the ear' of your new baby.  My night barking Pyr is just over 2, and he has severe heart disease.  If he is still alive if the day comes I have a baby, I will be so happy about that that I don't think I'll mind if he wakes the little human…but that is unfortunately not his reality.

When I adopted my other Pyr, I did so in part because she doesn't ever bark.  Loving and wanting her was easy, but I had to force myself to consider my "10 year plan".   I'm not sure if I'll ever have kids, but if I do, she will be no challenge.  This is not to say that she won't START barking one day.  I have to anticipate change.  Perhaps a new baby in the house would cause her to be more on guard!  I can't relinquish my angel when that day comes.  My obligation was to understand her breed first, before I allowed her into my life.  Don't adopt a dog because of "how they are now".  They grow old, get sick, you move, everything can change.  The commitment to your dog is larger, and it takes a lot of thought.  How many parents consider the cost of college before growing their family?  Consider the cost of a trainer if your dog develops undesired traits.

So you have a Great Pyrenees, and the "seeing what he sees to calm him" isn't working…what next?  I cannot advise getting a trainer or behaviorist enough.  Often times the benefit isn't what the dog will learn, but what we will…about ourselves, our body language, etc.  The majority of things I read suggest ignoring undesired barking.  This must indeed be the hardest method for owners to use, but we must try.   Often negative 'cause and effect' methods are used.  You bark, I squirt you with water.  I guess I just personally hate this if the barking is natural.  My dog really is doing his job, and I hate the idea of sending him this message that he's doing something wrong. 

We have all known the 'crazy' barker though.  They bark all day long, at everything.  The general school of thought is perhaps there are other issues.  Is he healthy?  Is he exercised... and is it enough?  Is there another dog barking in the neighborhood that you can't hear, but he can?  There are so many avenues to explore before losing patience and considering giving him away.

Before engaging in selecting a new dog, it doesn't stop at breed research.  There are many traits that dogs may come with, and some may grow or diminish with training, environment, or even age.  I think we must accept the possibility for all undesired behaviors, and have an action plan in place for the "what ifs".  If you are unable or unwilling to make training a lifetime commitment, pass on adopting a dog.   Often novice dog owners treat dogs like cars…"it ran fine when I bought it".  They are living, breathing, thinking, and deeply feeling animals, of which some may be more sensitive than others.  With human children, we'd find a way to cope with any new event that arose, be it behavior or health.  Let not the mechanism of working with your dog be that born from frustration, rather from the deep love you have for them.

As I've written many times over, I am not a dog trainer or a behaviorist.  Seek a trained professional for all aspects regarding your pet's well being.  If you've had success implementing training to diminish barking, please email us.  We'd love to share your experiences with others.  

coloradopyr@gmail.com

by Shannon Murphy

BEFORE You Adopt A Great Pyrenees

I have read that a nickname for Great Pyrenees is "Disa-pyr".  While there are several breed traits to make yourself aware of, we have found over time that a very common theme in owner surrenders of these angelic dogs is the owner saying they "can't keep" the dog in the yard, or that it keeps running away.  We have had several owners lose their tolerance for their "escape artist" and surrender.  While breed traits are explained to potential owners, AND it's a new owner's responsibility to educate themselves, this breed trait does not seem to be taken into consideration appropriately.

As with anything, there are always exceptions to the rule, but you need to anticipate the breed standard, and if your dog is different in a way you perceive to be "different" than the standard, than you are fortunate.  Also, never assume that your newly adopted dog, if it's older, will behave the same way it behaved for a previous owner.  In new environments, dogs can manifest new behaviors due to new stimuli.  Not all new potential behaviors may be bad; however, a Pyr prone to night barking may bark more in your home than in a previous one due to your neighborhood's stimulation.

The trait people need to really and truly understand is the breed's natural tendency to wander.  You tell potential owners that they cannot be off-leash dogs, and they perhaps still think their dog will be different.  Pyrs typically do best with a privacy fence, yet owners will have short, wire fences and their Pyrs will escape.  When testing your dog's personal boundaries and behaviors against it's natural breed inclination do so in a guarded environment where you will be able to see how they fare. 

If you want an off-leash dog, a dog to leave in the back yard unattended without a 6-foot privacy fence, please think twice about adopting a Pyr.  If you want those things and want a Pyr regardless, you need to have plans in place to see how they really will fare in those environments. 

All the same, understand the Pyr for the breed they are and accept that lifestyle for them.  Great Pyrenees are naturally inclined to "go away".  Meaning, regardless of how you raise them, it's in their DNA to be livestock guardians.  Pyrs were bred to be independent from people, to stay in the hills with their sheep and guard them.  Everything the Pyr could see was his cause to be concerned.  We often say, "a Pyr thinks everything they see is theirs to guard".  Your Pyr needs to know if there is a coyote over that hill threatening his flock, so he will go there, to ensure that threat isn't present.

An off-leash Pyr will think nothing of leaving you in the dust.  They will also be surprised you are annoyed at them for this.  They think they are checking out the perimeter around you to ensure no predators are present.  Likewise with fences, if they think they see something they need to check out, they will be gone.  They are not out romping for fun.  Imagine your Pyr having a 5-foot wire fence they can clearly see through; if they see another dog, a coyote, a suspicious person, they will do their best to "do their job", scale that fence, and go secure their flock.  Maybe you had them fenced like this for a year and "it never happened".  Consider they probably never had the proper stimulation…yet.

One of my Pyrs seems as if she'd stay with me if I let her off leash.  Though I never care to test her on this, because I can't anticipate the potential for stimulation that I cannot control, I would never test her in an environment where I could lose her.  I'd take her to a dog park on a day with only a couple of other dogs present, and see how she fares staying by my side to my command.  Pyrs aren't exactly good at obeying commands, for all the reasons they were bred to be independent from people to perform their job.

I have a 6 foot privacy fence, and that same Pyr lounges under the deck most times she's outside, and never shows an interest at its perimeter.  Nonetheless, I know she's a Pyr.  I make sure my perimeter has no dug out holes she could escape through if she sensed a threat.  Standing on our deck, my other Pyr can easily see beyond that fence.  Garbage men, cars, homeless people…if he sees them, he goes nuts.  If he could scale that fence, he would…and he'd be gone. 

Dawn would get calls from panicked owners about how they came home, having left their Pyr out while they were gone, and came home to no Pyr.  While of course you go and look for them, she'd always tell them she felt if they didn't find them, they'd come home after hours of looking to their Pyr sitting on their doorstep.  Pyrs would return home to their "farm" after making sure that "wolf" wasn't there, but they sure as heck are going to do their job first.

If you are NOT absolutely committed to an on-leash dog, or a tall privacy fence when they go out to potty and play, please think hard before adopting this breed.  If you want to leave your dog outside while you are gone, please reconsider this dog, and pretty much any dog.  Unless your dog is a working dog on your farm, let them be part of the family and live inside when you are gone. Too many Pyrs have been surrendered who were tethered up outside because their owner felt that was the only way to "keep them" from running away.  Just think hard on your dog breed match, and never think you can out-train a long history of breeding this INTO the dog.  Those who own Pyrs to work as livestock guardians can attest, all this independence is what allows the owners to sleep at night, knowing their flocks are protected without the direction of a human…it's natural for them!

-by Shannon Murphy

Great Pyrenees Breed Quiz!
More About the Breed
[we have found this internet description to be one of the most accurate out there]

Are Pyrs Really That Low Energy?

Energy level is one of the most important things to consider before adopting a new dog.  This is can be the "make it or break it" of our new relationship with our beloved pet.  Often we have an image in our head of what our lives *should * look like with our new edition.  We can visualize those great memories to be made of throwing frisbees in the park, a new jogging partner, a dog to play fetch with the tennis ball...   If you think a Pyr is your buddy for any of those activities, you may need to do some more research.

While it is always important to stipulate that there are exceptions to all rules, on the whole Pyrs are lower energy.  I hesitate to label them as "low", rather "medium to low" on the whole.  I've met some Pyrs who defied their standard and were more like labs trapped in a huge, fluffy, ball of angelic white fur.  I've also heard from owners who shared stories of very rambunctious Pyrs who asked "are they going to outgrow this?"  If the dog seems super full of energy, perhaps they are just that exception to the rule.

"Full of energy" to me describes a dog who could almost never stop playing.  They need a lot of exercise and play, and without may become destructive and wound up.  While lack of proper exercise and play is bad for any dog, there are most certainly breeds who don't live in that constant state of "Oh my!  Oh my!  Where are we going?  What are we doing?  I loooove you!"  And yes, most dogs will slow down with age, but many higher energy breed dogs behave like puppies forever.  They are lucky.. the eternal pup!

There are many Pyr owners more experienced than I, but I am the proud owner of two Pyrs and have known countless other owners for years.  And of course, two years helping with Pyr rescue where I got to know Pyrs of all ages, health conditions, and temperament.  Dawn & Ken shared a story one time where someone met their dogs at an adoption event.  They rudely suggested that they sedated the dogs to make them seem more mellow, so as to ensure more adoptions.  I personally have been at a few adoption events where the dogs were all sleeping (they'd probably been there for a few hours) and people would walk by and ask, concerned, "are those dogs okay?"  I always wondered if it was just a general concern, or one born from a preconceived notion that "rescue dogs" are sick.

Let's get one thing straight:  Pyrs are in no way boring dogs!  And no, they don't sleep "all the time".  While it may vary by age and personality, Pyrs can have plenty of energy.. when they want to.  (Most things with Pyrs are when they want to!)  My experience suggests that a nice, long walk of an hour will poop most Pyrs out, and that's just walking.  A better example is my day:  wake up at 10am.  Pyrs are still sleeping.  (on me).  "Come on kids, get up!"  Okay, they say, and prance out the back door.  They do their business, and are quick to return inside to finish their napping.  I leave for, say,  hours, and I return.  They are happy to see me...  they've been sleeping more, but now it's twilight and that is their time!  Pyrs are more nocturnal than other dogs, and the energy you see may likely come later in the day.  I open the back door, and they run out.  They play for about 20 minutes, and then relax on the deck and take another nap.  During the play, they bolted full speed around the yard and frolicked like the best of them!

Afterwards, we play together.  They don't typically like games like fetch, so they just like rough-housing with me.  Perhaps I throw around some toys, and they pick them up and toss them around.  When it's time for my bed, they crawl into bed with me and snuggle.  During the night, they may wake up to bark at something outside.  Pyrs are more "guardy" at night.  I get up to see what they are so upset about, and that satisfies them and they come back to sleep.  Admittedly, this may take longer some nights!  Throw in a nice brushing sometime that night while I'm watching TV, and they're good to go.  The next day, we start it all over again.

So yes, your Pyr has energy which it must expel.  It will desire to run around and play like any other dog.  The bottom line is that they may do it for less time.  They certainly do sleep a lot, even as puppies.  Sleeping for large breed pups is important, as it allows for proper bone growth for those huge limbs.  Pyrs are great dogs for someone who doesn't desire a jogging buddy, but rather a nice hike or walk every day.  They are playful, affectionate, and want to be by your side... for you, as it turns out, have become their "flock" they must guard!  Pyrs are livestock guardians, not herding dogs, as many people are often to mistake.  Herding dogs need a lot of energy to do their job, and livestock guardians reserve their energy for the bursts where it matters.  When the sheep are grazing and there is no threat, they can rest.  They do not  have the job of keeping them confined to a location.  Their job is to jump into action when a threat arises.  You may experience a sleepy Pyr for a lot of your day, but you will really see him do his job when someone enters your yard who shouldn't be there!

What's That Big, White Dog?

Did you think that all white, large dogs were Great Pyrenees?  We thought it'd be fun to share some other great breeds you may not have heard of before!  The world is a big place, full of a ton of amazing dog breeds outside of our AKC familiarity. After you look at these pictures, you'll realize that sometimes it may take an expert to tell all of our big, white, fluffy angels apart!  Often when not getting your dog from a breeder, we have to rely on history provided, which may rely heavily on popular breeds in the area.  If it's an AKC recognized breed (and half of these below are not), you will find detailed descriptions online of what your dog should look like.  While we look at coat length and color, often the special things come down to shape of the head, the eyes, colors of mucous membranes, and texture of their coat!  Many of these dogs share a common ancestor, especially when they are livestock guardians.  For example, the Italian "Abruzzese Mastiff" is assumed to be related/a descendant of the Maremma Sheepdog; many of these dogs are assumed to have a common ancestor.  Here are some links to unaffiliated sites to gain more insight into each breed:

Abruzzese Mastiff 

Maremma Sheepdog

 

Caucasian Shepherd Dog/Ovcharka

Central Asian Ovcharka/Shepherd Dog 

Bucovina Shepherd Dog 

 

Greek Shepherd Dog 

 Karakachan

 Mioritic Sheepdog

Pyrenean Mastiff

 

Kuvasz

Russian Sheepdog 

 Slovak Cuvac

 Komondor

 White German Shepherd

Tornjak, Bosnian Shepherd Dog 

  Akbash

Samoyed

 Polish Tatra Sheepdog

Lanseer

 White Golden Retriever

Great Pyrenees

More On Great Pyrenees Coat Colors

Our Friend the Akbash

You've noticed we have been reaching out and posting blogs on some of our Akbash cousins in need of forever homes and/or fosters!  In the past, we saw many Akbash come through Pyr rescue.  Often, people think "Oh, that's a Pyr mix, right?"  We hear theories of Pyrs mixed with Goldens, or Labs.. but really they may be a gorgeous breed all their own.. The Akbash!  Like our Pyrs, they are white dogs with colored accents, also bred to be livestock guardians.  To read more about this amazing dog, see the link below to ADAA, The Akbash Dog Association of America!

Akbash Breed Profile

Pyrs are Prone to Digging... My Arm!

It's amazing to me that I couldn't Google and find a million pictures of Great Pyrenees, laboring away at their owner's arms or legs with their pawing.  Myself and other Pyr owners have laughed over and over again, as we share stories of our Pyrs pawing incessantly at our bodies!  I've tried to look up what it is.. why do they do this, all the time, without relent?

My Cahota will jump on the sofa and do this for ten minutes, to say the least.  Paw..  paw..  "Yes, Coatsy, we know you're there.  Thank you."  He will paw at the other dogs heads, he will paw anything.  In talking with other Pyr owners, the same!  The paw.. paw.. paw..  I won't discuss how to get them to stop doing this, as of course there are ways to train it out (I suppose..  stubborn Pyr!) however I've resigned this is a Pyr thing, and leave it at that.

Back in the adoption event days, you'd see 2 things.  The inevitable "lean" against whichever human made themselves available, and then the "paw".  "Oh!  He likes me!".  Yeah.. I'm sure he does.  However, I think I'd be quicker to teach my Pyr to drive my car than to stop leaning and pawing!  We've talked in groups about why we think this is! 

Clearly it's affection based.  I doubt anyone would disagree with that.  Why don't they ever stop?  I theorized that perhaps pawing was a benefit as a lifestock guardian.  In that capacity, the dogs hang out with their sheep and follow them wherever they go.  They inevitably "love" them, and protect them from those who approach.  Did the pawing come about as a method to wake and/or encourage sleepy sheep to move along?  "It's time to go", the sheep thought.. and there is your Pyr.. making sure even the laziest of sheep get up and move along.  Perhaps they pawed away at them..  "wake up!  time to go!  I love you!"

As with most things common across a breed, there is a reason.  This is probably the only thing I could think of!  Of course, there is the obvious suggestion that it is merely a ploy for more attention;  but then why do all Pyrs seem to do it?  I have not experienced this degree of "pawing" from any other breed!

At the end of the day, we've taught one of our Pyrs to just 'lay down' and snuggle.. and stop trying to dig for gold in my arm.  He still paws at first, but then we pat the sofa and he finally relents.  I want him to tell me why he does it, but alas he insists it is a Great Pyrenees secret of which he cannot divulge!

Great Pyrenees Coat Colors

The Great Pyrenees reputation as big, white dogs has caused some confusion when people see Pyrs with darker colors throughout their coats.  I attended an AKC show once, where all the Pyrs were pure white.  (The AKC defines the Pyr color as "a white or principally white coat that may contain markings of badger, gray, or varying shades of tan.") 

In our rescue days, people were quick to dispute a certain Pyr or two of ours as not being "full" Pyrs, due to some of the color variations they'd see.  In addition to the potential for badger (the darker trimmed colors around the ears), gray, and tan, I've also read that it is acceptable to see colors more reddish in appearance.  Such was the case with a couple of Pyrs I've met. 

Pyrs can have any or all of these other colors anywhere on their body!  The only general rule of thumb as a disqualifier is if these darker colorations cover more than 1/3 of their total body.  So your true Pyr could have a white head, with dark colors throughout.  They could have a very dark, masked face and a white body.  Any combination is okay!  My Ana had a very dark grey mask as a puppy; people thought she was a mix.  These days, it looks more black than grey.  Christie's Reg has colors which can only be described as more caramel in color, and they are seen frequently throughout his coat.

Naturally, it is also quite common to have a litter of pups with all different variations.  All of Ana's siblings were pure white!  If you are in the market to adopt a Pyrenees and really want to get one you perceive to be pure, don't be concerned about some of the fun colors you will see!

Everything You're Always Asked About a Pyr...

...and Never Want to Answer

I found this article here while perusing the Internet, and it was just too cute not to share!  It was written by Catherine de la Cruz.  Anyone who owns a Pyr can almost definitely relate to at least one of its points.

How Big, Really, Is a Great Pyrenees?
Your dining room table is 27" from the floor, kitchen counters 36". The average female Pyr can walk under your dining room table only if she ducks her head; the average male needs to either scrunch himself smaller or lift your table a few inches higher. In either case, the front of the counter is not the place to store meat thawing for dinner. The top of the refrigerator is out of the reach of most Pyrs

How Much Do They Weigh?
On the scale at the feed store, 80 to 120 pounds. While trying to give one a pill or cut its nails: as much as a Moray eel. On the first day of obedience class: as much as a young elephant. The day you teach the "down" exercise in obedience class: as much as a Sumo wrestler. When walking through a litter of pups, kittens, chicks or lambs: about as much as two feathers.

How Much Do They Eat?
As much as they want - never mind what the back of the dog-food bag says. The average Great Pyrenees can survive quite nicely and maintain weight and normal activity on as much dog food as will fit into a two-pound coffee can. Most, however, have convinced their owners that plain dog food is completely unpalatable and will starve unless supplemented with ground round, chicken breast, sirloin tips or cheese omelets. If he discovers you have a weakness for cookies you may find your leg battered black and blue by Pyr-paw-pats, repeated until you share the cookies - Oreos are much preferred to Milk Bones.

Do They Shed Much?
At the annual ritual known as "coat blowing" you can comb enough fur out of your dog to have spun into enough yarn to make yourself a cap, a scarf and a pair of mittens. Why you would want to is beyond me, since everything else you own is already lavishly decorated with Pyr Hair. Since shedding, in some degree, takes place 365 days a year, you will have ample decoration on your rug, couch, bed, etc. Since Pyr hair has a particular affinity for dark clothing, the Pyr-owning business person wears a lot of light grey and tan. Firefighters, police officers and military personnel owned by Pyrs learn to leave their uniforms in sealed lockers at work and change there.

What About Barking?
What about it? If begun early, you can train yourself to come every time your Pyr barks and give it some attention. Give him enough attention for barking, and your neighbors will also begin to give you some attention. Mutual reinforcement always works. What do Pyrs bark at? Only things they can see and hear - that includes low flying satellites and butterflies. Most Pyrenees eavesdrop on a family argument four houses away, yet become selectively deaf upon hearing words like "stop that", "come here" and "be quiet". Pyr owners exchange information on stopping barking the way our grandmothers exchanges recipes for pickles - no two were ever alike.

I've Heard They Like To Dig
How do you think the Pyrenees mountains were really constructed? One Pyr, out of consideration for her owner's failing eyesight, enlarged the cup of his putting green to bunker-sized. Landscape companies report their greatest repeat business comes from Pyr owners. Some Pyr owners, however, simply resign themselves to living with a yard that looks like a gunnery range.

How Do Pyrs and Children Get Along?

If you train your children early enough not to tease the dog - not to pull his tail, wake him by jumping on top of him, pinch his ears or steal his food - your Pyr will be safe from the kids. Children are not as easy to train as a Pyr because it is not legal to put a choke-chain and leash on a child.

Great Pyrenees Breed Quiz

For anyone considering adopting a Great Pyrenees, there are some key questions one can ask themselves to ensure this breed may be a match for you and your lifestyle.  Always still do your extra homework. The following list is a general idea of statements that should match how you feel about your potential new dog. These are Pyr-specific questions, as naturally there are more traditional questions merely regarding if a dog in and of itself is right for you!  While everyone's experience with the breed may vary, these points reflect the general experience with a Great Pyrenees that are kept as companion dogs.  We have no experience with Pyrs as livestock guardians.


1. I enjoy a big lap dog.
Pyrs want your affection and attention.  While independent, they still want to be by your side and receive a lot of hugs and kisses.  They want to be where you are.  You are their flock!


2. Shedding is worth it.
If your life needs to be tidy and clean, think again.  Pyrs do shed, and they need weekly brushing.  In addition, many Pyrs tend to drool and need rags to wipe their faces!


3. I am okay with a dog whose expectancy is 10-12.
This point is most relevant as to when we can expect to have to incur extra expenses to maintain their longevity and treat them in their geriatric years.


4. I don't mind guard dog barking.
A dog who barks excessively is not normal.  A Pyr, however, will bark at perceived threats, and they may bark more at dusk and night.  This is the times of the day they were bred to be more alert regarding predators.


5. I can deal with some digging.
Your Pyr may not dig, but they really might.  Pyrs dig cool holes to lay in to keep them cooled off in warmer temperatures.  While they may pick 1 spot, you may have to go to extra lengths to keep them out of your flowers!


6. I can share my personal space.
Many sites suggest Pyrs need a lot of room.  Our experience has been, that the room may merely be the need of the human.  They can be large, and because they want to be by your side, you can expect a lot of stepping over them and finding them pushing their way into your arms if they need more love!


7. I can handle a big dog.
A dog well-trained, regardless of size, isn't an issue.  But depending on the training needs, remember they are strong!  Even a deep, loud playful bark can intimidate some people.


8. I can afford dog food.
A 100 pound dog should be eating 5 cups of food total per day.  While not as excessive as some may think, costs for good food can add up.


9. I am 100% committed to my dog forever.
Many apartment buildings take dogs, however some have weight restrictions.  You need to be committed to always doing the work of finding a home that will accept your gentle giant.


10.  I am okay with an independent dog.
If you desire a dog who will always come, sit, roll over, etc. a Pyr may not be your dog.  While there are effective methods for training, they are independent by nature and are considered one of the harder to train breeds.


11.  I want a medium to low-energy dog.
Pyrs run and play with the best of them, but the are not "running" dogs.  If you want to run, throw frisbees, this is probably not your dog.  If you want nice walks and hikes, then they are likely a match.


12. I need a dog good with children and/or other types of animals.
Pyrenees are known for being amazing with children and other animals like cats.  They are gentle, as their breeding insists they are to be trusted with the entire family farm.  They are big, so if you have infants take into consideration the size of a wagging tail, and their inclination to bark at hours your baby may need to be sleeping.

Tips For Choosing Your New Dog

We all understand that adopting a new pet should never be an "impulse buy".  I've seen many big-hearted people swing by adoption events, never having considered or thought they wanted a/another dog, and expressed a desire to adopt after empathizing with the dog's plight as being homeless.  I think part of the impulse, is the fear that if you walk away from the animal you just fell madly in love with, it will be adopted by someone else, or meet a horrible fate.  Upon speaking with whoever is running that rescue, I'm sure they'd be quick to learn that filling out an application to 'hold' the dog enables them the ability to walk away and consider if it's a fit for their life.

Dawn, who ran the Pyrenees rescue, always asked everyone to consider their "ten year plan".  "I have no children" may yield an added family member who may not be great with children.  What they didn't consider, is that they may have children one day, or may realize a relative who is always over has now decided to have children.  I have seen dogs adopted by enlisted service people, who move frequently, and realize they must surrender their animals due to new locations.  People with homes have had foreclosures, and feel they cannot find an apartment which takes dogs.  (Of course, dog lovers will argue they weren't looking hard enough).  Before considering the breed, age, and needs of the dog, consider yours.  Not your situation today, but all your possible scenarios for the projected life expectancy of the dog.  None of us have crystal balls, but if one thinks hard enough, they will likely be able to be realistic with themselves.

Once your ten year plan has been determined, and you decide you are a good candidate to find a new pet, draw up your wish list in your head, or write it down.  Don't go to an adoption event, deciding you will let a dog "choose you".  I think the 'choose you' scenario is okay, once you have determined your dog breed match and are selecting from several appropriate dogs.  Ask yourself, how often can I walk my dog?  What is *my* energy level?  What is my tolerance for destruction, ie. digging, eating things I love, etc.  Is my job so stressful that any inconvenience will irritate me when I get home?  Is my significant other on board?  If I have children, will I have enough time to do it all? Once you have your list ready, then you can do some breed research.

Start looking for some of your key points, ie. search "low energy dogs", "dogs with long lives", "dogs that don't bark much".  Understand this will guide you towards a breed standard, which is merely your starting point.  Understanding what is natural for a specific breed will not only help you choose the correct match, it will also prepare you for behaviors you may not see at that adoption event.  Dogs can act quite different in those environments, and even in their foster homes.  We've encountered dogs that barked all the time in rescue, which hardly made a peep once they found their forever home.  It's also worked vice versa.  The point is to understand, for example, "Pyrs can be night barkers".  Your new friend may not do this for a couple of months, settle in, and decide they can officially be the guardian they were bred to be.

Some dogs may seem fearful, and end up being confident once they have your gentle leadership.  Others, may have never chased a cat in their life, but then decide your Fluffy really is far too enticing to not chase.  When you do your breed research, ask yourself "What is their job?".  Many families love dogs who are herding dogs by nature, and on top of their high energy, the dog may find it's appropriate to run your children in circles around the living room.

When you have made your lists of your dream dog, realized your breed match, then start looking.  Are you a first time dog owner?  Avoid dogs who may need training that you are unsure you can provide yet.  Everyone seems to want puppies:  Are you sure you have the time to train?  At an adoption event, we nearly fell  over ourselves when a woman proclaimed "I just want a good puppy who will be a good dog".  She thought they *came* that way.  She was denied a puppy by all the rescues who attended, and urged towards an older dog whose behaviors are more clearly defined.  All dogs have the potential to be naughty, and even an older dog may become naughty if you are not providing them leadership, attention, and affection when appropriate.

Before you ink that adoption contract, consider your finances.  Not now, for the next decade.  Do you have money put aside?  I once spoke to a woman who said she couldn't afford a lot of vet care, so wanted a younger dog.  I quickly reminded her that eventually her dog will age, and her finances may become stressed.  In addition, I reminded her all our friends need annual vet exams regardless of age or infirmity, and often running blood work may be recommended.  I explained that perfectly healthy dogs eventually will need dentals done, and they aren't cheap.  Dentals are essential to the overall health of your dog, and cannot be skipped. Dog food prices may be a consideration.  Some people are turned off by large breeds, expecting to pay a ton more for food.  While not completely untrue, most would be surprised at how little some larger dogs will need.  They think Pyrs may eat 10 cups a day, but it's more like 4 total, maybe 3 or 5.  Don't cheap out on dog food; better foods yield better health, and likely diminished vet bills long term.

Okay, now it's safe to fall in love!  Never go window shopping without having done all your preparations and home work done.  Without the safety net of drafting your ideal dog, you will fall madly in love with the border collie who is just adorable, and realize you really needed a slower dog.  Conversely, you could quite easily fall in love with an angelic Pyrenees, only to realize you really wanted a buddy to go running with you.  When unsure, ask your friends and family for objective advice.  "What kind of a dog do you think would be good for me?".  If you have current other animals, talk to your veterinarian and get their advice.

Pets are forever.  It's better to wait and save the "right" one, then feel compelled to try and save a life, only to realize you are not the right match for each other.

-SM

What's up with the extra toes?

Great Pyrenees are famous for their double dew claws.  Most dogs have a dewclaw; what seems to an "extra" toe on their limbs that is more proximal to the body.  Some owners have these removed often during spay/neuter.  The theory is that they are vestigial appendages and can cause damage if they are left on the dog.  The dog may snag or tear them during their normal play or work.

For Great Pyrenees, these appendages are a breed standard.  They are often a breed disqualifier in show circuits if they do not have them.  Functionally, the extra "two toes" are there to offer more leverage and grip while they are navigating their terrain performing their livestock duties.  As non-livestock friends, we keep them because they are a breed trait and often owners find no drawback to retaining them.

Some dewclaws (and double dewclaws) are more "floppy" than others.  Some dogs with these appendages can use them quite effectively to add extra grip to their step.  Other dogs, they seem more non-functional and seem to hang.  Either way, they are not "dead" appendages, and have an adequate amount of blood supply and tendons nonetheless.

Personally, I feel that the argument for removal is tantamount to that of dewclawing a cat.  They are natural parts of the dog's body, and can serve a function in the case of these working dogs.  I have read several articles, and spoken with many experienced Pyr owners, who claim they have never had a problem allowing their dogs to retain their dewclaws.  As an avid Pyr owner and lover, I adore nothing more than seeing double dews on a Pyr mix...a sure piece of proof they may be of this distinguished bloodline of amazing dogs.

I have two Pyrenees myself.  My Ana has only one slight remnant of double dew on one of her back paws.  My Cahota has typical double dews on both back legs, though they are more the "hanging" type of double dews.  In my experience with the breed, I have met several Pyrs whose dews seem highly functional and not "hanging".

Some things I've read suggest if your Pyr is absent of double dews, that they are not a pure bred Pyr.  Experience has taught me this may not be true, as we have witnessed dogs of clear Pyr bloodlines have puppies without.  All the same, we have found dogs that have "an aunt Pyr in the wood pile" who clearly do not look exclusively Pyrenees, yet have retained that double dew.

Either way, anything inherently Pyrenees is a beautiful thing, because Pyrenees are beautiful and are a gift from nature and breeding.  In my opinion, leave your double dews as they are.  They are a special little reminder of how amazing Great Pyrenees are!

Written by Shannon Murphy

Guard Barking vs. Nuisance Barking...and suggestions for curbing undesirable barking!

Guard Barking vs. Nuisance Barking
...defining what's normal and what isn't

Guard Barking is a standard Pyr trait:

• Great Pyrenees are guardian dogs...all guard dogs bark, especially at night.  That's what they are bred to do!
• Guard barking occurs in response to noises or things that don't belong in the dog's realm.  Strangers, animals, bikes, anything "out of the ordinary" really!

If you and the neighbors don't mind the barking, varmints, stray dogs and other undesirable critters will stay far away. 

If the barking is not acceptable...move the dog to a place where the dog feels secure.  This might be on the porch, in the basement, in the garage, in a crate or kennel...whatever works for you and your dog.

Nuisance Barking:

Mostly, problem barkers bark because they are bored.  Accustomed to a lot of attention, they don't know how to behave when alone.  More often than not, we have set this up ourselves.  We want our dogs to be happy, so we spoil them:  our dogs get treats and petting whenever they wish.  It is entirely normal for owners to act this way and entirely normal for dogs to complain when they feel neglected

Identify the Proper Cause of their Barking:

Has something in your dog's environment changed?  A dog's behavior can change quickly when things around them change, and often we as humans are challenged to sense what it is that they are "seeing" that we are not.

• "One of my Pyrs has recently started barking more, because the new neighbors behind us installed a motion light, and every time it switches on, he "switches on".  Have you tried crating the dog during times when you are not home, and also crating him perhaps when he starts barking excessively?  During the night, I close my drapes to diminish the outside stimuli which may cause him to bark more at night.  Sometimes "blocking" their visual can help." - Shannon (previous adopter)

OR...is the barking due to boredom?

Suggestions for curbing undesirable barking behavior:

• First of all, your dog must learn that barking for your attention doesn't work. If he is unhappy outdoors and barking eventually makes you bring him in, he learns that barking gets results. If barking makes you yell at him, well, that's better than nothing. "I'm bored. Maybe I can get them to yell at me again." Although yelling doesn't work, negative reinforcement can still be useful. Perhaps a little story will help explain:
  
  

  "As a veterinary student, I lived in the basement of an animal hospital. We did a lot of boarding, and there were occasionally dogs that barked at night. These dogs were warm and well-fed, with plenty of water.  Their kennels were clean and dry. All they lacked was entertainment. I quickly learned that hollering "quiet" was useless. Here is what worked: I'd put a little water in a Dixie Cup and quietly stand in front of the barker, not saying a word. Within a minute or two the dog would bark again, whereupon I'd immediately dash the water in his face, turn around and go back to bed, all without saying a word. I'd usually have to do this two or three times the first night, once or twice the second night and maybe even once the night after that. Nearly always after the second or third night, peace and quiet."

  
  
  "Quiet" repeated calmly and clearly once or twice in a normal voice will teach your dog to associate the word with water in the face and with not barking. Later, in situations where he would ordinarily bark but stays quiet instead, calmly praise him. 
• A change in environment may help. You could put him at a friend's house for an afternoon or two to vary his routine, often relieving their boredom.
• Some find that using a squirt gun/water bottle can help.  Never squirt them in the face, but often a squirt to their hindquarters when they bark undesirably. 
• When owners feel like they have tried/done everything, then a trainer is often a great suggestion.

Articles of Interest/Suggested Reading:
http://www.milkandhoneyfarm.com/dogs/training.html#Barking
http://www.gpcgc.org/pyrforme.htm
http://dogs.about.com/od/dogtraining/qt/barkingdogs.htm