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Fluffy white guardian angel.

Pyrenean Mountain Dog

Also called Great Pyrenees, Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées, Patou, Pyrenäen-Berghund, Perro de Montaña de los Pirineos

A composed, unhurried dog that is hard to rattle.

SizeGiant
Weight38.5 to 54.4 kg (85 to 120 lb)1234
Height65 to 80 cm (26 to 31 in)males 70 to 80 cm, females 65 to 75 cm154
Lifespan10 to 12 years2
CoatLong, dense double coat
OriginFrance (Pyrenees mountains on the French-Spanish border)64
GroupPinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs (FCI group 2)
Exercise45 min a day
Recognised breedDeep profile
calm and gentle with its own family
devoted, watchful guardian
thinks independently and uses initiative
125

Personality what they are like

A composed, unhurried dog that is hard to rattle. It bonds closely with the people and animals it considers its own and tends to hold back and watch strangers before deciding what to make of them. Centuries of guarding flocks without a shepherd close by have made it self-reliant, so it listens best to patient, fair and consistent handling rather than pressure.1257

Coat and looks how to spot one

long, dense double coat

A big, powerful dog that still moves with some elegance, slightly longer than tall. The outer coat is long, flat and supple over a thick woolly undercoat, a little crisper over the shoulders and back and fuller around the neck and on the plumed tail. A signature detail is the pair of well-formed double dewclaws on each hind leg.154

Colourswhitewhite with badger (grey) markingswhite with wolf-grey markingswhite with pale yellow markingswhite with orange markings15

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Pyrenean Mountain Dog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
  • Deshedding spring and autumnExtra brushing while the coat blowsevery day
  • Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
  • Bathevery 10 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseAbout 45 minutes a dayevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 6every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate. Around an hour a day for an adult is plenty, such as steady walks or hikes; it is not a dog that needs constant high-energy play. Puppies should have limited exercise while they are still growing.832

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush two to three times a week with a slicker brush, and daily during the heavy spring and autumn moults, to keep the undercoat from matting. Expect white hair year-round. Keep the double hind dewclaws trimmed along with the other nails. Positive, reward-based training with plenty of patience suits this independent breed.238

Home where they are happiest

Needs a large home and a large, securely fenced garden; apartment life is a poor fit. The heavy coat makes it most comfortable in cool climates, so shade and care are needed in hot or humid weather. Can live in town or country.82

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete, balanced diet made for giant breeds. Puppies benefit from a large-breed growth food that keeps growth steady and controlled; adults should be kept lean with portions matched to their activity level.2

Company who they like around

Very attached to its household and happiest living as part of the family, where it can quietly keep an eye on everyone. Early socialisation helps it stay relaxed with visitors. Many live peacefully with other household pets.257

The story where it all began

Large white flock guardians have worked in the Pyrenees for as long as records reach. Their ancestors are thought to have been guardian dogs that came west from Asia Minor, and the breed then developed in relative isolation in the mountains, protecting sheep from wolves and bears and also standing guard at castles. In the 1670s the young Dauphin brought one back from Barèges, and the breed became fashionable at the court of Louis XIV. Once wolves disappeared from the range in the 1800s, numbers fell sharply and the breed came close to vanishing. Bernard Senac-Lagrange tracked down good specimens, founded the Réunion des Amateurs de Chiens Pyrénéens in 1923 and wrote the first standard, which has changed little since. In 1931 Mary Crane imported dogs to the United States, her male Urdos became a foundation sire, and the AKC recognised the breed in 1934. The FCI gave definitive recognition in 1955. Today the breed is back at work guarding flocks in the Alps and Pyrenees as well as living as a family companion.1496

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Working dogs traditionally wore a heavy iron collar studded with long spikes to protect their throats when facing wolves.4

  2. 2

    In 1824 the Marquis de Lafayette sent two male Pyreneans to the United States as a gift to John Stuart Skinner.9

  3. 3

    Its hind legs carry double dewclaws, a feature the breed standard specifically asks for.1

  4. 4

    In the past the dogs were used to carry packs of goods over Pyrenean mountain routes too rough for people.4

  5. 5

    It is one of the breeds used in the 1830s to create the Leonberger.4

  6. 6

    A 1986 survey found that 57% of livestock guardian dogs working on US farms were Great Pyrenees.4

  7. 7

    Shepherds using these dogs in the mid-2000s reported about 90% fewer flock losses to predators.4

  8. 8

    The French nickname 'Patou' comes from 'pâtre', an old word for shepherd.4

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the Pyrenees Mountains, the mountain range between France and Spain, where it originated. In France, it is commonly called the Patou, and in the US it is known as the Great Pyrenees.10

Name ideas for your new friend

BelleMiloLunaMaxNanaBearSnowyPuffyCosmoLilyRockySunny

A day in the life told by a Pyrenean Mountain Dog

This morning, I checked my flock (my humans) were all still in their beds. Then I did a patrol of the yard, making sure no sneaky squirrels got too close. My human laughed and said I'm a good guardian. After breakfast, I found the perfect spot on the cool floor and dozed while the kids played. When the mailman came, I gave a big, deep bark to let him know I'm on duty. My human gave me a scratch behind the ears and said I'm a good boy. Later, we went for a walk, and I made sure to keep everyone together. Now I'm lying on the grass, watching the stars, ready to guard my family all night.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard No. 137, Group 2 (Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs), Section 2.2 Molossian type, mountain type; definitive acceptance 25 Jan 1955; current standard published 13 Mar 20016
Société Centrale Canine
Breed registered in 1923, when the first standard was drafted by the Réunion des Amateurs de Chiens Pyrénéens4
The Royal Kennel Club
Pastoral Group8
AKC
Working Group, as 'Great Pyrenees'; recognised 1934 (AKC history article); Great Pyrenees Club of America recognised as AKC parent club in 1935 (GPCA)11
UKC
Guardian Dog Group, as 'Great Pyrenees'; recognised 19495

Popularity AKC rank 66 of registered breeds (as 'Great Pyrenees')12

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Pyrenean Mountain Dog tip

Choose low-fat, single-protein treats to support a sensitive stomach and avoid adding extra weight. Because this deep-chested breed is prone to bloat, give treats in calm, separate sessions rather than around mealtimes.

Source: purina.co.uk pdsa.org.uk

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Pyrenean Mountain Dog, and at what times?

Feed adult Pyrenean Mountain Dogs at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Stick to consistent times and avoid free feeding for puppies. Keep portions matched to activity to maintain a lean, healthy weight.132

What should a Pyrenean Mountain Dog eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a complete balanced diet made for giant breeds. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and xylitol. Always check with your vet for the best diet plan.214

How often should I bathe a Pyrenean Mountain Dog?

A bath every 70 days (about every two to three months) is a good starting plan. You can bathe more often if your dog gets dirty, using a gentle dog shampoo.15 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Pyrenean Mountain Dog need brushing?

Brush two to three times a week with a slicker brush, and daily during heavy spring and autumn shedding. This keeps the thick undercoat from matting and controls the year-round white hair.238 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Pyrenean Mountain Dog's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every four weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and don't forget the double hind dewclaws.23815 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Pyrenean Mountain Dog need?

An adult Pyrenean Mountain Dog needs about 45 minutes to an hour of steady exercise daily, like walks or hikes. Puppies need limited exercise while growing. This breed enjoys calm, moderate activity.832 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Pyrenean Mountain Dog's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check ears weekly and dry them gently; never insert anything into the ear canal.15 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Pyrenean Mountain Dog live?

Pyrenean Mountain Dogs typically live 10 to 12 years. With good care and regular vet checkups, they can enjoy a long, healthy life.2

Is a Pyrenean Mountain Dog good with children and other pets?

Yes, they are wonderful with children and other pets they are raised with, as they bond closely with their family. Early socialisation helps them stay relaxed with visitors. They are gentle and protective.257

Can a Pyrenean Mountain Dog be left alone?

This breed is self-reliant but very attached to its family, so it may not do well if left alone for long periods. It's best to ask a good breeder or your vet for advice specific to your dog.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard N° 137 Pyrenean Mountain Dog fci.beused for history, appearance, coat, colours, height, temperament, dewclaws
  2. Hill's Pet: Great Pyrenees hillspet.comused for weight, lifespan, temperament, grooming, diet, climate
  3. PDSA: Pyrenean Mountain Dog pdsa.org.ukused for weight, exercise, grooming, training
  4. Wikipedia: Great Pyrenees en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history, weight, fun facts
  5. UKC: Great Pyrenees ukcdogs.comused for recognition, history, temperament, height, coat and colours
  6. FCI Nomenclature: Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées (137) fci.beused for origin, classification, recognition dates, other names
  7. National Great Pyrenees Rescue: Learn More nationalpyr.orgused for temperament, independence, family life
  8. The Royal Kennel Club: Pyrenean Mountain Dog royalkennelclub.comused for group, exercise, home and garden size
  9. AKC: Great Pyrenees History akc.orgused for history, US import dates, AKC recognition, fun facts
  10. en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
  11. akc.org akc.org
  12. AKC: Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2025 akc.orgused for popularity
  13. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  14. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  15. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  16. AKC: Great Pyrenees breed page akc.orgused for general description (supporting)
  17. Great Pyrenees Club of America gpcaonline.orgused for parent club recognition year

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.