![Pyrenean Mountain Dog Breed](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium_440x440/public/2022-08/Pyrenean-Mountain-Dog.jpg?itok=BsKdsqce)
Family-friendly: | 4/5 |
Exercise needs: | 5/5 |
Easy to train: | 1/5 |
Tolerates being alone: | 3/5 |
Likes other pets: | 4/5 |
Energy level: | 5/5 |
Grooming needs: | 4/5 |
Shedding: | 5/5 |
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is generally a hardy breed but can be prone to:
- Hip dysplasia
- Panosteitis
- Laryngeal paralysis¹, a condition where nerve damage develops in the vocal cords and this can lead to problems breathing.
- Deafness²
- Multifocal retinopathy³ which is a disease affecting the back of the eye which may lead to vision loss but may also not cause any signs.
Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
- Hip dysplasia screening scheme
¹H. Vandenberghe, 'Juvenile‐onset polyneuropathy in American Staffordshire Terriers', 2018, Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
²G. M. Strain, 'Genetics of Deafness in Dogs', 2015, Fronteers in Veterinary Science
³B. H. Grahn, 'Multifocal retinopathy of Great Pyrenees dogs', 1998, Veterinary Ophthalmology
Whilst Pyreneans can make affectionate and loving companions to their families, they are inclined toward aggression to strange dogs, particularly those of a similar size. Strangers will be at best mistrusted and at worst, a Pyrenean may react aggressively to those they deem unwelcome and threatening, so careful socialisation and training is advised.
Often described as headstrong and stubborn, the reality is that this is a bred long bred for a willingness to use aggression if they think necessary and an independent nature, ready to make decisions for themselves without the input of their owners. This means they really are not suitable for first-time owners as they are hard to motivate in training and must be managed very carefully.