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Breed guide

Great Pyrenees

Livestock guardian. Majestic white coat, calm demeanor, night barker. Needs space, cool climate, and careful feeding.

AKC Rank

#65

Size

giant (85-115 lbs)

Life Expectancy

10-12 yrs

Activity

low

Feeding a Great Pyrenees

Giant breed with slow metabolism. ~1,600-2,200 kcal/day. Two meals daily to reduce bloat risk.

Key nutrients

  • glucosamine
  • chondroitin
  • omega-3

Portion notes: Two meals daily. Growth control in puppyhood — avoid high-calcium formulas.

Fresh food picks for Great Pyreneess

Our recommended fresh-food subscriptions for giant dogs.

fresh food

The Farmer's Dog

Fresh, human-grade food portioned for your dog

  • Human-grade fresh food
  • Portioned per dog
  • Vet-developed recipes
  • 50% off first box
See The Farmer's Dog
fresh food

Ollie

Fresh food with both cooked and baked recipes

  • Fresh and baked recipes
  • Turkey, beef, lamb, chicken proteins
  • Custom portions
  • 60% off first box
See Ollie

First-year cost

What a Great Pyrenees actually costs year one

Breed-specific estimate based on size, health concerns, and grooming needs. Excludes purchase/adoption fees (highly variable).

First-year total

$5,720-$10,160

Ongoing years run $4,770-$8,330 (no gear + training one-times).

Food (year one)

Fresh food subscription

$3,650-$5,100

Gear (one-time)

Crate, bed, harness, bowls, toys

$550-$780

Vet care

Wellness + breed-specific

$720-$1,550

Grooming

high grooming needs

$400-$1,200

Training

Puppy class + supplies

$150-$500

Supplements

Breed-matched, optional

$0-$480

Other first-year

Vaccines, neuter, DNA test

$250-$550

Pet insurance (estimate)

Not included above — shown for planning. Breed-risk adjusted.

$998-$1,747/yr

Estimates based on US market averages for giant dogs. Your costs will vary with lifestyle and region.

Supplements for Great Pyreneess

Matched to this breed's common health concerns. All NASC-sealed.

supplements

Cosequin (Nutramax)

The #1 vet-recommended joint supplement

  • #1 vet-recommended
  • NASC Quality Seal
  • Glucosamine + chondroitin
  • Clinically studied
See Cosequin (Nutramax)

Supplements support — they don't treat or cure disease. Talk to your vet for anything clinical.

Health concerns to watch

hip dysplasia
elbow dysplasia
bloat (GDV)
osteosarcoma
patellar luxation
Addison's disease
entropion

Bloat is a critical concern — 2 smaller meals daily, no activity post-meal.

Heavy double coat — needs cool environment, don't shave (coat regulates temperature).

Controlled growth in puppies; avoid high-calcium diets that accelerate bone growth.

Gear for Great Pyreneess

Breed-size-appropriate picks. Links go to Amazon.

As an Amazon Associate, Barkly earns from qualifying purchases.

Training for Great Pyreneess

Matched to Great Pyrenees temperament (patient, calm, confident).

training

GoodPup

1-on-1 virtual dog training with certified trainers

  • 1-on-1 live video sessions
  • Certified trainers
  • Custom per-dog plan
  • Weekly structure
See GoodPup
training

BAXTER & Bella

Online puppy training program, lifetime access

  • Lifetime membership
  • Self-paced video lessons
  • Puppy + adult content
  • Behavior troubleshooting
See BAXTER & Bella
training

Dogo

App-based training with daily structure

  • App-based daily plans
  • AI-guided feedback
  • Affordable monthly cost
  • Trick training library
See Dogo

GPS trackers for Great Pyreneess

Size-appropriate picks for tracking, activity monitoring, and escape alerts.

gps tracker

Fi

Smart collar with GPS + activity tracking

  • Real-time GPS
  • Activity + sleep tracking
  • Escape alerts
  • 3-month battery
See Fi
gps tracker

Tractive

Affordable GPS tracker with unlimited range

  • Attaches to any collar
  • Worldwide GPS coverage
  • Activity monitoring
  • Budget-friendly
See Tractive

Curious about their DNA?

Confirm breed mix, check for genetic health risks, and get actionable insights.

dna

Embark

The most comprehensive dog DNA test

  • 350+ breeds identified
  • 250+ health conditions screened
  • Cornell-partnered science
  • Relatives finder
See Embark
dna

Wisdom Panel

Breed identification + health screening

  • 350+ breeds
  • Genetic health insights
  • Budget-friendly option
  • Fast results
See Wisdom Panel

Common symptoms in Great Pyreneess

What to watch for, what causes it, and when to worry.

Great Pyrenees questions, answered

How long do Great Pyreneess live?
Great Pyreneess typically live 10-12 years. Good nutrition, regular vet care, and weight management are the three biggest factors in reaching the top of that range.
How big do Great Pyreneess get?
Adult Great Pyreneess typically weigh 85-115 lbs and stand 25-32 inches at the shoulder. That makes them a giant breed.
How much exercise does a Great Pyrenees need?
Great Pyreneess are a low-activity breed. Plan on 30-60 minutes of gentle activity per day. Mental stimulation (training, puzzle toys) matters as much as physical exercise.
What health problems do Great Pyreneess commonly have?
Great Pyreneess are most prone to: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat (GDV), osteosarcoma, patellar luxation. Preventive vet visits, a quality diet, and weight management reduce risk on most of these. Reputable breeders screen for the genetic conditions.
Are Great Pyreneess hard to groom?
Great Pyreneess need high grooming — daily brushing, regular professional grooming (every 4-8 weeks), coat maintenance. Their double coat sheds heavily, especially during two seasonal coat-blows per year.
What should I feed a Great Pyrenees?
Giant breed with slow metabolism. ~1,600-2,200 kcal/day. Two meals daily to reduce bloat risk. Key nutrients to look for: glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3.
Are Great Pyreneess good for first-time owners?
Great Pyreneess are better suited to experienced owners. They're patient, calm, confident — traits that reward confident, consistent handling. First-time owners should budget for professional training.

Ask Barkly about your Great Pyrenees

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