Great Pyrenees
GRAYT PEER-uh-neez
Patient, Calm, Independent, Strong-willed. Originally bred for guarding livestock from wolves and bears.
An adult Great Pyrenees weighs 100-160 lbs (male) or 85-115 lbs (female), needs 1,080-2,440 calories daily, and lives 10-12 yrs. Giant breeds grow slowly and need careful nutrition management during their extended puppyhood. The breed's primary health watch is hip dysplasia. All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Great Pyrenees needs 1,080 to 2,440 calories per day. An average male (130 lbs / 59.0 kg) needs around 1,790 kcal; a female (100 lbs / 45.4 kg) roughly 1,470 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Great Pyrenees. For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Giant breeds have shorter lifespans than smaller dogs, and the Great Pyrenees is no exception at 10-12 yrs. Their large frames put stress on joints, hearts, and skeletal systems. The breed's primary health concerns are hip dysplasia and bloat, which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
Moderate; 30-60 minutes daily. Pyrs are not high-energy dogs. They prefer patrolling their territory at a steady walk over intense exercise. They were bred to conserve energy for confrontations with predators. Working breeds like the Great Pyrenees were developed for specific physical tasks. They need purposeful activity, not just wandering around a yard. Structured exercise with clear tasks, such as carrying a dog pack on hikes, pulling a cart, or advanced obedience training, satisfies their need to work.
Care and traits
Great Pyreneess have a thick, weather-resistant double coat (white or white with markings) coat. Origin: France/Spain (Pyrenees Mountains).
Nocturnal barking is a breed characteristic, not a behavior problem; they're guarding your property. They roam if not securely fenced. Their independent temperament means they'll consider your commands as suggestions. Double dewclaws on the rear feet are a breed standard.
Grooming is a significant time commitment with this breed. Plan for daily brushing sessions and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Skipping grooming leads to mats, skin irritation, and potential infection underneath tangled coat.
Heavy shedding is a reality with this breed. Expect dog hair on furniture, clothing, and in every corner of your home. A good vacuum, lint rollers, and acceptance are your best tools. Shedding typically increases during seasonal coat changes in spring and fall.
Living space matters for a breed this size. They need room to move without knocking things over, and many giant breeds prefer cool environments. Heat tolerance is limited; monitor closely in warm weather. Elevated food and water bowls may improve comfort during meals.
Training requires patience with the Great Pyrenees. They are intelligent but may be independent or stubborn about following commands. Keep sessions short, use high-value rewards, and maintain consistency. Harsh corrections backfire with this breed.
Tools for Great Pyrenees owners
Frequently asked questions
Plan for 1080 to 2440 calories per day for an adult Great Pyrenees. A 130-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. Giant breeds need split meals, ideally two to three times daily, to reduce the risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat). Active dogs need more; seniors and less active individuals need less. Use our calorie calculator with your dog's actual weight for a personalized number.
Males typically weigh 100-160 lbs (45.4–72.6 kg). Females run lighter at 85-115 lbs (38.6–52.2 kg). Giant breeds should appear muscular and solid but never round. Because they carry so much mass, even moderate overweight significantly stresses joints and shortens lifespan. Run your hands along the ribcage: you should feel ribs under a thin layer of flesh without pressing hard. From above, look for a visible waist narrowing behind the ribs.
The top health priority for Great Pyrenees owners is awareness of hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition where the hip joint doesn't fit together properly. Screening through OFA or PennHIP before breeding is standard practice. In pet dogs, maintaining a lean body weight is the most effective way to manage and slow progression. Other conditions seen in the breed include bloat, osteosarcoma, patellar luxation. Not every Great Pyrenees will develop these conditions, but knowing the breed's tendencies helps you and your vet monitor proactively.
Plan for 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily for your Great Pyrenees. Good activities for this breed include structured tasks, cart pulling, obedience drills. Avoid high-impact exercise (jumping, stairs) during the growth phase to protect developing joints. Even low-energy breeds need daily movement for joint health, weight management, and mental well-being.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026