The Great Pyrenees is a classic dog of epic proportions. These massive canines are gentle but have quite a presence at the same time. They have a reputation for being nurturing, having a parental nature with their own kind and humans alike.
So, if you’re wondering if the Great Pyrenees can make a great family dog—the answer is absolutely yes, in the right living situations. Like any other dog, certain factors make them compatible with your family.
Great Pyrenees Are Wonderful Family Dogs
The Great Pyrenees is widely revered for being a wonderful family dog. These gentle giants have a very strong appreciation and affection for children and will defend them with their whole heart.
If a puppy is raised with a big family, they will generally acclimate wonderfully. However, every Great Pyrenees will be different. If you go to adopt an adult Great Pyrenees from a rescue or shelter, and the only thing they’ve ever known is a sweet little old lady and a quiet home, children might be extremely overstimulating for them.
However, by nature, alone, the Great Pyrenees will love the boisterousness, playfulness, and overall energy of little kids. Since these dogs don’t really pick favorites, they’re great to have around for that as well.
Great Pyrenees Make Excellent Guard Dogs
By nature, the Great Pyrenees is a wonderful guard dog. They were bred in the mountains to protect livestock from predators and other misfortunes. These dogs are massive, making their size alone pretty intimidating for a potential problematic animal.
The same type of trait can transfer over to protecting human children from danger. That means if there is an intruder or if someone is being aggressive, the dog is sure to jump to your rescue by nature.
Great Pyrenees Keeps Up With Kids
If you have growing kids in the family, a Great Pyrenees will be a great companion animal for them. The Great Pyrenees isn’t overly hyper, but they do love to play! Since they are generally pretty conscientious about children, they know just how rough to be and you don’t have to worry about them traipsing over the kids or being aggressive.
These dogs are the perfect playmates for backyard games of tag and will love to go on adventures with them. Since the Great Pyrenees is so protective, they will stand loyally by their side, guarding them from any potential harm.
These dogs are great judges of character and understand the difference between danger and harmless play.
Great Pyrenees Love Life in the Country
Another really fantastic thing about these dogs is that they’re country dogs at heart. That means that they will roam the backyard, check out the barn, or whatever other exciting outdoor endeavors they can possibly do.
They are quite content taking a snooze on the porch or playing fetch in the backyard. Because they are guard dogs, if you have any other animals in the yard, the Great Pyrenees will protect them by nature.
These adventures they are very aware of their own territory and will defend it with gusto.
Downfalls of a Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is an absolutely wonderful family companion that can mesh well into a variety of lifestyles. However, the breed purpose is the breed purpose. These dogs require very specific things to thrive to their fullest potential.
There are a few things about the breed themselves that are somewhat incompatible with some families. Below, we’re going to discuss some of the potential downfalls so you can understand what to expect when you own one of these gentle giants.
They Shed and Slobber—A Lot!
If you’re really not that big of a fan of slobber, getting a Great Pyrenees is definitely not for you! Because of their large size and jowls, these dogs naturally slobber more. You will find slobber trails on your fabrics, furniture, and favorite pair of work pants.
It’s best to get used to it now, as that is something that will not change nor can it be controlled. If your dog is primarily outside it can be problematic for those who want a strictly indoor dog.
All of these factors should be considered when you are thinking about bringing home one of these adorable puppies.
They Need Space
Great Pyrenees are big dogs, as their name implies. Therefore, they need a lot of space. If you live in an apartment, they probably won’t have the space they need. They take up a lot of room lying around also, so it’s important to make sure you can provide them with a bed and other supplies large enough to accommodate them.
These dogs also don’t do well in houses with small yards. They need a home with a big yard or a home in a rural area with plenty of room for them to run around, or at the very least, a dog park nearby where you can take them daily.
They Have Natural Desires to Roam
By nature, the Great Pyrenees wants to explore. If they are cooped up in a house all day, it’s not going to make them very happy.
Since you want to make sure that the dog you choose is compatible with your lifestyle, it is important to factor in whether you have the time to spend with them the way that they would like to spend theirs outside in the unknown.
Some Great Pyrenees are happy exploring the yard by themselves and never tend to go outside it. Others will be wanderers that get themselves in trouble by gallivanting off. So they work best with a fenced-in yard or constant supervision.
These dogs also make excellent candidates for invisible fences around the perimeter of your property.
Conclusion
Now you understand that the Great Pyrenees is fantastic with children. They truly make amazing playmates and will protect kids at all costs.
Keep in mind that a fully grown Great Pyrenees might have had a much different lifestyle before kids. Some of them acclimate well anyway, while others might not be the best personalities to bring into a home with chaotic kiddos. Always use your best judgment and ask the breeders or shelter about the individual dog’s temperament before bringing the dog into a home with kids.
Featured Image Credit: annasilverthorn, Shutterstock
