Golden Pyrenees Dog Breed

Other names:
Golden Pyranees

Pronunciation: [ Gol•dun Peer•ə•nēz]

The Golden Pyrenees is a very large hybrid dog produced from two purebred dogs: the Golden Retriever and the Great Pyrenees. They are a relatively new crossbreed. While they may have been around in the 1990's when the designer dog craze was in full swing, it seems that they were most likely first widely seen in the very early 21st century.

Golden Pyrenees Breed Details

Golden Pyrenees are working dogs that are also great family companions; many people say these are some of the best companion dogs you can find. Their parent breeds come from hunting and guard dogs who are also family oriented. As your first dog, you'll find a Golden Pyrenees a wonderful dog who will play well with the kids, other pets and friends who are welcomed into the home.

Here are some things that are good to know about these mixed breed dogs:

PROS

  • Smart
  • Very strong
  • Trains easily
  • Loves to swim
  • Highly versatile
  • Decent watchdogs
  • Great with children
  • Moderate exercise needs
  • Friendly toward most people
  • High tolerance to cold weather

CONS

  • May bark a lot
  • Might be obstinate
  • Prone to wandering
  • Very big, heavy dog
  • Not a great guard dog
  • Can knock over small kids
  • Likes to get wet and messy
  • Tends to mature very slowly
  • Needs a lot of outdoor space
  • Can be expensive to maintain
  • May not be good in hot weather
  • Long list of possible health problems
  • Will shed at least a fair amount, if not a lot
Type
Hybrid
Lifespan
10 - 13 yrs.
Height
25 - 32 in.
Weight
75 - 120 lbs
Friendliness
OverallFamily FriendlyChild FriendlyPet FriendlyStranger Friendly
Maintenance
Easy to GroomEnergy LevelExercise NeedsHealthShedding Amount
Behavior
Barks / HowlsEasy to TrainGuard DogPlayfulnessWatch Dog
Ownership
Apartment DogCan be AloneGood for Busy OwnersGood for New OwnersIntelligence

Golden Pyrenees Breed Description

There is a lot of Golden Pyrenees information out there. If you are looking to adopt one of these wonderful dogs, you should learn all you can. They are great family companions that can be trained to do a wide variety of work including therapy, search-and-rescue, and hunting. They are extremely social, good with kids and great with other dogs.

Because they are both versatile and intelligent, Golden Pyrenees will want and need to be mentally stimulated. Whether it's a job, a set of different daily tasks or just constant play such as agility games, these dogs have the smarts to learn quickly.

You'll find that these dogs are highly alert but not easily excitable. They are decent watch and guard dogs when needed, but otherwise, they tend to be especially friendly. They may have a small streak of independence, however. Overall, they are loyal, loving and doting.

When it's time to exercise, these dogs will be very active. Running, swimming and sports that involve you are great for them. They do know how to reserve their energy, and as long as they get regular exercise, they'll be calm at home. To make sure she stays healthy and happy, find as much Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever mix info on exercise as you can!

Golden Pyrenees Temperament

The Golden Pyrenees temperament is one that is calm, friendly and playful. There may be some overly protective aspects, however, and they may be expressed toward strangers or unusual situations. For the most part, these big dogs are hugely amiable. They may become anxious in a loud, frantic, urban environment. They are accustomed to rural, open spaces and natural noise. Children at play should not be a concern, and your Golden Pyrenees will almost always want to play along with them.

Training is typically easy and relatively fast. They may need a very firm trainer. If you aren't a comfortable alpha, they may simply ignore you or take a nap. There is sure to be some stubbornness, and these incidents shouldn't be confused with "playing deaf." Shouting and other harsh methods will not work. While these dogs are big, they tend to be extremely sensitive.

Golden Pyrenees Health

Golden Pyrenees may have a moderate amount of health concerns. Their parent breeds have a fair amount too, but hybrid vigor helps to mitigate their hybrid puppies. Still, there is a fairly long list of ailments that you should be aware of. You should make sure you visit the parents and other puppies, have health tests and get vet certificates so you know the health profile and possible issues.

Here are some of the things that can affect your Golden Pyrenees' health:

  • Bloat
  • Cancer
  • Obesity
  • Seizures
  • Lymphoma
  • Epilepsy
  • Allergies
  • Osteosarcoma
  • Eye disorders
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Skin problems
  • Heart ailments
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Ear infections
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Mast cell tumors
  • Double dew claws
  • Patellar luxation
  • Congenital eye defects
  • Von Willebrand's disease
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)

For the Golden Pyrenees, the average lifespan is 10 to 13 years. This range is typical for large dogs.

Golden Pyrenees Health Concerns

Below are potential health concerns associated with Golden Pyrenees.

Bloat
Cancer
Hip dysplasia
Ear infections
Von willebrand's disease
Patellar luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Hypothyroidism
Elbow dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Seizures
Osteosarcoma
Obesity
Heart problems
Skin infections
Bone cancer
Eye diseases
Lymphosarcoma
Mast cell tumors

About this Article

Authored by:Dog-Learn
Updated:June 13, 2017
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