Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees are known to be LGD (Livestock Guardian Dogs). They protect all types of livestock-horses, cows, sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, cats, and even fish. I’ll explain the fish part later! They of course need to bond with their livestock buddies for a while before being trusted with such a role. Often times adolescent Great Pyrenees will try to play or chase an unwilling animal and you will need to correct that behavior. It doesn’t usually take long to get it down. They work well on the farm in pairs or more as they can each take a position to scare off predators or to protect each other in the event of being outnumbered by predators.
History has it that these dogs originated from the Pyrenean Mountain Range between France an Spain. They protected flocks of sheep and goats from bears and wolves. In the 1600s, they became the Royal Dog of France, hence the title “Great” was applied thereafter.
Males will usually exceed 100 pounds and females generally weigh around 85 pounds. They can be all white or have badging (dark areas). The badging fades within a few months of being born but may leave some tanning where the badging was as a puppy. Great Pyrenees usually have dew claws (extra claws in their hind legs). These will need to trimmed at times to keep them from getting too long. Great Pyrenees have a double coat. This keeps them warm in the winter but also protects their skin from the summer sun. They will need regular brushing to keep their coats from matting and to manage shedding.
As livestock guardian dogs, they show a protective attitude toward their stock. They are willing to fight but often they presence and bark keep the predators away. As companions, they are very affectionate and good-natured.
Here at Webb Hill Farm our Great Pyrenees work around our livestock on 24 acres. The pups learn from their parents how to behave around all the critters, including the 2-legged kind. They are initially raised in the barn and soon explore outside the barn. They grow fast but get lots of experience with livestock and lots of attention from us. Being around their parents and siblings, they learn quickly how to get along with each other and what is proper dog etiquette. Prior to having our Great Pyrenees, we had a Lab but still lost several chickens, ducks, and cats to bobcats, coyotes, foxes, and hawks. We also had our well-stocked pond cleaned out by river otters in under a day! Since getting our Great Pyrenees, we have not lost any stock to predators. They hear and see everything and will drop everything (including dinner) to check out a possible perimeter breech by a predator. When calving is going on, they will lay in the pasture with mom and calf knowing predators are likely lurking. I cannot imagine having critters without these gentle giants!
Our puppies are CKC (Continental Kennel Club) registered. They come with a vet exam and the first set of puppy shots. A care package goes home with each puppy including puppy feed, collar, leash, registration papers, vet record, and toys. If your puppy doesn’t work out for whatever reason, we will take back the puppy and return your money within the first 90 days. I prefer to find the puppy another home rather than risking someone taking it to a shelter or abandoning it.
Check out our available puppies along with pictures of our other beloved critters.