The Pyrenees Mix Dog is a large canine of the working breed, commonly referred to as the Great Pyrenees. The name was derived from his roots in the Pyrenees Mountains, where he was bred to safeguard flocks and herds.
This breed is referred to in French as Le Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées, as his origins are in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain.
Overview of Pyrenees Mix Dog
You will be amazed to know that the history of the Pyrenees Mix Dog goes back to the 10th century. They are one of the ancient dog breeds of the world. The purpose behind breeding this breed was to protect flocks and herds of the Pyrenees Mountains.
You could say that Pyrenees Mix Dogs are very protective of their flocks and herds because of their herding genes. However, they are also very good companion dogs and loyal friends. They are also very fond of children, which makes them very good house dogs.
This breed is known for his laid-back and independent nature, making it a little difficult to train them. It isn’t easy to manage his independent nature as it goes a long way back; it is deeply engraved in him. It brings out their stubborn side during training, but you should work with patience.
Appearance
Size
The size difference between male and female Pyrenees Mix Dog is described below:
Male Pyrenees Mix Dog:
Height: 27 to 32 inches
Weight: 100 to 150 pounds
Female Pyrenees Mix Dog:
Height: 25 to 29 inches
Weight: 85 to 130 pounds
Looks
This breed resembles a polar bear because of its pure white coat and rich brown eyes. The Pyrenees Mix Dog’s nose is black, the ears are triangle-shaped and flopped downward, and the tail is very long. They have two extra toes on their back legs that should not be removed.
Pyrenees Mix Dog has a stunning walk that is called “Snowshoe” as they walk without sinking in the snow.
Coat
The coat of a Pyrenees Mix Dog is very fluffy and may or may not have grey or tan markings. Their coat is what makes them resemble polar bears. They are thickly double-coated, with the outer coat being long and straight and the undercoat soft and wooly.
As they have a thick double coat, you should be prepared for heavy shedding. It increases during the change of season and requires regular brushing.
Personality and Temperament
Calm and Gentle
Pyrenees Mix Dog is famous for its calm and gentle nature. He is not very aggressive or shy with strangers. He is a very calm little fella who is a well-mannered companion. He is very loving and gentle, which is why he is very good with kids and is happy in their company.
Watchdogs
Because of their protective instincts, they are very good watchdogs. They used to protect flocks and herds for years in the mountains of the Pyrenees. They are very alert to their surroundings and can sense any danger. They are very protective of their territory, which makes them good guard dogs.
Smart but Stubborn
Pyrenees Mix Dog is a very intelligent breed. He picks up things quickly, which makes it easier for you to train him. But sometimes, he shows his stubborn side and may refuse to act out your commands. You can overcome this by using positive reinforcements during his training, such as treats.
He is a very willful dog who is eager to learn. Remember not to punish him; this will only encourage him to show his stubbornness.
Health and Diet
All dog breeds are prone to some health diseases; some of the health conditions that may affect Pyrenees Mix Dog are as follows:
i. Hip Dysplasia
Dogs with hip dysplasia have hip joints that do not fit together properly. This growth-related developmental condition primarily affects larger, stockier breeds of dogs.
ii. Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is a hereditary condition that impacts the elbow joint, similar to hip dysplasia. It may result in joint pain and disability.
iii. Bone Care
The bones of Pyrenees Mix Dog develop rapidly, resulting in discomfort from increasing pains. He reaches full development once he is three or four years old.
iv. Gastric Torsion
Like many other deep-chested breeds, Pyrenees Mix Dog is susceptible to gastric torsion, also called bloating, a potentially fatal illness in which the stomach twists on itself due to gas buildup.
v. Patellar Luxation
Patellar luxation occurs when the knee joint dislocates, resulting in pain. This may result in crippling. However, numerous dogs maintain reasonably normal lives despite this disorder.
vi. Cataracts
Pyrenees’ Mix Dog is susceptible to cataract development, which may impair their vision.
vii. Anesthesia Sensitivity
This can happen to dogs like Pyrenees Mix Dog with a slow metabolism. Before the surgery, remind your vet of that.
viii. Entropion
Entropion, a condition in which the eyelids roll inward, can complicate and result in ocular irritation and discomfort.
Dietary Requirements
You can prevent many diseases and keep your dog healthy by feeding him good food; this is one of the best ways to help your dog lead a healthy life. You need to give your dog food that is perfectly balanced, full of supplements and fulfills your dog’s nutritional deficiencies.
While feeding him, remember that there is a certain limit to the amount of dry food you can give your dog in a day. Feeding him more than he needs will result in obesity, making your Pyrenees Mix Dog slow and prone to many other diseases.
This large breed is prone to hip dysplasia, so you don’t want it to suffer. Also, buy the best dry food for your dog, and keep his food from cheap stores; it causes many kidney and liver disorders.
How much food you should give your dog in a day depends on factors such as metabolism, size, and age. If you have a large dog, like a Pyrenees Mix Dog, give him two to three big meals or four small meals a day.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Intelligent and Smart
This breed is very smart and intelligent. It is quick to pick up on things or understand commands. You can train it to play many tricks and behave well. You need to earn their respect and confidence by using treats as positive reinforcement. Make sure you don’t punish them because it will only encourage their stubborn side.
Early Socialization
One thing you need to keep in mind after adopting a dog is to train him at an early age. If you wait for the right time, you will not be able to train him at all, and he will start behaving badly.
One of the first things that you need to teach your Pyrenees Mix Dog is early socialization. You can begin the training by slowly introducing him to different people and environments. This helps make your dog an all-rounder. He will not be shy around different people and will be comfortable with them.
Also, take him on a walk with a leash to make him meet the neighbors and get to know them.
Dog Sports
You can play different sports with your dog. This way, your dog can fulfill his daily exercise quota and also spend time with you, killing two birds with one stone.
Dog sports like walking, jogging, hiking, and fetch help keep dogs busy and fulfill their exercise requirements.
Obedience Training
You can teach him basic obedience training in a few weeks. As he is a very intelligent, smart, and eager-to-learn dog, you can teach him good behavior, manners, tricks, and even search and rescue tasks. All they need from you is your time and consistency; they will learn almost anything.
Care and Grooming
Pyrenees Mix Dog has a thick double coat that sheds very much. If you don’t want their fur all over your clothes, bed, and sofas, you must brush their coat daily to prevent it from matting or tangling.
Regular brushing helps regulate the blood and the skin’s natural oils and prevents bad odor. You must pay extra attention during shedding seasons, especially in spring and autumn. You need to bathe your dog frequently to clean his coat, and certain drying techniques make your dog’s coat look beautiful.
For his hygiene care, you need to follow these:
• Bath only once a month, as frequent bathing can rip off the skin’s natural oils.
• Trim his nails every week.
• Clean his ears regularly and check for any infection.
• Daily clean his eye boogers with a cotton pad.
• Brush his teeth daily to prevent gum infections.
Final Words
Because of their independent nature, they can be stubborn, but don’t judge them for this. They are much more than that. They are very intelligent, smart, and loyal. They are good watchdogs for looking after your cattle and flocks. They are also very protective and can be your home guard dogs.
Pyrenees Mix Dog has a habit of barking at almost everything, they are even recognized easily because of their this trait and thick fluffy white coat that requires regular brushing and extra care during shedding seasons.
Q&A
1. Is Pyrenees Mix Dog easily available?
Yes, the Pyrenees Mix Dog is easily available and is a very popular breed. They are common in areas with farms, where they protect the herds and flocks.
2. Is Pyrenees Mix Dog a working dog?
He is from a working dog group and helps guard and protect, so you can say that he is more of a working dog than a pet dog.
3. What are the requirements of a Pyrenees Mix Dog?
Before adopting, you should know they are very high maintenance and require much care. They shed very much, so they need regular brushing. They also need proper diet, grooming, and health care.
