02/21/2025
✨ Thinking About Adopting a Great Pyrenees? Read This First.
We love these gentle giants, but they are NOT the breed for everyone. If you’re considering adopting a Great Pyrenees from Dog Squad, here’s what you need to know.
✅ Breed Experience Required – No Exceptions.
GP’s are not just oversized golden retrievers. They are guardian dogs, not herding dogs, and they act on instinct to protect their home and family.
✅ Owning a Pyr is Expensive.
The cost of caring for a GP substantially exceeds that of a non-giant breed. If you are not financially prepared for the lifelong costs of a giant breed, this is not the right breed for you.
✅ Fencing is Non-Negotiable.
Pyrs roam—it’s in their DNA. They need a secure, above-ground fence, at least 5-6 feet tall. Invisible fences will not contain them, nor will they protect your Pyr from other animals or strangers entering your property. A Pyr off-leash is called a “dis-a-Pyr” for a reason.
✅ Size Matters – And They Get BIG.
Apollo, our 6-week-old Pyr pup, will grow to over 100 lbs. If you think that sounds too big, this is not the breed for you. One of the saddest reasons we see Pyrs surrendered is because they “got too big.”
✅ We Do Not Have Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs).
All of our Pyrs are placed as family pets, not working dogs. Rescue dogs typically do not come with a proven track record of livestock guarding. If you’re looking for an LGD, we recommend a certified LGD trainer or breeder.
✅ Pyrs Bark. A LOT.
Barking is their first line of defense—it’s instinctive, and it will not stop with age. If barking is a dealbreaker, this is not the breed for you.
✅ They Drool. They Dig. They Do Things Their Own Way.
Male Pyrs tend to drool more than females, but all will leave a little slobber on your floors, furniture, and clothes. Some will dig large craters in your yard to stay cool. If pristine landscaping is a priority, consider another breed.
Great Pyrenees are amazing companions for the right person, but they are not a fit for every home. If you’re ready for a stubborn, independent, barking, digging, shedding, drooling, 100+ lb guardian, a Pyr might just be your perfect match!