| Height | 27-32 inches (male), 25-29 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 100 pounds & up (male), 85 pounds & up (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 10โ12+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Smart / Patient / Calm [1] |
| AKC group | Working Group [1] |
| Origin | France [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 66 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1โ5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Pyrs are not a highly active breed. The breed was developed to be a livestock guardian and has been used since ancient times to protect flocks from wolves, bears, and human foes. When working, they will patrol their territory but tend to conserve their energy for fending off whatever may threaten their flock. [1]
Grooming
For all their abundant fur, Pyrs don't require a lot of grooming, as their coat is dirt- and tangle-resistant. They have a double coat, with a long outer coat and a soft undercoat. They will shed this undercoat with great enthusiasm'ยฟ'leading to a snowstorm,'ย one owner says. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Ethical Pyr breeders have excelled in their commitment to health issues. The Great Pyrenees Club of America has stressed having all dogs tested for a variety of conditions that can affect the breed, including elbow and hip dysplasia, eye disorders, luxating patellas, and neurological and immune-mediated disorders. Some cancers occur in the breed, as well as bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach suddenly distends and sometimes twists. All Pyr owners should educate themselves to know the signs of bloat, and what to do should it happen. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a large dog (median $640) | $308 โ $1,224 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, large dog | $698 โ $1,580 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, large dog | $541 โ $3,903 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Great Pyrenees in 1933. [1]
- It ranked No. 66 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 67 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the โPyr.โ [1]
- The AKC lists France as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 2 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
Common questions
How long do Great Pyreneess live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 10-12 years.
How big does a Great Pyrenees get?
AKC breed information lists height 27-32 inches (male), 25-29 inches (female) and weight 100 pounds & up (male), 85 pounds & up (female).
How much are vet bills for a Great Pyrenees?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For large dogs like the Great Pyrenees, a typical vet bill runs $308 โ $1,224 (median $640). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.