Golden Pyrenees

Canis lupus

Last updated: April 19, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© iStock.com/kulbabka

Golden Pyrenees make great therapy dogs due to their intelligence and gentle nature.


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Golden Pyrenees Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Golden Pyrenees Conservation Status

Golden Pyrenees Locations

Golden Pyrenees Locations

Golden Pyrenees Facts

Fun Fact
Golden Pyrenees make great therapy dogs due to their intelligence and gentle nature.
Temperament
Energetic and gentle
Diet
Omnivore

Golden Pyrenees Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Brown
  • Grey
  • Yellow
  • Black
  • White
  • Gold
  • Cream
Skin Type
Hair
Lifespan
10 to 13 years
Weight
110 lbs

Golden Pyrenees as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
Low
Separation Anxiety
Moderate
Preferred Temperature
Cold climate
Exercise Needs
High
Friendly With Other Dogs
High
Pure bred cost to own
$1200
Dog group
Non-sporting
Male weight
75-110 lbs
Female weight
75-110 lbs

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Despite the Golden Pyrenees’ tremendous size, it has been described as a gentle giant.

A Golden Pyrenees is a mix between two purebreds: A Golden Retriever and a Great Pyrenees. This hybrid dog, also called the Great Pytreiver, is relatively new to the dog world. It was bred to combine the best qualities of two popular dogs. It belongs to the hybrid group.

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The Golden Pyrenees is a gentle dog with lots of energy. They are intelligent and friendly, just like their purebred parents. These dogs get along well with children. But, due to their large size, these active dogs have been known to unintentionally knock over small children.

The Golden Pytreiver is a great choice for a family willing to give it the attention and exercise it needs.

3 Pros and Cons of Ownership

ProsCons
An effective watchdog
Golden Pyrenees use their deep bark to alert family members of someone at the door or on the property. Their large size can serve as a deterrent to intruders.
Lots of exercise needed
These dogs are high-energy. They need at least 60 minutes of exercise each day to keep them physically and emotionally healthy.
A friendly temperament
These dogs are always up for running around, playing fetch, and having a good time with their family members.
Not good for small children
Despite being gentle and liking children, the Golden Pyrenees is too big to have around small children that could be accidentally knocked over.
A gentle nature
Although they are big dogs, these canines have a gentle way about them. Imagine a polar bear that thinks it’s a lap dog!
Not apartment-friendly
The large size of this hybrid dog makes it an unwise choice for someone who lives in an apartment.
Golden Pyrenees (Golden Retriever, Great Pyrenees mix) playing outside in the snow.

A Golden Pyrenees (Golden Retriever, Great Pyrenees mix) is a large, playful. gentle dog with a lot of energy.

©Mamo studios/Shutterstock.com

Size and Weight

A Golden Pyrenees has a thick coat of long hair. An adult dog can reach a height of 30 inches from head to paw. Also, these dogs can weigh 115 pounds or more as adults, but females may be slightly smaller than males. Golden Pyrenees puppies at 9 weeks old weigh around 14 pounds. These dogs are considered full-grown at 18-24 months old.

Health and Entertainment for your Golden Pyrenees

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Height (Male)30 inches tall
Height (Female)30 inches tall
Weight(Male)115lbs., full-grown
Weight (Female)110lbs., full-grown

Common Health Issues

Great Pytreivers have a few common health issues for owners to keep in mind. One of those is Patellar luxation. This condition happens when a dog’s kneecap is dislocated. Some dogs have Patellar luxation in just one knee while others have it in both. Surgery may be needed to correct this condition depending on how severe it is.

A second common health issue for this mix is hip dysplasia. This is when the dog’s hip joint doesn’t fit together properly. It causes a dog to limp or have trouble moving at any speed. This is a common issue with many dogs that are large in size. Physical therapy, weight loss, and surgery are all treatment options depending on the severity of the case.

Another health issue of these dogs is called Von Willebrand’s disease. This is a bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency in a certain type of protein. Excessive bleeding after an injury or surgery are both signs of this disease. A veterinarian can screen for this inherited condition.

The most common health issues of Golden Pyrenees are:

  • Patellar luxation
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Von Willebrand’s disease

Temperament and Behavior

Gentle is an appropriate word to describe the personality of a Golden Pyrenees. These dogs are large in size, but that doesn’t stop them from trying to cuddle on the sofa with family members. Their behavior is very energetic. They love running, jumping, and being silly. Combine that behavior with its large size, and you can see why apartment life is unsuitable for the Golden Pyrenees.

Loyalty is one of their most beloved traits. These hybrid dogs want to be with their family members no matter the activity. Golden Pyrenees dogs are good with kids. But families with toddlers should take note that when this dog gets excited there’s a risk it will bump into a small child. This can happen simply because of its large size.

Care

When a person is considering a Golden Pyrenees as a pet it’s helpful to know about its unique dietary, exercise, grooming, and healthcare needs. Of course, the type of care given to a Great Pytreiver puppy is different from the care given to an adult dog. Look at some factors to keep in mind.

Best Dog Food

The diet of a puppy is different from that of an adult dog. Feeding this dog a diet with the right nutrients may help to head off some common health issues. Discover some of the specific dietary details.

Puppy food: Fat in a Golden Pyrenees puppy’s diet gives it lots of energy to run, jump, and explore its environment. Protein builds healthy muscles, cartilage, and joints. Having strong muscles and joints can help to prevent hip dysplasia or patellar luxation. Beta carotene supports healthy cell development. Vitamin E is an antioxidant and vitamin A is good for eye health. Omega fatty acids contribute to brain health. Including calcium in a puppy’s diet supports growing teeth and nails.

Adult dog food: Protein is the most important ingredient in an adult Golden Pyrenees dog’s diet. Protein in the form of lamb, turkey, or chicken is all good options. Protein maintains strong muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. The amino acids in protein also contribute to a healthy coat, nails, and skin. Calcium keeps a dog’s teeth and bones healthy. Healthy bones are important in all dogs especially ones prone to Patellar luxation and hip dysplasia. A balanced amount of fat gives an adult dog the energy to run around and stay active. Vitamin E and vitamin C are antioxidants that support a dog’s immune system. Fiber helps with a dog’s digestion.

A-Z Animals picks Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken with Shreds as the best dog food for the Golden Pyrenees.

We think your dog will not only enjoy the chicken recipe, but also benefit from the supplemental glucosamine for trusty joints that keep dogs moving even at an imposing size. The ingredients also include calcium balanced with phosphorus for strong bones and cartilage.

Check out Purina Pro Plan Large Breed dog food on Chewy or Amazon.

Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Breed Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula
  • Crunchy kibble combined with tender, shredded pieces for taste and texture dogs love
  • High protein formula, with real chicken as the first ingredient
  • Fortified with guaranteed live probiotics for digestive and immune health
  • Used to be known as SAVOR Shredded Blend Large Breed Formula
  • Glucosamine and EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid, for joint health and mobility


Check Chewy Check Amazon

Maintenance and Grooming

How much does a Golden Pyrenees shed? These dogs shed from a moderate to a high amount of hair. This isn’t surprising considering both its Golden Retriever and Great Pyrenees parents shed at least a moderate amount of hair if not much more.

But the good news is this dog has a thick, beautiful coat. Don’t forget this dog’s fluffy tail!

Grooming requirements for this dog include daily brushing. A pin brush is excellent for removing tangles and mats from this canine’s coat. A de-shedding brush is effective when the dog is going through seasonal shedding. It is designed to remove a lot of loose hair.

The dog needs its nails trimmed about once a month. An owner who is not confident in doing this should take the dog to a groomer to have it done professionally.

Some of them can have flea allergies. This condition shows up as red/irritated skin and patches of baldness (from scratching). A veterinarian can prescribe treatment.

Training

This crossbreed dog is known for its intelligence. But this intelligence can turn into stubbornness during obedience training. Consequently, patience is a valuable tool for any owner during training sessions with this hybrid dog. Verbal praise and short sessions are also very useful in training this dog.

Exercise

These dogs need a lot of exercise to keep them physically and emotionally fit. This adds up to at least 60 minutes of activity each day. Playing fetch or chase, a walk on a park trail, or a trip to the dog park are all fun exercise options.

Puppies

Animal, Beige, Blanket, Boredom, Brown

Golden Pyrenees puppy playing inside the house.

©iStock.com/fusaromike

These crossbreed puppies grow very large within a few weeks. So, they need plenty of space to run around.

Children

Although these dogs are good with children, they can become overexcited and accidently bump into small children, knocking them over. It’s best to own this dog when your children are older.

Similar Dogs

Other dogs similar to the Golden Pyrenees include Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Flat-Coated Retrievers, and the Bernese Mountain Dog.

  • Chesapeake Bay Retriever – This dog is about the same height as a Golden Pyrenees and has the same loyal personality, but Chesapeake Bay Retrievers weigh less than the Golden Pyrenees.
  • Flat-Coated Retriever – This dog and the Golden Pyrenees are approximately the same height, but Flat-Coated Retrievers usually have a black coat while the Golden Pyrenees’ is usually cream or white.
  • Bernese Mountain Dog – Golden Pyrenees and Bernese Mountain Dogs are about the same size (weight and height). But, while the Golden Pyrenees has cream or white fur, the Bernese Mountain Dog has a tri-color coat.

Popular names for these dogs include:

  • Willow
  • Lilo
  • Oliver
  • Lucy
  • Sandy
  • Nimbus
  • Velvet
  • Max
  • Ginger
  • Trixie

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What's the right dog for you?

Dogs are our best friends but which breed is your perfect match?

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Large
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If you have kids or existing dogs select:

Kids
Other Dogs

Should they be Hypoallergenic?

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No
How important is health?
Which dog groups do you like?
How much exercise should your dog require?
What climate?
How much seperation anxiety?
How much yappiness/barking?

How much energy should they have?

The lower energy the better.
I want a cuddle buddy!
About average energy.
I want a dog that I have to chase after constantly!
All energy levels are great -- I just love dogs!
How much should they shed?
How trainable/obedient does the dog need to be?
How intelligent does the dog need to be?
How much chewing will allow?

Golden Pyrenees FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is a Golden Pyrenees?

A Golden Pyrenees also known as a Great Pytreiver, is a crossbreed dog. Its parents are the Golden Retriever and the Great Pyrenees. It is known for its gentle temperament and loyalty. They have a lifespan of 10 to 13 years.

How much does a Golden Pyrenees cost to own?

The initial price for this hybrid is approximately $1200. But the initial price can be higher or lower depending on the breeder. Someone adopting a Golden Pyrenees from a rescue organization is going to pay a nominal fee.

The yearly veterinarian cost for this dog ranges from $500 to $700.

The monthly food cost for this dog ranges from $75 to $120.

Are Golden Pyrenees good with kids?

Yes! But they are large dogs that can unintentionally knock over small children when playing, running, etc.

What is the lifespan of a Golden Pyrenees?

The lifespan of this dog is 10 to 13 years.

How big do Golden Pyrenees get?

This dog can grow as tall as 30 inches, head to paw. Plus, it can weigh as much as 115 pounds. Some of these hybrid dogs weigh more!

How bad do Golden Pyrenees shed?

The shedding activity of this dog is categorized as moderate to high.

How much does a Golden Pyrenees cost?

The initial cost of this dog is around $1200. But a breeder may charge more or less depending on their standards.

Someone who wants to avoid going through a breeder may want to work with a Golden Pyrenees rescue organization. Adopting from a rescue organization means an owner pays a much lower price.

Are Golden Pyrenees aggressive?

No. In fact, these dogs are known for their gentle nature.

How much exercise do Golden Pyrenees need?

These dogs need at least 60 minutes of exercise each day to remain healthy in body and mind.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. Green Garage, Available here: https://greengarageblog.org/golden-pyrenees
  2. Wikipedia, Available here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Retriever
  3. Cornell University, Available here: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/animal-health-diagnostic-center/laboratories/comparative-coagulation/clinical-topics/canine-von-willebrand-disease

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