Great Pyrenees Mix

The Great Pyrenees is a powerful, large, and thick-coated working dog specifically bred to protect sheep from prowling wolves and other predators. However, today they are bred as companions and guard dogs. These gentle giants can only be described as majestic, and their caring nature makes them great for families. But because of their size and strength, they are not recommended for homes with small children. In addition, they are notorious for their Zen-like calm nature. That’s why breeders are eager to crossbreed them with other types of dogs; their traits are highly desired, but some people would prefer a smaller canine companion. That’s why this article will focus on the collie Pyrenees (border collie and great Pyrenees mix). But first, take a look at other types of Great Pyrenees mixes.

Types of Great Pyrenees Mixes

Several great Pyrenees mixes might pique your interest. Here are the three most popular hybrids:

Great Bernese ( Great Pyrenees and Bernese Mountain Dog Mix)

This is not a hybrid for people looking for a smaller breed, as both of these dogs are massive! However, their appearance will differ because some look like the Bernese mountain dog, while others take after the great Pyrenees. But regardless, these mixes are non-aggressive and patient.

While they may be protective of their loved ones, they are still great dogs to have if you have a lot of visitors, as they get along with strangers. Additionally, they are playful and love the outdoors, especially in a cooler climate.

Training might be challenging as this hybrid has a stubborn and independent streak. But they are very intelligent, so with a lot of patience and persistence, training them is not impossible. But, still, these mixes are best suited to owners with training experience.

Pyrador (Great Pyrenees and Labrador Retriever Mix)

The great Pyrenees and Labrador mix has two incredible parents, providing them with excellent traits. However, due to the great Pyrenees’ tendency to herd, it might not be the best breed to have around smaller pets like dogs and cats. Additionally, they can exhibit guarding tendencies as they are loyal and territorial. For example, these hybrids usually growl or bark at a perceived threat entering their home. But if they take after their Labrador parent, they are generally energetic and mischievous. In addition, they may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. Therefore, if owners need to leave home for work, getting a pet sitter or dog walker is best to keep them company.

Anatolian Pyrenees (Great Pyrenees and Anatolian Shepherd Mix)

This designer breed is the result of crossbreeding an Anatolian shepherd and the Great Pyrenees. As both breeds are large and were initially bred as livestock guardians, this hybrid has serious guarding abilities. However, they are gentle and excellent with children if socialized and trained from a puppy.

The Anatolian Pyrenees can be stubborn and require a lot of grooming. In addition, they need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to keep them entertained. While these great Pyrenees mixes can live in apartments if they receive plenty of time outdoors, they thrive in homes with large backyards and tons of space to roam.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Great Pyrenees Mix

The Best Dog Food for a Great Pyrenees Mix

Because the Collie Pyrenees is an active breed, it requires a lot of food. While you won’t find a breed-specific dog food for this hybrid, there are premium dry dog foods specially formulated for active and large breeds. If you are still unsure about what dog food to buy for your Great Pyrenees mix, always check the ingredients; if protein is not first on the list, move on! Top-quality dog food will always contain a majority percentage of protein; this can be in the form of red meat, poultry, or fish.

Great Pyrenees Mix Size and Weight

The weight and size of a collie Pyrenees widely vary as they can take after either parent. However, they do generally grow quite large. Their average height ranges from 20-32 inches, and they can weigh between 45-120 pounds.

Great Pyrenees Mix Common Health Issues

This hybrid is generally healthy and doesn’t inherit many genetic health problems from its parents. However, there are a couple of conditions to look out for:

Hip Dysplasia

The Collie Pyrenees is a large breed, so they are prone to hip dysplasia, especially in their old age. This could cause loss of mobility, arthritis, and much more, so it’s best to visit your local veterinarian immediately.

Deafness

Unfortunately, the collie Pyrenees’ hearing issues are genetic. However, this will not affect their quality of life, and there are many hearing aids available that might help.

Life Expectancy

The Collie Pyrenees has a relatively long lifespan for a large breed. They can live between 10 to 13 years old.

Great Pyrenees Mix Temperament

The Collie Pyrenees is a brilliant dog, and who can fault that since it comes from two incredibly intelligent parents? This hybrid is great with children as they are friendly, playful, and have endless stamina. They are also alert and natural guarders, making them excellent watchdogs. However, they generally get along with strange visitors but become defensive or protective if they sense any sort of danger. Unfortunately, when this happens, there is no stopping them until they are satisfied that the threat poses no more harm.

Unlike the eager-to-please border collie, the collie Pyrenees mix is incredibly independent thanks to its livestock-guarding genes. Therefore, they often ignore commands but can be bribed into performing a task with the promise of a treat.

If you are looking for a brave, alert, and intelligent guard dog that gets along with children, this hybrid is right up your alley. They have no problem alerting you when something is wrong and will attack if a stranger enters your home without an invitation.

How to Take Care of a Great Pyrenees Mix

Taking care of a collie Pyrenees is a big job. This designer breed has a lot of care requirements that might intimidate novice dog owners. Therefore, the great Pyrenees mix is best suited for experienced dog lovers.

Grooming

The Collie Pyrenees requires a moderate amount of grooming. They have a thick double coat that needs a thorough brush at least three times a week. They are heavy shedders in general, but twice a year, they undergo seasonal shedding, which can be overwhelming. When this happens, you will need to brush these hybrids daily to control the hair.

Bathing them is not easy, so limit these encounters to once every three months or when absolutely necessary. Their ears can trap lots of dirt and debris, so inspect them often and get them cleaned regularly. In addition, their nails will need trimming every three months or when they touch the ground. Lastly, you need to look after their teeth; oral hygiene is just as important in dogs as in humans. Brushing their chompers at least three times a week with dog-friendly toothpaste is ideal.

Training

Because the Collie Pyrenees inherit their intelligence from both parents, they are relatively easy to train. However, it may be more challenging if they have a stubborn or independent nature. But, with some creativity, patience, and positive reinforcement, you can make training fun, slowly coaxing them to respond.

Due to their size, they must be socialized from a young age if you want them to get along with other pets or strangers. That’s why you should introduce them to as many animals and people as possible while they are puppies and throughout their adolescence.

Exercise

This great Pyrenees mix is extremely active and needs tons of mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. In fact, they need at least an hour of vigorous exercise daily. Therefore, they require busy owners who will provide plenty of exercise. For example, they are great jogging companions, and afterward, when you are ready to crash, they will be rearing to go again. On the other hand, these hybrids also need a lot of mental stimulation, which can be anything from a visit to the dog park to maze games, etc.

Puppies

Collie Pyrenees can have between eight to 10 puppies per litter. Training and socializing these pups as early as possible is vital, as they are big balls of energy and can be a handful. While they are smart, they can be unruly if not trained properly, and due to their size, this can become an issue. But luckily, they are fast learners and usually enjoy engaging with their owners in fun activities. However, obedience training might be more challenging due to their stubborn nature. It’s hard to find this hybrid in warmer climates, as they are more comfortable in the cold because of their thick fur. It is actually quite cruel to keep them in hot temperatures.

Great Pyrenees Mix and Children

This great Pyrenees mix is an excellent addition to families with older children. However, while they are gentle and affectionate to little ones, they can easily injure a small child accidentally in a moment of excitement. They will thrive with a family that has a home with a sizable fenced-off backyard. While they enjoy the outdoors, they are very much indoor dogs, as they love human attention and always want to be by your side.

A Border Collie Pyrenees will become destructive if left alone with little to do or no toys to play with. They are big chewers, especially shoes. And you can expect to come home to a few ripped cushions. These dogs have no problem expressing how frustrated they are, so leaving them with various toys while you are out is best. The Collie Pyrenees is good with other pets. They enjoy socializing and making new friends.

Great Pyrenees Mix Cost

The collie Pyrenees is quite expensive, with puppies from reputable breeders starting at $1000. However, depending on the pedigree and breeder, they can fetch twice that price.

While it is unlikely you will find one of these mixes at a pet store or backyard breeder, it is always best to work with a reputable breeder, as they screen for genetic health conditions and take the best care of their pups.

Dogs similar to the Great Pyrenees Mix

• Alaskan Malamute
• Maremma Sheepdog
• Doberman Pinscher