Pyredoodle

Canis lupus

Last updated: May 27, 2024
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
iStock.com/GeorgePeters

Pyredoodles can have a thick double coat or a thinner single coat.


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Pyredoodle 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.

Pyredoodle Locations

Pyredoodle Locations

Pyredoodle Facts

Fun Fact
Pyredoodles can have a thick double coat or a thinner single coat.
Diet
Omnivore

Pyredoodle Physical Characteristics


Pyredoodle as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
Moderate
Separation Anxiety
High
Preferred Temperature
Cold climate
Exercise Needs
High
Friendly With Other Dogs
Moderate
Pure bred cost to own
$1,450
Dog group
Non-sporting
Male weight
90-100 lbs
Female weight
85-95 lbs

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Pyredoodles are known by various names, including pyrepoo, pyreneespoo, and pyreneesedoodle.

Pyredoodles are one of the most loyal dogs in the world. This breed was created by crossing a standard poodle with a Great Pyrenees, and it takes some of its excellent behavior from both breeds. This dog is happiest when given a job to do, such as guarding your family. While most weigh about 100 pounds, it isn’t easy to find a gentler dog. Additionally, this dog wants to be involved with most family activities, but it is content if you decide otherwise.

This dog often stands about 30 inches tall is enough to intimidate many people, but those who get to know this breed find out that they are great lovers. If you and your family live an active lifestyle, then this breed may be an excellent choice for you.

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The 6 Different Types Of Pyredoodles And Pyredoodle Mixes

The pyredoodle can have either a short or long-haired coat. The hair can be straight or curly, depending on which parent the dog takes after more. All pyredoodles have a black nose. They can be a solid color or a mixture of more than one color.

  • Blues: These dogs appear to have a faded black coat. Most are born black and become blue before their second birthday.
  • Grays: These dogs may be born with a gray coat or develop it until they are about five.
  • Silvers: These dogs look like they are diluted gray, and they have dark points like blues and grays. Usually, they are born white, but the silver color appears around their feet and head at about six weeks. Then, it spreads across the rest of their body.
  • Browns: Brown toys pyredoodles are an intense brown.
  • Café-au-laits: This color is a light tan that they are either born with or develop before their second birthday.
  • Apricots: You will see a variety of colors in apricot pyredoodles. Some will be very vibrant, almost the color of hay while others will be so light, you might think they are a cream color.
  • Creams: There are many shades of cream found in pyredoodles.
  • Black: Pyredoodles may be black all over, or they can be mixed with another color.
  • White: There are many variations of white seen in pyredoodles. Some will appear pure white while others have an apricot or beige tint to their coats.

3 Pros And Cons Of Owning Pyredoodles

Pros!Cons!
Family dogs: They are great family dogs.Frequent grooming required: They need to be brushed daily and groomed regularly.
Hypoallergenic: Most people find that this light shedder does not cause them to sneeze.Stubborn: They can be stubborn.
Great watchdogs: They take the job of protecting their family seriously, and they are always alert to their environment.Costly to Feed: Expect this dog to eat about 5.5 cups of high-quality dog food daily.

History Of The Breed

The Pyredoodle is a mixed dog breed that may have existed prior to the “designer” dog craze. However, designer breeders started breeding these dogs intentionally in the early 2000s most likely in North America.

Breeders wanted to mix the Pyrenees with a non-shedding dog breed such as a standard Poodle. This was to create a more allergy-friendly dog breed for people who suffer from allergies. Over time, the Pyredoodle grew in popularity and demand.



Even though the Pyredoodle got its start as a designer breed, many still end up in shelters and rescue groups. If you are considering owning this loving pup, consider adoption and decide if that is the right choice for you.

Size And Weight

Males usually stand between 28 and 32 inches tall. They usually weigh between 90 and 100 pounds. Females are usually a little smaller. They usually weigh between 85 and 95 pounds and grow to be between 22 and 26 inches tall.

Health and Entertainment for your Pyredoodle

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Height (Male):28 and 32 inches
Height (Female):22 to 26 inches
Weight (Male):90 and 100 pounds
Weight (Female):85 to 95 pounds

Common Health Issues

Pyredoodle adult

Pyredoodles have common health concerns that include bloat and Cushing’s disease.

Like all dog breeds, there are some common health concerns in pyredoodles. These include:

  • Bloat
  • Cushing’s disease
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Entropion

Let’s look at each in more detail.
Bloat occurs when the dog’s stomach fills with air and twists, and it can be life-threatening. You may see the dog trying to belch or vomit, but nothing is coming up. This disease can be deadly in minutes as blood cannot get to the heart. Therefore, seek emergency treatment.

Cushing disease, also called hyperadrenocorticism or Addison’s disease, occurs when the malfunction of adrenal glands. Excessive drinking and urinating can be an early sign. This disease is usually treated with oral medication when caught early.

While hip dysphagia is more common, pyredoodles can also suffer from elbow dysphagia. It occurs when the bone does not fit snugly into the socket. In some dogs, this can be quite painful while it may not bother younger dogs at all. Most dogs with this inherited disease develop arthritis as they get older.

Entropion occurs when the eyeball rolls inward. You may notice a young animal rubbing its eyes continuously as this condition usually develops before the dog is six weeks old. Veterinarians can surgically correct it.

Temperament

While most pyredoodles are very loyal, they tend to develop wanderlust. Make sure the animal is in a secure location. Additionally, give it activities to keep it busy so that it doesn’t have time to think about wandering your neighborhood.

Many pyredoodles tend to be shy dogs. Therefore, you need to give them plenty of opportunities to socialize when they are young. Consider taking your dog to a dog park often and letting him make some friends.

Pyredoodles love to feel that they have a job to do. One of their favorites is to protect you and your family. Therefore, make sure you include this dog in your family adventures often. Children can easily be let out in the backyard with this dog to be watching over them because his loud bark will notify you if something is amiss.

How To Take Care Of Pyredoodles

Suppose you are a new pet pyredoodle owner looking for advice on how to take care of your pet, especially pyredoodle puppies. In that case, there are several variables that you need to keep in mind. While most dogs of this variety are healthy, learn the most critical diseases so that you can spot them quickly. Think about the dog’s diet and exercise needs.

The Best Dog Food For Pyredoodles

Like other dogs, pyredoodles have different nutritional needs throughout their lives.

Pyredoodle puppy food: By the time your puppy weighs 60 pounds, it should be eating about 1670 calories per day. Be sure to choose a food that is high in calcium and phosphorus as this can help prevent bone problems later in life. While under three months, you may want to free-feed your puppy, but then switch to feeding two or three meals a day with limited treats so that your pup does not grow too quickly as this can also lead to bone problems.

Pyredoodle adult food: You should feed the full-grown dogs at least two meals a day. They should get about 2200 calories per day when full-grown. This breed tends to put on weight easily, so choose high-quality dog food.

As a giant dog breed, it’s vital for Pyredoodles to get adequate nutrition. It’s also a good idea to find dog food for sensitive stomachs, or opt for wet or raw food since it’s less likely than kibble to lead to bloat.

Our suggestion at A-Z Animals is Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Large Breed Recipe.

This dog food has a mixture of kibble and freeze-dried raw pieces for tons of lean protein and other life-sustaining nutrients. This dog food has fermentation products with no grains, to aid digestion with less gas. Plus, the chondroitin and glucosamine help sustain strong joints under the Pyredoodle’s substantial stature.

You can find Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain-Free Large Breed Dog Food on Chewy or Amazon.

Best for Large Breeds
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Large Breed Recipe, 20-lb bag
  • Freeze-dried raw-diet dry dog food with beef.
  • Features real deboned beef as the very first ingredient.
  • Contains freeze-dried raw-coated kibble and freeze-dried raw bites.
  • Includes lamb and rabbit in a protein-rich and highly-digestible poultry-free formula.
  • Crafted in Hereford, TX and cooked in the USA.


Check Chewy Check Amazon

Maintenance And Grooming

Adult Pyredoodle laying down

Pyredoodles should be taken to a groomer every six-to-eight weeks.

Pyredoodles can have short-or-long coats, depending on if they take after the standard poodle or the Great Pyrenees. These dogs can shed heavily in warm weather so it is a great time to increase your dog’s grooming. Every day, you need to use a slicker brush and a comb to ensure that you are getting all tangles out. While this is especially important while they are puppies, it is also important when they are full-grown. Grooming the dog when it is young, is also a great chance to work on any bad temperament traits in the bud.

Additionally, take your pyredoodle to the groomer every six-to-eight weeks. The coat of many pyredoodles transitions from baby to adult at about six months. This is a critical time to get your dog groomed as the process often leads to matting. Then, skin issues can occur.

Training

Pyredoodles need positive reinforcement while you are training them. They have incredible memories, and it can be hard for them to forget a negative experience. Therefore, you should always praise your dog when he does the right thing. Since this dog tends to be shy, negative reinforcement, such as yelling can make it even shyer and more fearful. You want your dog to have a loving temperament, so it is vital that you treat it with love.

Both the standard poodle and the Great Pyrenees are working dogs used to figuring things out on their own. Make sure that you give your dog some problems to figure out every day.

Exercise

Pyredoodles need at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. It can be a brisk walk or a jog. Try to do it when temperatures are cooler so that your dog does not become overheated. They love to go on hikes, so if you can find an off-leash area to visit regularly, that would be ideal. Except when temperatures get too high, they are even willing to carry your backpack for you. This breed also loves to go swimming. If temperatures get really hot, consider doing mini exercise times.

Puppies

Animal, Black Background, Dog, Domestic Animals, Horizontal

Most people find that Pyredoodles are light shedders and they do not cause them to sneeze.

These puppies need good quality dog food designed for large dogs, and not mini ones, three times a day. You must choose high-quality food because your puppy needs to grow steadily as bone problems sometimes occur in dogs that grow too quickly. Puppies need to be groomed daily, especially near the six-month mark when their adult coat is developing. Since this dog tends to be shy, you must socialize it often as a pup. Always use positive reinforcement while training your dog.

Pyredoodles And Children

Pyredoodles love to be nanny dogs. Most will protect your family if needed, but they are often afraid of strangers. This trait means that they are more likely to bark to let you know something is going on. While their large size may be too big for families with small children, they love to go on adventures with older children. Their large size, as opposed to mini breeds, means they are seldom injured while children are playing with them.

Dogs Similar To Pyredoodles

Breeders have developed other dog breeds that are similar to pyredoodles. These include:

  • Sheepadoodle: This is a cross between a standard poodle and an old English sheepdog.
  • Newfiedoodle: This is a cross between a standard poodle and a Newfoundland dog.
  • Labradoodle: This is a mix between a standard poodle and a Labrador Retriever.

Popular names for Pyredoodles often include:

  • Teddy
  • Sammy
  • Sherlock
  • Goliath
  • Frank

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What's the right dog for you?

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

X-Small
Small
Medium
Large
Xtra-Large

If you have kids or existing dogs select:

Kids
Other Dogs

Should they be Hypoallergenic?

Yes
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?
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How much chewing will allow?
About the Author

AZ Animals is a growing team of animals experts, researchers, farmers, conservationists, writers, editors, and -- of course -- pet owners who have come together to help you better understand the animal kingdom and how we interact.

Pyredoodle FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is a Pyredoodle?

A pyredoodle is a cross between a standard poodle and a Great Pyrenees.

How much do pyredoodles cost?

From a reputable breeder, a pyredoodle costs about $1,450, but you can find often find them in rescues. If your local rescues do not have one, look for dedicated breed rescue groups. You may also want to check with standard poodle and great Pyrenees rescue groups as they often take in crossbreds or know where to find one.

Are pyredoodles hypoallergenic?

Pyredoodles are not hypoallergenic. Since most shed very little, many people with allergies find that they can be around this breed of dog without any problems.

Are pyredoodles protective?

When socialized as a pup, pyredoodles can be very protective. While they are not as apt to attack, their size and loud bark are often enough to scare people away. They make great nanny dogs while giving you time to react to what is going on around them.

Do pyredoodlees bark a lot?

No, pyredoodles do not bark a lot. They usually bark only to communicate a message to you, such as someone is on their property that they do not know.

Is a pyredoodle good with kids?

Pyredoodles can be an outstanding dog for kids. One of their favorite jobs is guarding your children. Additionally, active families often make an excellent choice for this dog because it has a high energy level. Yet, it is content to lay in the corner when your children need to do their homework or want to watch a television show.

How long do pyredoodles live?

Pyredoodles usually live about 10 to 12 years.

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

Sources

  1. dogtime.com / Published March 15, 2021
  2. dogfood.guru / Published March 15, 2021
  3. petguide.com / Published March 15, 2021
  4. dogbreedplus.com / Published March 15, 2021
  5. wagwalking.com / Published March 15, 2021
  6. puppytoob.com / Published March 15, 2021
  7. patrioticpetcare.com / Published March 15, 2021
  8. pyredoodles.com / Published March 15, 2021

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