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Great Pyrenees => Great Pyrenees Discussions => : melissajean September 03, 2007, 07:57:05 PM
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Hi,
My name is Melissa. Im interested in perhaps adding a Great Pyreneese to my family. I have a few other breeds Im looking into also. But I do have some questions about Great Pyrenees. I was wondering if you Pyr owners could answer for me?
1~How are they with children? I have a 4 year old son. I will never leave them unsupervised,and never let Shane (My son) tease the dog in any way, but I would like a dog that will get along with him and play with him.
2~How are they with other critters?
3~How much exersize a day do they need as adults?
4~What aresome health problems Great Pyreneese can have? How do you prevent them,and/or how they are treated
5~What are some pros and cons?
6~What sort of grooming and how often do they need?
Feel free to add anything else you think I should know that I didnt add. Feel free to brag or vent lol
Thank you :)
~Melissa~
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Hey, good for you on the individual research. I'm just gonna list your questins and then answer them to the best of my ability. Mind you my girl is still a puppy so some questions I'll probably skip. ;)
1~How are they with children? I have a 4 year old son. I will never leave them unsupervised,and never let Shane (My son) tease the dog in any way, but I would like a dog that will get along with him and play with him.
Okay, Naja is FANTASTIC with kids, I don't have any myself, but I do have 2 nefews, an 8 yr old and a 4 year old. The 8 yr old I don't really worry about so much, he kinda gets that Naja isn't really a high energy dog. But the 4 yr old is a Hellion. He doesn't quite get that although she is very large she is still delicate b/c she's a puppy. He'll run at her sacring her half to death, but I've never once seen her get aggresive or defencive with him. At most she'll run away and hide behind my legs. When it comes to strange children she's also great, she'll sit there and let herself he petted and rubbed for hours, she just doesn't like rough play.
2~How are they with other critters?
I also live on a farm with lots and lots of cows, cats, farmers (They smell just like if not worse then the animals so they are also classified as critters in my books. lol ;D) We also have a Cairn Terrier named Moo. Naja likes to bark at just about anything she sees move, she won't attack it (unless it's a sniff attack. lol), she mostly likes to stay at a distance and bark. With Moo, she is again just wonderful, they are the bestest of best friends, at any time of the day (unless she is sleeping, which is most of the day... ha ha) you will see them chasing each other around the yard/porch/house. He is much more rough with her then she with him, although she knows she has the ability, she has never once hurt him even accidently. Oh yeah, and she LOVES kittens, she would spend hours snuggling and licking any of the many kittens that come around the house.
3~How much exersize a day do they need as adults?
Dont' know yet, but I'll let you know when I find out! 2 yrs or so?
4~What aresome health problems Great Pyreneese can have? How do you prevent them,and/or how they are treated
Great Pyrenees Health issues from what I've been told are pretty uniform with most other Giant Breeds. Hip/Shoulder?Elbow displacia, Bloat, HOV, Parvo, among others that I'm sure I'm forgetting. Having all your dogs shots on time is important to prevent many things such as Parvo, Rabies, Kennel Cough. Also keeping your Big Paw on low protein even adult premium quality food will help with the bone and joint problems, as well as Glucosamine supplements will go a long way. It may feel like you're spending alot of money now on food and supplements, but it's alot less then you would be spending on surgeries and frequent vet visits if you did not take these precautions as puppies)
5~What are some pros and cons?
Cons- Lots and lots and lots of hair on carpets, furniture, clothes, or anything else hair might stick to. They have a bred in nature to wander and are never to be trusted off leash. Due to their breeding over hundreds of years, they will ALWAYS want to explore just a little bit further anything they find interesting. They bark ALOT!! At just about anything that moves or looks like it could move! "Low flying satelights, butterflies" - Catherine DeLe Cruz. They are stubborn, because they are so smart they often thing they know what's best for you, not the other way around.
Pros - They are one of the most loyal breeds I have ever come across. They are warm and loving, and if you are part of their family will watch over and protect you to the death. They bark at anything or one that could be a threat alerting you to possible danger, and warding off anybody or thing that thought they could get you alone. They are SUPER intelligent, they don't take long to train as long as you are consistant, a few sessions with Naja is all I usually need to teach her something new. Lot's and Lots of hair, the more to cuddle against, and to spend hours on end cathartically brushing. Sometimes I just zone out while brushing her, it is relaxing and theraputic for the both of us.
6~What sort of grooming and how often do they need?
They need to be brushed at LEAST once a week to prevent matting. Their coat will blow a few times a year (I'm told, haven't experianced THAT yet ;D). Never really need to cut their hair, unless you want to I guess, but it's so pretty why would you want to? Nails especially dew claws need to be done every 2-3 weeks. I'm told doing the nails is terrible by most other ppl, but I personally have never had a problem, I actually think Naja likes it. :D But for the hair thing, you could always make a nice hat or pair of mittens! There is a guy on here that did that with his Newfie a while back. It was before I joined but I was reading back and thought it was neat! ;D
Good luck in your search!! ;D
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I have 4 pyrs and they are all indoor dogs for the most part. I would trust any of my Pyrs with any child unattended any day of the week. We dont have small children but have friends who do and you can not find a more attentive caring baby sitter. Its got to be instinctive with them.
Before adding a Pyr to your household here are a few things you need to know. They have to have a securely fenced area, even if you live out in the country. You must be able to tolerate the barking, the digging and the hair. In fact if you are really serious about this- go out and buy the Dyson Animal now.
Pyrs are intensly loyal, but hard headed. They thrive on attention and praise. Pyrs do not respond well to physical discipline. Pyrs are smart. In fact they usually think that they are smarter than thier owners. A training program is strongly recommended.
They do need exercise but not like some of the other large breeds.
As far as health problems, hip dysplasia is a big concern. I have been lucky and we have never had any major health concerns with any of my current Pyrs. I did lose a Pyr to a heart defect about 1 1/2 years ago at a young age and my vet said that she has seen it before with Pyrs.
None of my Pyrs are aggressive with the cats. And if you really want some entertainment, introduce a young Pyr to some goats. Something in that brain snaps on and it is extremely interesting to watch thousands of years of breeding come on like a light bulb in thier heads.
All of that being said, Pyrs are one of the best dogs to own if you can get past the hair and the barking.
Good Luck and hopefully this has answered a few questions.
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There is not much I can add to the above BUT
I really don't understand why every Pyr owner has to have a fence?
We built one as soon as we got Lily and we never use it...I mean, she would go and lay down outside but she prefers to do it on the deck so she can see better. She would not go and run there by herself. It would make sense if you have two or three dogs maybe. I walk my dog 3 time a day for about 1.5-2 hours daily and she is in great shape and tired all the time. Now, would you cell/re home your pup to someone who will walk it or to someone who would just open the back door to let the dog pee?
Anyways, Melissa, I LOVE Great Pyrenees! They are so easy to live with...they don't ask for much BUT petting and hugging ;D
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Thanks guys.
What is the Dyson Animal?
I dont know if I would have a fence at first, but I would never let my dog out unless leashed. And if i didnt know for certain that my fence was secure I dont think I would let it out in hte fence with out a leash either lol. My last dog somebody let her out of our house, she wanderd into the street and was hit, so I am very paranoid about it now lol
Thanks again for the info :)
~Melissa~
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Oh! :'(
I'm so sorry to hear about your last dog too. I'm pretty paranoid about letting my pups out too, only ever on leashes. We don't have a fenced yard either, and cars and trucks and tracters drive fast and do not look for ppl or animals on the road. I've even almost been hit while checking the mail. I had to dive for the bushes and got showered with rocks! >:(
My leashes are super long for playing outside though they are each 15' long. But we have a big deck and lots of room inside for them to run around too, so I guess it kinda evens out. Anyways. Sorry got off on a tangent. The Dyson Animal is a Vaccuum. I've heard (I don't have one myself) that it's the best darn vaccuum EVER if you own a pet. ;D
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Pyrenees are guardians and originally bred to protect herds of livestock. They have been known to patrol a 2 mile radius in order to protect the livestock. They are known for being able to travel great distances if they get out of thier yards. I suppose that not every Pyrenees has the desire to take off, but if instinctively challenged, they could develope that desire. Mine still escape, on occasion and I am fenced in for about 2 acres around the house with a pretty decent fence.
I never ever trust mine unsupervised for any long length of time. Zoey is usually content to rule the world from the corner of the back deck but has been known to get over the fence when we had coyotes in the back tree line. Tugs has now discovered that he can wiggle thru the back gate ( who would have ever thought that he would fit?? ) so now all of the Farmaster gates are being worked on so that he can not get thru them. They are like little explorers who get bored with thier territory and just have to go out and check out the next property to ease the boredom.
Since we are fenced in I do feel comfortable letting everyone out to run and play. However they are never outside if I some one is not at home to keep an eye on them.
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Oh, ok. I'll look em up. Hair dosent really bother me though. Ive never been much of a clean freak. My ex was and we drove each other crazy. Me with his constant vacuming, and floor shampooing, and him with my inability to vacume properly (leave lines on the carpet lol) When we had Zoe (A Doberman/Setter mix) She shedded so bad we had hair all over.On our clothes, in our mouths, in our food. I really dont mind hair everywhere lol.
I would love to have two acres fenced in for Shane and a dog to run around in. Thats my idea of the perfect house right there lol.
Thanks again for the info :)
~Melissa~
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There is not much I can add to the above BUT
I really don't understand why every Pyr owner has to have a fence?
We built one as soon as we got Lily and we never use it...I mean, she would go and lay down outside but she prefers to do it on the deck so she can see better. She would not go and run there by herself. It would make sense if you have two or three dogs maybe. I walk my dog 3 time a day for about 1.5-2 hours daily and she is in great shape and tired all the time. Now, would you cell/re home your pup to someone who will walk it or to someone who would just open the back door to let the dog pee?
They are wonderful, sweet, smart dogs, but they absolutely WILL WANDER, so visable fencing is a must!! It doesn't matter how laid back and sleepy they *seem* they are on guard all the time and they will go as far as it takes to check out something that they hear. Don't for a moment let that mellow exterior fool you. Halley once was dozing on the floor in our RV while we were on vacation. I was inside with her when my husband came to the door to ask me something and I opened the door a crack. In a nanosecond she was on her feet, pushed the door open and ran outside. My husband caught her, but only after he chased her on foot for over 1/2 a mile. They may seem big and sleepy but they run like the wind (remember that they can & do take down coyotes, wolves & bear). He caught Halley within 500' of the foot of a freeway offramp. He nearly had a heart attack about what could have happened (so did I!). She was as happy as a lark and running with a big ol' smile on her face. Oh and forget getting them to come when you call them if they are "guarding" regardless of how well trained they are otherwise. MY DH was calling her frantically the whole time he was chasing her and she would just looked over her shoulder and kept on running.
We have full fencing around our big "dog yard" and padlocks on our gates to be sure that neither our kids nor the neighbors visiting grandkids decide to go in to visit the dogs and let them out. We live on acreage, so we have areas that all of the kids can play without the dogs as well as a big fenced area that connects to the house for the dogs to play outside safely and where we can hang out and play with them. Though they spend most of their time indoors with us, this way they also have a safely fenced yard. I just won't take the chance that one of the kids will let one of the dogs escape. We've lived with 3 & 3/4 Pyrs now (Cassie is mostly Pyr) and I would't risk "freedom" with any of them! ;)
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I wouldn't trust any dog off leash.
I live in a very populated area and there is no way it could be safe with any breed. Although, I do have a friend with Weimaraner who has no choice but to let him run free since he has enourmous amount of energy and the dog almost got hit by a car quite a few times. The dog parks should take care of exessive energy ;)
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Thanks guys. I would never let any dog off leash. It scares me.
What sort of exersize do you give your Pyr on a daily bases?
What sort of grooming routine do you have?
Thanks again
~Melissa~
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Since I live out in the country- we dont have to worry about city traffic and congestion. Our exercise time involves all of the danes and all of the pyrs outside, playing with each other and usually they end up in a game of tag running thru the creek or the trees. It doesnt take much with this guys, a good playtime in the morning usually between 4 and 6 and then in the evenings between 6 and 7 or 8. Then they come in and crash until something gets thier attention and they determine that they must bark. I think that my Danes require more exercise than the Pyrs.
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Agreed with that Paige! These guys are so laid back! Unless = = = =
At this moment I have one under the desk and on my feet. Another as close to me as he can get. However they can be on guard in less than a second.
They romp and play and then they sleep. And sleep. And sleep.
We take three good long walks a day. Not all that long when compared to other breeds. But if a Pyr sees, hears, or senses trouble he/she will travel 10 miles with no effort at all. They know no boundary unless properly fenced. Many years ago it was not necessary. Now. Unfortunatly. It is.
I think we should get a thread going on "what we do before non-dog family members who we REALLY care about come to visit." I just went through it and I'm exhausted!!!! :o But getting back to normal now. ;)
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Thanks guys :)
What about grooming? What sort of things do you do daily? What about weekly?
Thanks again guys
~Melissa~
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Dailey, I usually comb her. Weekly I give her a good brushing with the brush and the comb, if she's a little stinky, I have this waterless bath stuff that basically deoderises her (but she almost never needs it). Bi-weekly I do all that plus trim her nails. Really they're pretty low maintenance dogs. Any dirt brushes right out once dry, they're fur doesn't really matt if you stay on top of it, and they don't stink too much so they almost never need a bath. ;D
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Hi,
My name is Melissa. Im interested in perhaps adding a Great Pyreneese to my family. I have a few other breeds Im looking into also. But I do have some questions about Great Pyrenees. I was wondering if you Pyr owners could answer for me?
1~How are they with children? I have a 4 year old son. I will never leave them unsupervised,and never let Shane (My son) tease the dog in any way, but I would like a dog that will get along with him and play with him.
2~How are they with other critters?
3~How much exersize a day do they need as adults?
4~What aresome health problems Great Pyreneese can have? How do you prevent them,and/or how they are treated
5~What are some pros and cons?
6~What sort of grooming and how often do they need?
Feel free to add anything else you think I should know that I didnt add. Feel free to brag or vent lol
Thank you :)
~Melissa~
It seems like people have pretty much covered everything but I wanted to put in my two cents.
First of all, Jack is GREAT with kids. He's so gentle and friendly and every kid he meets immediately hugs and squeezes him and he couldn't care less! He gets called "a big teddy bear" by every child we encounter and they all want to take him home. I trust him completely with children. Our greater swiss mountain dog is also great with kids but she doesn't seem to have that Pyr understanding that they are small and weak and can be knocked down easily, or that they get overwhelmed if she gets in their face. Jack just seems to know that automatically.
We have three cats and other than the occasional puppy chase he is great with them. If we just said "no" in a stern voice when he would start to chase them he stopped right away. One of our cats and he frequently lay near each other and sleep.
When we pass other dogs/cats in the neighborhood he barely even glances at them, even though often times dogs are charging and barking along all the invisible fence lines in our neighborhood (we aren't allowed to have real fences in our city). Speaking of fences, while Jack isn't a runner by any means, I do think he would wander off if not heavily supervised while outside, offleash. We allow him offleash if we are right there with him and are watching him carefully, otherwise he's not outside by himself at all.
As for exercise, we walk our dogs twice a day, for about 30-45 minutes (2-3 miles) each time. That is sufficient to wear them out so that they are, for the most part, not running around the house continually. They still have playtime and get the "crazies" now and then but in comparison to other breeds, Pyrs seem WAY more mellow than most, even through the puppy stages. Everyone is always saying "is he ALWAYS this calm?!?!?" And luckily, our answer is "Yes!"
As for grooming Jack did "blow coat" in the spring and he was shedding like crazy. We got the furminator comb (www.furminator .com) and it works WONDERS! Other than that month or so, we just brush him once a week and he stays very clean and fluffy, with fairly little effort. Everyone thinks because they're white and have so much hair that they are hard to keep clean, but even when he gets really filthy you just wait and hour and brush him out and miraculously he's white again. We do give him a bath once a month or so with a whitening shampoo just to get his paws and elbows back to being snow white, but besides that he's pretty easy to groom. We also trim his double dews every 2 weeks, which he doesn't mind at all, and clean out his ears weekly. That's about it. We've never had to trim his nails (or our other dogs) because we walk them so much - another perk of getting plenty of exercise!
Well I think those are the highlights! As for cons, other than the common large/giant breed health issues and the "coat blowing" I can't really think of any. Some people say they're stubborn or hard to train but I think you just have to realize that they are bred over centuries to be independent thinkers so sometimes you can see the "why should I" behind their eyes, but if you're consistent and firm they learn quickly and don't give you much trouble.
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My experience has been.. we have cats and they have gone after them since they were little puppies but we started to train them 'leave it' from the beginning for things they need to leave alone, including the kids cats and kids. We started using a spray bottle of water when we would give the command and now of course they aren't nearly as intersted in the cats. I've posted pics of my female with our kitten in her crate and the most she does if give her a couple sniffs. But my female is a bit more submissive than my male and my male did actually back my cat into a corner and grab her when he was younger, but cats were new to him and he was curious. So, they will sometime start to chase them still and sometimes ignore them, but they listen to leave it really well.
Kids~ they are great with but they are large so they have and will knock them down unintentionall y. My female gets rather agreessive and wants to lick them to death and seems to think they are a puppy once they are on the ground and since they are small kids, they are already on their level so that makes it harder sometimes. Yukon is a MUCH better listener than his sister and won't bother the kids much other than a quick sniff or kiss as he passes them.
Grooming doesn't happen enough at our house since my hubby is a lazy butt and doesn't often help me, since I'm pg it's harder to handle them on my own..they do NOT like their dewclaws touched and will buck and fight and kick and run, you name it so they don't get cut nearly as often as they should. I'm actually considering to just take them in to have someone else cut them... it's THAT hard on these 2. But as far as what everyone said about brushing and stuff I agree.. the brushing will cut down on the odor if done regularly and we bathe them about every 2 months or so..but right now they are very stinky because it's way past bathtime- did I mention mine hate baths too? lol..yeah it's not a fun time. It would literally take 3 people to hold one of my dogs down to be bathed which is why it hasn't happened for awhile.
So, I'd say they are all different..som e more easy going about certain things and some not, different personaliies, different training and exposure etc.. Yiska could care less if I'm calling her for 10 mins outside trying to get to come in, she looks at me like umm...'and why exactly do I want to listen to you?' It's not like she's busy, she just stands there and has her own agenda. Yukon comes when he is called and he's very good with it. The only time he hasn't was when he was sniffing along the perimeter of the fence and it didn't matter how loud I yelled, he acted as though he never heard me. When he was done walking the fence, he happily came in. That is just Pyr behaviour though.
They are extremely laid back like others have already said and sleep more than anything, ..when they do get riled up for some reason it's weird, and I have to remind myself they ARE just puppies..it's easy to forget because they are just not like other breeds.
They are the best dogs ever though if you are prepared to handle the shedding and the barking and the not coming when you call them, don't play fetch kinda dog. Yukon has been going through some orthopedic issues which he's had to have quite a few x-rays for (they don't know what it is yet) and the vet told us that there is a VERY small number of dogs he doesn't have to sedate and Yukon was just fabulous and let them do whatever they wanted to him to get the positions they needed..he told my hubby 'that there is one good dog'. That pretty much sums them up. ;D
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They are the best dogs ever though if you are prepared to handle the shedding and the barking and the not coming when you call them, don't play fetch kinda dog. Yukon has been going through some orthopedic issues which he's had to have quite a few x-rays for (they don't know what it is yet) and the vet told us that there is a VERY small number of dogs he doesn't have to sedate and Yukon was just fabulous and let them do whatever they wanted to him to get the positions they needed..he told my hubby 'that there is one good dog'. That pretty much sums them up. ;D
I'm hoping that Jack is also "one of those dogs" that doesn't need to be sedated during xrays as he will most likely be getting some tomorrow. I actually made that comment to my hubby earlier today. I said I bet Jack will just lay there for whatever positions they need an they won't have to sedate him at all. Well, we'll see!
As for the different Pyr personalities, I'm sure that's true (of any breed). With both our puppies when we talked to the breeders on the phone we told them what we wanted in a puppy. We said we wanted the most mellow (male/female) in the litter. The most submissive, easy going of the bunch. That way when we went to meet the litter they only brought out the pups that they thought would best meet our descriptions. Therefore we weren't making our decision based on emotion - "oh, that one (of 8!) is the cutest" or "oh, this one ran up to me first so it must be the one" (of course, that's probably the most outgoing/strong personality and NOT for us). Either our system for puppy selection was good, or we just lucked out both times!
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They are the best dogs ever though if you are prepared to handle the shedding and the barking and the not coming when you call them, don't play fetch kinda dog. Yukon has been going through some orthopedic issues which he's had to have quite a few x-rays for (they don't know what it is yet) and the vet told us that there is a VERY small number of dogs he doesn't have to sedate and Yukon was just fabulous and let them do whatever they wanted to him to get the positions they needed..he told my hubby 'that there is one good dog'. That pretty much sums them up. ;D
I'm hoping that Jack is also "one of those dogs" that doesn't need to be sedated during xrays as he will most likely be getting some tomorrow. I actually made that comment to my hubby earlier today. I said I bet Jack will just lay there for whatever positions they need an they won't have to sedate him at all. Well, we'll see!
As for the different Pyr personalities, I'm sure that's true (of any breed). With both our puppies when we talked to the breeders on the phone we told them what we wanted in a puppy. We said we wanted the most mellow (male/female) in the litter. The most submissive, easy going of the bunch. That way when we went to meet the litter they only brought out the pups that they thought would best meet our descriptions. Therefore we weren't making our decision based on emotion - "oh, that one (of 8!) is the cutest" or "oh, this one ran up to me first so it must be the one" (of course, that's probably the most outgoing/strong personality and NOT for us). Either our system for puppy selection was good, or we just lucked out both times!
The way you've described Jack, I can't imagine he wouldn't just lay there but who knows. Yukon thinks any kind of touch at all is heaven. ::) I know how hard he can fight us for things like baths and dewclaws and brushing at times.. so I felt sorry for anyone trying to hold him down but was pleased he did so well.
When we got him, at the time I wanted a white pup..I don't know why I guess I just thought they should be all white. It turns out the white male (there was only one and the others were female) was a very dominant male..she could tell almost immediately. So, after some thinking (and realizing I referred marked ones after all), I said well I'd rather have a less dominant male for sure, I didn't need any *extra* work with a dog ya know and more problems. She had him in mind for me right away and he was the biggest love bug at only days old..would just sit on her lap and get loved whereas the white one would scream to get down and go look for more food lol. But I think we got lucky with the both of ours too, and besides the fact they are an awesome breed..but are exceptionally easy, aside from the things they don't like to do. ;) It's great Jack lets you trim his dewclaws..I have to work up the strength and courage and of course have help when I intend to accomplish that task. Yesterday Yiska was just standing there, getting love from hubby and I touched her dewclaw with one finger mind you and she just high steps away from me. It's amazing. Very possessive they are of those.
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Thanks guys :)
Ive been busy researching all the diffrent breeds lol.
Its so hard to choose.
Does anyone know of any good websites with Great Pyr info?
Thanks :)
~Melissa~
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Try here, it's one of the better ones I used when researching breeds. ;)
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/greatpyrenees.htm (http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/greatpyrenees.htm)
There's also links to other breeds as well.
Have fun! ;) ;D
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Thanks I'll check it out :)
~Melissa~
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It's good that you are researching before committing to a specific breed. There are Pros and Cons to all. Differences may be found within a certain breed as well.
I would highly recommend that you search through the breed clubs. They are the ones who know the most because they have dedicated their lives to it.
As for a Great Pyrenees, the club site is http://clubs.akc.org/gpca
You will get a full prospective with no punches pulled. Health issues. Temperment issues. Feeding and training guidlines. Etc.
If you decide to not go with a Breeder and a brand new puppy, there are MANY dogs from Rescues just waiting for their Forever Homes. Wonderful Puppers who, by no fault of their own, have been abandond, or rejected, by their former families. These Groups have done health testings, treatment, and temperment testing. If it is a reputable group, they will have been placed in loving Foster care until the right home comes along.
So - Don't go by the "this and that" that you read on the web. Go directly to the source. You may even find yourself bringing in one of those wonderful mix breeds that my Vet calls the "Rather Dogs" (They would rather be with you, in your life, than anywhere else.)
Jane
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I agree with Jane. I am a firm believer in rescue. I have brought in both adults and puppy Pyrs. Dakota is a rescue- she was 7 when I got her and I took her on with health problems. She had never had a collar on and she was covered in sarcoptic mange. She has repaid me two fold daily since she came to live with me, and I put her thru some rough days in getting her health back to 100%. Most of the rescue groups though will not adopt a dog with health problem to someone who has never owned a Pyr. But it is something to look into, also you may want to visit with some breeders that are breeding dogs that you are interested in, a good breeder will welcome you into thier home to meet thier dogs.
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Thanks guys.
I dont think Im going ot go through a breeder. I want to adopt a older puppy or young adult. I dont think I could handle a small pup. Plus everybody wants a small puppy, I would rather take an older one.
Thanks again :)
~Melissa~
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I think that's a great idea! ;D I've had 2 pyrs that came to us as pups (Cara was 15 weeks and Halley was 8 weeks) and 2 pyrs that came to us from rehoming or Pyr Rescue. We have found that there are lots of pros to adopting an older puppy or dog. You may want to contact your local Pyr (or other breed) Rescue coordinator and talk to them. If you have time and they are willing, maybe you could plan a visit to meet them and help out a bit with the dogs that they have currently. This would help them to get to know you now so that when you are ready to adopt it could go through more quickly. Which breed(s) are you most seriously considering? I think that your research is great! ;D
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I am impressed that you are considering the older dog- there are so many out there that are needing a loving home and they make wonderful companions and usually, the best part of it all, they are house trained by the time you adopt them. Good luck on the continued search.
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Thanks guys
Lets see,other breeds (Besieds the Great Pyr) im looking into are:
Bullmastiff
Mastiffs
Great Danes
Irish Wolfhounds
Thanks again guys :)
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ohh - I have a great idea,adopt one of each.
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Thats a wonderfull idea. I like it :)
Now to get outta this tiny apartment and into a huge farm house :)
~Melissa~
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I just adopted an adult Pyr from a rescue group last Sunday. They guessed her age to be betweeen 2-3 years. I couldn't be happier with her! I knew that I didn't want a puppy, and getting an adult rescue dog was the best choice for me. She is also my first Pyr and I am completely amazed at this breed. She is the most gentle dog I have ever known. I have 4 year old twins and she is so patient and sweet with them. I also have 2 cats and she has shown no interest in them whatsoever. She is very mellow and easy to have in the house. When I was checking out the breed, I kept reading about Pyrs being very independent and somewhat aloof, but I haven't really seen that in my Pyr so far. She follows me around the house and wants nothing more than a rub and hug.
Of course, as others have said there is hair all over my house, but with another dog and 2 cats, I am used to hair. She doesn't drool, which is a plus in my book. She enjoys our daily walks, but doesn't demand exercise the way my other dog does. I have fallen in love, as you can probably tell, and think Pyrs are an amazing breed of dog.
Good luck in your search for the right breed/dog for you!!