seaherons - thanks to you, is a Pyr in my future???

[Newly Newfed]

Well, Jeff didn't pay too much attention to the BPO cards I received, he figured the card exchange was my thing to enjoy.  However, he did point out one card in particular and started asking all kinds of questions about the dog in the picture. Yes, it was a picture of Cirra.  (Which by the way looks like an advertisement for the breed.  What an absolutely beautiful picture!!!)

Anyway, ever since we received that card, my dream of being surrounded by Newfies has been modified to add a Pyr to the group.  He hasn't said he definitely wants one, but he has mentioned the picture or asked about Pyrs just about every day since getting the card. 

I don't know much about Pyrs, except that they are big and shaggy, which I like.  Can any of you Pyr owners tell me about them so I can answer Jeff's questions??  I think he's getting tired of hearing "I don't know"  LOL!

[bigdogs@5501]

Ha - Pyrs are great. So get all of Jeffs questions answered, then if you are interested in a young puppy...well I have some I can show you and I also have a 9 month old female that I have taken in and is now ready to be adopted out if you are not ready for the potty training.

[aggghgmom]

Why oh why isn't my husband like that?  Everyday I point out the puppy card and every day he says "Where will you be living"? 

9 month old female huh?

[maxsmom]

Pyrs are great dogs and like all breeds, they have their upsides and downsides.  Keep in mind, just like people, each dog is an individual and as such has their own quirks and personality.  This is just some general info.
Pros
They are great family dogs and very patient with children, if socialized properly.
They are very playful dogs and love to spend time with their family.
They are very smart.
They are extremely friendly to everybody they meet.
They are big gentle lovable furballs.
They are good guard dogs and alert you to everything going on and are protective and territorial.
They have beautiful, medium length, thick, fluffy, fur.

Cons
They are very smart, but very independent and stubborn and seem to think over whatever it is you want them to do, prior to doing it.
They wonder what is on the other side of the door, gate, fence, street, town, county, state, country and will try to go find out given the opportunity.
They are good guard dogs and alert you to EVERYTHING going on that they think you need to know by barking, a lot and can get protective/aggressive if THEY think it is needed.
They have beautiful, thick, fluffy, fur that turns into beautiful, thick, fluffy tumbleweeds.
They have a really heavy undercoat, most of the year, that is very hard to get good and wet to bathe them, and very hard to get dry afterwards.
They are relatively large, heavy dogs, and very strong, meaning they have to be well trained when young, as training an adult can be a rather demanding physical challenge.

I know it sounds like I am being negative, but I am just trying to be realistic.  Every breed of dog has good and bad characteristic s and no one breed of dog is great for every person, family or particular living arrangement.  I work with pyr rescue here and we will take in close to 150 dogs just in our state this year.  "He/she was such a cute little fur ball when we got him/her, but now he/she is just so big.  He/she eats so much food!  The fur just gets on everything!   The barking is driving our neighbors crazy and we can't take it anymore.  I can't even walk this dog, he/she pulls me down the street.  My kids can't roughhouse with their friends anymore, the dog jumps in and growls at the other kids.  Everytime we open the door, the dog runs out and we end up chasing he/she down the street."  I just think everyone thinking about any breed of dog, should realistically look at the breed characteristic s and determine if they want, and are willing and able to live with those traits in their dog.  We went from Springer Spaniels to what we have now and it has been a year of major changes, accomodations, tried patience, many fights between my hubby and me, and a lot of learning about these breeds.  I would not trade my dogs for all the tea in China, but it has not been an easy year and we still have a way to go.  Granted, our Pyr was a year old when we got him six months ago and had never had even basic obedience training.  He was very sick and not housebroken, still isn't totally reliable in the house and is still learning basic manners, but we love him anyway. Good luck with your decision and I am sure you will make the right one for you and your family.
Kathy

[marypyrs]

Hear!Hear! Kathy!!!!!! Good points indeed. 
Many people taking on a Pyr (or any other breed for that fact) haven't done enough homework. Good for you Newly Newfed!

HOWEVER!!!! And this is speaking for myself. Pyrs are wonderful Life Long Companions. I could never immagine my own life without them. But they're not for everyone. One of my Fosters was an overnight Emergency turn in because his family wanted him out of there "RIGHT NOW"! The reason. ? They were having a big party that week end and he was shedding on their new dark colored area rugs!!  The other option was for them to turn him over to a HKS! GEEZE!!!

Pyrs do shed. Heavily at blow out times. But - it's much more easily managed than some others. (Plus it makes for beautiful yarn.  )

Paige makes a wonderful point. I know Kathy will agree. Rescue Pyrs make fantastic Forever Family Members! An older Pyr will be past the puppy chewing stage and will likely already be house trained. If in doubt you might want to take a suggestion from a previous post from Paige. Perhaps volunteer as a Foster Home?   

I'm sure any and all of us Pyr People are more than willing to answer any and all questions you and Jeff might have.

  Oh Yes! There is a Family living up the Shore from me who have 2 Newfs AND 2 Pyrs!!! One Happy and BIG Family!! 

[bigdogs@5501]

Earlier I was just checking in and didnt really have time to post in detail.
Since you already have a Newf, you understand a lot about the hair,that is probably the biggest con. One of the things that make the so irrisistable is also one of thier biggest faults. I personally own a heacvy duty shop vac and a Dyson Animal and I used them daily.
I am thinking that a Pyr probably barks more than a Newf. Pyrs are hard headed and can be incredibly independent.

Pyrs are incredible dogs. All you have to do is look in thier eyes. The breed is thousands of years old and I really beleive that they have the soul of a thousad year old dog. They are incrediby wise.
I have heard people refer to Pyrs as being dumb, no they are not dumb, they are either ignoring the human or they are waiting to be told to do something that is more interesting to them. Pyrs do not respond well at all to harsh reprimands.
I have chased Pyrs more than once and recently.
Casey the 9 month old, who has not gotten any BPO attention because she was taken in less than a week before I took in the new family, had not ever been socialized. She had been thrown in a back yard with an automatic feeder. The family paid attention to her occasionally when it was convenient for the family.
Casey has been brought into the family here- she has been accepted into the Pyr pack, they are teaching her to be a dog and we have taught her the finer aspects of potty training and what it is like to be loved. She is really doing well now and really enjoys being loved on and being held.
Casey has rushed the gate in the driveway a couple of times now and she was successful twice. Both times have reminded me why I should be in better shape. This last time she got down to the intersection and sat, in the middle. Thankfully we live out in the country and not in a busy city. By the time that I caught up to her she just wanted to be held.

A rescued Pyr seems to understand that they have just been given another chance. Unfortunately they are usually punished for just being a Pyr and dont understand the real reason as to why they ended up in a shelter or rescue, but they do understand the second chance when they are rescued.

They bark - a lot- because they are guarding thier family, I personally find comfort in the barking, it means that they are on duty and doing thier job. I personally have no problem sleeping if they are barking, its a comfort.

Also I want to say that Cirra is a gorgeous Pyrenees. Her parents give her the best and take great care of her and her pictures are a testimont to that, Pyrs require regular grooming in order to look that beautiful. My crew swims daily in the pool or the creek, and rarely look that beautiful.

I hope that some of your questions are answered and seriously if you are at all interested in one of the babies or Casey, let me know.

Paige

[Amy (guffer)]

I can't believe anyone would say Pyr's are dumb!  The problem is that they are actually smarter and more independant thinkers than most breeds.  They only listen when they want to, and only if you're creative with your motivation.  Mine will only come inside from the backyard if I have treats, otherwise I might as well talk to the garage! But if the squirrels are out, forget about it!  Nothing will get their attention!     In the house, they're motivated by attention and snuggling!  They're the best cuddlers and couch potatoes ever!

Oh, and please take the comments about pyr's running away seriously.  Mine will seem content for months at a time and then decide one day that they just have to escape.  They'll try digging, pushing through or jumping over fences.  They'll climb on structures near the fence to test if they can get over.  I know they're very happy at my house and they really love us, but it's just in their nature to try to get out and explore.  I love my pyr's immensely, but I miss having a dog that I can trust to not run away if given the slightest opportunity!  It can be stressful to never be able to let your guard down when you're out with your pyr. 

[People Whisperer]

One of my Fosters was an overnight Emergency turn in because his family wanted him out of there "RIGHT NOW"! The reason. ? They were having a big party that week end and he was shedding on their new dark colored area rugs!! 

Sad (people should be smarter than that  ) BUT HAHAHAHA!!! I have my in-laws here now. Before they came, I said: 1. bring plenty of warm clothing because Lily loves being cold so our thermostat is set on 60F 2. NO BLACK or NAVY clothing!!!
I forgot to tell the same to my BIL. He came wearing black shirt. As soon as I saw him getting out of the car I had my hair removing roll out and was like "hello! It looks GREAT on you!...yes, Lily's hair, LOL!"
I wouldn't change it...Everyone had mentioned pros and cons. I just want to add one more thing. When they say that dogs give you an unconditional love I don't think they are talking about Great Pyrenees 

[Newly Newfed]

I knew you guys would come through for me with info!  Thank you!!  I have been looking to see if I can find local breeders to visit and talk with and also looking for a breed club, hoping to attend one of their events.  The best thing I did when I got Sierra was to research the breed.  I learned so many things that taught me what to expect and alleviated fears about her development and such.  I will never make the mistake of NOT researching before getting a dog.  As you have pointed out, too many people make that mistake and the poor dog is the one that suffers.

Even though I was struck by how Beautiful Cirra is, I can tell she is very well taken care of.  That's actually one of the things Jeff picked up on too.  He mentioned that there's no way we can keep a white dog that clean.  We live on the side of a mountain with ponds and mud with 3 children and 2 dogs who tear up the yard to produce MORE mud.  I long for a grassy back yard!!  Instead I have four wheelers and tractors driving over it...But I digress.  Back to the subject.

The hair, for me, is not an issue.  I've had rough coated St. Bernards, Siberian Huskies, Golden Retrievers and now a Newf.  I don't know if I could deal with NOT having hair to clean up.  I wouldn't know what to do with myself!  LOL!  The barking may be an issue for Jeff.  Because we live in such a secluded area, I would be comforted knowing there is a dog keeping an eye and ear out for anything amiss, Jeff may get irritated by the barking.  As for our neighbors, we only have Jeff's parents next to us and they are far more tolerant of many more things than I think they should have to put up with, including Sierra.  I love her more than life itself but she can be an out right pain in the a$$.

Anyway, I have plenty of time to decide and get to know the breed.  I don't believe in keeping dogs outside unless they have a good large area to move around, a nice warm shelter and they have to be allowed time inside the house with the family.  If I have my way, which actually happens more than I expect (although Jeff doesn't spoil me, unfortunately  ) I would want them in the house all the time.  My 17 yr old stepdaughter Katie is suffering with her allergies now just from having Sierra and the two cats in the house all the time and I can't in good concious bring another dog in the house, no matter how much I want one.  So any new pets will have to wait until she goes off to college.

Everyone had mentioned pros and cons. I just want to add one more thing. When they say that dogs give you an unconditional love I don't think they are talking about Great Pyrenees 

So you're saying you have tearn a Pyr's love?  I know people talk about how dogs are wonderful because they love you no matter what, but I think it's totally cool to have an animal decide that you deserve their love because you have done everything right and not just because you are the pack leader.  If you have to work for it and the dog gives it to you, then it means you are doing right by the animal.  That's what matters.

And Paige if we do decide to do anything before Katie goes to college, you'll be the first one I call for one of those beautiful babies!!  You're an angel for taking on the task and I would love to help give one of them the kind of home they deserve.

[GoldenPyrs]

A rescued Pyr seems to understand that they have just been given another chance. Unfortunately they are usually punished for just being a Pyr and dont understand the real reason as to why they ended up in a shelter or rescue, but they do understand the second chance when they are rescued.

You've already been given so much wonderful advice that I just wanted to second (or third) all that was said about barking, wandering, etc. but especially what Paige said about rescued Pyrs.  We are seeing this so clearly with our Sammy.  He was rescued by AC in Jan '07, into Pyr Rescue in Feb and to our home in early March and we are still seeing huge changes in him as he realises that he is loved & home now forever.  When he first came to us he was so quiet and quite withdrawn.    B/c he was starved almost to death, he was weak & so sad.  Now he's robust and so happy to be fed & loved that he bounces around, makes rawr, rawr sounds and happy rolls around on the floor after he eats.  He's so happy & grateful that it's like an amazing celebration to him each time.    I'm so sad that he had to endure such treatment before, but I can't tell you how incredibly heartwarming it's been for our family to watch him bloom like this or how glad we are that he's part of our family.    If you decide to add a Pyr to your family either through rescue or a breeder, I know that you'll love him or her!