Great Pyrenees Guide: Size, Temperament, Lifespan and Rescue
Great Pyrenees at a glance
The Great Pyrenees is placed by the AKC in the Working Group. The AKC lists its origin as France.
Where the breed comes from
The breed became established in the Pyrenees Mountains on the border of France and Spain, where it developed largely in isolation. It has long been used as a watchdog in addition to its original job guarding flocks.
How big do Great Pyrenees get?
The AKC puts the AKC size category at extra large. On Great Pyrenees height, the AKC gives 27-32 inches for males and 25-29 inches for females, while the United Kennel Club gives 27.5 to 31.5 inches for males and 25.5 to 29.5 inches for females. For Great Pyrenees weight, the AKC lists 100 pounds and up for males and 85 pounds and up for females.
Great Pyrenees temperament and personality
The AKC describes the breed with the words smart, patient and calm. Because these dogs were left alone to guard flocks, they tend toward independence and a sense of authority, yet they also show gentleness and strong attachment to those they protect. The breed is described as devoted to its family and fond of its own space, so it is not a clingy companion that follows you everywhere.
Training a Great Pyrenees
The breed has a mind of its own, which can make precise or instant obedience hard, but it often responds well to kind, consistent, positive training from an owner it respects.
Do Great Pyrenees shed?
The AKC lists the coat as medium and double, and the coat is described as dense with a thick undercoat. Despite the heavy coat, upkeep is described as modest, with a weekly brushing to remove dead undercoat plus routine nail and ear care.
How long do Great Pyrenees live?
For Great Pyrenees lifespan, the AKC gives a general life expectancy of 10-12 years. Like many large breeds, it is described as subject to bone and joint problems, including elbow and hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. Cataracts and eyelash malformations are also named, so ask a veterinarian what screening makes sense for a dog you are considering.
AKC breed facts
These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Great Pyrenees as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.
- AKC group
- Working Group
- AKC recognition year
- 1933
- Height (AKC published)
- 27-32 inches (male), 25-29 inches (female)
- Weight (AKC published)
- 100 pounds & up (male), 85 pounds & up (female)
- General life expectancy
- 10-12 years
- AKC size category
- XLarge
AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)
- Energy: 3 of 5
- Mental enrichment: 3 of 5
- Trainability: 3 of 5
- Grooming frequency: 2 of 5
- Shedding: 3 of 5
- Vocalization: 3 of 5
- Drooling: 3 of 5
- Adaptability: 3 of 5
- Playfulness: 3 of 5
- Watchful or protective tendency: 5 of 5
- Affection toward family: 5 of 5
- Openness toward strangers: 3 of 5
- AKC child compatibility rating: 3 of 5
- AKC dog compatibility rating: 3 of 5
Health screenings AKC lists for the breed
Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.
- Patella Evaluation
- Hip Evaluation
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).
Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 7, 2026.
References
- Breed Standards : Great Pyrenees | United Kennel Club (UKC) (opens in a new tab), United Kennel Club, checked November 7, 2026
- Great Pyrenees | VCA Animal Hospitals (opens in a new tab), VCA Animal Hospitals, checked November 7, 2026
- Great Pyrenees - AKC breed profile (snapshot akc-2026-11-04) (opens in a new tab), American Kennel Club, checked November 4, 2026
