Walking in weather 80 degrees and higher

by Mary Beth Remai
(Travelers Rest, SC, USA)

I walk my Great Pyr and Boxer mix everyday in a secluded property owned by my neighbor. It takes approximately 30 minutes. I am really concerned with the fact my pyr has a winter coat and am I doing more harm than good by walking in this heat? There is a brook on the property and she loves it and jumps in everyday. She looks at me and bounces to let me know "The is great!" My husband built an 8 x 10 shingled dog house (fenced in) but we keep the dogs in the garage at night. (Cooler) (Great watchdogs by the way) and we have fenced in our front yard with plenty of shade. Your response about wallking will be greatly appreciated.

I would have another Great Pyr in a heartbeat. They are loveable and beautiful to behold. But very intimidating. Thank you.

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May 19, 2015
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same old story
by: Ed A from NJ

Great Pyrenees do have issues with heat. They do blow there winter coat for a lighter summer coat and the dip in the lake will help also. If you want to be even safer you would time your walks to take place. Time your walks before the heat of the day in the morning and after like early eve. Shingles can get very hot and could make that dog house into a sweet box. Shade can help a lot but in the main heat of the day the garage or house may work better. Last thing is be sure they have access to plenty of water.

May 20, 2015
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Double Coats
by: Donna

Your Pyr has that double coat to insulate him in the winter and the summer. We tend to anthropomorphize because we would be hot in that coat but know that he is better off than a short-haired dog.

A double coat means there is both a top (or over) coat made of tougher longer guard hairs (keeps the heat off the skin itself) and a bottom or (under) coat that is thick and soft. Remember, dogs do not sweat through their skin like we do but through their pads and panting.


If it's extremely hot, keep the walking to a minimum if you see him panting excessively. If he loves to swim, great. Make sure to towel him off afterwards so his skin doesn't stay too damp if he swims a lot.


Make sure to give him a good grooming with a slicker brush and comb at least once a week to keep him free of matts and his skin in good condition.

The dog house sounds great. Your property sounds wonderful and the dogs will love the shade.

May 20, 2015
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Thanks for your input, folks
by: Mary Beth

If there was ever a dog to love and be amazed with their intelligence, it's the Great Pyranees.
My husband and I didn't know anything about them. We had seen a big dog with his front paws on the tool box of a truck. He was about 4 feet above the cab of the truck. I asked my husband " What is that"' It was huge dog with white short hair. We followed the truck to a shopping lot. And we wanted to ask the owner about this dog and he told us, it was a Great Pyranees. The dog jumped out of the back and was so happy to see us. He started rolling around on the grass. It truly made our day. That's when we decided to bring one home. With the shedding, barking, it's all worth it. I'd do it all over in a heartbeat.

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