4 month old GP with extra, extra, extra long hair

by Sherry D.
(Indiana and Texas)

My 4 month old great Pyrenees has extremely long hair. I haven't been able to find a pic on the internet of any GP with such long, long hair. It is at least 3 inches long over her entire body. About 1 1/2 inches on her head. The parents: Dad long hair but not as long as Dorothy (our pup). Mom is almost smooth coated. Is this long hair unusual or normal?

Comments for 4 month old GP with extra, extra, extra long hair

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May 05, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
by: Great Pyrenees Club

Maybe you could share a picture so we can see how long it is.
May 05, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		flat coat vs wooly coat
by: Anonymous

I have seen a few different coats and find the flat smooth coat is longer then the rough curly coat because it is streighter. I bet she is very beautiful. Wish you had posted a picture. You know I personally love pet quality " Via LA difference"
May 06, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hair
by: Donna

Your Pyr is a mix, then. There are no such thing as smooth coated Pyrs.

If you would like to send a picture, please do at
greatpyr@great-pyrenees-club-of-southern-ontario.com

We'll see if we can help to determine what the mix is. Do you have photos of the parents? You would have seen the parents when you met the breeder.
May 06, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		Extra, extra long hair
by: Sherry D.

I was able to research my GP puppy's extra long hair/fur/coat. She has a stand out coat; a fault in the standard I have read. Although it is a bit of extra work brushing her, I don't care about this so called fault. I just want a companion for me and my other dogs. She IS extremely timid and she is terrified of riding in my SUV. Ergo, I haven't been able to get her to the vet for shots and such. Any suggestions? Thanks.
May 06, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Extra long coat on 4 month old
by: Sherry D.

Sorry for the confusion about the mom being smooth coated. That was my misuse of description. Her coat laid sort of flat - as flat as the photos I've seen of standard GPs. Like how the coat lays mostly flat on the head and body. My pup's hair/fur/coat sticks straight out in every direction. She came from a farm not a breeder. Farmer had mom and dad as guards for his goats. The litter was an accident. Dad has papers. Mom does not. But I DID see parents. They were both outdoor dogs only so, Dad's hair/fur/coat was pretty messy and long. Mom was exactly like stock photos of GPs. She was the last to go out of a litter of 8. No one wanted her. She's a wonderful young lady; just extra fluffy.

New concern: she is utterly terrified of being in my SUV. What do I do? I have had a number of very large dogs over the years; always mix breeds. Always adult dogs. Always rescue dogs. So this is a new experience for me. Help.
May 07, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		Shhhhh part 2
by: Anonymous

Sherri is correct about the long hair, straight long hair is a fault however it does not mean your dog is a mix. Of course the best way to know is if you seen the parents. But Pyrenees have very distinct head shape and those double dew claws as well as other features that would all determine the breed. A quick word to Sherri , your going to have to work with your puppy to get him use to the car but until then you may be able to get a vet to do a house call. There are some who do, check the internet for one close to you. Also you could do your own distemper and parvo vaccine yourself since that both are just sub q and don't go into a vain. Bordatella is given by nasal (just drip it in there nose while tilting his head back )good luck with your little imp also.
May 08, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Timid
by: Donna

You'll need to work on her confidence level with lots of praise.

You can start by hanging around the car with her, giving her treats. Do this until she seems okay just being around the outside of the car.

Then, open the doors and do the same thing. Lots of treats while hanging around the car. Bring your chair out, with her on leash, and even read a book until she settles. 'Good girl!'

Tie a frozen Kong into the car and have the leash long enough that she will consider going into the car. Praise if she starts to look for the Kong.

If by chance she gets into the car, lots of praise and just leave doors open while she, we hope, chews on the Kong.

When she seems settled into the car, have someone hold the leash in the car while you start the car, doors all closed. Just let it idle.

When she seems calm back up and drive forward in the driveway. If she is still calm, drive around the block.

I think you can see how this training works. Slow and with praise.

What many people do is the only time the dog gets into the car is when they go to the vet so it's not a good experience in the car.

Make sure you drive the dog to dog parks for walks etc. so the car becomes a good experience.

If you find none of the above works, you may need to resort to some anti-anxiety medication. Try Rescue Remedy. If that doesn't work, consult with your vet.
May 08, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Fear of car
by: Sherry D.

Thanks to all of y'all for your comments and helpful suggestions. Although Dorothy (my GP pup) has stand out coat, she is still a little doll. She does have the double dew claws and the shepherd hook/wheel shape tail and the well known GP face/head. Her coat doesn't matter to me since I am not going to breed her or show her, I just want to give her a loving, happy home for the rest of her life. I now know she will take lots and lots of patience but she's worth it. I've also spoken w/my vet who gave same advise about working towards getting her in the car and recommends using Adaptil and Rescue Remedy. I have ordered both online since we live way, way out in the country both in Indiana and Texas. Thanks again for caring. I'll let you know how it goes.
Jul 23, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		GP with xtra long hair
by: Anonymous

We have a Pyredoodle puppy. She is 75% Great Pyrenees and 25% Regular size Poodle so her hair is longer than the normal GP but she is a total totally adorable pup and we would not have her any other way. Lol. So research that and see if your dog is similar.

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