Breeding - Age for Male

by Lynne Bedell
(Dawson Creek B.C.)

At what age is the male Great Pyrenees ready to breed?

Comments for Breeding - Age for Male

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Oct 25, 2016
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by: Donna

It sounds like you are planning on breeding. This is something you can talk to the breeder (registered with recognized kennel club) from which you acquired your dog. There will be a clause in the contract respecting this, and they will be happy to answer you questions. This is what they are there for.

If you are breeding for the sake of breeding, please don't. There are already over 600,000 dogs, in Canada, going to shelters where the majority are being put down because no one wanted them because backyard breeders don’t do the work.

The backyard breeder 'sold' their dogs to unscreened people who didn't spay and neuter. The breeder’ didn’t do the crucial socialization and handling of pups by many many different people and more unwanted dogs were born. Those dogs became aggressive by the time they are a year or so, if not earlier.

So many people only see the cute pup. By the time the dog is a year old, they can no longer handle the dog because they didn't do the work.

Reputable/ethical breeders breed to improve the breed. Not for profit. They breed, especially Pyrs, for sound temperament and health. They are always there They also follow up to ensure the dogs are spayed/neutered at the appropriate time.

According to one reputable breeder, Les Pitous de Val Perché: http://www.duvalperche.ca/politique_Eng.html "We offer a two year guaranty for major genetic problems. All the dogs in our breeding programme have been x-rayed and certified for displasia. We have done all in our power for our dogs to be free of genetic defects which might prevent them from fulfilling their purpose as companion and guardian. This complies with Canadian Kennel Club regulations."

Perhaps you are asking this question with the intent to neuter and I’m preaching to the converted.

It’s important to get it out there because rescue sees so many dogs whom people want to surrender because the dog got big, barked a lot, roamed, was out of control and/or aggressive.
Oct 25, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Breeding Age
by: Anonymous

It depends on the dog. They reach puberty around six months and full sexual maturity around 18 months or so. They can impregnate a female at puberty.

If you have females, keep them apart when female comes into heat.

When dogs are of the right age (two years), please spay and neuter.
Oct 25, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		A big favor
by: Ed A. From NJ

Please do yourself a big favor and don't breed Pyrenees. If you don't know how old a boy should be to breed there is a hundred other things you don't know about breeding.

Did you know there are 26 known genetic issues Pyrenees can have? These big dogs are very special and should be bred by only true pros (reputable/ethical breeders).

Do yourself a favor and have you boy neutered at the right time and enjoy him safely.
Sep 05, 2022
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starstar 		Future dog breeder
by: Ken

I am trying to learn about breeding pets not puppy or kitty mills and not irresponsibly putting poor grade animals into an already overstocked breeding market. Some people wont take grade animals but want purebred animals especially LGD.
The answer I got was arrogant and belittleing and unappreciated. She is not the only breeder.
Sep 13, 2022
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starstarstarstarstar 		Breeding
by: Donna

Breeding is a big job. You are very busy making sure you have a healthy bitch via a raw diet, and supplements. Once the pups are born, you are busy for 8 weeks making sure they all get fed, have many different people into your home, and have them handled at the 3-week mark. Then, you must screen puppy people to ensure they have great homes, and get spayed/neutered at the appropriate age unless you put a breeding contract in place. There are an overabundance of puppies and dogs in need of homes because no one did their research. Many of these pups become aggressive dogs due to poor genetics, and/or having suffered trauma by people. But, you do need to make sure you have full Pyrs.

Mixing LGDs can be tough. These are guardian livestock dogs so when mixing the breeds, you can have a very edgy animal so proper socialization and handling by many many many different people is imperative. There will be no guarantees, but it's the best you can do. You will only know what kind of dog you have as the dog matures to 8 months to two years. Signs of an unstable mind will show up early on, but you must watch for it. That is the biggest issue with poorly bred dogs. Euthanasia is usually the only answer for the safety of all.

You must ensure the parents are of sound health and mind to have the best chance at success for sound and healthy puppies.

People want ensure they have a Pyr because they want a stable dog working with their livestock. So many people are breeding what they claim are Pyrs, but very evidently are not. They are either Akbash mixes, Kuvasz and/or Pyr mixes.

Make sure to find a responsible breeder as a mentor. That would be key. They will have much experience behind them.
May 02, 2024
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thanks for the learning material!
by: Anonymous

I was just wandering because I heard that once they breed they stop growing. I got a male black great peonies pup. And I got a female lab St Bernard mix pup. And yes they are getting fixed! $$$$$ issue right now. That's why I am wondering.
May 04, 2024
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by: Great Pyrenees Club

Yes, please get your dogs spayed/neutered. That would be very responsible. You would be surprised at how many unwanted dogs/puppies fill shelters and rescues. They are full to overflowing because of irresponsible people. As a result, many are euthanized, sadly.

No. That is a myth that a dog stops growing once they breed. Perhaps that would happen if the dog is not properly fed a raw diet and has a poor immune system.
Apr 13, 2025
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starstarstarstarstar 		Too late to breed?
by: Anonymous

My gp. is 7 yrs old. Is it too late to breed her??
Apr 15, 2025
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starstarstarstarstar 		Breed a 7-year old female?
by: anon

It sounds like you haven't bred before, so you might want to talk to a responsible breeder to gain more knowledge. If she has never been bred before, that would be hard on her.

Here is a list of breeders who would be able to answer your question(s) and help you with any other questions you have.

There are so many unwanted dogs out there because of irresponsible breeders who don't ensure their dogs go to responsible owners. They do it solely for profit, and the dogs pay the price. So many are euthanized because they are not wanted. That is usually because people move or the dog has become fearfully aggressive due to poor breeders and not having taught the dog anything. I know you would be a responsible breeder, but it takes work.

Responsible breeders breed to improve the breed via a species-appropriate diet (raw), mental stimulation, exercise so they are healthy. They socialize them appropriately and ensure, again, they go to responsible owners so they stay with the owner for life. Any of the breeders on that link I provided will give you good advice. Or, I'm sure a responsible breeder will provide information to you here.

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