How prevelent .....?

How prevalent are incidents of aggressive behaviour of a neutered male Pyrenees towards another neutered male dog? We are experienced dog owners, with multiples of males in our packs. Dog behaviour boundaries are established and strictly adhered to, and after 40+ yrs of zero incidents are we overly confident in adopting a male Pyr? We were intrigued by the unique nature of the breed, their innate self-confidence, strong guardian characteristic and, their ability to make decisions without human direction. How successful are pairings of spayed females, by comparison? We would love to hear from Pyr owners who live with pack multiples. Our dogs live with us in our home, and are exercised daily which includes some unleashed and some leashed exercise.

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Feb 12, 2015
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Alphas
by: Anonymous

I met my wife in the dog park, she had two Rotties and I two Pyres. We each has a boy and a girl. I had a 5 year old girl and a 2 year old boy. She had a 4 year old boy and a 2 year old girl. Well they became a pack who all took care of each other. We married and moved in. Everything was great for 2 years then one morning there was a huge rumbling from down stairs. I ran down and Beau my male pyre and diesel my male Rottie were locked in battle. Try pulling that comb apart! My wife had to toss water on the 3 of us, Besi was fine except for the tooth he left in Diesel, Desiel had a tear in his ear and a tooth remove from has back. I had a traumatic experience. From that day on Beau would not tolerate Diesel. He would attack him at ever turn. When Diesel turned 9 we lost him to cancer . Beau lives with the two girls with no problem. Last thing I should mention is Beau has been trained by the best he is a service dog. In public he is gentle as a kitten ignoring any dog. But when home on his turf everything is his.

Feb 12, 2015
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forgot
by: Ed A from NJ

I forgot to mention in my post I will always have Great Pyrenees they are a breed onto them self and so able no matter what the task! I have not owned every breed but for me there is no other. I do not believe them to be aggresive at all. I think they grow and there confidence builds to alpha (the main reason they need strong owner). They almost have to in order to properly guard a flock.

Feb 13, 2015
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re: prevalent...
by: Anonymous

Thanks Ed, for your response. We had read of your 2 dogs disagreement on these pages some time ago. It seems to us that your Beau is very special to you, and that has given him a certain status within the pack. Would that be accurate? Did you ever come to a conclusion as to the Rottie's behaviour prior to that incident? And does Beau dominate the other dog now, or has that one incident "cleared the air", and they are now same as before? We live in a lightly populated area surrounded by forests, and assorted wildlife. Our Pyr's guardian abilities may one day be tested and he is naturally vigilant although we do not let him wander, but we would not like to think his nature would make him unpredictable to his own home pack. Perhaps it simply depends on each individual's character? Thoughts, anyone??

Feb 17, 2015
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Each one is very different
by: Katy

You're right, each individual is very different. I've seen families who have two males that get along famously and others where they're at each others' throats. That can happen with any breed though. Our pyr, Buddy is very kind with ANY dog that he meets, male or female, but I know a few who won't tolerate the same gender dog as themselves.

It's not an unheard-of character trait, but it's certainly not the standard either. It depends very much on the personality preferences of both dogs and their overall compatibility with each other.

Feb 19, 2015
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Benevalent Ruler
by: Ed A from NJ

I should tell you Beau is the alpha dog in our pack but he truly is a benevolent ruler. I don't know if I ever mentioned that my wife and I run a small rescue (around 15 to 20 dogs at a time) Beau is great with the little rascsls as they come and go. To the point where if a puppy gets under his feet he will remain still til he can see the puppy again. He is wonderful with our female Rottie and our female great pyreneens. I think Diesel was seen as a threat to his alpha spot. It was strange because it was one major battle a d I never gave them another chance. I supervised them every time there after. I think the fact that he is my service dog does give him a special place in the home. I would never want to make you think these dogs are less then great but I promise you need to be a strong owner. It has taken me years to get Beau where he is and he is worth any time it took.

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