Pair or not to pair?

by Pam
(Tennessee)

Is it necessary to raise Pyrenees as a pair?

Comments for Pair or not to pair?

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Jun 08, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
by: Donna

No, it is not. That said, make sure you socialize your dog with other dogs in the neighbourhood. They need to have interaction with their own kind.

As someone who volunteers in rescue, do get any dog you bring into your home spayed/neutered to ensure there are no unwanted dogs. The rescues and shelters are already full to overflowing. Many are put down because there is not space for them.

Do consider adopting. National Pyr Rescue has many dogs in need.

Thank you.
Jun 08, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		More on "To pair or not to pair"
by: Anonymous

We have cattle and want to add a guardian. Prefer a pup because we also have 4 young children & another small dog and want the Pyrenees to bond with them as well. We looked at a puppy recently but when the lady said we needed a pair if we were going to work them as livestock guardians (one to sleep while one watches was her recommendation) I was beginning to reconsider. She also had too many dogs on her property and I questioned if she was just trying to find a home for two vs one! There has been nothing in the literature to insist two were necessary although we have known others who had them in pairs but I assume maybe that was for breeding purposes.
Jun 08, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Working Dog
by: Donna

That's different for a working dog. You do need at least two depending on how many cattle you have. She is right in that one needs to rest while the other works. If you have 100 head, you many need a couple of more dogs.

It's recommended the opposite sex to start. Avoid getting siblings, however. They are a bonded pair then and it's difficult to separate them if one has to go to the vet, etc. When you bring one in for grooming while the other works, that would also be an issue.

Adopted dogs will also bond as easily as a pup to children if it's already socialized. Again, you can't leave pups alone with a herd until at least a year old. You might consider finding an older working dog to mentor the pup. Adopted dogs can be easily trained if they want to work.

She sounds like she could be a hoarder. I'd try another breeder. Preferably an AKC dog if you can.
May 27, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Shifts
by: Anonymous

I just adopted a pair of 6 month olds.... It's crazy at such a young age they are on diligent shifts where one sleeps all day and the other all night...

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Great Pyrenees Questions.

CLICK TO FOSTER A PYR
PLEASE CLICK THE IMAGE


Breaking News

RSS

  1. Lethargy

    Jul 12, 20 08:53 AM

    We live on a fast flowing river in NC and have a wonderful 5 year old Gt Pyr who is loved by everyone within a 5 mile radius, yes she visits them all on

    Read More

  2. Guardians - pups

    Jul 08, 20 06:18 PM

    How old should they be when walking all around farm and in with cattle.

    Read More

  3. Adopt a one year old intact male

    Jul 08, 20 04:35 PM

    We are considering buying a one year old intact male from a family. He is from a loving home. I thought it might be easier than getting a new puppy, especially

    Read More

  4. Cats and Dogs

    Jul 06, 20 09:19 AM

    We a ready to adopt a pyr mix. The dog is 1 yr old. I have an indoor cat. I'm told if a puppy is raised with a cat they do well. What about a 1 yr old

    Read More

  5. 8 yr old cat 1 yr old pyr Australian sheperd mix

    Jul 05, 20 07:09 PM

    We a ready to adopt a pyr mix. The dog is 1 yr old. I have I door cat. I'm told if a puppy is raised with a cat TV hey do well. What about a 1 yr old

    Read More

  6. Neuter or Not

    Jul 03, 20 03:55 PM

    I know with other breeds, particularly those more prone to aggressive behavior, this procedure supposedly helps to make them less likely to act out. However,

    Read More

  7. Aggression to dogs

    Jun 30, 20 07:14 AM

    We have adopted a GP/Golden Retriever mix. Emphasis on Great Pyrenees. Lily is now 6 years old and we have had her for about a year. She is very aggressive

    Read More

  8. Hypothyroidism

    Jun 28, 20 06:49 AM

    Hello - our dog started sitting and lying down frequently during walks. She is panting heavily when she does this. Consequently our walks are much shorter.

    Read More