Pyrenees and other dogs

by wendy
(shiloh, north carolina)

I have a 13 lb miniature American Eskimo dog and a 5 lb Maltese. I never let the Maltese outside because hawks and owls threaten her. The American Eskimo is a doll....she is gentle with the chickens, goats, ducks and guinea hen. We have 18 acres yet she never goes so far away, albeit we never leave her for extended periods unattended.
I want to get a Pyrenees as a guardian dog that we will care for excellently, but it will be an outside dog within the pen where the goats and livestock roam. It will have a nice home and be allowed out daily for exercise and bonding time with me. But her main home will be in her own pen within the pen...

I am concerned that once the Pyr grows up, she will hurt my American Eskimo. I plan to integrate them with love and play as best I can and to take them on walks together (pyr on leash, AE free range as usual)

I'm hoping once they get to know one another they will do well...I would be devastated if the bigger dog accidently killed my American Eskimo because of my ignorance. Do you have any advice on training or keeping them both safe?
Thank you very much for your time,

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Mar 10, 2017
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by: Donna

The Pyr wouldn't harm your dog if introductions are done properly. Pyrs are gentle giants given that you go to a reputable breeder. Make sure you get the opposite sex to your American Eskimo dog.

Note that if you get a pup that they are not ready to be alone with their guardians until at least 1.5 years old.

As pup gets older, in most cases, the Pyr will have already bonded with the AE.

And, do spay and neuter at the appropriate age.

For the best success, go to a breeder registered with the American Kennel Club. This way, you know you will get a Pyr (other backyard breeders and farmers breed for profit and they are not always Pyrs but could be Maremma, Akbash or Kuvasz) who have had the crucial socialization and handling by many many different people in their first 8 weeks of life followed by more of this by you. Also, make sure your Pyr gets continued socialization with other dogs in its young months.

The reputable breeders breed for excellent temperaments and health which is also important. This is so important in Pyrs because they are guardian livestock dogs. They need to know that people are good. They get to know the different between the invited guests and the intruders.

Best of all, these reputable breeders are there for you to give you advice.

Or, you can always adopt. There are many Pyrs in need from National Pyr Rescue.

Best of luck.
Mar 10, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Eskimo and Pyr
by: Anonymous

I have a Minature American Eskimo (7 years) and a Great Pyr (10 months) and they get along great. My Pyr is very playful which sometimes will get on the eskimos nerves but they grow closer everyday. They both get jealous of eacother very quickly so we do our best to love on them equally and spend time alone with them.
Mar 12, 2017
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by: Freeandalive1

Thank you for comments. My AE is 3 yr old girl, but I'm having her spayed asap. I leashed pup and introduced then outside and let AE meet her new friend. I'm constantly reaffirming AEG and giving her a treat when we are all 3 together. I'm making her site when she gets too excited and jumps on me. We have 18 acres so I have kept pup on leash while AE roams and comes back to us at will...ae is an amazing dog and I'm hopeful they will have that bond and that our gp will tolerate the ae once she gets 7 times bigger lol...I'm open to any helpful advice. Thank you

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