Temperature Outside - Tolerance

by Matt
(Unity, Saskatchewan, Canada )

We had our great pyr run away last night. Unfortunately, it got to about -34 C. Still no sign of him a day later. What is the lowest temperature they can withstand overnight without shelter? Also, he's only 6 months old, basically a giant puppy. Thanks in advance.

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Dec 30, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		Scary news
by: Jennifer and Brad Foisy

I'm hoping and praying that by the time you read this your puppy has been found.

Please keep us updated.
Dec 30, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		I'm glad to say I can answer my own question.
by: Anonymous

After being out on his own in the winter wheat fields of Saskatchewan, for 2 days and 2 nights, in temperatures dipping well below -30 at night, our 2 day search party finally paid off, and we found the poor pup laying motionless in a field. His giant paw prints lead us to the heap of off white fur. The blood covering his head had frozen to dark crimson. As we approached we called his name, and slowly we saw his head rise up. Hesitant at first, Bud finally realized it was family. He rose to his feet and made his way over to my brother in laws side. One sniff of his pant leg, he wouldn't leave his side.

Here's what we've been able to piece together of Bud's adventure. Bud had been lured out by coyotes, had killed one and kept the others at bay, for what we're thinking was almost an entire day. This has to be, literally, the toughest breed of dog in the world. Our family is so grateful to have our Bud back. He is now quietly resting in the warm shop on the farm with only minor injuries. The vet we brought to the farm says he's going to be fine, just a little shook up, and even stronger from the experience.

If you want a dog bred for the tundra, and tough as nails, this dog will truly surprise you.
Dec 31, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		6 month old runaway
by: marianne

Why did he run away? Was he being teased? Adult dogs could probably curl up somewhere to conserve energy. A pup that age probably doesn't know the survival skills. He also doesn't have the body fat to withstand much cold.
Have you any ideas as to where he would have gone?

You don't give much information here about your home or the situation. In town/ a garage/ a hedge/

You should go out hunting for him because he'll freeze unless someone takes him in.


Jan 03, 2014
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starstarstarstarstar 		To all those concerned.
by: Matt

We live on a farm in Saskatchewan. Bud is here to protect the family, which includes 4 small children. A few days earlier a coyote had wondered into the yard and was chased off by Bud and Sammy, the other guard dog. We suspect, being a puppy yet, Bud decided to hunt the coyote down. As far as we can tell, Bud was teamed up on by a couple coyotes, but was able to hold his own until our extensive search party paid off.

I'm glad to say, Bud's now doing great, (minus the pain killers from the vet), but he will be just fine. He doesn't take a single step past the farm yard, will never run away again, and is clearly tough as nails. Our family feels much safer having this superdog guarding it.
Jan 11, 2014
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starstarstarstarstar 		Glad to hear Bud is home
by: Jennifer and Brad Foisy

We are so glad to hear your brave puppy Bud is home safe and sound. Thanks for updating us!
Jan 27, 2014
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starstarstarstarstar 		Cold here tonight and tomorrow!!!
by: WV Gal

We have a female Great Pyrenees, Alli, who will be three years old on April 13, 2014. She's a tough gal, but loves to come in occasionally. Our temperatures are predicted to drop as low as -35 tonight. She's coming inside tonight even though my Hubby says she can tolerate the cold.

She normally sleeps on our back porch, guarding our door, but on these cold nights, she snuggles in the dry hay under our front porch that we had enclosed for just such occasions. No wind, but still, very, very cold.

We live in the country, and after Bud's story, I'm fearful of coyotes as our neighbors up the road hear them howling. Not sure what the temperature is that they can tolerate, but in my opinion, it's not fit for man nor beast at -35 degrees.

Love your site....it's answered many of my questions.
Feb 02, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		No Coyotes
by: Anonymous

A full grown Pyr will chase the coyotes out of the county. Sorry to inform you but once pups head is healed he will wander again...its their nature. We have three Pyrs, two females and one male... beautiful magnificent dogs. We let the females out during the day and they wander and protect our property. We let the male out at night and he does the guard duty all night long. All three together... and they roam and protect 1/2 of the county.

Since we got our great Pyrenees there are no coyotes or bobcats coming near our property or livestock and deer do not come into our garden.
Nov 12, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Great Pyrenees road hazard
by: Anonymous

How do you ensure they don't get hit by a car? Ours did. She was coming back home after doing the chase and got hit by a car just up from our house. I saw it happen. It's a rural two lane road and the adds should be high for that. Ironically, we had about 6 cats killed over a year or two on the same road as though they wait for car to come before crossing, like a squirrel, possum, or deer does.
Jan 02, 2017
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starstarstarstar 		So, what is the answer?
by: Scrollee

I have the same question! I just picked up a Pyrenees / Aussie shepherd cross from the local pound in Saskatchewan. He's about 7 months old, and seems to absolutely love being in our backyard, but I'd love to know how much and how long he can handle. He never complains to come back in, but we're having a cold snap of - 40, and I'd like to know how long I can leave him without worrying too much in the house.
Jan 03, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Cold
by: Donna

You need to use common sense. If your dog still wants to be outside, make sure he has an insulated dog house or kennel big enough for him to lie down in and turnaround (surrounded by straw bales on the outside) and a bed that is off the ground on the inside, built up with straw and a blanket.

If he doesn't go in the house, at least you have given him the option. That is very important.

In answer to someone else' question about how to ensure they don't get hit by a car: You must have a securely 5 ft fenced large area to contain him.

Pyrs were bred to wander with sheep as they watch over them. It's their instinct. That's back before cars came into place, people poisoning them and having live animal traps set. It's up to us to ensure they are safe.

Electric collars, fencing and tie outs should never be used on these dogs.

NEVER let your animals wander.

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