Two or nothing?

by wendy
(NC)

I have heard from a breeder that it is best to keep GP's in pairs.....whether neutered or spayed, it's ideal to have a male and female. I've never heard of that with any other dog breed and wonder if this is something true, common, or made up? Any insight?


Thank you

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Feb 01, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Two or nothing
by: Donna

Was this a reputable breeder meaning this breeder is registered with a recognized kennel club?

Always male and female, always neutered and spayed.

However, no, they do not need to have a pal around. It's important that one dog stay socialized with other dogs, however.

This means walking with other dogs. Not necessarily dog parks since people don't always pay attention to their dogs, drink their coffee and chat while their dogs are going over the top and fights ensue.

Find some friends who hike with their dogs and join them. You can have dog friends over to your fenced yard for play time.
Feb 01, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Two to tango
by: Ed A. From NJ

While I don't know any dog where you have to gave 2. But it for me is nice. I believe in getting the male first and bring him to size and neuter before bring in a female. Since I believe in correct age neutering the male should be 2 ( neutered around 16 months) then his girl.
Feb 02, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		interesting question
by: Anonymous

This is an interesting question. I've asked other Pyr owners this myself. First and foremost, know that they are a creature that will alter you. This is a good thing, in most cases. What eventually happened with us is that we stopped referring to ours as 'a dog'. He's so much more than just a dog. They have been called 'a deliberate dog' and are a strong independent thinker, which is a good description of a Pyr character, overall.
We know a couple who believed that 2 Pyr's together, male & female, spayed/neutered was the very best thing to do. In theory. In actual fact, the male dominated the female so much, she became fearful, very shy, and would refuse 'family time' with her humans. They had to rehome her and she's much happier as the only girl in her new family.
If you intend to have your Pyrenees as a working guardian for your farm, I understand that 2 is always better than one as they have been consistently bred to think/work as a team. Personally we have no experience with working dogs, but I understand a hierarchy will naturally develop in the team. With careful selection of character type ie: not pairing 2 dominant types together...similar gender could potentially work.
If you intend to have your Pyrenees as a house guardian (pet) they have been successfully paired with all sorts of other canines. Neutering is always the #1 thing you should not neglect and carefully select character types that are compatible and not similar.
If you have previously owned/trained other dogs, prepare yourself to be open to a change in how you have done that in the past. They are not naturally obedient but if you as leader gently insist on good habits consistently adhered to you will be successful. Use positive reinforcement to encourage proper behaviour, and monitor carefully your dog's reaction to everything you do together. They definitely have their own mind about most everything. And early socialization, from the moment they are born, cannot be neglected. When you choose yours, make sure this was done properly. Spend time with the litter at about 6wks of age. If you decide to choose 2, the pups themselves will show you who they are.
Good luck with this. Listen and trust your inner voice and your choice will be perfect.

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