Golden Pyrenees, also known as Golden Retriever Pyrenees, is a designer hybrid breed that blends the friendly and outgoing nature of the Golden Retriever with the protective instincts and majestic size of the Great Pyrenees. This mix, a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Great Pyrenees, is known for its gentle temperament, large size, and love for family.
Golden Pyrenees have a wonderful personality with floppy ears and long muzzles. They have an incredibly thick, fluffy coat with different colors and patterns. These gentle giants look gorgeous with a plumed tail, a sturdy body, and well-muscled legs.
Known for their loyalty and affectionate nature, these dogs are ideal for families or individuals with ample outdoor space and a commitment to regular exercise and training.
Male vs. Female Golden Pyrenees: Size Information And Lifespan
- Male Golden Pyrenees: The Golden Pyrenees tend to be slightly larger and more independent. They can be a bit more territorial, but they are highly protective of their family. The height of a male is about 24-30”. They weigh around 80-115 lbs.
- Female Golden Pyrenees: Often slightly smaller, females tend to be more nurturing and can be more attached to family members. Females may be easier to train in some cases. The females weigh around 70-110 lbs.
Both genders are loyal and loving—moreover, spaying and neutering help reduce temperament issues in your pet.
The lifespan of the Golden Pyrenees is around 10–12 years.
Behavior and Temperament Of Golden Pyrenees
Golden Pyrenees are known for their gentle, loyal, and affectionate nature. They are excellent family dogs who are highly protective of their loved ones. Due to the Great Pyrenees’ guarding instincts, they are likely to be cautious around strangers, making them great watchdogs. However, they also inherit the friendly nature of the Golden Retriever, so they can be social with proper socialization. The Golden Pyrenees show a strong love for family and tend to be protective.
Brief History
The Golden Pyrenees is a relatively new breed, and its exact origins are unclear. It is believed to have originated in the United States through the intentional breeding of Golden Retrievers and Great Pyrenees. However, the Great Pyrenees is an old breed and is considered to be the ancestor of all retrieving breeds. The Golden Retrievers were bred as gundogs and used to retrieve fallen game, whereas the Great Pyrenees were raised as watchdogs for protecting flocks of sheep in the Pyrenees Mountain.
Appearance, Personality, and Traits of a Golden Retriever Great Pyrenees Mix
A gorgeously huge and fluffy dog, the Golden Retriever Great Pyrenees mix frequently has a thick, double-layered coat that can be cream or golden in color, with white patches showing up from time to time. They may have feathers around their legs, chest, and tail, which is a trait passed down from their Golden Retriever side.
Their coat is usually silky and voluminous, giving them a fluffy, huggable appearance. Typically dark brown, their expressive eyes exude a tender, heartfelt look. They have a powerful, muscular frame, reflecting the vigor of the Great Pyrenees, and a large head with floppy ears that enhance their accessible, friendly aspect.
They are well-known for their elegant walk and serene, vigilant posture. Their appearance blends sophistication and a dash of toughness, which is ideal for their combination of protective and amiable tendencies.
Here is a comparison of traits from parental breeds and hybrid breeds.
Traits Carried by Parent Breeds: Golden Retriever vs. Great Pyrenees vs. Golden Pyrenees
| Trait | Golden Retriever | Great Pyrenees | Golden Pyrenees |
| Temperament | Friendly, outgoing, social | Protective, calm, independent | Loyal, friendly, and watchful |
| Size | Medium to large | Large | Large |
| Exercise Needs | High | Moderate | Moderate to high |
| Coat | Dense, water-repellent | Thick, double-coated | Thick, may shed year-round |
| Family Compatibility | Excellent with families and kids | Good with families, wary of strangers | Great family pet, protective with strangers |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years | 10-12 years | 10-12 years |
Golden Retriever Great Pyrenees Mix Pictures
Golden Pyrenees Care Requirements
Housing Requirements: Golden Pyrenees can adapt to both indoor and outdoor living, but they require plenty of space to roam and exercise. According to their size and exercise needs, Golden Pyrenees are best suited for larger homes with access to a fenced yard. They may struggle in apartments due to their space requirements and natural need for activity.
Grooming Requirements: Regular brushing is essential to maintain their coat’s health and prevent matting. They shed moderately, so frequent grooming is necessary.
Food: A high-quality dog food formulated for large breeds is recommended.
Compatibility with Other Pets and Children: Golden Pyrenees are generally good with other pets and children, especially if they are raised together. However, early socialization is crucial.
Exercise requirements: Provide daily exercise to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever Mix Exercise Requirements
Golden Pyrenees require at least 1-2 hours of exercise daily. They enjoy activities like walking, running, and playing fetch. This helps manage their weight and prevents boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors.
Half Golden Half Pyrenees Food Requirements
Golden Pyrenees should be fed high-quality dog food rich in protein. They typically need 3-5 cups of food daily, split into two meals. Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity, which can exacerbate joint issues in large breeds.
Golden Pyrenees need a high-quality dog food rich in protein and healthy fats:
- Puppies: Special puppy food formulated for large breeds.
- Adults: 4-6 cups of high-protein dry food daily, divided into two meals. Choose food free from fillers and with natural ingredients to support their joints and immune system.
Grooming Requirements of Golden Pyrenees
Golden Pyrenees have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming.
- Brushing: 3-4 times a week to manage shedding.
- Bathing: Every 1-2 months or as needed.
- Nail Trimming: Every 3-4 weeks.
- Dental Care: Weekly brushing or dental chews.
Golden Pyrenees Health Issues
- A hereditary disorder known as “Hip Dysplasia” causes wear and tear on the hip joint because it does not fit into the hip socket correctly. In huge breeds like the Golden Pyrenees, it can eventually cause pain, lameness, and arthritis.
- The elbow’s improper growth or development is the source of Elbow dysplasia, a joint ailment that causes discomfort, stiffness, and eventually arthritis. If left untreated, it can impair a dog’s mobility and is prevalent in larger breeds.
- Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus): Bloat is the result of gas in the stomach twisting and obstructing blood flow in dogs. Since shock and organ damage can occur rapidly, it is life-threatening and requires prompt veterinarian care.
- The disease known as Aortic stenosis is characterized by the narrowing of the aorta, which makes it more difficult for the heart to pump blood. It is more prevalent in Golden Retrievers and, if left untreated, can result in heart failure.
5 Reasons to Own a Golden Pyrenees
- Protective Nature: They are natural guardians and protect their families. They have picked up this trait from the Great Pyrenees.
- Gentle with Children: Known for being gentle and patient around kids. Therefore, they are considered excellent family dogs.
- Loyal companionship: They form strong bonds with their families.
- Intelligent and Trainable: They are responsive to training with positive reinforcement. As they are quite intelligent, as their parents training is easier.
- Good with Other Pets: When socialized early, they’re friendly with other animals.
5 Reasons Not to Own a Golden Pyrenees
- Size: Their large size can be challenging for small homes or apartments. They need ample space for exercise.
- Shedding: They shed a lot, which may not be ideal for allergy sufferers.
- Exercise Needs and High Energy Levels: They require regular exercise and mental stimulation. This needs a commitment from the pet parents to spare time for walks and other physical activity.
- High-Maintenance Coat: Their thick double coat requires regular grooming.
- Cost of Care: They require more food, grooming, and veterinary care due to their size.
Similar Breeds To Consider
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- Labradoodle: A mix of Labrador and Poodle, known for its friendly nature.
- Bernese Mountain Dog: Large, gentle, and great with families.
- Newfoundland: Another gentle giant, great with kids and very protective.
- Saint Bernard: Loyal, affectionate, and excellent with children.
- Great Pyrenees: Protective, gentle, independent, loyal
- Golden Retriever: Friendly, intelligent, eager-to-please, affectionate
- Bernese Mountain Dog: Calm, strong, good-natured, family-oriented
- Newfoundland: Gentle, patient, strong swimmer, devoted
Golden Retriever Great Pyrenees Mix Puppies for sale
Golden Pyrenees puppies can be purchased from reputable breeders, adoption shelters, or online pet adoption sites like Petfinder or Adopt-a-Pet. Ensure the breeder is responsible and provides health clearances for both parent breeds. You can also get from the Great Pyrenees Society and lancasterpuppies which offers healthy dog breeds.
The cost of a Golden Pyrenees puppy can vary depending on the breeder and lineage, but it typically ranges from $800 to $1500.
What to look for in a healthy Golden Retriever Great Pyrenees Mix puppy?
- Microchipped
- vet Checked
- Vaccinated
- Dewormed
- Family Raised
- Socialized
- Kid Friendly
- Healthy
Upkeep Cost
The monthly upkeep cost can vary but typically includes:
- Food: $50-100.
- Medical Checkups and Preventatives: $30-100.
- Grooming: $30-50 per month if done professionally.
- Miscellaneous Supplies (toys, training aids): $20-30.
Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever Mix Interesting Facts
- Because of their size and placid disposition, they are referred to as “gentle giants.”They are amiable and inherently protective.
- They inherited their protective qualities from the Great Pyrenees, making them natural guardians.
- The soothing and reassuring nature of the Golden Pyrenees makes them ideal for therapeutic work.
- They often have a thick coat that is resistant to weather and can withstand cold temperatures.
- They inherit the Great Pyrenees’ independence as well as the Golden Retriever’s joyful nature.
- Despite their reputation for being friendly, their stature can be frightening.
- They are a designer breed that is quite new.
- All year long, they shed moderately.
- They are intelligent and very trainable.
- When socialized early, they get along well with other animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Are Golden Pyrenees good with children and other pets?
Answer: Yes, they are gentle and patient with children, making them ideal family pets. With early socialization, they can coexist peacefully with other pets.
Question 2: Do Golden Pyrenees shed a lot?
Answer: Yes, they shed moderately to heavily, especially during seasonal changes.
Question 3: How much exercise do they need?
Answer: They need about 1-2 hours of exercise daily to keep them healthy and content.
Question 4: Are they easy to train?
Answer: They are trainable, but consistency is key due to their occasional independence.
Question 5: Can they live in apartments?
Answer: They’re better suited to homes with yards due to their size and exercise needs.
Question 6: How big do Golden Pyrenees get?
Answer: They can grow between 75 and 115 pounds and reach 24-32 inches in height.
Question 7: Do Golden Pyrenees bark a lot?
Answer: Although their barking frequency varies from person to person, they bark frequently.
Conclusion
The Golden Pyrenees is a fantastic option for families and individuals ready to embrace their loyalty, gentle nature, and protective instincts. If you’re looking for a dog that’s both a loving companion and a watchful guardian, this breed is worth considering.
