How Long Do Great Pyrenees Live (And Why)?

How Long Do Great Pyrenees Live (And Why)?

Exact Answer: 10 – 12 Years

The Great Pyrenees, also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a breed of guardian dog from France. In France, it is called Chien de Montagne des Pyrenees or more commonly the Patou. In the United States, the name the Great Pyrenees is popular. The breed gets its name from the French side of the Pyrenees Mountains that separate the countries of France and Spain.

The Great Pyrenees are identified separately from Pyrenean Mastiff which is from the Spanish side of the mountains. The Pyrenean Mountain Dog breed is particularly used in the United States to protect flocks from various predators.

This breed of dog is considered one of the oldest natural dog breeds of all time. When one is thinking of having a Great Pyrenees, understanding the breeds’ life span is important when looking after these dogs.

How Long Do Great Pyrenees Live

How Long Do Great Pyrenees Live?

Types Of BreedsLifespan
Small dog breeds. For example, Chihuahua15 – 17 years
Medium dog breeds. For example, Australian Shepherd12 – 15 years
Large dog breeds. For example, The Great Pyrenees10 – 12 years

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a very large and heavily built breed of dog. The breed’s head is not overly large in comparison to the body. It has a long, broad, and slightly pointed muzzle with lips that are not pendulous. The ears are small triangular in shape that hangs to the head. The dogs have a short and strong neck, a moderately deep chest, and a long low hanging tail.

These dogs are predominantly white, with patches of black, grey, or various other colors found mostly on the head. The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is today used in its original as a livestock guardian for French shepherds in the Frensch Pyrenees, French Alps, and the United States.

It is a universal fact that the Great Pyrenees cannot stay with us forever, thus one needs to comprehend the perils of old age and the average life expectancy of Great Pyrenees. According to the United States breed survey, the average lifespan of Great Pyrenees Dog is 10 – 12 years with some living two to three years more than their expected life expectancy.

Why Do Great Pyrenees Live This Long?

The Great Pyrenees have majestic personalities. They are brave, powerful, and make the most pleasant dogs to own. This breed whose origins make them inherent predators knows quite well how to take care of the ones they love. It is a breed of dog that is strong and sturdy. As they fall under the large category of dogs, their lifespan is not too long which goes for almost all larger breeds.

Numerous factors affect the lifespan of the Great Pyrenean Dog, including breed, size, and the general health of the animal. The average lifespan of 10 – 12 years of the Great Pyrenees can be additionally stretched to 2 – 3 years more only if they are properly looked after. Thus, if one owns the Great Pyrenees or is considering having one, make sure to take good care of them.

Also, since these are purebred dogs, they are more prone to genetic health problems like hip and elbow dysplasia. Heart problems and bone cancer are also a big concern when it comes to Great Pyrenees. There are also quite susceptible to hearing and vision problems. Because of their deep-chested body, they are at a higher risk of gastrointestinal syndrome.

The most important factor in keeping one’s Great Pyrenees healthy and eventually increasing their lifespan is how happy can one keep them. One must treat them as a part of the family, shower them with lots of love, and this might help them to stay healthy and happy.

Conclusion

The Great Pyrenees are guard dogs that require a home that understands them. The dogs belonging to this breed are known to have a calm temperament. A distinctive feature of this breed is that it possesses double dewclaws on its hind legs, the absence of which is considered a disqualifying fault in conformation breed shows. The Great Pyrenees’ feet and toes are heavily protected by significant padding.

If one wants to raise this breed, then they must be provided with love, affection, and warmth. Taking proper care of them and fulfilling their wants and needs can eventually make them live longer than their expected lifespan.

References

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc548637/
  2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0304376283901232
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