Golden Pyrenee, Golden Retriever And The Great Pyrenees Mix

The Golden Pyrenees is the result of cross-breeding the Golden Retriever and the Great Pyrenees. This beautiful outcome takes the best out of its parents: a luscious appearance and wonderful character.

The Great Pyrenees is, as its name suggests it, very large (over 25 inches and weighs more than 110 pounds). The Golden Retriever is also of a decent size (22-27 inches and up to 115 pounds). As a result, the Golden Pyrenees is a large dog just like their parents (up to 32 inches and 75-120 pounds).

It is classified as a working, sporting crossbreed. That means that it is considered it can be used more than just as a pet. Its working traits enables Golden Pyrenees to assist humans in certain tasks, to work as a social dog for impaired people. As a sporting dog, it can help in hunting activities and participate in games.

Quick – Pros & Cons of a Golden Pyrenees

Being a large dog, hip dysplasia is a common health problem. Otherwise, their life span is long and you will enjoy its loving company for at least 10 to 12 years if proper care is provided to it. But you should be very careful about their health and lifestyle as big dogs are known to sometimes live less than 10 years.

It is a large active dog and it needs its space. They usually have to have a yard and good daily exercise like long energetic walks and playtime will keep it cheerful and allow them to consume their energy. Apartment life is not a good idea at all. They’ll knock everything down and their occasional barking will be a problem for many neighbors.

All these traits depend very much on the unique blend of parent’s appearance and character, but in general, the Golden Pyrenees is an excellent pet. It just needs a very strong and firm owner to respond properly to training. Otherwise, the dog will not take you seriously and will even become stubborn.

Pros

– Very docile and trainable

– Very good for families with children.

– Highly intelligent

–Great with older people

–Excellent for active people

Cons

– Need space and need a yard to play

– Hip dysplasia is a common health problem

– Need moderate grooming as they shed a lot

Temperament

Golden Pyrenees have a wonderful character. It is kind, loyal, and devoted as a Golden Retriever and alert and hard-working like a Great Pyrenees. It is great with families and towards anyone who showers it with affection. With kids, it behaves beautifully. Towards other dogs and pets, it is friendly, taking off after its Golden parent.

Those dogs take a lot of their personality from their parents. They are known to be gentle giants who love attention and are very affectionate. And since they are very big, they also require a strong owner who can handle them. Otherwise, they have the tendency to practice “selective deafness”. This means they choose to hear only what they want.

When it comes to guarding, they are not the best choice around. This is because despite being wary of strangers, they are extremely friendly. They are the types of dogs that you will need to keep an eye on to make sure none kidnaps them. Those dogs are best kept next to the owner most of the time. They require a lot of attention and can have separation anxiety.

Is it good with children?

The Golden Retriever and Great Pyrenees mix is very gentle and loves playing around with anyone that will give it attention. But you should keep in mind that this is a very large dog. This means it can easily knock down a toddler just by wagging its tail. Don’t leave your small children around the dog unsupervised.

Once your kids are big enough to handle such a large pet, you can start letting them play together but only when you are around. Those dogs won’t bite, but if they are in a lot of pain they might try to warn the child to leave them alone. Make sure your kid understands that the dog is a living being and not a simple toy.

As long as the rules between them are clear and they respect each other, they will be able to play together without the risk of causing an accident.

Behavior towards strangers

Golden Pyrenees are very well-known for their friendliness and you will have to train them very well if you want to use them as guard dogs. Even then, their sweet personality can make their job a lot harder. They will protect you and your family from anyone that perceives as a threat.

But they are much better-suited as friendly home pets. Those dogs can make friends with pretty much anyone that wants their attention. This is also why you should have a well-fenced property as they will try their best to get to anyone that passes by.

How it does with other pets/dogs

Those dogs are excellent with other pets as well. It’s always better to raise all the pets together, but their friendly nature makes them accept a new pet even when they are adults. More than that, their gentleness allows them to play with even the smallest pets without hurting them.

One thing you should keep in mind is that their extreme friendliness can bother other pets, such as the cats who want to be left alone. This might cause the big dog to end up with a few tiny scratches on the nose. Supervise your pets until they get used to one another.

Aggressiveness of a Golden Retriever & Great Pyrenees Mix

If you are looking for a dog that is very intimidating, you should look somewhere else as the Golden Pyrenees has a very bubbly personality. It won’t hesitate to defend itself or its family but it won’t start a fight. Those dogs prefer playtime and lots of affection.

This also makes them excellent as support animals for disabled people. They are great at following commands and won’t get aggressive unless they are provoked.

Does it bark a lot?

The Golden Pyrenees is not a very vocal dog but it will alert you when a stranger is approaching your home. They might also start barking when they are very excited or want to attract your attention. This can make them OK for areas that don’t allow lots of barking. However, since they are extremely large dogs, you should expect that their barks will be very loud.

If you are a good trainer, you can teach the dog that is not OK to bark at certain times of the day. But don’t worry, even if you are not an experienced trainer, you should be able to find a professional around you.

Appearance and Grooming

Golden Pyrenees keeps the Golden-like face: with almond–shaped dark brown eyes, long muzzle, dark nose, and medium–long floppy ears. It has a slightly stronger and taller body Great Pyrenees-like. It combines the traits of an agile and obedient Golden and the strength of the guarding mountain Great Pyrenees.

Golden Pyrenees has a fluffier, dense, long double coat than the Golden, and it can be black, white, brown, and gray. Since it comes from an average and a seasonally heavy shedder, the Golden Pyrenees shads pretty heavily and need moderate grooming.

How big does it get?

Golden Pyrenees can get very large and you will need a lot of space for them. Both females and males can grow anywhere between 24 and 32 inches tall and weigh between 70 and 110 pounds. This is why you should look for another pet if you live in an apartment. They are quite energetic and can cause a lot of noise.

They thrive in big homes with large yards that are very well-fenced. This gives them the necessary space to consume their energy and play lots of games. It’s even better if you have another of the same size they can play with.

What does a Golden Pyrenees look like?

The Golden Pyrenees is well-known for having a regal stance and a very well-proportioned body that is just a bit longer than it is high. This makes it look like a quite intimidating dog until you get to know it. The chest is deep and the forelegs are straight and very strong.

Their head is slightly rounded and they always have floppy ears. Their eyes are always brown and their nose black. Those dogs take the appearance of their eyes from their Golden Retriever parent. They are almond-shaped and have a very deep color. This makes their face very expressive and alert.

Appearance and color

Their large bodies and in a very long and fluffy tail. And most of the time they have a ruff of fur around their throats. Their muzzles are very big and they can have a very strong bite if they want to. But you need to keep in mind that their looks can vary from puppy to puppy. This is because they can end up looking more like a parent than the other.

The Golden Retriever has a very beautiful golden coat. On the other hand, the Great Pyrenees is almost always completely white. This is most Golden Pyrenees are a light golden color. But they can also be white, grey, black, brown, and even a bright golden.

Type of coat

Golden Pyrenees take their long coats from both of their parents and you need to keep in mind that it’s quite dense. It’s also mostly straight, which makes it easier to groom. One thing you can always expect from those dogs is the soft feathering on the legs.

A popular look is a light golden coat with a darker golden one around the ears. This shapes their faces very nicely and gives them an even more expressive look. Their coats can also be a lot longer and look almost exactly like that of the Great Pyrenees parent. And they can also have a much shorter coat in some cases. It’s very hard to predict how mixed dogs will look like.

How easy it is to groom?

Grooming may be the most challenging part with Golden Pyrenees. Their big fluffy luscious coat needs lots of brushing, trimming and, grooming and their ears need to be taken care of regularly. They are pretty heavy shedders and this may have an impact on how much cleaning after them you may have to do.

For grooming, you will need a pin brush, comb, and a deshedder. These tools will help you keep their coat under control. And always make sure you have a good-quality nail clipper around to maintain their nails short. Keep in mind that those dogs will need daily coat brushing but also daily teeth brushing. This will keep their teeth healthy.

Care Guide – Diet, Exercise & Health Issues

Golden Pyrenees are quite hard to maintain health and happiness, which is why they are not ideal for first-time owners. They require a lot of attention, care, and a strong-minded owner. You will have to continuously give your dog the attention it needs and correct its behavior every time something happens. This will ensure that you will have a great adult dog that listens to you and doesn’t cause any problems.

Besides a few health issues that are common for such big dogs, the Golden Pyrenees are quite healthy as long as they’re getting their exercise. And you need to keep in mind that this giant dog also has a giant appetite.

Diet Tips: What does it eat?

These dogs need a diet that is specifically formulated for a large dog with medium-to-high levels of energy. You can opt for kibble, wet food, or a raw diet, it doesn’t really matter as long as the dog gets all the nutrients it needs. Just be extra careful with the raw diet if you’re not an expert.

The best way to know exactly what you should feed your dog is to talk to your vet. If your puppy needs some adjustments made to its diet, your vet should be able to tell after a few checkups.

Exercise Requirements: Keeping the dog in shape

This is a dog that is not only big but also very fast. If you’re not a fan of jogging, you might struggle to keep up with this energetic giant ball of fur. It’s very strong and it absolutely loves tagging along with matter where you’re going.

Make sure you’re taking the dog out as much as it needs and that you have the proper tools for playtime. This includes various balls, fake bones, fake sticks, etc. They need to be active to remain healthy and ensure they won’t become destructive.

Common Health Issues for a Golden Pyrenees

Hip Dysplasia is a very common health issue with big dogs, including the Golden Pyrenees. This is a major concern you should be aware of, along with Patellar Luxation and von Willebrand’s Disease. Other concerns are Congenital Eye Defects and Bloating.

It’s important to take your dog to the vet regularly and make sure there are various tests made. This includes full physical examinations, Buccal Mucosal Screenings, Ophthalmic examinations, blood tests, X-rays, etc.

Training a Golden Pyrenees

They are a very good combination between intelligence and alertness so training them should be easy. They’re kind and eager to please and they respond well to positive incentives. These dogs only become stubborn when they’re not aware of who exactly is in charge in the house. It happens with any dog but since bigger dogs are harder to control, you should be extra careful.

Work together with a professional to make sure everything is going smoothly. Be firm, strong-minded, and don’t let the dog have it his way. And at the same time, be patient, calm, and reward positive behavior.

Obedience Training

With such a big dog, obedience training needs to start as soon as you bring the puppy home. It’s very important to make sure the dog listens to your ever command and that it doesn’t ignore you when it notices a cat or a stranger.

You should be able to send it to an obedience course but it’s better to be present during the training. A professional can walk you through the whole process and carefully help you train your dog without getting too frustrated during the process.

Socialization

Socialization is a very important thing for Golden Pyrenees. They are naturally extremely friendly and affectionate dogs, which can cause them to go up to everyone and ask for attention. This can scare people because of how big Golden Pyrenees are and they need to learn when it’s OK to approach people and when to stay put.

You should also introduce your puppy to as many new pets as possible. This will help the dog be friendly and gently with other pets as well.

Exercise requirements

Golden Pyrenees around 10-12 miles of walking per week. This should be plenty of time to get rid of all the extra energy. You should offer the dog around 2 hours of outdoor activity each day, and it works best if it’s split into two or three separate sections. This means taking the dog out in the morning and in the evening. Just remember that they do better in col weather so don’t take them out in the middle of the day.

Breeding & Puppies

A litter of Golden Pyrenees is typically around 6 puppies but it can vary from 1 to 8 or more. It all depends on the situation. All the puppies are typically very playful, however, you should keep them away from younger children.

The puppies are very fragile but they grow quite fast. At around three months of age, they should be around 18 inches in height.

Finding a Great Pyrenees and Golden Retriever Mix – Kennels & Pedigree

Golden Pyrenees are a mix of the Golden Retriever and Great Pyrenees dogs. They’re just as sweet and adorable as their parents, but sadly they’re not recognized by the American Kennel Club. This is because any designer dog is not considered a pure breed and they only recognize pure breeds.

You should always look in shelters for the dog you’re looking for as many people tend to buy expensive dogs without realizing how big they can actually get.

How much does a mixed Golden Pyrenees cost?

A Golden Pyrenee puppy can cost anywhere between $400 and $2000, depending on who the parents are. The parents usually cost around $500 at the lowest price and they can cost as much as $5000. Make sure to ask as many questions as possible and to ask for all the necessary papers before getting the puppy home. A good breeder won’t be bothered by the questions, in fact, he’ll ask quite a lot of questions as well to ensure the dog ends up with a responsible and loving family.

History & Origins of the mixed breed

Golden Pyrenees, like many other designer breeds, have been purposely created in America somewhere in the late 1990s and early 2000s. These dogs may have existed in the past accidentally as well. Unfortunately, there is nothing known on who exactly come up with this mix as no one has come forward claiming Golden Pyrenees as their creation. There is still a lot to learn about these dogs, their personality, health, and so on.

Golden Retriever originated sometime in the 19th century when Tweed Water Spaniels were bred with Wavy Coated Retrievers with the goal of creating a dog that can excel in retrieving games both in water and on land. Today, they are usually used as companions and they make excellent therapy dogs due to their sweet and bubbly personality.

The Great Pyrenees, also known as Pyrenean Mountain Dogs, have a much longer history and they originated on the Pyrenean Mountain (hence the name) and were used to protect livestock from wolves. They are still very good guard dogs and are still used for various jobs. Unfortunately, this is not a popular breed so not many people even heard of it.

Conclusion

Golden Pyrenees make great pets for pretty much anyone. This includes single people, big families, people that love to travel a lot, disabled people that need a bit of help getting around, etc. They’re very sweet and can adjust to different situations pretty well. Just keep in mind that they don’t do too well with very hot weather. Otherwise, they’re the perfect dog for many people.

FAQ – Related Questions

How big does a Golden Pyrenees get?

The Golden Pyrenees is a quite large dog as it can reach around 32 inches in height and weigh anywhere between 70 to 120 pounds. This is why these dogs require a strong and firm owner that can gain their trust and respect.

Is a Golden Pyrenees hypoallergenic?

Golden Pyrenees are far from being hypoallergenic dogs. They shed a lot and you will need to spend quite some time grooming them. Having a daily scheduled grooming ritual is highly recommended. Otherwise, you will find your dog’s hair pretty much everywhere.

Do Golden Pyrenees bark a lot?

While they’re not very vocal, Golden Pyrenees will bark when it has to alert you about something. They’re big dogs so you should expect their barks to be very strong and loud.

Golden Pyrenees Photos