When you purchase one of our dogs we want to make sure the dog you are taking home will fit with your personality, home and what you want one of our dogs for, whether it be for a lifestock guardian or as a pet.

 

First and foremost, these are not quiet dogs. They are bred to use their bark as a first deterrent against predators - as such, it is a large part of their personality. They like to talk. Often they bark only when outside and see or hear something, or if someone comes to the door. This can however be frustrating to neighbours, and often your large primarily white dog will be the target of blame for barking in the neighbourhood (regardless of whether it is actually them). This is an honest concern - we know how upsetting it can be to have disagreements with your neighbours. Please consider whether this is something you are prepared for.

 

A Great Pyrenees is not for everyone. No Pyrenees is precisely like another, and above all they are independent -- as they should be! When considering adding this dog to your family, remember that they are bred to think for themselves and make their own decisions. In the Pyrenean mountains they are left to their own devices and decisions when protecting their flock - there is no shepherd with them. When they are given a command, there will be a pause as they consider whether this this the correct action to take at this time. They can do obedience, but do not expect the rapid fire response that a more domesticated breed (such as a Border Collie or Labrador) will give you.

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At 7 weeks of age we temperament test every puppy to determine the lifestyle, and ultimately owners, best for them. We determine which puppies are suitable as a livestock guardian, which are best homed as pets, and which are flexible enough to do both!

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Temperament is paramount for Pyrenees. Most Pyrenees are great family pets, however sometimes we can pick out puppies that are not suited for small children who may not yet have the skills to deal with a big dog. We will go over the puppy testing results with you, explaining why we feel this particular puppy will or will not be best for you. It is important to understand you cannot bully a Pyrenees, but that you must often be firm. If they feel they can make better decisions than you, they will. All Pyrs are individuals, and we love them for it.

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When you contact us for a puppy, we try to match you to the puppy best suited to you - this may not always be the puppy you think you want. Sometimes the more "charismatic" puppy is the one who is too independent and too dominant to be suitable with small children or people not familiar with the breed. Please understand we place our puppies where they will do best - you must trust us in this process.

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In order to have a Pyrenees from us, there must be secure fencing of at least 5ft in place (6ft even better). Great Pyrenees will wander, and although they often come back, sometimes events obstruct them from doing so. Also, we do not wish to learn of a dog we bred having been hit by a car or shot. As such, we require fencing.

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We will send you home with an "instruction manual" on the basics of caring for your new addition upon purchase -- it is required reading as part of our contract. If you are purchasing a working dog we recommend buying and reading Livestock Protection Dogs: Selection, Care and training by Orysia Dawydiak, available online from Amazon, first. This is the best book for understanding your guardian dog. Please do not expect your pup to be able to do their job solo. A young pup does best learning from an older experienced dog, or guided by their owner until they are comfortable on their own and understand that livestock are not playmates! We are here to help you and your new guardian have a loving and positive relationship.

 

We are available 24/7 for you and your Cidwm Pyr.