Pyrenean Mountain Dog
Male: 50-64 kg; Female: 40-52 kg
Male: 70-82 cm; Female: 65-77 cm at the shoulder.
10-12 years
France and Spain (Pyrenees Mountains)
About the Pyrenean Mountain Dog
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a breed of immense size, power, and elegance, traditionally serving as the steadfast guardian of flocks in the treacherous terrain of the Pyrenees. Known for their 'dreamy' expression and majestic white coat, they are a calm and composed presence in the home. Despite their gentle nature with family, they remain instinctively vigilant and possess a deep sense of independence born from centuries of making autonomous decisions while guarding livestock in the mountains. In a domestic setting, they are devoted companions that require a patient owner who understands their guardian heritage. They are not 'servile' dogs but rather partners who respond best to positive reinforcement and mutual respect. Their thick double coat and unique double dewclaws on the hind legs are hallmarks of a breed designed to survive and thrive in snowy, rugged environments. They are best suited to homes with significant space where they can exercise their natural inclination to patrol and observe.
Breed Standard
Key characteristics from the breed standard
In the show ring, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is defined by its 'Pyrenean expression'—intelligent, contemplative, and slightly detached. The movement is remarkably smooth and elegant for a dog of its size, showing a 'driven' reach and push. The presence of double dewclaws on each rear leg is a mandatory breed requirement.
In Australia
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog was first introduced to Australia in 1939 with the arrival of dogs imported from the United Kingdom, including dogs from the 'Basquaerie' line, as noted by the Pyrenean Mountain Dog Club of Victoria to establish the breed as a show dog.
Bred For
Livestock guardian, specifically protecting sheep from wolves and bears in the high Pyrenees mountains.
Temperament
Confident, gentle, affectionate, and independent with a strong territorial and protective instinct.
Health Conditions Reported in the Breed
, , , (), osteorcoma, and eye conditions such as and .
Exercise Needs
Moderate daily exercise consisting of long walks and mental stimulation; they are not built for high-speed endurance but require regular movement to maintain muscle tone.
Grooming Needs
High. Requires thorough brushing at least twice weekly to prevent matting and manage heavy seasonal shedding of the thick undercoat.
Living Suitability
Not suited for apartment living. Requires a large, securely fenced yard or acreage. They thrive in cooler climates and need plenty of room to roam and patrol.
Good with Kids
Excellent with children; they are known for being patient, gentle, and protective 'nanny' dogs, though their size requires supervision around toddlers.
Good with Other Pets
Generally good with other dogs and household pets if raised with them, though they may be dominant with strange dogs of the same sex.
Trainability
Moderate; they are highly intelligent but independent thinkers. They require consistent, patient training and are not typically eager to perform repetitive tricks.
Coat & Colours
Thick, double coat; the outer coat is long, flat, and coarse, while the undercoat is dense and woolly.. Mainly white, or white with markings of badger, wolf grey, or pale yellow on the head, ears, and base of tail.
Exercise needs vary by age, fitness, health, weather and individual temperament. Consult your veterinarian for an exercise plan appropriate for your dog.
Things to Consider
Every breed has its quirks — here's what to know
Prospective owners should be aware that Pyrenean Mountain Dogs are predisposed to gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists. Using a fresh, species-appropriate diet and avoiding vigorous exercise after meals can help manage this risk. They are also more likely to develop hip and elbow dysplasia; maintaining a lean body weight through a fresh food diet is the best way to support their skeletal health. As natural guardians, they are predisposed to nocturnal barking—they are instinctively more active and vocal at night to ward off perceived threats, which may require management in suburban areas. Their magnificent coat is prone to heavy shedding and 'snowballing' in wet weather, requiring dedicated grooming time. Additionally, they can be quite independent and may have a stubborn streak when it comes to recall, as their instinct is to stay with their 'territory' rather than return immediately to a handler. They also tend to be moderate droolers, especially after drinking or in hot weather, but many find this a small trade-off for their serene and loyal companionship.
Feeding Guide for Your Pyrenean Mountain Dog
Healthy Weight
40-64 kg
Daily Feeding Amount (general starting estimate)
1000-1900 grams
For an adult Pyrenean Mountain Dog, a raw diet should focus on high-quality proteins and moderate fat to prevent obesity, which is taxing on their joints. Feeding should be split into two meals daily to minimize the risk of bloat. Estimated daily intake should be approximately 2-3% of their ideal body weight. For a 50kg dog, this equates to 1000g to 1500g of fresh food per day.
Feeding quantities are general starting estimates only. Individual needs vary with body condition, weight trends, age, health and activity. Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition — consult a veterinarian for individualised dietary guidance.
Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition. Seek veterinary or qualified canine nutrition guidance for individualised dietary advice. Raw feeding, specific proteins or fresh foods should not be presented as preventing, treating or managing breed health conditions without veterinary diagnosis and supervision.
Majestik's Recommended Feeding Approach
Breed Diet Notes
A high-quality, large-breed specific diet rich in glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support. Fresh, raw diets are highly beneficial for weight management and reducing inflammation.
The ideal raw diet for a Pyrenean Mountain Dog includes a rotation of lean proteins such as Kangaroo (excellent for weight control) and Beef or Lamb from Majestik Pet Food. Including omega-3 fatty acids from fish or green-lipped mussel powder is vital for joint health. Some owners use smaller divided meals and avoid strenuous activity immediately around feeding. These steps cannot guarantee prevention of gastric dilatation-volvulus. Seek urgent veterinary care if bloat is suspected.
These are general breed-level notes only. The appropriate food and serving amount depend on the individual dog's age, health, body condition, activity and tolerance.
Majestik Recommendation
Majestik BARF meals follow our practical 70/10/10/10 approach: approximately 70% quality meat and protein ingredients, 10% edible bone, 10% vegetables and 10% offal. This gives customers a convenient fresh-food option without needing to source and portion every ingredient themselves.
Our Beef, Lamb and Roo BARF meals provide convenient fresh-food options, with suitable proteins chosen or rotated according to the individual dog.
Suitable for different needs
- Healthy adult: Majestik adult Beef, Lamb or Roo BARF meal.
- Puppy: Majestik Premium Puppy.
- Senior: Majestik Senior Blend.
- Working or highly active dog: Suitable Majestik adult meal with quantity adjusted to workload and body condition.
- Protein trial: One Majestik protein at a time.
This is a practical starting recommendation for healthy dogs. Individual needs vary with age, health, body condition and activity.
Pyrenean Mountain Dog Feeding Calculator
Personalised raw and cooked feeding recommendations based on your dog's profile
Ideal — Ribs palpable without excess fat. Visible waist. Abdominal tuck present.
Have a question about your Pyrenean Mountain Dog? Dog Health AI
Why Majestik?
Fresh, raw pet food made with integrity in South Australia
Australian Made
Made in Two Wells, South Australia
Freshly Prepared
Real meat, organs, bone & wholefood ingredients
No Fillers
No cheap fillers or artificial preservatives
Family Owned
Locally owned and operated
Local Delivery
Delivery across Adelaide & selected areas
Secure Checkout
Secure payment via Shopify checkout
Subscribe & Save on Pyrenean Mountain Dog Meals
Get your Pyrenean Mountain Dog's fresh and raw meals delivered every two or four weeks. Small subscriptions are combined into a four-week box. Pause, skip or cancel anytime.
Breed Records & Facts
Average Litter Size
6-10 puppies
Pyrenean Mountain Dog Owner Feedback
Real experiences and tips from Pyrenean Mountain Dog owners
Other Giant Breeds
References & Sources
Breed information verified against recognised breed authorities and veterinary evidence.
