LGD's
Livestock Guardian Dogs
After a lot of research and studying to determine which breed of Livestock Guardian Dog (LGD) was the right breed for us, we decided on the Great Pyrenees. A decision we are very happy with. Our dogs have proven to us that they can be very successful guardian dogs and be friendly family members also.
Our dogs live with our goat herd... but they are also very socialized with people. They are friendly, leash trained, and easy to work with. They are also a deterrent for predators and stray dogs. Since the addition of our dogs to the herd, we have had no further problems with the neighbors dogs, and the coyotes are no longer coming into our pastures.
And at the same time our grandchildren can hug our dogs and pet them. And we have no fears of their gentleness with them.
You've seen these big, beautiful white dogs. You're impressed, naturally. You think you want one. This is understandable. But, is this the breed for you? They are not the ideal pet for everyone!
The mature, sedate Great Pyrenees which you have seen did not just materialize suddenly. It grew from a cuddly, lovable ball of fluff which at 8-12 weeks of age is most captivating. From puppyhood to adulthood is a great distance and a considerable time. As a breed they are remarkably healthy and long lived. They have few major genetic problems and usually live to be 10-12 years old.
Pyrs combine a great intelligence with a deep devotion to family and home, and a natural-born instinct to guard and protect. While trustworthy, affectionate, gentle and tractable, they can become, when and if the need arises, protective guardians of their family and their territory. Thus, they command respect as watch dogs as well as admiration as pets.
Adult Pyrs are placid by nature and calm in the house, enjoying quiet periods in which to rest and sleep. But they are a large breed and as such are not always suited to life in a small apartment or urban setting with little yard space and lots of activity around. They want their life to be consistent and predictable.
The addition of a dog to your family is a major decision and deserves a great deal of time and thought. A Great Pyrenees is placid by nature, so despite their size, they are excellent house dogs. Yes, an adult Pyr is a beautiful, calm dog, but there are other considerations-have you thought of these?
Considerations
Are you physically able to handle a very large dog? Basically gentle, they are strong, and during the phases of puppyhood can be a real challenge.
Does dog hair around the house bother you? If so, forget the Pyrenees. While with routine grooming they are not much different than any other breed, they do shed and there are white hairs in Pyr homes and on Pyr people.
A Pyr needs love and attention on a daily basis. Are you and your family able to provide this? A lonesome Pyr is a bored dog, and a bored dog can become destructive.
Great Pyrenees are at heart guard dogs and members of the great family of livestock guardian dogs. As such, they share with them certain strong characteristics. Pyrs were bred to be left alone with the sheep up in the mountain valleys. They are a guard dog by instinct, not by training. Their basic personality is different from most breeds, since most breeds were bred to take commands from people, while Pyrs were bred to work on their own.
A Great Pyrenees is an intelligent, sometimes willful animal. They have minds of their own and are not easily obedience trained. Things that you consider important may not be the same things your Pyrenees considers important. Many are almost cat-like, in their independence.
If you require a dog who will be a great "off-leash" companion for your outdoor activities, if you want a dog who will follow your every command, or if you want a competition obedience dog, the Pyrenees is probably not for you.
Do you have room for a Pyr? They are large and must be confined in a well fenced area, or they will exercise their powerful instinct to establish and patrol a large territory. When out of the fence they must be kept on lead at all times.
Like all livestock guardian breeds, Great Pyrenees are barkers, especially at night. The amount of barking varies from individual to individual, but the instinct is there and in some cases can cause major problems. Most Great Pyrenees in urban or suburban settings must be kept indoors at night.
The Great Pyrenees is a guard dog and as such cannot be expected to welcome uninvited intrusions onto your property. They will accept anyone whom you invite into your home. They are not "attack" dogs, but can be very intimidating to the surprised visitor. It is an owner's obligation to maintain a Great Pyrenees so that his guarding instincts can be exercised in a responsible way.
Do you Still want a Pyr?...
Choices
Male or female? This is a personal choice. The male is larger, and carries more coat, but they both show the same affection for, and protection of, their family. The bitch, unless spayed will come into season every six months, the first season is usually around a year of age. The decision as to which sex is yours. If the animal is to be a companion, and not for breeding, have it spayed or neutered at 6-8 months of age. A neutered animal will make a happier and healthier pet, and will probably live longer.
Not sure you want a puppy...
Consider inquiring about an adult dog. Pyrs adjust easily to a new home.
We currently do not have any adult dogs available.
1997-2010
Our beloved senior guard dog. Passed away March 4, 2010.
Is a Great Pyrenees for you?
Perry's Miz Tulla
(Herman III X Uphoff's Sara)
Tulla is a wonderful LGD who has kept coyotes and stray dogs out of our pastures on more than one occasion. She is proving to be an incredible LGD and mom to our pups.
Perry's Sweet Emma Lou
(Herman III X Jovin's Nanook Zsa Zsa)
Emma joined the team in December 2005. This girl IS an LGD... she takes the job very seriously. She is a secure strong point in our gaudian team. Emma Lou has no fear... coyotes, fox, stray dogs, hawks, eagles... makes no difference to her, they are all intolerable.
Bearin Yon Blizzard
(Kindredpyrzglacierofmission X Star Lake Crystal)
Bear has not only produced us great pups... Bear is proving to be a fantastic Guardian Dog as well. Bear is a very large boy... big boned and gorgeous... his pups are no different. Doris and Mel Uphoff are co-owners of Bear, and we thank them for the oppertunity to share in this magnificent animal.
Fozzie Bear
(Bearin Yon Blizzard X Sweet Emma Lou)
We were smitten.... Fozzie is a pup from our 2008 litter. We fell in love with him and kept him as part of our LGD Team.
Mark and Pam Perry * Bayard, NE * 308-631-6398