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Keeping

The Pyrenean mountain dog belongs to the family of large dogs, so they need different keeping and nutrition. It is worth to feed them with fewer, but better quality food, therefore it’s not expensive to have a Pyrenean mountain dog. When fed with premium dry food, they eat about 27 kg in about 35/40 days. Pyrenees are easy to keep, because they show you how much food they need. They are rarely obese or overweight.

You need to take care of the puppies’ nutrition; they mustn’t grow fast because they can get bone skin inflammation due to the intense bone growth. Every juvenile lameness must be taken seriously because it usually starts with a bone lesion and if this is ignored, it leads to permanent wear of the joints. It is better to give them cheaper food, or a mixture of cheap and high quality food. They need calcium either in the form of tablets or milk.

From time to time bones (but no tubular bones), raw meat (beef, turkey, chicken) are recommended but a super high quality food is not necessary. Keep in mind not to overfeed them, although these dogs do not eat quickly, but more relaxed and slow. After feeding, give them time to relax, because if they jump around with full bellies, they can get twisted stomach. They need plenty of water, especially in summer. In winter, you must increase the feeding and the supply of calories. It is better if they have a protected terrace in the garden or courtyard, from which they can keep their environment in sight. They do not feel comfortable in warm apartments.

Aging dogs need other feeding, and the movement of older Pyrenees is very important. They rarely get arthritis or circulation problems. Often, however, they suffer from tick-borne infections because of the large coat, making their detection difficult, and limit the effect of conventional preservatives. You may be better assured with several preservatives.

The claws do not have to be cut when the dogs move enough, the dew claws are an exception. The teeth are good but prone to plaque formation. Eye infection is rare. Conditioning on a walk to lead is important. They obey easily, but this must be trained daily.

The Pyrenean mountain dog makes no problem on the street, but don’t forget that you cannot control it with pure power. You will get a problem free dog if you teach it to “come”. Never keep Pyrenees on chains! Pyrenean mountain dogs need freedom and a large area, which they can protect. A simple wooden dog house is enough for them, but mostly they sleep outdoors in the snow and ice. After the 6th Month of life, when the coat is well developed enough, they are happy in a cold of -20 degrees C.