What will you get if you breed a Great Pyrenees with a Standard Poodle? A giant fluffy dog that looks like a real-life teddy bear! Pyredoodles, sometimes called Pyreneespoo and Pyrepoo, are cute and adorable dogs that are difficult to resist because of their charm.
But more than their endearing looks, there is more to love about Pyredoodles. Get to know about their personality, grooming needs, and a lot more in today’s post.
Origin
The exact origin of the Great Pyrenees and Poodle mix remains unclear. However, it is believed that this breed was first developed in the United States as the majority of Poodle mixes. The purpose of breeding them was to have a good watchdog that sheds minimally. The litter size of this cross can be as small as two pups although some dams can give birth to four or more puppies.
A Pyredoodle pup’s watchdog abilities come from their Pyrenees parent. In ancient times, this dog was used for guarding in the mountains of Spain and France. The Pyrenees were originally bred to guard sheep and flocks of birds. Meanwhile, this designer dog’s non-shedding quality was inherited from the Poodle, which is a good option for people with hypersensitivity to pet hair and dander.
Recognition
A number of organizations acknowledge this designer dog. It is eligible for registration with mixed-breeds clubs like the International Designer Canine Registry, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, American Canine Hybrid Club, and the Dog Registry of America Inc. There are a number of benefits in registering your mixed breed dog. Aside from being able to join rally trials, it is an opportunity to compete in dog shows.
Appearance
A Pyredoodle is a designer breed that has many of the common features of both the Great Pyrenees and the Standard Poodle. It has the typical characteristics of a Doodle dog but this dog’s large size gives it a regal appearance. Pyredoodles can be as huge as a Great Pyrenees and can have the elegance of the Poodle, which is known for its dense and fluffy coat.
The majority of them have a white coat, especially if they take more of the Great Pyrenees’ genes. These dogs either have a solid white coat or a white coat with patches in various shades like grey and tan. Apart from white, it is possible to see them in other colors, like cream and black. Some even have a combination of two colors like white with black patches or white with tan patches.
The average size of a full-grown Pyredoodle ranges from 85 to 100 pounds. In terms of height, they can grow from 15 to 32 inches tall. This is on par with the usual height and weight of the Pyr parent, whose weight starts at 100 pounds. The Standard Poodle is considered a large breed but they don’t grow as big as the Great Pyrenees.
Personality
Pyredoodles can be a good choice if you are looking for a family pet because they are affectionate and devoted to their owners. Compared to the purebred Great Pyrenees, they are friendlier and gentler towards strangers. Despite their big size, these dogs actually do well even in confined spaces like small apartments. Because of their gentleness, they are suitable for living with families and even with young children. Their gentle nature is the reason why they are touted as great babysitters.
Poodles are highly trainable and that is the reason why it is normal to see them competing in dog shows. Great Pyrenees, on the other hand, have the tendency to be a bit stubborn when introduced to new skills. Because the parents have different traits when it comes to training, a Pyredoodle’s ability to be taught will depend if it takes more of the Poodle gene or the Great Pyrenees’ gene.
Pyredoodles are notorious for roaming and wandering off so it helps to keep your gates closed at all times. If you have a fenced yard, it helps to keep the fence at least five feet high so your pet will not be able to easily jump it. With their gigantic size, it is very easy for these dogs to escape. This can be dangerous, because they might get lost or experience an accident. Like its Pyr parent, your Doodle dog has the tendency to become a great “escape artist.”
Grooming
Like most Doodle dogs, the Pyredoodle inherits the Poodle’s non-shedding coat. Since it does not shed a lot, it is considered to be hypoallergenic. The only concern about the Pyrepoo’s coat is that it can be a bit challenging to groom, since it can be wavy or wiry similar to a Poodle’s coat and as dense as the Pyr’s coat. Like the Poodle, it is prone to mats so it should be groomed regularly.
Grooming is one of the most important aspects of caring for Pyredoodles. Proper maintenance of the coat avoids matting, which can even lead to skin infections when you try to remove mats by force. Let’s add the fact that it can also be painful for your pooch, so don’t attempt to do it yourself. The last resort is to shave the coat. It may take months to re-grow the removed hair.
A slicker brush is an effective tool in getting rid of mats. The pins of your slicker brush should be flexible to avoid hurting the dog’s skin. In addition to a slicker brush, a greyhound comb can be good at removing tangles. It can be used if your slicker brush cannot reach some of the tangles. It can also be used in combination with a brush or to finish off the grooming session.
Aside from grooming at home, it is also advisable to take your buddy to a professional groomer once a month or every six weeks. By bringing your pet to a groomer, he gets to have a full haircut and a bath. The good news is that Pyredoodles do not need to be washed often. Occasional bathing is enough to keep the coat healthy.
Health
The typical lifespan of this dog is 10 to 12 years. A Pyredoodle is a fairly healthy designer dog, thanks to heterosis. More commonly known as hybrid vigor, heterosis is the added strength in mixed breeds. Despite that, it is still possible that this dog will inherit some of the conditions common to both parent breeds:
Eye problems – both the Poodle and the Pyr dog are susceptible to a number of eye conditions. The Pyrenees are at risk for problems like distichiasis and Entropion while Poodles often suffer from Progressive Retinal Atrophy. Many dogs from this breed also become blind because of cataracts. Before buying a Pyredoodle, make sure the parents have tested clear of any heritable disorder that may affect the eyes.
Allergies – skin problems are common among Pyrenees and Poodle dogs alike. It’s possible they may pass them on to their offspring. The most common type of allergy in these dogs is called atopy, which affects areas like the belly, skin folds, and feet.
Addison’s Disease – This condition happens when an animal’s adrenal glands are not capable of producing a sufficient amount of the cortisol hormone. Signs to keep an eye on include lethargy, depression, and problems with digestion. Because the symptoms are similar to other health problems, it is important to bring the dog to a vet for proper diagnosis. This disease is diagnosed by performing a blood test.
Bloating – as with all giant breeds, the Pyredoodle is prone to gastric dilatation volvulus which is more commonly known as bloating. In later stages, a dog should be surgically treated to correct the problem. The exact cause of bloating remains unknown but vets believe that it helps to avoid physical activities an hour before and after a meal.
Feeding
There are commercially prepared types of dog food that are specially formulated for giant breeds and they usually contain high-quality meat as the first ingredient. The recommended amount of dry food for adult Pyredoodles is four to five cups per day. Pups can eat more but make sure to divide the food into three to four servings per day.
If you prefer feeding your pooch dry dog food, make sure it has good levels of protein and fat. The recommended amount of protein should be 22% of their diet while the amount of fat should not be more than 8%, especially if you are feeding a senior dog. Avoid products containing artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
For those who are not big fans of ready to eat dog food and would rather make homecooked meals for their buddies, you may try giving your pooch human foods. Do note, however, that not all foods are safe to share with our fur babies. Examples of food to avoid include chocolate, grapes, and raisins.
Pyrepoos that are prone to allergies may be given dog food formulated with vitamin E or DHA from fish oil. These ingredients are good for the skin. Depending on the condition of the skin or the degree of allergy, a vet may already prescribe supplements.
Exercise
As with any dog, a Pyredoodle pup benefits from having enough time outdoors. Like the parent breeds, this dog is pretty active so it needs daily exercise or he will end up bored and may even exhibit negative behavior. Do note that like the Pyr parent, your Doodle dog can get bored quickly. To avoid this from happening, it is advisable to exercise the dog for an hour every day.
While they can be excellent watchdogs that you would love keeping at home, it’s best to give them lots of socialization. This keeps them from being too shy or aggressive towards new people and even other animals. Consider enrolling your dog in an obedience class or taking him to dog parks nearby.
Physical stimulation is important in keeping the Pyrepoo happy and healthy. Basic obedience training can be incorporated into the dog’s usual activities. It involves teaching a dog essential skills like sitting and staying in one place.
Price
In the United States, the average cost of a Pyredoodle puppy is between $700 to $900. The price will vary depending on several factors like coat color, gender, and pedigree. Those coming from champion bloodlines or those with show quality may be priced higher than those without breeding rights. These pups, which usually come with papers and kennel club registrations, are sold at $1,300 each. If there is a high demand in your area but there is a limited supply, you may find them costing more than $2,000.
When buying a puppy, it helps to visit the place where the litter was born. This way, you can have an idea about the condition of both the parent breeds. It is also your chance to see if the facility is clean. You should check if the dam and the sire are both in top shape and tested clear of any serious disorders that can be passed on to their offspring.
For first time buyers with no idea where to find a good breeder, you may check your local animal welfare organization for reference. A simple search online will show all the breeders nearby. However, don’t just rely on what you have found online. Buying or adopting a dog is a long commitment so make sure you are prepared with all the responsibilities that come with it.
Conclusion
A Pyredoodle is the perfect pet for you if you are looking for a large designer dog. It has great watchdog abilities and non-shedding features, which make it suitable for families. It is a good choice for first time pet parents who are looking for a hypoallergenic dog. This dog is great not just for first time pet parents but also for experienced dog owners looking for an active buddy.
