Frequently Asked Questions

  • General Questions
  • Adoptions
  • Donating and Volunteering

General Questions

Have questions about the Great Pyrenees breed or our rescue? Hopefully, we have the answer you need, but if not, leave us a question on the Contacts page. 

Contact Us 

How big does a Great Pyrenees get?

The Great Pyrenees is considered a “giant breed" dog and the purebred Pyr can reach the following sizes:

Weight: Male: 110–120 lbs (50–54 kg), Female: 80–90 lbs (36–41 kg)
Height: Male: 28–32 inches (70–82 cm), Female: 26–29 inches (65–74 cm)

 Are Great Pyrenees kid friendly?

The Great Pyrenees is a calm, well-mannered, serious dog known for his great devotion to family, including well-behaved children. These dogs are generally trustworthy, affectionate and gentle, but if the need arises, they will not hesitate to try to protect their family and their territory.

Will they get along with my other pets?

Great Pyrenees generally get along well with other dogs and household pets. A Pyrenees would much prefer to ignore the harassment of a smaller dog and will usually fight only as a last resort. However, two mature Pyrenees of the same sex often do not get along well together as housepets, especially if they are siblings.  We test the Great Pyrenees in our care with both cats and dogs to determine the best fit for their new homes.

 Are Great Pyrenees easy to train?

Training a Great Pyrenees can be difficult as an adult, however it is easier if you start early and maintain kindness and consistency. Originally bred for guarding livestock, the Pyr is used to working and thinking on his own. This trait is still strong, whether he comes from a line of pet dogs or working dogs.

Should I get a male or a female Great Pyrenees?

Drool and fur come for free with every Great Pyrenees, so they are equal in shedding and drooling.  Female pyrs tend to rule the show and be more strong-willed than the males, so it is often advised not to adopt two females together or to adopt a female with a strong-willed male.

Do Great Pyrenees bark a lot?

Pyrs are not attack dogs and generally will not become aggressive with predators unless the situation becomes dire. They prefer to intimidate their enemy through their giant size and booming bark. A lot of the time, Great Pyrenees bark at things you can't see or hear. Rest assured, they are indeed barking at something.

Where can I find more information on Pyrs?

You can find more information by visiting National Great Pyrenees Rescue's website at:  https://www.nationalpyr.org/breed-basics

Adoptions

Most of the questions we get are about fostering and adopting our dogs. Learn about our application process and the requirements we have, looks at the dogs we have available and then submit your application online.

Adoption Application

Foster Application

What are the requirements to adopt?

*  All our dogs require secure VISIBLE fencing.

*  All current pets in adoptive home must be spayed/neutered and up to date on vaccinations.

* We do not adopt our Pyrs to be livestock guardian dogs (LGD's) as this is something that we cannot guarantee they would be successful doing, and many may have already failed at this task (which may be how they ended up at the shelter).

What are the requirements for adopting a puppy?

OUR REQUIREMENTS FOR PUPPY ADOPTION:

PUPPIES WILL ONLY BE PLACED IN HOMES THAT HAVE AT LEAST ONE MEDIUM TO LARGE YOUTHFUL, PLAYFUL RESIDENT DOG that is age 1 or older. This helps integrate the dog into your household easier by giving the
pup a mentor.

These puppies are not livestock dogs. They must be family pets that are allowed inside the home.

In addition to the youthful playful dog, someone must also be home at least part of the day. Please do not apply for a puppy if you are gone 8+ hours a day.

We give preference to applicants with prior Great Pyrenees knowledge/experience.

Secure and visible fencing required.

You must have a plan in place to socialize your puppy properly.

Please do NOT write us and ask if this puppy is available. If it is posted, it is available. However, we may be working other applications that came in before yours. If so, by the time you are approved, the puppy may not be available.

How does my Pyr travel from Texas to the PNW?

Your Great Pyrenees will be scheduled to travel with a registered pet transport company, or we can arrange for air travel.  The transport payment will be paid directly to the transport company during the adoption process.  For the dogs that have moved from Texas to the PNW for fostering before adoption, their transport fee will be paid to the rescue, as the rescue paid for their transport to the PNW.

How long does the adoption process take?

Our rescue is volunteer based, so the adoption process timeline can vary.  Usually our volunteers will contact you within a few days of the application submission.  After this initial contact, the length of time would be determined by how quickly all of the required information can be reviewed by your adoption counselor, and then you will be matched with your Great Pyr.

You can start the process by filling out an adoption application today!  The link is below:

Fill out the Adoption Application

Donations and Volunteering

If you have questions about your donation or just want to be more involved, you can find more information here. If you want to reach us, send a message on our Contacts page.

Donate button

Volunteer Application button

Is my donation tax deductible?

Great Pyrs and Paws Rescue is a 501(c)(3) organization, so donations to Great Pyrs and Paws Rescue will be tax deductible. We are also partnered with National Great Pyrenees Rescue, and you may also give your donation to them (www.nationalpyr.org).  If you have questions or live outside of the United States, please contact your tax advisor.

Is there another way that I can help the Pyrs?

Yes, we have an Amazon Wish List that is set up to purchase items for the Great Pyrenees that are in foster homes or in boarding.  These items, such as flea meds and food, go directly to help the Pyrs.  You can find the Amazon Wish List here:

Shop for the TX Pyrs

Shop for the PNW Pyrs

Shop for the puppies

How can I volunteer to help the Pyrs?

Please click on the “How to Help" page to find the links to volunteer with Great Pyrs & Paws Rescue – we have many ways that you can help!