The Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever Mix is a remarkable hybrid breed that combines the majestic beauty and protective nature of the Great Pyrenees with the friendly charm and intelligence of the Golden Retriever.
With their striking appearance, exceptional intelligence, and unwavering loyalty, these dogs make perfect companions for families and individuals seeking a devoted and versatile canine companion. Get ready to be captivated by their beauty and enriched by their loving presence.
A Brief Overview of Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever Mix
| Breed Type | Working / Companion |
| Other Names | Golden Retriever Great Pyrenees Mix, Great Pytreiver, Great Golden, Golden Pyr |
| Breed Size | Large |
| Height | 23-32 inches |
| Weight | Between 65 to 100 lbs |
| Coat Colors | Golden, White, Mix of White and Gold, With or without markings |
| Coat Type | Double-coated, Medium or Long, Straight or Wavy |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
| Cost | $500 – $1,000 |
What is the Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever Mix?
The Golden Pyrenees is a crossbreed and not a purebred dog. It is a mix between the Golden Retriever and the Great Pyrenees.
Regarding temperament, it’s important to note that a mixed breed can inherit any combination of characteristics from both parent breeds. It’s worth mentioning that not all designer hybrid dogs have an exact 50% purebred to 50% purebred ratio. Many breeders choose to breed multi-generation crosses.
Parent Breeds of Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever Mix
History of the Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees, with its majestic snow-white fur, is known for its patience and affection towards its family. However, they can become formidable protectors when needed. Early training is essential to manage their strong-willed nature and instinct to bark.
Originally bred by the French in the Pyrenees Mountains around 3000 BCE as sheep guard dogs, they excelled in protecting under harsh mountain conditions. In the 17th century, they served as France’s royal dog for castle protection.
Their numbers declined over time due to reduced sheep predators, but their introduction to North America and AKC registration in 1933 revitalized the breed. According to AKC records, the Great Pyrenees ranks 70th among registered dogs.
History of Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are beloved for their intelligence, friendliness, loyalty, and eagerness to please. They bond quickly with family, strangers, children, and other pets, making training a breeze, especially with treats as rewards.
Dudley Marjoribanks, 1st Baron Tweedmouth, carefully bred these dogs to create a fast, energetic, and devoted breed. Initially used for water and land retrieval during hunting, they journeyed to the United States in the early 1900s and were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1925. Today, Golden Retrievers rank 3rd on the list of most popular dog breeds in 2021.
What Does a Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever Mix Look Like?
A Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever mix, known as a Golden Pyrenees, boasts a balanced and harmonious appearance, blending the Great Pyrenees’ majesty with the Golden Retriever’s symmetrical features.
Size, height, and Weight
A male Golden Pyrenees typically grows to be around 23-32 inches (58.4-81.3cm) in height at the withers, while a female will reach approximately 21.5-29 inches (54.6-73.7cm).
A male Golden Pyrenees weighs between 65 to 100 lbs (29.5 to 45.4 kg), while a female weighs about 55 to 85 lbs (24.9 to 38.6 kg).
These estimates provide an idea of the size range for Golden Pyrenees based on their parent breeds.
Coat Colors and Types
Regarding coat type and color, the Golden Retriever and Great Pyrenees share many similarities, resulting in a harmonious blend in your Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever Mix.
- Firstly, your Golden Pyrenees puppy will inherit a weather-resistant double coat, which may exhibit a coarser texture akin to that of the Pyr or a softer texture reminiscent of the Golden Retriever.
- The fur can be straight or wavy, depending on the influence of the Golden parent, or it may have a smooth, flat appearance influenced by the Pyr parent. The length of the fur can vary from medium to long.
- Both the Great Pyrenees and the Golden Retriever boast heavier feathering on the neck, back, and tail; these distinctive features will likely be present in your Golden Pyrenees puppy.
- As for color, the Golden Pyrenees puppy’s coat may take on a golden hue, resembling their Golden Retriever parent, or it may be pure white like their Great Pyrenees parent. Alternatively, the puppy might exhibit white and golden shades, ranging from dark to light, or display reddish-brown, gray, tan, or badger markings inherited from the Pyr parent.
Temperament and Personality
The Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever Mix, known as the Pytreiver, possess an excellent temperament suitable for families.
They are affectionate, adaptable, and trainable, getting along well with children, other dogs, and strangers. These crossbreeds inherit guarding traits and may exhibit shedding stubbornness and vocal tendencies.
Meeting their exercise and mental stimulation needs is essential for their well-being.
Training and Exercise Requirements
Golden Pyrenees puppies and adults are moderately active and tend to sleep for long periods. Giving them two hours of exercise is essential to keep them in shape. Engage in long walks, runs, or indoor playtime to burn excess energy. Be cautious of heat exposure and ensure they have access to shade and water during exercise, as they are more suited to colder climates.
Training Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever Mix requires a firm and calm approach due to their dominant nature. Consistency and regularity are essential to practical training. Socialization training is highly recommended to expose them to different people and dogs once they have learned obedience. Establishing yourself as the pack leader through calm and assertive leadership is essential.
While Golden Pyrenees are intelligent and trainable, professional training classes can be beneficial if needed. They will respect and respond to your commands by proving yourself to be a confident leader.
Grooming and Cleaning
Regular grooming is necessary to keep your Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever Mix’s coat in good condition. Their thick, wool-like coat requires attention to remove debris and maintain its softness.
- Daily brushing is recommended for puppies and weekly for adults, paying attention to the sensitive tail area.
- Additionally, nail trimming and teeth brushing are essential for overall hygiene.
Consistency and regularity in grooming sessions will help your dog adjust over time.
| Grooming Task | Grooming Frequency |
| Brushing | Daily |
| Bathing | Every 4-6 weeks |
| Eye Cleaning | Daily |
| Ear Cleaning | Weekly |
| Nail Trimming | Every 2-3 weeks |
| Teeth Brushing | 2-3 times weekly |
Food and Diet
Meeting your Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever Mix’s dietary needs is crucial, considering their age, size, and activity level. As a “giant” breed, they have a hearty appetite, typically consuming four to five cups of dry kibble daily. Opt for high-quality dog food designed for their weight range and size. Avoid overfeeding and excessive snacks to prevent obesity.
During their growth stage, consider offering dry dog food suitable for small breeds, as they often have refined tastes. Monitor their meals and adjust portions as they mature or during colder weather when they may eat more. Regular exercise is essential to maintain a healthy weight.
If your dog needs additional nutrition, consult your vet and consider introducing a supplement like Nutra Thrive, which provides essential vitamins, minerals, and probiotics for optimal health.
Life Expectancy and Common Health Issues
Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever Mixes are prone to specific health issues inherited from their parent breeds.
The most significant concern is cancer, with Golden Retrievers having a higher risk. Studies have consistently shown that Golden Retrievers are susceptible to cancer-related mortality.
Other potential health risks include
- Canine hip dysplasia
- Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease)
- Ear infections, bone, and joint issues
- Eye problems
- Skin infection
- Heart conditions
- Bloat
- Dental infections.
In terms of lifespan, Golden Pyrenees typically live between 10 and 12 years, similar to their bred parents.
However, crossbreed dogs often have better health and longer lifespans. To ensure your Golden Retriever Great Pyrenees mix lives a fulfilling life, it’s crucial to focus on five key areas of dog care:
- Providing a healthy diet
- Creating a suitable living environment
- Ensuring daily exercise and mental stimulation
- Offering appropriate companionship
- Safeguarding against pain, suffering, injury, and disease
How Much Is Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever Mix?
The average price range for a Golden Pyrenees is typically between $500 to $1,000. However, it’s worth noting that prices can sometimes reach up to $1,200, as seen on breeder sites and puppy listing platforms.
Various factors contribute to the variation in costs, including the breeder’s location, the parent dogs’ bloodline, and the dog’s age.
Is a Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever Mix the Right Dog for You?
Not every dog breed is suitable for everyone. To determine if the Golden Pyrenees is the right choice for you, it’s essential to consider their temperament, physical traits, and care needs about your living situation, financial capabilities, and available time.
- A Golden Pyrenees is a good fit if you desire a friendly pet with your family, including children and other dogs. However, you should have sufficient space to provide a comfortable living environment for a large dog and be able to meet its daily exercise and mental stimulation requirements.
- The Golden Pyrenees can also fulfill that role if you seek a guard dog that can alert you to potential intruders and provide protection.
It’s worth noting that the Golden Pyrenees is a heavy shedder and may inherit a higher risk of cancer from the Golden Retriever parent.
If you need more preparation for these challenges, a Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever Mix may not suit you.
List of dogs that are similar to Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever Mix
- Golden Retriever-Border Collie Mix
- Golden Retriever-Rough Collie mix
- Golden Retriever-Chihuahua Mix
- Golden Retriever-Great Dane Mix
- Great Pyrenees-Pitbull Mix
- Great Pyrenees-German Shepherd Mix
- Great Pyrenees Great Dane Mix
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Golden Pyrenees Swim?
Yes, Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever Mix can typically swim. Golden Pyrenees generally have an affinity for swimming, especially when they inherit more traits from the Golden Retriever side, as Golden Retrievers are known for their love of water.
However, even if they lean more towards their Great Pyrenees parent, Golden Pyrenees can be trained to swim and will likely develop a fondness for water. Both parent breeds possess water-repellent double coats and webbed feet, contributing to their natural swimming abilities.
So, with the proper training and exposure, most Golden Pyrenees can become proficient swimmers.
Do Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever Mixes Shed A Lot?
Yes, Golden Pyrenees do shed. The Great Pyrenees and the Golden Retriever are heavy shedders, so it’s no surprise that the Golden Pyrenees will also clear. Their double coats undergo shedding when seasons change to adapt to different temperatures.
Regular brushing is essential to manage their shedding, especially during the fall and spring seasons when shedding is more prominent. Brushing the Golden Pyrenees’ fur when it is dry is recommended, and giving occasional baths to help loosen dead hair.
If your Golden Pyrenees inherits more of the Pyr’s coat type, you’ll likely have less trouble with mats since the Great Pyrenees’ coat is mat-resistant.
Additionally, like their parent breeds, regular nail clipping, wiping off the eyes and ears, and weekly teeth brushing are important aspects of grooming for your Golden Pyrenees.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever mix represents the epitome of a genuinely exceptional canine companion. With their captivating beauty, superior intelligence, and unwavering loyalty, these dogs bring together the best qualities of both breeds.
Whether as a devoted family pet, a working companion, or a therapy dog, this hybrid breed excels in various roles. Prepare to embark on a remarkable journey filled with love, companionship, and endless joy by welcoming a Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever mix into your life.