Pyredoodle : Great Pyrenees Poodle Mix

Black Mini Pyredoodle Puppies Breeders: Great Pyrenees Poodle Mix

Height: 22-32 inches
Weight: 85-100 pounds
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Colors: Black, white, grey, apricot, cream
Suitable for: Families with kids and other pets, families who want a watchdog
Temperament: Friendly, affectionate, and social puppy, loves spending time with family, protective.

The Pyredoodle is a mix between the Great Pyrenees and a Standard Poodle. As a companion canine, Pyredoodles are one of the most loyal dogs in the world. Drawing characteristics from both parents, this large dog is an intelligent and protective crossbreed that’s happy when guarding your family.

Originally bred in the 1980s, this designer dog is a low-shedding breed, perfect for people with allergies. The parent lineage has a rich history. The Standard Poodle dates back to the 16th century and was first discovered in Germany, while the Great Pyrenees originates from the 17th century and was commonly used to guard sheep in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain.

Despite their large size, this dog breed is known as a gentle giant. It’s gentle and very protective of young children and interacts well with other pets. Whether you have a family or live alone, these pups are suitable for apartment living and large homes.

If you are considering getting a Pyredoodle for your home, here are some tips and facts that you need to know to take care of your pet.

What is a Pyredoodle?

Pyredoodle Dog Breed Complete Guide
Pyredoodle Dog Breed Complete Guide

The Pyredoodle is a mix of Standard Poodle and Great Pyrenees and it makes for a terrific dog that plays well with kids and other animals alike. Because he has a protective nature he makes a great watchdog whose bark is worse than his bite. Because of his size, he needs regular rigorous exercise and that should include active playtime.

The Pyredoodle is a mix of Standard Poodle and Great Pyrenees that makes a great family dog.

Origin

Pyredoodles are a Designer Dog and likely originated back in the 1980s when breeders incorporated Poodles to produce low- or non-shedding variations of popular breeds. Though he’s relatively new, his lineage includes the Standard Poodle which dates back to 16th century Germany and the Great Pyrenees who goes back to the early 17th century where he was used to guard sheep in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain.

Pyredoodle (Great Pyrenees & Poodle Mix)
Pyredoodle (Great Pyrenees & Poodle Mix)

Pedigree

Because of his designer status, the Pyredoodle is not eligible to join the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) roster of purebreds however both parents are members. The Standard Poodle joined the “sporting group” back in 1887 and the Great Pyrenees became a member of the club’s “working” group in 1933.

How easy are Pyredoodle to train?

In spite of his larger size, this sweet natured dog can be quite timid; a characteristic he won’t necessarily grow out of. Because you want him to be comfortable around people and other animals it’s important that socialization begin at an early age. His intelligence and easy temperament make him fairly easy to train but he can be a little stubborn so a firm, consistent approach is best. Training should always be rewards-based with lots of verbal praise and treats or pats offered up as an incentive.

Pyredoodle Mixed Dog Breed Pictures, Characteristics, & Facts
Pyredoodle Mixed Dog Breed Pictures, Characteristics, & Facts

Diet and Nutrition

Pyredoodles are a large dog and because they have a tendency to become obese, their diet needs to include a high-quality protein-rich kibble without fillers (carbs) that will cause them to overeat to feel full. Kibble format should be large to prevent gobbling and he should be fed at specific meal periods rather than free-fed. He can be prone to joint issues later in life so keeping him fit and trim through a healthy diet is crucial.

The Pyredoodle is a loyal family dog that is highly intelligent.

Pyredoodle Dog Breed Health, Temperament, Training
Pyredoodle Dog Breed Health, Temperament, Training

Weight

The Pyredoodle is a large sized breed and will weigh between 85 and 100 pounds.

How would you describe the temperament of Pyredoodle?

The Pyredoodle is a loyal family dog that is highly intelligent, great with children and in spite of his sweet-natured personality, quite protective of his human pack so potentially a good watchdog. This pooch does have a keen-to-please personality which makes him fairly easy to train and because he tends to be timid, early socialization is important. In spite of his large size, he is a wonderfully calm dog when indoors and he loves to be the center of attention.

How healthy are Pyredoodle?

Designer cross-breeds such as Pyredoodles are bred to bypass any health concerns that the parent breed might have. However, several conditions arise or escape the breeder’s notice, especially if they are genetic. Some of these are minor, while others are severe.

Minor Conditions

Thyroid Problems

The Great Pyrenees should be tested for thyroid-related issues. The inadequate levels of thyroid hormone could be transferred to the Pyredoodle if not adequately tested.

Eye Problems

Both parent breeds have eye problems. Therefore, there’s a likelihood that their offspring might inherit the same health issues. Therefore, it would be best if you had this tested before getting this breed.

Hip Dysplasia

Pyredoodles are highly prone to canine hip dysplasia. This condition is a result of the parent breeds. While it may not bother younger dogs, it can be excruciating. In addition, dogs with this inherited disease could develop arthritis as they age.

Serious Conditions

These are medical conditions that can cause severe problems for your pet. They include:

Joint and Mobility Issues

  • The Pyredoodle dog breed is highly likely to develop joint and mobility issues as they age. This problem arises if the joints are under too much pressure when they are young.
  • To prevent this, ensure that puppies are kept away from the stairs until they are eight months old. They should also not be involved in vigorous activities that include jumping until then.

Bloating

  • Depending on the diet, your dog might develop digestive issues such as bloating, which can be uncomfortable. For example, taking your dog for exercise a few minutes after eating could cause bloating. Also, you need to pay attention to the diet to ensure it’s not harmful to your pet’s digestive system.
  • Bloat can be life-threatening when the dog’s stomach fills with air, and they are unable to belch or vomit, but nothing is coming up. Once this issue escalates, the blood cannot get to the heart, putting your pet at critical risk.

How active are Pyredoodle?

While your Pyredoodle is a big boy he also tends to be on the lazy side so he’ll need one good walk each day to prevent him from putting on weight plus some interactive playtime to keep him mentally stimulated and out of trouble. He has a high tendency to wander so leash-free dog parks may not be the best fit for him. Because he can be susceptible to bloat, don’t schedule his activity sessions around his meals.

The Pyredoodle has a keen-to-please personality which makes him fairly easy to train.

How long will Pyredoodle live?

The Pyredoodle has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.

Recognized Clubs

Also known as a Pyrepoo, Pyreneesdoodle and Pyreneespoo, the Pyredoodle is not recognized by the American Kennel Club however is a member of the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) and Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC)

Puppies

Your Pyredoodle puppy is going to be a large dog and because of his rapid growth you will need to heed his dietary needs. Don’t plan to free-feed him or provide foods that are high-energy (calories) or high-calcium because it can result in orthopaedic diseases common in larger, fast-growing dogs. Because he can be prone to joint issues later in life, take it easy on the exercise while he is young. Never over-exert him as this type of injury can plague him as he ages.

Coat

The Pyredoodle’s coat can vary dramatically depending on which breed he leans towards. From a long, thick double-coat to a short, dense single-coat it all depends on which side of the gene pool your pup comes from. As a result, grooming can range from a necessary daily brushing to just twice weekly if he has the lower-shedding poodle coat. Either way, this dog is a low- to moderate- shedder who may (or may not) have a hypoallergenic coat. Floppy ears mean weekly ear inspection and cleaning to avoid wax build-up and infection.

Related Questions

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

  • Early socialization for these dog breeds is necessary if you want them to fit well with a family or other pets. As young puppies, they should be introduced to other dogs and people to adapt to social situations early enough. As naturally shy dogs, this socialization plays a significant role in building confidence.
  • Once you get a puppy, you can take it for classes where it interacts with other dogs. Additionally, you can take them to a park where there are other dog owners. Walking your dog in these places introduces them to new surroundings and makes the dog comfortable around strangers.
  • For those with other types of pets, such as cats, you need to socialize your dog early as a puppy. Once they learn to interact with other pets, Pyredoodles tend to be comfortable and get along well.

What’s the Price of Pyredoodle Puppies?

  • The price of a Pyredoodle depends on factors such as the puppy lineage, breeders’ location, reputation, litter size, training, socialization, and breed popularity. You can easily get on from a reputable breeder, rescue groups, or your local rescue.
  • Depending on the breed and characteristics you select, a Pyredoodle will cost between $700 and $2,800. However, for a puppy with breeding rights or advertised as show quality, the price can shoot to $7,000 or more. This high price is necessary only if you are paying for a superior lineage.
  • However, on average, for regular dogs, the price is approximately $1,200. So, as you look around, make sure you are careful with breeders offering meager prices. These poor prices could indicate that you are getting a poorly bred dog with health issues and other problems.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

Pyredoodles make great family dogs. As excellent watchdogs, they tend to be warm and affectionate to their owners and families. Drawing these traits from their parent breeds, they are gentle and non-aggressive to their keepers. They also love attention and enjoy playing with children.

Is a pyredoodle good with kids?

Pyredoodles can be an outstanding dog for kids. One of their favorite jobs is guarding your children. Additionally, active families often make an excellent choice for this dog because it has a high energy level. Yet, it is content to lay in the corner when your children need to do their homework or want to watch a television show.

Do pyredoodlees bark a lot?

No, pyredoodles do not bark a lot. They usually bark only to communicate a message to you, such as someone is on their property that they do not know.

Are pyredoodles protective?

When socialized as a pup, pyredoodles can be very protective. While they are not as apt to attack, their size and loud bark are often enough to scare people away. They make great nanny dogs while giving you time to react to what is going on around them.

Are pyredoodles hypoallergenic?

Pyredoodles are not hypoallergenic. Since most shed very little, many people with allergies find that they can be around this breed of dog without any problems.

Final Thoughts

The Pyredoodle dog breed is a mix of two intelligent species. Known for its loyalty and protectiveness, it makes a perfect dog for a family with kids and other pets. It’s a large-sized dog known as the gentle giant due to its level of affection.

As puppies, this breed needs intensive socialization to make it comfortable among other dogs and people. Despite its immense stature, this dog tends to be very shy; therefore, you’ll need to train it with kindness to boost its confidence.

When getting one of these puppies from a breeder, have in mind that they are prone to genetic-inherited diseases. Therefore, visit a reputable breeder who can carry out pre-tests to ensure your dog will be healthy. Also, watch out for the costs and only buy if the average price is reasonable.

If you are looking for a family dog, the Pyredoodle is the perfect choice for you. It needs little maintenance, regular grooming, an hour of exercise, and the proper diet and nutrition to thrive.

Edward Hollon is an avid dog lover and writer, knowing all there is to know about our furry friends. Edward has been writing for petdii for three years now, wanting to use her knowledge for good and share everything she can with new dog owners. Edward has two dogs herself - a German shepherd called Banjo and a chocolate labrador called Buttons. Edward knows more than anyone how adjusting to new life with a puppy can turn your life upside down, and she wants to ease some of the burdens through her articles.