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Not everyone is familiar with the Great Pyrenees dog breed. These majestic, large dogs are beautiful and have long, flowing white hair. They’re not common in the US; however, it is possible to find reputable breeders to adopt one of these amazing dogs!
Are you considering the adoption of a Great Pyrenees? If so, then you’ll need to know how much it costs to adopt one of these stunning dogs. We’ve put together some information about this dog breed, along with details on how much it costs to adopt a Great Pyrenees. Let’s get started!
What is a Great Pyrenees?
A Great Pyrenees is a very large dog that has long white hair. They’re very beautiful dogs. The Great Pyrenees originally came from the Pyrenees Mountains, between France and Spain. The dogs were bred to guard and herd sheep in the mountains.
It’s thought the history of this dog breed goes back thousands of years. Experts believe the ancestors of the Great Pyrenees came from Asia Minor around 3000 BC. Over time, the breed was owned by peasants; however, by 1675, royals and nobles in France took an interest in the Great Pyrenees.
Today, Great Pyrenees are still working dogs, but they’re also beloved family companions. These dogs are highly intelligent, calm, and strong. They work hard and make their own decisions. When they were used to guard sheep in the mountains, the dogs had to make their own decisions. The shepherd wasn’t always nearby. So, the dogs had to be very smart.
While these dogs can be very loving and affectionate, they may also be stubborn and challenging to train. For these reasons, Great Pyrenees are not recommended for inexperienced pet parents.
Some people have said these large dogs look something like a polar bear, and they’re not wrong! These are large dogs! They’re very pretty and come in colors of white or mostly white. Some dogs may also have bear markings in gray or tan. They have a double coat that’s very resistant to tangles and dirt. However, they do shed quite a bit. Regular brushing helps keep shed fur down to a minimum.
Great Pyrenees have been described as “stoic.” That is a precise description of their temperament. The dogs tend to be somewhat serious, patient, calm, and composed. They’re also very independent and somewhat wary of strangers. For these reasons, it’s essential the dogs are properly trained and socialized from a young age. Even so, Great Pyrenees are wonderful guardians for the family.
These dogs thrive in cold environments, and they don’t do well in hot, humid climates. This is because of their thick, white coats. The dogs want to be outside rather than inside. They need a large, fenced backyard to roam. However, it’s even better if they have a farm or ranch to roam. They do love to roam and have been known to escape their backyard.
When walking a Great Pyrenees, the dog must be kept on a leash at all times. They also have a tendency to bark and enjoy quiet and routine. The dogs also tend to be nocturnal because they were once guarding sheep against nighttime predators. So, don’t be surprised if your dog is more playful and energized at night!
Great Pyrenees are also good with other pets, including cats and other small pets.
Great Pyrenees usually stand between 25 to 32 inches tall and weigh between 85 to 160 lbs. They have a life expectancy between 10 to 12 years.
Now that you have some background on the Great Pyrenees let’s see how much it costs to adopt one of these wonderful dogs!
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Great Pyrenees?
When it comes to adopting a Great Pyrenees, their price can vary depending on various factors. For instance, dogs adopted in an urban area are usually more expensive than a dog adopted in a smaller town or rural area. In addition, if the dogs are in high demand, they will be pricier.
A Great Pyrenees dog can cost between $290 to $1,000 if you adopt from a reputable breeder. If you’d like to adopt a show-quality dog, expect to pay even more. On the other hand, if you adopt your Great Pyrenees from a rescue, the adoption fee can be between $100 to $300.
You may be wondering why there’s such a huge difference between adopting from a breeder or a rescue. There are some logical reasons for this.
Reputable breeders put a lot of care into their dogs. They must pay for housing, food, and medical care. In some cases, they may also have to pay for breeding a pair of dogs (stud fees). Breeders also face other expenses such as registering their dogs and having them tested for genetic health issues. In addition, reputable breeders may also train and socialize their dogs. Breeders face a great number of expenses when raising their Great Pyrenees.
However, rescues face some of the same costs. A rescue is a non-profit organization that helps pets that need a home. When a new dog comes in, the rescue must treat any medical issues, feed, and house the dog. All of this can be quite expensive, especially for a non-profit organization. So, the rescue charges an adoption fee to help cover these costs. When you adopt from a rescue, the adoption fee is re-invested in the rescue, so they can help more pets in need.
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Ask a Vet Live NowOther Expenses to Consider When Adopting a Great Pyrenees Dog
In addition to the adoption fee, there are other expenses you must consider. Your Great Pyrenees will need several items and supplies when he first comes home. It’s always best to purchase these items in advance. That way, your fur baby can come to a new home that’s prepared for him! What could be more welcoming?
Here are the initial expenses you can expect when adopting a Great Pyrenees:
- Food & water bowls: $10 to $40
- Collar: $10 to $50
- Leash: $20 to $50
- Harness: $40 to $70 (it’s essential to buy a harness that fits your dog)
- Dog bed: $50 to $110
- Dog crate: $50 to $165
- Toys: $5 to $155
- Dog food: $250 per month (remember, these are large dogs and they eat a lot)
Summing It Up
As you can see, there’s more to adopting a Great Pyrenees dog than the adoption fee. Your fur baby will need some supplies and other items in his new home!
We’re sure that once you find your fur baby, you will have a loving, large companion for years to come!
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
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