Great Pyredane

80-105 lbs
27-31"
Unknown
Great Dane
Great Pyrenees
Pyradane, Great Pyradane

The Great Pyredane is a popular hybrid, a cross between two giant dogs, the Great Dane a fun-loving family dog that was originally bred to hunt European boar, and the Great Pyrenees, an independent and extremely protective guardian of sheep. These dogs tend to be calmer than the rambunctious Great Dane but more easygoing and eager to learn than the strong-willed Great Pyrenees. Although their grooming and exercise needs are fairly minimal they do tend to shed heavily and drool on occasion, so they may not be the best companion for those who are concerned about the mess. They are also too vocal, energetic, and large to make apartment life feasible, and are more likely to thrive living in a larger home with either a secured yard or a nearby dog park. 

purpose Purpose
Guard dog, companion animal
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Great Dane and Great Pyrenees

Great Pyredane Health

Average Size
Male Great Pyredane size stats
Height: 29-33 inches Weight: 95-120 lbs
Female Great Pyredane size stats
Height: 27-31 inches Weight: 80-105 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Heart Diseases and Disorders
Minor Concerns
  • Osteosarcoma
  • Osteochondritis Dissecans
  • Wobbler's Syndrome
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Deafness
  • Osteochondrodysplasia
Occasional Tests
  • Physical Examination
  • X-ray imaging
  • Electrocardiogram
  • Neurological Testing

Great Pyredane Breed History

The Great Pyredane is a designer dog, a cross between two giant dog breeds, the Great Dane, a 400-year-old breed developed to hunt European boar, and the Great Pyrenees, a great white canine that has been guarding flocks of sheep in the Pyrenees Mountains for about three thousand years. The Great Dane, as we know the breed, has been selectively bred for at least four hundred years and most experts believe that they are the result of crossbreeding between English Mastiffs and Irish Wolfhounds, developed specifically for the purpose of hunting one of the most savage and dangerous types of prey in Europe at the time, the wild European boar. The Great Dane was extremely popular throughout Germany as early as the 1500s and by 1876 it was declared the National Dog of Germany where it is known as the Deutsche Dogge. This breed became popular in the United States in the late 1800’s, where they are more often employed as watchdogs and family companions. The Great Pyrenees, known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog in the UK and Europe, is an even more ancient breed than the Great Dane. They have been sharing the cold and lonely landscape of the Pyrenees Mountains with their shepherds and their flocks of sheep for somewhere around three thousand years, but where they came from before that is a matter of speculation, although the prevailing theory is that they are the descendants of large white flock guardians that existed in Asia Minor ten to eleven thousand years ago. These dogs can be found in art, literature, and historical documentation throughout the history of France, being employed not only as protectors of sheep but also as guardians of property and jailer’s dogs. In the 1600s, Dauphin Louis XIV dubbed this breed the Royal Dog of France, and they are believed to have been instrumental in the development of both the modern Newfoundland and Landseer breeds.

Great Pyredane Breed Appearance

This is a giant breed dog, typically over two feet tall at the shoulder and often weighing greater than a hundred pounds. They typically have a large rectangular head but it is not generally heavy in proportion to the animal’s body. Their medium-sized, almond-shaped eyes are usually brown but occasionally come in lighter colors such as blue and the ears are set high up on the skull and fold forward, hanging down close to the cheek. The tail is typically long and straight like the tail of the Great Dane, but they can also exhibit a “shepherd’s crook” in their tails, a trait passed down from the Great Pyrenees breed. Although they can inherit any of the coat characteristics of the parent breeds, most Great Pyrenees appear to have the soft, short, glossy fur of the Great Dane, but many also sport a short, dense undercoat passed down from the Great Pyrenees as well.

Eye Color Possibilities
blue Great Pyredane eyes
Blue
brown Great Pyredane eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Great Pyredane nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
black Great Pyredane coat
Black
white Great Pyredane coat
White
blue Great Pyredane coat
Blue
brindle Great Pyredane coat
Brindle
fawn Great Pyredane coat
Fawn
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Great Pyredane straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Great Pyredane Breed Maintenance

This crossbreed typically has fairly simple grooming requirements as both parent breeds have hair that tends to shed dirt and water, virtually eliminating the need for regular bathing unless the dog gets into something objectionable, even for those dogs that do inherit the full, thick coat of the Great Pyrenees. The Great Pyredane tends to shed year round and regular brushing is required to remove dead hairs and keep the coat supple and healthy, usually at least two to three times a week. The large hanging ears of this canine may be slightly prone to developing infections, so they should be cleaned and evaluated on a regular basis.

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Brushes for Great Pyredane
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Great Pyredane requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Great Pyredane Temperament

The Great Pyredane hybrid is a popular hybrid, recognized by most hybrid and designer dog registries. This giant dog tends to be more reserved and independent than the Great Dane, but more sensitive and eager to please than the Great Pyrenees. These dogs tend to be quite tolerant of children and other animals that are part of its household and are usually calm enough not to send toddlers flying through the air with their antics, but all interactions between children and dogs should be carefully supervised for the safety of the child and the dog, and children should never be allowed climb on the Great Pyredane as this can aggravate certain disorders such as hip dysplasia and Wobbler’s syndrome. Although they are generally mild-mannered and easygoing with their own family, some Great Pyrenees may inherit the guarding tendencies of the Great Pyrenees and become somewhat overprotective of children or other animals in its flock.

Great Pyredane Activity Requirements

These large dogs typically have fairly low exercise requirements in order to stay fit and healthy and they are usually quite satisfied with several short exercise sessions that equal out to about 40 to 60 minutes of vigorous exercise per day. The mature Great Pyredane is generally a fairly calm animal around the house although some may be prone to spurts of highly energetic behavior. The adolescent may be more boisterous than the adult, however, and care should be taken to ensure that the dog doesn’t overstress their joints during their critical growth phases. These dogs are not generally suited to apartment life due to their vocal nature, their energetic outbursts, and their size.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
9 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Great Pyredane Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
4 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$2.75 - $3.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$80.00 - $90.00
food bag monthly cost

Great Pyredane Owner Experiences

Duchess of Fitzgerald
11 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Duchess is highly trainable, energetic and abundantly loving. She is a wonderful companion
2 years, 1 month ago
Beta
23 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing in the snow
Playing with Rhett
Ball
Walking
Beta has been the biggest dog we’ve ever had but she has an equal amount of love to share. She insists on activities as a family “pack” which insures that everyone gets exercise. She plays alone with her toys like I’ve never seen another dog do. She throws them up in the air and catches them like a pro. Couch potato? Don’t think so yet.
2 years, 9 months ago
Abby
22 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I love Abby, never owned a dog this large before, she's a little more hyper than I like but I'm hoping she will calm down as she gets older,she just loves everybody and it don't take much to get her going, she loves to rough house, but I try not to allow anyone to do that with her, I'm glad I found her on line, she is a beautiful dog
6 years, 10 months ago
Odin
6 Months
8 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Very protective does not allow any stranger dogs get around any family because he will attack but very jumpy and friendly to kids
6 years, 5 months ago
Konan
2 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I have had nothing but great experiences with Konan. He is open minded to learning new tricks, he learns them in minimal time. He has very bad separation anxiety. But we are working on that everyday. He loves people, however, he is very protective around people he has never met. He doesn’t really play with other dogs, and really never tries to be the “alpha”, Konan just kinda goes with the flow. Amazing dog, and even better breed.
6 years, 5 months ago
Rocky
8 Months
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Run
Nap
Rocky is a sweet boy at only 8 months. He can be hyper, but all that energy goes toward playing with our Great Dane.
6 years, 5 months ago
POE
6 Months
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
WE HAVE ONLY HAD HIM A WEEK SO FAR SO GOOD
6 years, 4 months ago
Oreo
6 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
My sweet lovable very hyper baby girl Oreo loves to be outside. We live way out in the country so she has plenty of room to run.
6 years, 4 months ago
POE
7 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We have only had Poe about 3 weeks he is very well behaved
6 years, 3 months ago
Piper
10 Months
2 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I have never owned a dog this big but she is amazing. She is 10 months old and weighed in at 97 lbs. She is so good in public. Loves going everywhere with us and loves the attention. Very sweet and always willing to get loved on by strangers. She is extremely protective at home and sometimes is extra when it comes to barking at neighbors. She is usually pretty calm but gets a case of the "zoomies" every now and then. I have another dog Brantley who is almost 7 years old and they are like brother and sister. Protective of eachother and follow eachother everywhere. She is one of the best dogs I could ever ask for. She is in training right now and is a little hard headed. She knows the commands but sometimes tries to test my patience but overall she is a good smart girl. Actually she is very smart. Just doesn't listen very good at times. We will get there though, shes a good girl.
6 years ago
Kong
10 Months
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Hard headed but a great companion .
5 years, 11 months ago
Titan
15 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Car Rides and parks
Walking
Fetch
He does really well with children but is overprotective. He is very uncertain about other dogs, but he was attacked by a pitbull at 6 months. He sleeps with us and is friendly with the household family
5 years, 11 months ago
Perkins Boots
4 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Boots is extremely protective of the household when we are not home, but while on leash in public she is an angel. Likes children and other animals, was raised in a mostly Farm environment.
5 years, 10 months ago
Ollie
13 Months
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She is very friendly and careful around toddlers and babies. She has to smell everything multiple times, doesn't really lick. Gentle with the cats and one cat even puts his head in her mouth when she yawns. She sleeps upside down and loves to eat ice, will wake up from dead asleep when the freezer door opens. Very smart, she learned to ring a bell on the door when she wanted to go out after only being shown how 3 times. Very polite especially when taking food off your plate. Obeys hand gestures as well as verbal, however, she does not do well on a leash. One of the oddest things she does is watch TV and will make eye contact with you and hold it forever, weird. Ollie was scared to death of snow, it was very to hard to "make" an 80+ pound dog go out in the snow this past winter but now she likes it. When she gets the zoomies she can clear my queen size bed, we just get out of her way. Great dog.
5 years, 8 months ago
Leo
1 Year
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Cuddles
Running
swimming
Playing chase
Hugs
Walks
naps
I’ve had Leo for about 10 months now, ever since he was 7 weeks old. We got him from a friend who had found an abandoned litter of puppies behind a barn, and took him in without knowing anything about him. We ended up doing a DNA test on him, as neither we nor the vets could figure out what Leo was, and he ended up being a Great Pyredane! Leo is the sweetest, most loving dog I have ever had. He loves being the center of attention, and enjoys running and playing. However, he is also perfectly happy taking naps and cuddling on the couch. Leo loves his big stuffed animals, and enjoys trying to play with our other senior dog, though he gets too excited and can be too rough. He also loves sitting on laps, despite his size. He is very playful, and loves being chased and chasing people/ other animals. Leo’s favorite thing to do is to chase squirrels on his walks. He is a bit hesitant around new people, but once he gets to meet them, he is very loving. He likes little kids, but since he’s still an energetic pup, he can accidentally knock them over. He is very good with my cat, and they play constantly. He is careful not to bite too hard. He likes other dogs in an open, dog park setting, but does get very protective when meeting new dogs on walks. Leo is the center of attention in my family, given his dramatic actions and expressive face. His favorite place to go is the beach, as he loves playing in the waves.
5 years, 6 months ago
BuBear
7 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Watching tv
Walk
Cuddles
Trips
We brought BuBear home at 5 weeks old. He is the most loving dog. He was easy to train and only barks when a stranger comes on the property, even then it is one deep alert bark. He does try to communicate and has a low groan/grumble when comfortable. We have a very small one bedroom. full of furniture, crystal and china home. BuBear is HUGE (194 pounds) but he never breaks anything. He is getting into his twilight years and it is very hard to watch him slow down. He loves to lay on the sofa and the closer he can get to you the better he likes it. He does not realize how large he is actually and still wants to be our lap dog.
5 years, 3 months ago
BuBear
7 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Watching tv
petting
Walks
Brushing
BuBear is a 194 pound gentle giant. He loves to be close to us and for us to pet him. We live in a small one bedroom home and BuBear is huge but not destructive. His favorite place to sleep is on our wrap around couch/recliner unit. He takes up two sections when he stretches out. He is very vocal and groans/moans as if talking to us.
5 years, 2 months ago
George
11 Months
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We haven't had George long, but are loving him more every day. He is as calm and sweet as our 11year old lab was when we lost him last summer.
4 years, 9 months ago
Ellie Mae
16 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Wonderful ! Gentle giant never chasing cat . Learns quickly and loves to please. Enjoys observing chickens and running with horses . Let's the smaller dogs be in charge .
4 years, 6 months ago
Phoenix
6 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walks
She is a very enthusiastic puppy and very loving
4 years, 4 months ago
Po
2 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Play
Walk
I've known several people with great Danes & great pyrenees and other large breed dogs. I've had several large pitties. We currently have a 3 yo med size pit mix. This is our first pyredane.
4 years ago
Sadie
3 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
bedtime
Tag
Tug-of-war
She is the sweetest, smartest puppy I’ve ever had. She was house trained within a week, picked up on two different tricks Within a week, and she loves bath time.
3 years, 11 months ago
Goku
8 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Hands down the best dog ever. He and our children (2 & 4) have such a great relationship. He was easy to potty train, knows simple commands, amazing on a leash, and is full of love and patience.
3 years, 11 months ago
Galen
10 Weeks
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
chewing on toys
Tug-of-war
Wrestling with housemate
Galen is a handsome black and white pyredane puppy. He is a bit stubborn with housebreaking, but has already learned his name and sit. He is very friendly with everyone, and other pets as well. A little rambunctious with his elder canine housemates, but he is learning. Does well on a leash!
3 years, 10 months ago
Beta
10 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Ball toss
Born at beginning of COVID pandemic, unable to be socialized to a great extent. However, prefers women to men but will be accepting with time and patience. She has a great personality-fun loving and happy. Just waiting for couch potato stage.
3 years, 10 months ago
Cora
10 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Catch treats
Tug-of-war
Great with our two kids
3 years, 9 months ago
Iris
1 Year
3 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Chasing balls
playing with other dogs
Fetch,
Playing in the water
Running
Playing in the snow
We got Iris at the beginning of quarantine when she was 7 weeks old. She has the sweetest temperament and loves to please. She is great with my son. She loves all the people and all the animals. She thinks everyone wants to be her friend. Lol! She is getting very protective over our home and us as she has matured in age. She has separation anxiety as well. I attribute that to getting her at quarantine though. We are working through that. Also, she developed hip dysplasia at 10 months old. (That’s when we discovered it with our vet) Please be aware of this and watch for the signs with your vet with this breed. We have her on a treatment plan for the next year but she will have to have a hip replacement at full maturity (24 months old) We will gladly pay for this for her as she is a part of our family. I want people to really be aware of the things to watch for with this wonderful breed. She is such a great dog and an amazing breed. Great family dog.
3 years, 9 months ago
Roxy
11 Weeks
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Still trying to train the dog. Getting a clicker
3 years, 9 months ago
Oakley
2 Years
8 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Explore the woods
We have had Oakley for 1 week and are getting used to one another. So far she loves our children and is protective when Daddy comes home.
3 years, 5 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - My pet
Question

My rescue mix between great dane and great pyranese have horrible du claws. They're rescues that are 8 months old. Is there anything I can do about there du claws or is it too late?

Answer
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - Nutrition
Question

What is recommended for a great pyredane 12 week old puppy?

Answer
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
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