85-95 lbs
22-26"
Unknown
The Pyredoodle is a cross between the Standard Poodle and the Great Pyrenees, so unsurprisingly, this is quite a large dog. Although they’re not aggressive, this breed's size can make them wonderful watchdogs — they’re actually often known as gentle giants. They get on very well with everyone, from children to other animals including cats, making them a perfect family pet.
In this guide to the Pyredoodle, you’ll learn:
Pyredoodles — also known as the Pyreneespoo, Pyrepoo, and Pyreneesdoodle — are a designer mixed breed dog. They might be a large dog but don’t let this intimidate you, they’re one of the most loyal dogs in the world and incredibly affectionate with their pet parents and human family.
If you’ve been looking for Pyredoodle puppies and are interested in getting a youngster, then you can expect to pay anywhere from $700 to $2,800 — and you should always intend to buy from a reputable breeder. This is a similar price to a Pyrenees puppy and more than a Standard Poodle puppy. Mini Pyredoodles are more expensive than the standard size.
This breed can live up to 12 years. Larger dogs do have shorter life expectancy than small dogs, so this is typical for a dog of this size. This is the same as the Great Pyrenees and slightly less than the Standard Poodle.
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It’s believed that the Pyredoodle originated somewhere between the 1980s and the early 2000s when ‘Doodles’ were becoming popular. This was likely in North America with the aim of creating a more allergy-friendly dog. A number of breeds were being bred with the Poodle at this time.
The Standard Poodle is an ancient breed that originated in Germany and was further developed in France. This is where they were split into three sizes: the Standard (used for retrieving waterfowl), Miniature (for finding truffles) and the Toy Poodle (as companions for French Nobility). They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887 but it wasn’t until 1935 that the breed became popular in the USA.
The Great Pyrenees — also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog in Europe — originated in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. At first they were used to help shepherds with herding, before becoming the Royal Dog of France by King Louis XVI. They first went to Canada, before becoming popular in the USA in the 1800s. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1933.
As they’re a hybrid dog, the Pyredoodle isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club.
The Pyredoodle size is large — this crossbreed is a big dog. A Pyredoodle, full grown, can weigh upwards of 100 lbs and reach heights of 32 inches.
You can also get a Mini Pyredoodle, which is crossed with a Miniature Poodle. These weigh up to 55 lbs and can be up to 24 inches tall.
They have a long snout with a black nose and dark, round eyes. Often, they’ll have long hair on their face which may hide those eyes. They could have the floppy ears of the Great Pyrenees. Their tail is medium-length.
Beyond that, the appearance can vary though and two Pyredoodles can actually look very different. This is mostly dependent on the coat they inherit. Some Pyredoodles have a short and dense single coat. Others will have a long, thick double coat. If the Pyredoodle has longer hair, then this is usually the same length all over the body. The coat can be straight but it might be curly or wavy like the Poodle; both are hypoallergenic.
Generally, the Pyredoodle will be white or cream in color. However, this also depends on the dominant parent breed. There are many shades of cream and variations of white — some may have an apricot or beige tinge.
There are also various other colors. You could, for example, see a full grown black Pyredoodle. If you see a black puppy there’s a chance this will become blue (which looks more like faded black) as they get a little older.
How much maintenance your Pyredoodle requires will depend on the coat that they have.
The Pyredoodle with the short, single coat will require much less maintenance than one with a long, double coat, for example.
The single-coated Pyredoodle will need weekly brushing and is not likely to shed very much. The double-coated Pyredoodle, on the other hand, will need daily brushing to prevent matting. Both will only need washing when necessary; the natural oils will keep the coats looking shiny and healthy.
You should brush their teeth regularly to prevent bad breath, the build-up of tartar and tooth decay. Their nails should be trimmed when needed. Make sure to check and clean their ears, especially if they’re the floppy ones.
This breed is quite active and will need mental stimulation as well as physical exercise. They’ll be happy to go on long walks but will also love the dog park. You may want to keep them on a leash as they are prone to wandering off.
If this breed gets bored they have been known to get up to mischief. So make sure they have toys that will keep them mentally active.
The Pyredoodle is a relatively healthy breed. But, as with all dogs, there are some health conditions you need to be aware of.
Two you need to be particularly aware of are:
There’s also a chance of digestive problems — although this is only a minor concern.
Do you have insurance that would cover the cost of treating and managing these conditions? You’ll want to ensure you have the best cover for your Pyredoodle, so browse and compare top pet insurance providers to ensure you do.
Bloat or Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) typically affects larger dogs, with deep, narrow chests. One of the breeds known to be particularly at risk is the Standard Poodle. The risk of bloating increases with age. It means the stomach has dilated and potentially even rotated. Symptoms to look out for include a bloated abdomen, retching, a fast heart rate and breathing rapidly. This can progress very quickly and is life-threatening so it’s vital you get your dog to the vet as soon as possible if you suspect they have this.
symptoms may be gradual and can be mistaken for simple aging. Treatment may include medication, surgery or radiation.
The Pyredoodle needs to be fed food that’s specifically formulated for large breeds. You should look out for recipes with ingredients that are beneficial for their bones and joints as well as one for sensitive stomachs.
Puppies should be fed up to four times a day and this can then be reduced to twice a day for a Pyredoodle adult. Treats are beneficial, especially when training.
Due to their size they will eat a large amount of food but be aware, they can also easily become obese. Make sure they have a healthy diet with food that is rich in protein.
It’s also important that you never exercise them or have playtime straight after they have eaten. This can increase the chance of them developing bloat. They’re also known to eat too quickly, so you may want to use a slow feeder.
Need some help to ensure your pup is enjoying the best possible diet? Take a look at the advice from our trusted partner Dog Food Advisor, including the best dog food for Poodles and the best large breed dog food.
The Pyredoodle personality is sweet and calm. They’re loyal dogs that love their family, are great with children of all ages and very gentle with youngsters. As well as people, this breed gets on well with other animals including cats — although it’s best if they are socialized with them from a young age.
They’re very intelligent dogs and eager to please, which makes them easy to train.
While they’re not an aggressive breed, they can be highly protective, are known to bark at perceived danger and their size can be intimidating. This makes them a great watchdog.
They can be shy; early socialization will help with this. But, when they’re comfortable with those they know, they love to be the center of attention.
Written by Ellie Roddy
Published: 11/24/2017, edited: 12/05/2023
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