What is the difference between the Great Pyredanes that you offer and the Great Pyredanes other breeders offer?

 

As of 2017 there is still a big difference, let me explain. We began our breeding program in 2009. Experience has demonstrated that the best puppies come from the best stock. So we decided early on that to see our dream through we would strive to offer the best foundation stock for our breeding program in order to have the most pure quality hybrids that could be attained. We have searched the world over (literally) to locate and hand select the perfect canines that live up to the requirements of our breeding program standards and our efforts have far superseded our expectations in making our dream a reality.

 

When you select a puppy from us you can be rest assured that the parents of your puppy were chosen based on their confirmation, temperament and ancestry before they are considered worthy to join our breeding program.

 

We pride ourselves in including these following qualities in varying combinations to our breeding program:

 

European Champion Lines that include World, International, French, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary and others.

Old World Traits and Tendencies of the Original Breed (preserved through conscientious breeding practices)

Natural Instinct and Working Ability (preserved through conscientious breeding practices)

Intense Size, Strength and Vitality

Even Temperament and Mental Balance

 

We are devoted to offering our Puppy Parents the highest quality hybrids who, through their parents, carry the most potential for the finest attributes of both the Great Dane and the Great Pyrenees breeds.

 

Sure, there are others offering puppies that are priced lower than ours and there is good reason for this. If you investigate the breeder further you’ll discover that of these litters, they are primarily the result of an accidental breeding wherein the puppies were not planned for and/or the parents of which are in most cases pet quality dogs not fit for reproducing quality puppies. Worse yet, the father may belong to a friend or neighbor who wondered in and/or the parents may not be pedigreed (which otherwise helps ensure purebred status) or the parents themselves may be admittedly percentage mixes of other breeds which means the puppies are not truly Great Pyredane and lastly the breeder is unfamiliar with the parents of their own dog(s) and completely unaware of the health history and possible genetic conditions present in their lines.

 

Until a breeder can demonstrate that they have made the effort to ensure none of the above applies to their situation then you will continue to see puppy adoptions equivalent to that of an animal rescue/shelter or backyard breeder and as such you have no guarantee as to what genetic package you may be welcoming home.

 

We are contacted regularly throughout the year by people in this position asking us what they can do to find homes for their litters and we suggest they collect as much information as they can regarding the details above and be sure to inform their puppy parents of all of these details so their new families can know what to anticipate and what they need to keep an eye out for.

 

In most cases where we are contacted the owner did not even know it was a popular hybrid until the litter was born and they found our website or facebook page or groups in search of homes for them.

 

There is also the other side of the spectrum where a hobby breeder came across our puppies somewhere and took advantage of what they determined to be an opportunity to make a little money because they owned a Pyr or a Dane and could borrow a stud from a friend or family to breed with theirs for a quick litter. We hope this is not often the case but we feel it’s important that you know we have seen it.

 

It is equally important to understand that in order for us to make available these exquisite puppies we have had to make an exceeding financial investment ourselves of thousands of dollars in our foundation breeding stock (per each in a few of cases). Our suggested donations we recommend on our puppies pales in comparison to what you would pay if adjusted from a business perspective.

 

While some who are more accustomed to business strategy may call this move on our part a poor investment and we have been admonished by those familiar with our breeding program to increase our adoption fees claiming our pups easily command higher donations and are worth every penny, our hopes however are not that we mimic a lucrative business venture and make big profits for ourselves, our hopes are instead that we spread our passion and love for this breed and allow for all walks of life to know the joys and happiness this combination brings when you open your home to it.

 

All of the funds we attract with our puppies are reinvested to help provide a fulfilling life for each of our own Great Danes and Great Pyrenees and their puppies that in turn find their way into your homes.

 

We have helped a number of people throughout the years with affordable payment plans, donated companions for disabled veterans and worked with families whose honor students wanted a puppy. Our desires to offer reliable Family Companions, Small-Farm Guardians and Service/Assistance Dogs is our top priority.

 

This is why our Great Pyredane puppies are superior.

 

​

 

What breeds do you offer and why did you decide on these breeds?

 

We offer the Great Dane, Great Pyrenees and the Great Pyredane.

 

Great Danes have always been a favorite of mine as they serve so well as the perfect family companion for us since we have small children, they are gentle and low energy and additionally they are wonderful Estate Guardian’s keeping would be snoopers and prowlers at bay with their intimidating bark and size. They offer peace of mind when my children are playing outside I know they are safe because our Danes alert when anything is out of the norm.

 

Great Pyrenees I must admit was among my least favorites until I discovered the French Color Lines. I do not care for the American Bred Whites as much because they seem to lack the instinct that I notice is very strong in the French plus the American lines also seem to be smaller than their French color bred counterparts. After owning French lines I will never farm without the help of this Old World strain again. The instinct is phenomenal and we hope to preserve this for the enjoyment of future generations of farmers and ranchers this is why we choose to raise them.

 

Great Pyredanes are for those who cannot decide between the two, this is said in jest. But really, the Great Pyredane for some reason seems to combine the best of both breeds to create a fabulous and resilient Canine that is more robust than the parent breeds is many regards. We suspect the primary interest may be in longevity of life and while this is still theory there is reason to believe that we may be able to overcome the shorter 9-10 year lifespan of the parent breeds because a hybrid produced from good healthy stock more readily averts duplication of the same hereditary gene conditions by way of this combination. They are shorter in coat than the Pyr which makes for better adaptability in the Summer. They have a double coat in most cases which gives better adaptability than the Dane in Cold weather. They are usually low energy, smart and easy to train which makes them very versatile. The parent breeds are known for being good with children which is only exemplified in the Great Pyredane. These are the primary reasons we have chosen to raise the Great Pyredane.

 

​

​

Can I have my puppy shipped to me, if so what methods do you offer?

 

Yes. After 8 weeks of age our puppies can be Shipped by Air or Ground and we can even arrange for Personal Delivery in some cases. Local Pickup is always available after 8 weeks of age.

 

What will shipping cost for my puppy and what if I live outside of the USA?

 

As of 2023 Shipping costs for our puppies start at 450 by air 8-10 weeks of age and increase as puppies grow. This includes the Continental USA, Alaska, Puerto Rico and parts of Canada.

 

This is also the approximated cost of Ground shipping depending on your location within the Continental USA.

We are able to deliver puppies within Missouri and to the boarders for an agreed upon fee that covers our fuel.

 

We can ship to several international locations as well please inquire as to your specific location for a quote.

 

​

​

I’m very interested in reserving a puppy, what is your adoption fee?

 

Our Suggested Donation for a puppy will vary depending on the confirmation, size, European percentage, registry and breed. Puppies are ranked based on our history of the most satisfactory traits of the puppies of our litters and real time feedback from our adoptive families. Color is visually desirable but this is a minor factor when considering the best of the litter. Out of each of the breeds we produce, Dane, Pyrenees and Pyredane, it is our experience that of an average litter of 9 we can expect 3-4 outstanding top puppies, 3-4 average puppies and 1-3 pet quality puppies. We can identify each fairly well by three to four weeks of age. Though top dogs are usually noticeable at birth.

 

Great Danes may range from 1,000-5,000.

 

Great Pyrenees may range from 800-5,000

 

Great Pyredanes may range from 800-5,000

 

For a more precise quote on the ideal puppy for you, please contact us for a free “Perfect Puppy Match Consultation” and we will help you identify the best puppy to fit your lifestyle and goals and share the suggested donation amount for that ideal puppy.

 

You will have the option to purchase a puppy matching that description or reserve one from a future litter if one is not yet available for adoption.

 

​

​

I’ve reserved a puppy but have since decided that I am not ready for one now how do I cancel my reservation?

 

Canceling your reservation is simple. Just send us notification via email of phone letting us know that you will not be selecting a puppy from the next available litter. We will send you verification once we receive your contact.

 

We recommend that those who reserve a puppy by placing their donation to reserve their position for pick of the litter be fully committed before placing said donation as they are non-refundable for any reason once placed.

 

Donations reserving your position for pick of litter serve to reserve your position for pick in the order it is received with breeder always reserving first pick of any litter at breeder’s option in order to further our breeding program.

 

All reservations for pick remain active for 2 years after your donation is placed and you can select from any available puppy of your choice from any litter born within those the two years following placement.

 

Having a reservation allows you to secure you position for pick and stay informed as to the progress and availability of puppies and litters. Of course you are always free to decline using your reservation for any reason if you wish to reserve it for a future litter within the specified 2 year time period.

 

All reservations expire after 2 years to the date of the placement of your donation. If you have not selected an available puppy by then from among our litters you agree to forever forfeit your donation.

 

If you wish to adopt a puppy after the 2 year expiration of such reservation it will be necessary to offer another donation towards the reservation of a puppy thus initiating a new reservation.

 

One reservation constitutes two at your option. If you have a reservation in place you may select up to two puppies if you decide you would like to adopt more than one.

 

In the rare event the puppy you have selected becomes unavailable for any reason your reservation will be permitted to extend to the very next litter of like available puppies without regards to the 2 year deadline. This is the only circumstance an exception will be made in regards to the 2 year deadline for selecting a puppy.

​

 

Can I adopt more than one and do you offer a discount?

 

Yes it is possible to adopt more than one puppy from us. While we reserve the right to limit the number of puppies you may adopt at our discretion our determination will be based upon your living situation and lifestyle as it pertains to the quality of life you can provide for said puppies. Our first priority is to ensure a good life for our puppies and that guides our decision process. Those requesting multiple puppies may be required to provide more detailed information regarding your situation until we feel confident that this would be a suitable situation for the interest of our puppies.

 

We offer a discount for repeat puppy parents and those adopting more than one puppy.

 

Shipping can also be combined if puppies meet the legal requirements established to ensure their safety in such an event.

 

I would like to reserve a puppy from a future planned litter is this possible before the litter is born?

 

We encourage reserving a puppy for a couple of reasons. The number one reason for reserving a puppy is to ensure you get the perfect puppy for your situation and lifestyle. When you offer your donation reserving your place on our waiting list we will have personally spoken with you to get a great idea of the puppy you are seeking.

 

It’s amazing how many times we have had a list of people requesting certain traits and personalities to discover that we were able to identify the best candidates at the start that perfectly suited each personal request. These families report the best experiences and have offered the best feedback as well.

 

While all puppies have and ability to and do adapt to their given environment. We do notice that puppies that have been selected through our Perfect Puppy Match process, experience much faster integration into their families and a much more rewarding experience overall for both puppy and puppy parent.

 

Reserving a puppy we find is essential for those with specific needs. For instance if you are seeking a higher energy companion for lots of outdoor activity you would want to specify that at the start to ensure you were not left with the lower energy couch potatoes more suited to apartment life. Or perhaps you need a Pyredane that carries more of the Pyrenees traits to guard your small-farm this would be handy to know at the outset of the litter as there is usually one that best fits this description. Same with a service dog or poultry guardian for instance.

 

Another important factor is that we can know from the start the life this puppy will be welcomed into and we can begin teaching that puppy according to the role this puppy will assume when it joins you. Yes we are that attentive. For instance a Family companion with small children will be taken from birth and handled by all of our children learning love and care and interaction as if they were born in your home. A poultry guardian will have been properly and adequately exposed to poultry under a careful and experienced hand so that your birds are not a surprise to your new guardian. A service dog will be expected to act on its best behavior with love and gentle correction so as not to overwhelm their new owner by spending time with our own elderly family members to become acquainted with this nature.

 

Last but not least Reserving a puppy ensures that each puppy has a home before it is even born. You cannot imagine how thrilled we are after the years of hard work and dedication to offer you the best and the waiting lists of 9 or more families deep awaiting the arrival of there is proof positive we are doing something right. People need love and companionship and there is no better unconditional love than that of a canine. It does our heart good to know families and individuals have found such joy and completeness as a result of our efforts and it’s a very satisfying feeling knowing that our puppies are being born into a world where it seems they are practically made to order by special request.

 

​

​

What food do you recommend for my new puppy?

​

Hands down, a well-balanced RAW or B.A.R.F. (Bones And Raw Foods) diet are the best.

 

This is our first and foremost recommendation for our puppies and dogs.

 

Following that there are freeze dry dog foods and many meat based dry kibbles designed for large or giant breeds that are nutritionally sound however natural is always best. Many of our families have had good success with Blue Buffalo but there are a variety of other quality brands that are working quite well.

 

We live on a farm and have access to raw foods that are offered in addition to kibble so that when our puppies arrive home with you they are adapted to the option of your choice. We include a sample of the current kibble we are using which includes a customized complete dewormer and parasitic guard made exclusively by our veterinarian complete with instructions of how to transition your puppy to the feed of your choice. This is the best method we have found to work and suit the diversity of our adopting families and their variety of lifestyles.

 

The most important aspect however of diet we have found is in supplementation. The majority of dog food is cooked and along with that nutrients are lost leaving our puppies and dogs depleted and lacking some essentials. Even a RAW diet is of better benefit when proper supplementation is employed.

 

The product we use is all-natural, high-quality, human grade ingredients known to boost the immune system and offers additional benefits that even some of the best foods cannot offer.

 

Each of our puppies goes home with a transition supply to give you time to look over the information and decide if it is right for you so your puppy doesn’t miss a dose. We will be posting the details of this excellent product soon. Check back for details.

 

​

 

I have small children are these dogs good with children?

 

The Great Dane and the Great Pyrenees are well known for their patience and laid back nature with children. This being said the biggest concern is not in how the dog is with the children but rather how the children are with the dog.

 

Even though these are large breeds this does not equate to being bullet proof. They are actually quite sensitive especially when they are young and when they are hurt they, as any creature could be expected, may make an attempt to defend themselves. Dogs have limited mechanisms for self-defense one of which and the easiest is biting.

 

While these breeds generally back down from such confrontation, I’ve seen dogs do everything in their power to escape only resorting to a nip as a last resort.

 

Parents must exercise due diligence to never leave a child unattended with a dog no matter how docile they seem to be until one is confident that the child is fully capable of being kind and responsible towards said puppy or dog.

 

Children can be brutal especially in the absence of supervision if the child has not learned how to properly treat and respond to a dog. This can lead to the puppy or dog acting out in self-defense to avoid further injury or pain. The best way to void such a circumstance is to monitor play times and never leave immature children alone with a puppy or dog.

 

Our Great Pyrenees lines have this magnificent trait I identify as a peacekeeper. They do not like conflict and are quick to shut it down. For instance if animals begin fighting they will jump in the middle to break it up and they keep at it until the conflict is resolved and both parties part ways. The Pyrenees will not stand for the rough physical contact and they will feverishly defend to end it.

 

The Dane however fights for a different reason I think. They fight when they are afraid. Being the big dog they are not much really scares them so if something does they are not quick to back down and they will confront whatever is confronting them.

 

I’ve seen the bluff in an attempt to scare off the perceived threat but that is where it ends is bluff. UNLESS the threat proceeds to approach and do harm. In this case the dog will defend itself.

 

None of these traits are aggressive in nature rather they are responsive or defensive.

 

I have never witnessed a Great Dane or Great Pyrenees from the lines we produce charge at a person in an act of aggression to create a harm. I’ve only seen them quash one in action. This is different when coyotes or predatory animals come into play and somehow they know the difference. If this case the Pyrenees in any event will lounge at the opportunity to chase off a predator however lambs, calves and chicks frolic, kick it up and chirp away in peace in the presence of this otherwise ferocious beast. It’s quite astounding to see in action.

 

Just as each of us as humans have an ability to hurt others every dog big or small also has an ability to hurt. The answer to this question will help you understand the difference in ability of a thing vs the nature of a thing. Consider your own actions if you will for moment, would you hurt someone out of the mere fact that you didn’t like them for some reason or would you only hurt someone who was committing as act against you to hurt you? Most of us hopefully would only hurt someone if they were attempting to hurt us and this is a defensive act to preserve our own well-being. Are you therefore considered a dangerous person? Only if you would instigate harm without just cause.

 

This is what Pyrenees and Danes are like they can be dangerous if you want to hurt them or provoke them. But a properly cared for and loved Pyrenees or Dane are like most of us and do not go around snapping at people because they looked at them sideways. They rather avoid conflict unless there is no way of escape.

 

Out of all the years I’ve had dogs, I have 8 children and NEVER a single dog bite. Yet a couple of these dogs (Danes) where attacked by grown men who saw an opportunity to “prove” their “manhood” (which was non-existent in my estimation) by intimidating a large beast and not surprisingly they were bit in the process while the dog defended himself. As expected the man (who should have known not to start throwing punches at a dog just because he was big) gave up after the first warning nip was landed. The guy had a few choice words but my dog (a Dane) immediately backed down and never attempted another defensive move once the guy stopped coming at him. This happened of course while my dog was out in the yard and the man was approaching my house. I came out just in time to see him coming up to my dog initiating his act of stupidity. I no sooner started admonishing him to stop when the whole show was over.

 

I make it a point to explain this aspect to people. Some people are slow to learn. However we made great progress after this incident and I was able to get this point across. Ironically, I discovered the guy was terrified of dogs in general and I was able to reintroduce him to my dog and explain the communication my dog was offering was non-aggressive and the man relaxed and there was never an instance like that between them again.

 

This kind of understanding was gained through my studies and experience with dog whispering.

 

I need a good working livestock guardian dog. Are your lines proven?

 

Our Great Pyrenees are renowned for their natural working instinct and livestock guardian traits. We have traced these bloodlines back as far as France on our Females side and European lines on our Males side Being from Canada the propensity to carry French genetics is strongly indicated given the coloration patterns that are similarly found in those of our exclusively French standard bred Female.

 

Our Pyrenees exhibit traits of the true peacekeeping guardians that they are. Our female for instance demonstrates an amazing ability to disrupt and end acts of aggression towards our Sheep and Cattle. In on such instance a visiting dog escaped an open window and began chasing our flock of sheep around the pasture. Our female was hot on her heels before they made the first lap and was rolling in a cohesive blend of fur and teeth as they collided black and white, black and white. It all started to look like a bad joke about ‘nuns rolling down stairs’ or some such when the visitor pooch snapped out of her kill mode and decided to retreat to her owner for refuge. Our dog stood panting and watched her walk away and that was that!

 

This is the typical behavior you might expect. Visitors are welcomed but conflict is not. When the coyotes start prowling and howling our dogs are on high alert and nothing dares approach as there are no longer easy snack on our farm thanks to our Black and White Pyrs.

 

Our lines are not predominantly barky. They bark as needed to keep trouble at bay. Many nights go by without so much as a peep. Other nights when the wildlife is active and restless so are our dogs and there is an obvious difference and reason for the occasion. It comes in cycles and they are the cycles of nature.

 

“The Great Pyrenees likes to hear their voice”, is how one such breeder so eloquently put it. I have noticed this propensity in one puppy from our litters thus far so perhaps our Pyrs are carriers of this trait but this puppy, sassy as it was, only did so for good cause and actually helped to alert to the slightest imbalance of conditions. The water was dirty after all the puppies took turns sitting in it on an exceptionally hot day or mom was spotted walking by the puppy pen and had decided not to come in for a quick nurse or our children were at play and it simply wanted to be part of the fun too. I guess it may be better to say this pup was more sensitive to things than the rest and expected a more perfect balance than the others and had no qualms about making her opinions known.

 

They do not listen to anyone unless they are in the mood. This is pretty universal in the Pyr world I guess this is one trait there is no escaping. They come and go as they please but they do come when they can be convinced there is something in it for them.

 

All in all, I’ve had simply gorgeous American bred Pyrs that completely lacked the instinct to do their job and now I’ve had Pyrs of French color bred lineage that do not have to be told twice (ahem…) to work that is! These lines have seen generations of dedicated and active workers for decades with the great majority of pups being adopted by farms as guardians as well all with great success.

 

As an aside for those unfamiliar with a real working pyr, instinct can be taught by an experienced pyr in about eight months’ time. If you are starting out with no experience it can take up to two years for the lone guardian to mature to the point that allows natural instinct to fully kick in that helps the dog to properly do its job. For this we offer paid training on our puppies if you are in need of a ready to go guardian. Inquire regarding this option if desired. This allows you to take home a Guardian at around 8 months of age which is long enough to have learned to follow their instinct but just prior to bonding with our farm. This helps them to be better prepared for life on their own where they need to be ready to defend and know what they are doing early on.

 

​

 

Do Guardian dogs attack, are they aggressive?

 

A true guardian is not aggressive. I would consider such behavior a negative trait and would cull it from a guardian breeding program such as we are working to develop with our lines.

 

A true guardian does however attack but this is a last line of defense and therefore not considered aggressive in the true sense of the word.

 

Since I find that our Great Pyrenees turns out to be a fairly good judge of character it may be hard to distinguish this ability when you hear a rustle in the brush and the dog makes a mad dash with tail flying high to investigate as if ready to tear the perpetrator limb from limb. It seems they are wise to know the difference between sounds associated with a predator vs. children running through the leaves and their response is obviously a measured one.

 

I’ve never had a Pyrenees behave aggressively towards a person. Sure, they bark and alert when a stranger shows up but as soon as we make our presence known they naturally back down and let us handle the situation.

 

Our dogs run free on the farm when they work, Often our children ages 1 year to 17 years old play in the yard together. The dogs lay as if dead to the world with one eye open ever watchful but never weary as they are naturally nocturnal and are physically active at night. I’m glad to have the dogs present while the children play and it gives me a great sense of security knowing that should anyone new approach these dogs would sound long before they could get near my children even if my children were at first unawares.

​

 

I thought Pyrenees where only white, why do your lines have color? Are they mixed with something?

 

Great Pyrenees also known as Pyrenean Mountain Dogs come in a variety of colors. Details on this subject are covered under the Great Pyrenees Breed section of our website.

 

While the Great Pyrenees are indeed primarily white there is color underlying that often glorious snowy white coat.

 

If not for this seemingly illusive presence of pigment you would not have the jet black lips, paw pads and eyelids to contrast the popular flawlessly white coat. However, white is not exclusive in this breed.

 

Some of the more commonly acknowledged colors are tan, orange and badger these generally appear in patches on the head and sometimes on the body and according to the official confirmation books should ideally cover no more than one third of the body.

 

A fact is color can be bred out (or bred in if the genetics have not been fully eradicated). It was not long ago in fact that people were debating about the color orange as to its acceptance in the show ring. The final determination was that orange would be considered a permissible color. Just as black has been deemed by some registries and clubs as undesirable or a disqualifying factor. The same holds true if color, even a commonly accepted color, covers more than one third of the body. This is referred to in the official book of standards as “excessive color” and is deemed undesirable. This does not magically transform the dog into a non-purebred it simply means the dog is not likely to win in the show ring. Same holds true with the color black.

 

It can be no coincidence that breeders completely unrelated spanning countries, including Great Pyrenees exclusively and responsibly bred, both parents of which belong to closed registries, are throwing puppies with black color. The typical response is to cull it, after all “Who ever heard of a Black Great Pyrenees?!?” This has been the predominant attitude of folks I’ve come to endear as ‘Pyrenees Snobs’. What else can I say?

 

The fact of the matter is showable or not these dogs work and they work more effectively than the most flawlessly cloud white Pyrenees I’ve ever met.

 

Our lines are pure as far back as can be traced for multiple generations and they come from independent, unrelated breeding stock with the same knowledge of their history. Not to mention they are breeders from different countries who had only one thing in common and that was they did not share the prejudice and actual hatred I’ve witnessed in the typical American Great Pyrenees community towards excessive coloration or their black genetics.  

 

I wonder if people would be as adamant to question the legitimacy of the purebred Great Pyrenees sporting the once controversial orange color as they often do the black if the orange had not won out. We may never know but I suspect they would.

 

If you’re looking for a show dog then you have come to the wrong place and we hope you find what you are looking for.

 

If however you want a dog that carries all of the traditional ability, style and old world instinct of the most spectacular livestock guardian you’ve ever met? Well then we have a fantastically colorful variety to choose from. This in addition to traditional colors, you’ll discover our lines throw the Full-Blaireau (these start out colorful and turn pure white when matured), Salt’n Pepper (These start out white with large black patches and as they mature additional black spots appear) and finally Pure White Coat with dark spotted skin (yet the coat stays pure white).

​

 

What is a Great Pyredane, what’s their purpose?

 

A Great Pyredane is produced when you breed a purebred Great Pyrenees with a purebred Great Dane. There are instances where continued breeding say Pyredane to Great Dane would result in 75% Dane and 25% Pyrenees. This is also considered a Great Pyredane but may not have the same traits as produced by the first cross.

 

If you desire the traits of your dogs to resemble that of the Great Dane then you may want to consider this additional cross and likewise with the Pyrenees perhaps you prefer a longer coated Dane. This can be achieved with specific breeding programs however it is our goal to produce offspring likened to the most beloved and popular blend and that is of 50/50 Dane/Pyr cross.

 

We are currently evaluating the differences between the hybrids resulting from the Dane Sire vs. the Pyrenees Sire. We are be reposting on these findings in the years to come.

 

We are also working to develop a second generation 50/50 Great Pyredane. This will consist of breeding an F1 (first generation cross) with another F1 to obtain the F2 (second generation) Great Pyredane.

​

Great Pyredane's have served first and foremost as Family Companions, whether it be for the older couple looking to lavish affection on a fur baby in their now empty nest or a young couple just starting out and seeking an activity buddy to make memorable adventures with.

 

The second most popular calling is that of a Guardian for the Hobby or Small-farm keeping predators at bay and standing guard while the family sleeps.

 

Lastly but most certainly not least is their most honorable calling as that of a Service/Assistance Dog. A role in which we feel they have yet to be discovered and more widely recognized for.

 

While the popularity of the Pyredane grows since our first litter in 2009 and others are recognizing the value of the breed and beginning to produce puppies themselves, we have decided in 2015 to raise the bar by offering the first Registered Great Pyredane Puppies made available to the public.

 

A few popular sites have published our breed description as the standard for the Great Pyredane and we are proud to announce that we are in fact working towards purebred status at which time we will reveal the official name of the resultant breed we develop. We hope to incorporate all of the traits that people have become so fond of in the hybrid as we continue to refine and work out less desirable features if any. Our goal is to unveil the first official purebred Great Pyredane by name in 2028.  

​

 

How big will my Great Pyredane puppy get?

 

Size will be determined by the genetics of the dogs you start with. The bigger the parents the greater the potential for a larger offspring.

 

We have seen a handful of instances where hybrid vigor comes into play and we are not really sure why it is observe in a few cases but no tin all of them but it has been known to occur. The result the offspring outgrown both parents in size. This happens with certain breeds of cattle, rabbits and sheep as well as other creatures I imagine. But it is well noted with livestock.

 

The best rule of thumb however when there are no comparable offspring is to gauge the height and weight of the parents and figure that your puppy will fall somewhere between the two.

 

Height on dogs is determined best with a yard stick held by the front shoulder as the dog stands still on all fours. The stick needs to sit on the ground with a flat object placed level across the top of the dogs shoulder at the base of the neck.

 

Our very tall purebred Great Dane female is 32” at the shoulder. While we do not have grown puppies to measure from her litters yet, our average Great Pyredane offspring for example from other sets of parents have averaged 31” and 150lbs and yet another set of parents we had an average of 29” and 130lbs. This is not conclusive as we could only go based on the feedback a few families that have reported back to us. We hope to get more solid figures in the future as we grow and encourage future puppy parents to participate with us.

​

​

What is the life expectancy of my puppy’s breed.

 

Great Danes probably have the shortest life expectancy of the three averaging about 9-10 years. We have however spoken too many families who have had Danes live to 16 years of age.

 

The Great Pyrenees have an average life expectancy of about 10-12 years.

 

The Great Pyredane is too early be determined at this time. It is not known if the hybrid will increase the lifespan or remain like that of the parent breeds. While we may not know for another several years it is probably safe to say that you can expect 10 years on average.

 

It should also be noted that experts claim that the commercial dog foods we offer our canines today have drastically shortened their lifespans. It is said that in fact our dogs should live nearly twice as long as they currently do. This is why we highly recommend feeding a RAW or B.A.R.F. (Bones And Raw Foods) diet. We believe this may extend the life of our companions drastically.

 

We will be covering this and the studies conducted in future articles on our website.

​

 

How much should I feed my Puppy/Dog?

 

Coming soon.

​

 

What kind of collar or lead do you recommend?

 

We recommend a rolled leather collar especially for longer haired breeds like the Pyrenees and Great Pyredane. They do not leave a collar mark on the fur and when held high on the neck during activity on the leash make it very easy to control the action of the dog.

 

We discourage the use of  harnesses as these almost always encourage dogs to pull as if heading up a team of sled dogs and we do not believe this is a good combination for dogs in populated areas that can achieve a weight of up to 165lbs or more in some instances.

 

We will be covering demonstrations of this is future articles.

​

 

Should I crate my puppy? If so when is it appropriate?

 

We recommend that if you are going to have your dog indoors for any period of time that you begin with crate training. Crate training offers your puppy security in his or her new environment and allows them to retreat in case all the new becomes overwhelming. It helps to establish confidence and helps you as their new puppy parent tune into the cues of your puppy as you’ll be able to quickly pick up on when your puppy needs to eliminate outside.

 

Puppies do not like to potty where they eat or sleep unless they are forced to. If left to themselves unconfined they will naturally stray further and further from the “den” to eliminate as they mature.

 

It is us who train them to do otherwise by neglecting to provide a more natural setting and since we do not live in caves today we must be diligent to encourage them by paying close attention to their signals.

 

We will cover more on this in our article on Potty training your new puppy, coming soon.