Great Pyrenees dogs do shed. They have a thick double coat that helps them stay warm in cold climates, but it also means they will leave behind a fair amount of white hair. This shedding can be considered average to heavy, depending on the individual dog and the climate they live in.
If you own a Great Pyrenees, you can expect to find their white hairs on your clothes, furniture, car, and even your toothbrush. It’s just a part of living with this breed. However, shedding can be managed with regular grooming and maintenance.
In terms of grooming, Great Pyrenees dogs are fairly easy to care for. They have a weather-resistant outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat. To keep their coat healthy and minimize shedding, it’s recommended to brush them at least once a week. This will help remove any loose hairs and prevent matting.
When brushing a Great Pyrenees, it’s best to use a slicker brush or a grooming rake to effectively remove dead hairs from both the outer and undercoat. Pay extra attention to the areas where their coat is thickest, such as the neck, chest, and hindquarters. These are the areas where matting is most likely to occur.
Bathing a Great Pyrenees should be done as needed, but not too frequently as it can strip away the natural oils in their coat. Use a gentle dog shampoo and make sure to thoroughly rinse out all the soap to prevent any skin irritation. After bathing, it’s important to fully dry their coat, as dampness can lead to matting and skin issues.
Regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing should also be part of their grooming routine. This helps maintain their overall health and prevents any discomfort or infections.
In addition to regular grooming, it’s important to provide proper nutrition and regular exercise for your Great Pyrenees. A healthy diet that suits their age, size, and activity level will contribute to a healthy coat and minimize excessive shedding. Regular exercise will also help keep their coat and skin in good condition.
It’s worth noting that shedding in Great Pyrenees can be influenced by the climate they live in. In colder climates, they may have a heavier shedding period as they prepare for the winter months. In warmer climates, they may have a more consistent shedding pattern throughout the year. However, shedding is a natural process for this breed, and it cannot be completely eliminated.
As a Great Pyrenees owner, I can attest to the shedding that comes with this breed. While there may be white hairs on my clothes and furniture, I have found that regular grooming and maintenance make a significant difference in managing the shedding. The 30 minutes I spend each week brushing my Great Pyrenees not only helps keep his coat healthy and minimize shedding but also serves as a bonding time for us.
Great Pyrenees dogs do shed and are considered average to heavy shedders, depending on the climate they live in. Regular grooming, including brushing, bathing, nail trims, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing, is important to manage shedding and keep their coat healthy. While there may be some white hairs around, the love and companionship you receive from a Great Pyrenees far outweigh any shedding concerns.