Anatolian Pyrenees Dog Breed

Other names:
Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees Anatolian Shepherd

Pronunciation: [ Grate peer•ah•knees ]

The Anatolian Pyrenees is a hybrid dog that comes from mating two massive mountain dogs, the Anatolian Shepherd and the Great Pyrenees. There's not much known about this mixed breed as there are not many around. They are huge dogs whose purebred parents tend to be found on farms, ranches, and mountainous regions in Asia and eastern Europe.

Anatolian Pyrenees Breed Details

It may be that the Anatolian Pyrenees was produced to decrease the aggression that Anatolian Shepherds tend to have toward anything or anyone they don't know. While both parent breeds are great Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGD), the Great Pyrenees tends to be far less aggressive. As such, these massive mixed breed dogs are typically good with kids, do well as companions, and can live in most places although they prefer large, open, rural areas. They are not too good with first-time dog owners as they can be headstrong and might scare people unaccustomed to the nuances of dogs that are bred to carefully guard other animals.

Here is a list of good and bad things about these huge hybrid dogs:

Cons
Very reliable
Superb watchdogs
Great guard dogs
Versatile working dog
Easy-going personality
Excellent for farms and ranches
Not prone to separation anxiety
Perfect for highly active lifestyles
Cons
Stubborn
Loves to roam
Heavy shedder
Very territorial
Difficult to train
Aloof to strangers
May be nocturnal
Loud, booming bark
High maintenance needs
Demands a lot of patience
Puppies not readily available
Expensive to adopt and maintain
Can be very destructive if anxious
Aggressiveness toward other dogs
Requires significant restraint outdoors

Type
Hybrid
Lifespan
12 - 15 yrs.
Height
25 - 32 in.
Weight
100 - 160 lbs
Friendliness
OverallFamily FriendlyChild FriendlyPet FriendlyStranger Friendly
Maintenance
Easy to GroomEnergy LevelExercise NeedsHealthShedding Amount
Behavior
Barks / HowlsEasy to TrainGuard DogPlayfulnessWatch Dog
Ownership
Apartment DogCan be AloneGood for Busy OwnersGood for New OwnersIntelligence

Anatolian Pyrenees Breed Description

These massive dogs are a strange mix of two huge mountain dog breeds that some say are better off by themselves. Nevertheless, it was inevitable that if they were not intentionally mated, there would have been an accidental mating or two. Both parent breeds are huge dogs, and this hybrid will be big too.

The Anatolian Pyrenees is very smart. They are stubborn, too, and this may make them difficult to train. This mixed breed dog comes from two pure breeds that are comfortable working on their own and being alone for long periods of time. Like his parents, he'll know that his size alone can deter threats. He'll apply this ability to everything — that's what makes him smart!

These dogs are loyal, but they may not be doting. Their loyalty is shown by watching out for and guarding against threats. They may be nocturnal too, like their Great Pyrenees parent. There is also the territorial trait that can make them stand-offish to strangers and other dogs.

If you like have a massive dog along for kids, running and biking, then this is the dog for you! These extremely active dogs may be reserved at times. These dogs come from breeds that are used to long days of constant movement to maintain a defense around roving herds and flocks. When not out and about, they require mental stimulation to keep them from getting anxiously destructive.

Anatolian Pyrenees Temperament

The Anatolian Pyrenees temperament is a very easy-going one despite the size, history, and work expected of the parent breeds of this hybrid dog. These dogs are reserved in their behavior, and this allows them to assess situations, to reserve their energy for when its needed, and to deal with any potential threats without resorting to physical confrontation.

Like any Livestock Guardian Dog (LGD), the Great Pyrenees Anatolian Shepherd mix temperament is one that is extremely loyal. Still, she may be a bit bossy in her attempt to protect the flock — be it your kids, the cat, or other dogs she has befriended. While she is not aggressive unless real danger is on hand, she is prone to be aloof to those she doesn't know. It's in her nature to make sure all is well before she allows a stranger close to her.

Anatolian Pyrenees Health

While the parent breeds can have health problems that all giant dog breeds risk, the hybrid vigor of the Anatolian Pyrenees helps this hybrid dog have less risk. Of course, this doesn't mean you can be lax about what you feed your dog, his daily activity and his grooming needs. It's recommended that these dogs not be exercised strenuously until they are about 18 months old. To do so can invite skeletal problems later in life.

Here is a list of the basic health concerns you should know:

  • Bloat
  • Cancer
  • Lypomas
  • Entropion
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Ear infections
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Demodectic mange
  • Anesthesia Sensitivity

Anatolian Pyrenees typically have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

Anatolian Pyrenees Health Concerns

Below are potential health concerns associated with Anatolian Pyrenees.

Bloat
Cancer

About this Article

Authored by:Dog-Learn
Updated:May 8, 2018
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