The Pyredoodle is a mixed breed dog-a cross between the Great Pyrenees and Standard Poodle dog breeds. Calm, fearless, and loyal, these pups inherited some of the best traits from both of their parents.
Pyredoodles go by a few other names, including Pyreneespoo, Pyrepoo, and Pyreneesdoodle. Despite their unfortunate status as a designer breed, you will find these mixed breed dogs in shelters and breed specific rescues, so remember to adopt! Don’t shop!
These adorable pups make great pets for single people and families alike. They can even adapt to apartment living, but they’re best suited for a home with a yard due to their larger size. They’re generally quiet, but will bark to alert their humans of any dangers and are known to become very protective of children in their household. If you’re looking for a gentle giant with a big heart that may guard your home and your family, the Pyredoodle may be the right dog for you!
PetsCareTip recommends this big, spacious crate to give your big Pyredoodle a place to rest and relax. You should also pick up this dog brush and massager for your long-haired pup!
See below for all Pyredoodle facts and mixed dog breed characteristics!
Pyredoodle Mixed Dog Breed Pictures
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group: Mixed Breed Dogs
Height: 15 to 32 inches
Weight: 85 to 100 pounds
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
More About This Breed
Highlights
- - Pyredoodles are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Great Pyrenees or Poodle parents.
- - The main colors of Pyredoodles are gray, white, apricot, cream, and black. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors.
- - Their coat is generally allergy friendly, low shedding, and easy to groom. A good brushing per day to prevent matting, especially in more dense coats, will probably do.
- - Pyredoodles have medium energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walk in per day with some interactive play sessions mixed in.
- - The Pyredoodle loves children and will gladly be their playmate, as well as their protector.
Breeders wanted to mix the Pyrenees with a non-shedding breed, like the Standard Poodle, to create a more allergy-friendly, low-shedding pup for owners suffering from allergies. Early socialization is key!
The Pyredoodle's high intelligence makes training an easier task, but beware: these dogs often have quite the stubborn streak. Use plenty of positive reinforcement and reward-based training.
History
The Pyredoodle mixed dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing Great Pyrenees and Poodles in the early 2000s, likely in North America.
Pyredoodles typically get along just fine with other animals in the household. They continued to create Pyredoodles as demand for the combineed breed grew.
Even though the Pyredoodle got its start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you.
Check your local shelters, look up Pyredoodle rescues, or check with breed specific Great Pyrenees or Standard Poodle rescues, as they sometimes take in mixed breed dogs and find homes for them.
Size
As the Pyredoodle is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. You should brush your dog's teeth daily to help prevent dental issues and maintain good oral health.
Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. That said, some can be smaller or larger.
Personality
Many Pyredoodle owners describe these dogs' personalities as loving and protective. Their sheer size alone makes them intimidating--even though they are often timid around strangers--which makes them excellent guardians of the household. However, they are by no means aggressive. In fact, they're very calm, even-tempered dogs.
The Pyredoodle's high intelligence makes training an easier task, but beware: these dogs often have quite the stubborn streak. Use plenty of positive reinforcement and reward-based training to keep your pup engaged and happy during training sessions. It is best to also provide your Pyredoodle with plenty of mentally stimulating toys or games to keep your dog busy and to prevent any destructive behaviors from occurring, especially as puppies!
These dogs tend to do best in homes with a fenced in backyard that accommodates their large size. However, they can adapt to living in apartments if given enough exercise during the day. The Pyredoodle does just as well in a house with children as they do in a home with one owner, just as long as the pup can get plenty of attention. The Pyredoodle has an unique, low-shedding coat, which makes them popular among allergy sufferers who want a larger breed dog but can't handle the shedding of a dog breed like the Great Pyrenees.
Even though it may seem as if your Pyredoodle wants your constant attention, avoid being fooled. They are more independent than they appear and have a strong desire to wander if let off leash! This curious pup will always keep you entertained and makes for the perfect lifelong companion.
Health
The Pyredoodle mixed breed is predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Great Pyrenees and Poodle also face. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups.
Some of the more common health problems Pyredoodles suffer from include:
- - Bloat
- - Cancer
- - Cushing's Disease
- - Patellar luxation
- - Hypothyroidism
Care
As with all dogs, you should keep up with your Pyredoodle's regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine which will keep your pet healthy.
Pyredoodles are prone to weight gain, and they have medium energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walk in each day with some interactive play sessions mixed in. They are usually highly intelligent people-pleasers, so they're always up to learn a new trick!
Most weigh in at 85 to 100 pounds and range in height from 15 to 32 inches from the shoulder. Trim your dog's nails beregardinge they get too long--usually once or twice per month. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer will help you with this.
Make sure to start getting your Pyredoodle comfortable with teeth brushing at a young age. That said, as a mix between Great Pyrenees and Poodle parents, you can expect Pyredoodles to be on the larger side. Your veterinarian can instruct you on how to brush your dog's teeth properly.
Feeding
An ideal Pyredoodle diet should be formulated for a large breed with medium energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if overfed, which means you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats as well.
Pyredoodles are prone to bloat and are also known for eating quickly, so ensure that you supervise meal times and steer clear of exercise immediately after dinners.
As with all dogs, the Pyredoodle's dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Pyredoodle's diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs--including weight, energy, and health--to make a specific recommendation.
Coat Color And Grooming
Pyredoodle coats are often a mix of their Great Pyrenees and Poodle parents' coats and colors. The main colors of Pyredoodles are gray, white, apricot, cream, and black. Sometimes their coats are usually solid, and sometimes they have a mix of shades.
They can have either a single or double coat, which can be straight or wavy, depending on which parent it takes after more. Mixing the Great Pyrenees, who sheds quite a bit, with a Poodle creates a dog who has a coat that's generally allergy friendly and low shedding Luckily, both coats are an easy task to groom. A good brushing per day to prevent matting, especially in more dense coats, will most likely do.
Because of their double coats, the Pyredoodle can withstand cool temperatures, but will be prone to overheating in the summer. Ensure that you limit outdoor time within extreme temperatures, as your pup can become uncomfortable.
Children And Other Pets
The Pyredoodle loves children and will gladly be their playmate, and also their protector. While they are large dogs, they are always gentle and patient when interacting with children of all ages. For children who learn how to properly approach and play with a dog, the Pyredoodle will make a great family pet.
When it comes to other pets, Pyredoodles typically get along just fine with other animals in the household. As with any dog, it is important to introduce your Pyredoodle to others pets while young, and in a slow, calm manner. Early socialization will be key!
While the odds are that your Pyredoodle will get along just fine with other dogs and cats, it really comes down to training, socialization, and the luck of the draw.
Rescue Groups
It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Pyredoodles end up beingcause they are a mixed breed. However, you mthey want to try Great Pyrenees or Poodle breed specific rescues, because they often care for mixes, aswell. Here are some rescues you can try:
- - National Great Pyrenees Rescue
- - Carolina Poodle Rescue