The Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees mix , also known as the Anatolian Pyrenees, is a special type of dog. These dogs are very big and strong. They can weigh between 90 to 160 pounds. They stand about 26 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder.
The Anatolian Pyrenees has a thick, double coat that can come in many colors. Most often, they are white with brown or black markings, or sometimes all white. They shed a lot, so you will need to brush them often to keep their coat healthy.
These dogs are very smart and loyal to their families. They are natural protectors. The Anatolian Shepherd part of them brings independence and alertness. The Great Pyrenees part adds gentleness and patience. Together, this makes a dog that will guard your home and love your family very much.
The Anatolian Pyrenees lives about 10 to 13 years. They need lots of exercise every day. They do best in homes with big yards or farms where they can run and explore. They are not good for small apartments or city living.
These dogs can be a bit stubborn and hard to train sometimes. They like to think for themselves. This means they need an owner who knows how to train big dogs. But with good training, they make wonderful pets that will protect and love their family for many years.
Breed Overview:
Height: 26–28 inches
Weight: 90–160 lbs
Lifespan: 10–13 years
Coat: Thick double coat
Shedding: Heavy (daily brushing)
Exercise: 60+ mins/day
Energy: Moderate-high
Trainability: Needs patience
Kid-Friendly: Supervised
Pet-Friendly: With training
Health Issues: Hips, bloat, joints
Grooming: High maintenance
Anatolian Pyrenees History
The Anatolian Pyrenees comes from two old dog breeds: the Anatolian Shepherd (Turkey) and the Great Pyrenees (France/Spain). Both breeds guarded farm animals for centuries. The Anatolian Shepherd worked alone in tough Turkish mountains. It’s independent and tough. The Great Pyrenees protected sheep in snowy mountains. It’s calm but alert, using its size and bark to scare attackers.
This mix started in the U.S. in the 1990s. Farmers wanted a dog that mixed the Anatolian’s independence with the Pyrenees’ calmness. They needed a strong guard dog for farms that could handle hot and cold weather. The mix became popular because it did both jobs well.
Today, the Anatolian Pyrenees isn’t just a farm dog. Many families keep them as pets and home protectors. They still guard their families and homes, like their ancestors. Major dog breed groups don’t recognize them as an official breed yet, but owners love their loyalty and smarts.
Key Points:
- Mix of Turkish and French/Spanish guardian dogs.
- Made in the U.S. for farm work.
- Handles all weather types.
- Loved as pets and protectors today.
Anatolian Pyrenees Temperament and Personality
Behavioral Traits
The Anatolian Pyrenees is a loyal and protective dog. This mix gets its guarding instincts from its parents: the Anatolian Shepherd and the Great Pyrenees. These dogs are independent, meaning they like to think for themselves. This trait comes from the Anatolian Shepherd side, which worked alone guarding sheep. But they also get calmness from the Great Pyrenees, making them gentle with their family.
These dogs love their families deeply. They will protect their home with all their heart. They are usually good with kids, especially if they grow up together. But because they’re big, watch them around toddlers to avoid accidents. They can live with other pets, but their protective nature might make them cautious around new animals. Introducing pets slowly and training helps them get along.
Socialization Needs
Starting socialization early is key for this breed. Without it, their natural urge to guard their space can lead to too much barking or being overly cautious around new people. Begin training puppies early by letting them meet different people, hear new sounds, and explore places. For example, take them on walks in busy areas or let them meet friendly neighbors.
To manage their guarding habits, stay patient. Teach them that visitors are not threats by rewarding calm behavior. Commands like “sit” or “stay” help distract them in stressful moments. Keep training steady—short, regular sessions work best. If they become too protective, a professional trainer can help.
With early socialization and clear rules, the Anatolian Pyrenees grows into a well-behaved family member. Their loyalty and smarts make them fast learners, but their stubborn streak means training should be firm yet kind. Done right, these dogs mix protectiveness with a big heart for their loved ones.
Caring for Your Anatolian Pyrenees
Diet and Nutrition
The Anatolian Pyrenees is a big dog, weighing between 90 and 160 pounds. Because of their size, they need a lot of food to stay healthy. Most adults need 1,500 to 2,500 calories per day, depending on how active they are. Choose dog food made for large breeds to help their joints and muscles. Avoid overfeeding, as extra weight can hurt their hips and legs.
Exercise Requirements
These dogs need at least 60 minutes of exercise every day. They enjoy walks, hikes, or running in a big yard. Without enough activity, they might become bored and start barking or digging.
The Anatolian Pyrenees does best in rural areas or homes with large yards. They need space to move and explore. They are not good for small apartments or busy cities because of their size and energy.
Grooming Tips
The Anatolian Pyrenees has a thick double coat that sheds a lot. Brush them daily to remove loose fur and keep their coat clean. During spring and fall, they shed even more, so you may need to brush them twice a day.
Trim their nails every 2–3 weeks to keep them short. Long nails can make walking uncomfortable. Clean their ears weekly with a vet-approved solution to stop infections. Check for redness or bad smells, which could mean a problem.
Brush their teeth at least three times a week to keep their mouth healthy. Use toothpaste made for dogs, as human toothpaste can be harmful. Good dental care stops gum disease and bad breath.
By feeding them well, giving enough exercise, and regular grooming, your Anatolian Pyrenees will stay happy and healthy for years!
Health and Wellness
Common Health Issues
The Anatolian Pyrenees can face health problems passed down from their parents. Hip dysplasia is common. This happens when the hip joint doesn’t form right, causing pain and trouble moving. Another risk is bloat. This is when the stomach fills with gas and twists. It’s an emergency and needs a vet fast. They may also get joint issues, like arthritis, especially if they’re overweight.
To keep your dog healthy:
- Visit the vet yearly for checkups.
- Keep their weight in check. Too much weight strains joints.
- Watch for signs of pain, like limping or not wanting to move.
Lifespan and Aging
These dogs live 10 to 13 years. As they age, they need extra care. Older dogs might gain weight easier and move slower. Switch to senior dog food with fewer calories but more fiber. Add supplements like glucosamine to help joints.
Exercise should stay gentle. Short walks or swimming are better than running. If they struggle with stairs, use a ramp or give them a soft bed. Keep up with vet visits to catch problems like arthritis or heart issues early.
With love and care, your Anatolian Pyrenees can enjoy their older years happily!
Training and Behavioral Management of Anatolian Pyrenees
Training Challenges
The Anatolian Pyrenees can be stubborn. This comes from their parents, the Anatolian Shepherd and Great Pyrenees. These breeds were bred to guard livestock alone, so they like to think for themselves. Training works best with reward-based methods. Use treats, praise, or playtime when they follow commands. For example, say “good job!” and give a treat when they sit on command.
Stay consistent. Use the same words for commands every time. If you change rules, they’ll get confused. Train for 5–10 minutes a day to keep them focused. If they lose interest, try again later. Never shout—they respond better to patience.
Be a calm leader. Practice commands during meals or walks. For example, ask them to “sit” before giving food. This shows you’re in charge. Over time, they learn to follow your lead.
Advanced Training for Working Roles
These dogs are natural protectors. Use this instinct to train them for guarding your home or farm. Start by walking them around your yard on a leash. Praise them when they stay alert but calm. Slowly let them patrol alone as they learn.
Let them meet different people early on. Invite friends over and reward your dog for staying relaxed. This teaches them to tell friends from strangers.
For farm work, walk them near livestock daily. Correct chasing or rough behavior gently. They’ll learn to protect animals instead of bothering them. Pairing them with an older, trained dog helps them learn faster.
With time, they become reliable guards. They’ll use their instincts to keep your family, home, or animals safe.
Adoption and Buying Tips
Finding a Reputable Breeder
When buying an Anatolian Pyrenees puppy, choose breeders who test their dogs’ health. Good breeders check parent dogs for issues like hip problems and bloat. Avoid breeders who won’t show you test results or let you meet the puppy’s parents. Never buy from someone who keeps puppies in dirty cages or refuses visits.
A healthy puppy from a good breeder costs $800 to $2,000. Higher prices often mean the breeder does extra health checks or the puppies come from award-winning parents. Ask for AKC papers (which show the dog’s breed), vet records, and a contract. Good contracts promise the breeder will take the puppy back if you can’t keep it.
Rescue Organizations
You can also adopt an Anatolian Pyrenees from a rescue group. These groups save dogs and give them medical care. Some rescues to try include the Great Pyrenees Rescue and Sanctuary in Colorado. They take in Pyrenees mixes and cover vet costs. Adoption fees are $300 to $650.
Carolina Great Pyrenees Rescue (in North and South Carolina) helps Pyrenees and similar breeds. They ask for a fenced yard and vet references. Local shelters in farm areas sometimes have these dogs too. Adoption fees at shelters are lower ($100–$300), but the dog might need training.
Rescue dogs usually come fixed and vaccinated. Staff will help you find a dog that fits your home, whether you need a family pet or a farm helper.
FAQs
Are Anatolian Pyrenees good family dogs?
Yes! These loyal dogs form strong bonds with their families and are gentle with children. However, their large size (90–160 lbs) means they should always be supervised around toddlers to avoid accidental knocks. Early socialization helps them stay calm around guests, but their protective instincts make them wary of strangers.
How often should I brush their coat?
Brush their thick double coat daily to control shedding and prevent painful mats. During spring and fall, when they shed heavily, brush twice a day using a slicker brush or undercoat rake. Regular brushing also spreads natural oils, keeping their fur shiny and healthy.
What health issues are common in this breed?
They may develop hip dysplasia (joint pain), bloat (a life-threatening stomach twist), or arthritis. Signs include limping, restlessness, or a swollen belly. Prevent issues by feeding smaller meals, avoiding exercise after eating, and scheduling yearly vet checkups for early detection.
Do they need a lot of exercise?
Yes! These dogs need 60+ minutes of daily activity like walks, hikes, or yard patrols. Without exercise, they may bark excessively or dig. They thrive in homes with large yards or farms—apartments are unsuitable due to their size and need for space.
How often should I trim their nails?
Trim nails every 2–3 weeks to prevent overgrowth. Use guillotine-style clippers and avoid cutting the pink “quick” inside the nail. If you hear clicking on floors or see nails touching the ground, it’s time for a trim. Reward your dog with treats to make it easier.
Are they easy to train?
They can be stubborn but respond well to patient, reward-based training. Use treats or praise for commands like “sit” or “stay.” Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes) to hold their attention. Consistency is key—train daily and involve all family members to reinforce rules.
Conclusion
The Anatolian Pyrenees is a loyal and loving dog, but they need the right owner. These big, active dogs do best in homes with lots of space, like farms or houses with big yards. They struggle in apartments or busy cities because they love to roam and explore.
Exercise is a must. Aim for at least an hour of walking, playing, or patrolling every day. Without it, they might bark too much or chew things they shouldn’t. Training takes patience. Reward good behavior with treats or praise—they respond better to kindness than harsh words. Start training early to help them stay calm around new people and pets.
Grooming takes work. Their thick fur needs daily brushing to keep it clean and reduce shedding. Trim their nails every few weeks and clean their ears weekly to avoid infections. Brush their teeth often to keep their mouth healthy.
Health-wise, watch for joint issues and bloat. Feed them quality food, keep their weight healthy, and visit the vet regularly. These steps help them live a full life of 10–13 years.
Owning an Anatolian Pyrenees is a big commitment. They need time, space, and care for their whole life. Costs for food, vet bills, and grooming add up, so plan ahead.
If you’re ready for the challenge, this breed will reward you with loyalty and protection. They’ll guard your home fiercely and love your family deeply. Give them the right care, and they’ll be your devoted friend for years.
