The Great Pyrenees is a giant dog breed that is affectionate, calm, gentle, trustworthy, and well-mannered.
Due to their size, the growth rate should be monitored using a Great Pyrenees size chart to ensure that maintain a healthy weight to avoid cases of obesity and other illnesses related to growth.
So, how big do the Great Pyrenees get? On average, an adult Great Pyrenees weighs between 85 and 160 pounds with a height of between 25 and 32 inches. The males are heavier and bigger than the males.
Continue reading to learn the factors that may affect the growth of the Great Pyrenees and what to do if they are not the right weight.
When Do Great Pyrenees Stop Growing?
The Great Pyrenees like other giant dog breeds stop growing when they reach the age of between 18 and 24 months.
Since they are a giant breed, they need more time to reach their mature size and their growth stages are slower.
Most of them reach their adult height by their first birthday and will continue adding weight, filling out, and building muscles afterward for several months.
If your Great Pyrenees is not neutered or spayed, their shoulders and chest will become more muscular and broader.
The coat will also continue to gain volume and become thicker which may make the dog appear to be growing but it is just fur.
Great Pyrenees Growth Chart
Monitoring the weight of your puppy using a Great Pyrenees size chart is important as it will help you avoid cases of having an underweight or overweight dog.
The Great Pyrenees growth chart only gives estimates of weight according to age category, so your dog’s weight may slightly be different.
However, if the weight deviation is too high or too low, you should speak to your vet.
At three months, a female Great Pyrenees should weigh between 25 and 35 pounds while a male weighs between 30 and 40 pounds.
At six months, a female Great Pyrenees should weigh between 50 and 60 pounds while a male weighs between 70 and 80 pounds.
At the age of one year, a female Great Pyrenees should weigh between 80 to 95 pounds while their male counterpart should weigh between 100 to 115 pounds.
Great Pyrenees Size Chart
Age | Weight lbs | Weight kg |
---|---|---|
3 months | 30 - 40 lbs | 13.5 - 18 kg |
4 months | 45 - 55 lbs | 20.5 - 25 kg |
5 months | 60 - 70 lbs | 27 - 32 kg |
6 months | 70 - 80 lbs | 32 - 36 kg |
7 months | 80 - 85 lbs | 36 - 38.5 kg |
8 months | 85 - 90 lbs | 38.5 - 41 kg |
9 months | 90 - 95 lbs | 41 - 43 kg |
10 months | 95 - 100 lbs | 43 - 45.5 kg |
11 months | 100 - 105 lbs | 45.5 - 47.5 kg |
12 months | 100 - 115 lbs | 45.5 - 52 kg |
24 months | 115 - 160 lbs | 52 - 72.5 kg |
Great Pyrenees Puppy Development Stages
Birth – 2 Weeks
This is the newborn stage, and the puppy spends most of their time sleeping and eating. They cannot see or hear but can taste and touch.
They depend on the mother for warmth as their body cannot regulate the temperature and the mother also helps them with potty needs.
3 Weeks – 12 Weeks
This is the transitional stage and the puppy starts developing their personality. They will start crawling, wagging their tail, and standing up.
They start seeing and hearing clearly. Teething also happens in this stage and the weaning process should begin.
You can begin teaching them some social skills and obedience as they can interact with other dogs. At 8 weeks, they can move to their new homes.
4 Months – 9 Months
At four months, the puppy starts to resolve their boundaries and learn more complex commands as well as potty training. At five months, they start developing adult coats and also start maturing sexually.
At six months, they start showing signs of aggression and developing physical strength. They need to be kept busy and mentally stimulated so that they do not engage in disruptive behavior.
This is the stage to speak to your vet about neutering or spaying your Great Pyrenees.
10 Months – 18 Months
At this stage, your dog will reach their adult height, but still, continue bulking out and most of the growth and development has already happened.
This is the period to involve them in competitions and keep them active so that they can maintain a healthy weight as this breed is known to be at risk of obesity.
This is the stage to switch to adult food, and the process should be done gradually.
Adult
As an adult, all that your Great Pyrenees need is your attention and care through providing balanced meals and enough exercise to keep them healthy and active.
You also need to visit the vet regularly for medical check-ups to ensure that your dog is not suffering from any underlying issues.
How Big Do Great Pyrenees Get?
You may be wondering how big your Great Pyrenees will get.
There are different ways to predict the final adult size of your puppy including looking at the paws, parents, Great Pyrenees growth chart, and doing a DNA test.
If your sourced your puppy from a reputable breeder, they should be able to show you the parents so that you can have an idea of how your puppy will look when grown.
This is because genetics play a key role in the physical characteristics of dogs and there is a high chance that your puppy will have the same size as their parents.
However, if you are not able to see the parents, your vet can do a DNA test and predict the size of your puppy.
Another way to know how big your Great Pyrenees will get is to look at the paws. If they are unusually large than the rest of the body, then your puppy has some growing to do to have a proportional physique.
Finally, you can look at the Great Pyrenees weight chart which shows the weight as your puppy grows. Generally, an adult Great Pyrenees weighs between 85 and 160 pounds with a height of between 25 and 32 inches.
Male vs Female Great Pyrenees Size Chart
Male Great Pyrenees are heavier and bigger than females and both can exceed 100 pounds hence considered a giant breed.
Male Great Pyrenees weigh between 100 and 160 pounds while the female Great Pyrenees weigh between 85 and 115 pounds.
When it comes to height, the female Great Pyrenees stand between 25 and 29 inches while their male counterparts stand at around 27 and 32 inches.
The height of this breed is slightly less than their body length to ensure that they have a balance body composition. Their body length is between 40.5 to 52.5 inches.
You can measure your Great Pyrenees at home using a tape measure. Ensure that they are standing straight on a flat surface to get accurate measurements and find their withers which are between the shoulder blades.
Measure from the ground to the withers, and this is your dog’s height.
Will Neutering/Spaying My Great Pyrenees Affect His Growth?
Spaying and neutering are harmless and simple procedures that are done by the vet to remove the ovaries of female dogs and testicles of male dogs respectively.
Spaying or neutering your Great Pyrenees is a great health decision because your puppy will be protected from certain health issues such as ovarian or testicular cancer.
Another benefit of neutering or spaying your puppy is that they will become calmer as these procedures are known to reduce aggressive behavior in dogs.
Your female dog will also not get pregnant accidentally and your male dog will not breed the neighbors’ females.
These procedures should be done at the right time to prevent growth issues in your dog as reproductive hormones work together with growth hormones in terms of closing the growth plates.
Therefore, a Great Pyrenees should be spayed or neutered between the ages of 6 and 10 months.
Maremma Sheepdog vs Great Pyrenees Size
Generally, the Great Pyrenees is taller and heavier than the Maremma Sheepdog, but they are fairly similar as both are used as farm dogs and have thick white coats.
A male Maremma Sheepdog weighs between 75 and 100 pounds with a height of between 25 and 28 inches while the female weighs between 66 and 90 pounds with a height of between 23 and 26 inches.
On the other hand, a male Great Pyrenees weighs between 100 and 160 pounds with a height of between 27 and 32 inches while the female weighs between 85 and 115 pounds and a height of between 25 and 29 inches.
Factors That Affect Great Pyrenees Growth
Genetics & Gender
Genetics and gender play an important role in the growth of the Great Pyrenees. When it comes to gender, male Pyrenees are heavier and taller than the female Pyrenees.
Genetics can affect the size of your dog in that the physical characteristics of the parents are transferred to the offspring, therefore, there is a high chance that your puppy will look like their parents when they are fully grown.
Additionally, there are health conditions that can be inherited from the parents, so you should get a medical history from the breeder before taking the puppy home.
Nutrition
Nutrition is another factor that you need to pay attention to as your puppy grows. Dogs need proper nutrition from when they are puppies to being adults so that they can reach their ideal full size.
You should feed your Great Pyrenees a healthy, complete, and balanced diet with enough proteins, healthy fats, and vitamins so that they get all the necessary nutrients for their growth and development.
You should also be aware of harmful human foods that can be fatal to your dog.
Physical Activity & Health
The Great Pyrenees have a high risk of obesity and physical exercise can help in avoiding it.
Since they are active and energetic dogs, they need between 30 minutes to one hour of exercise daily to stay fit. This could be going for walks, hikes, and training.
Ensure that you do not overexercise your puppy as this could affect their growing joints and bones causing pain and discomfort.
How Big Is A Great Pyrenees Puppy When He Is Born?
Puppies of the Great Pyrenees breed generally measure 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters) in length and weigh 10 to 16 ounces (283 to 454 grams) at birth.
Babies are born with their eyes and ears closed and are totally reliant on their mother for survival.
Great Pyrenees pups have the potential for quick growth and weight increase, reaching anywhere from 15 to 30 pounds by the time they are eight weeks old (7 to 14 kilograms).
These adorable little pups have the potential to mature into magnificent canines weighing around 100 pounds when fully grown.
How Big Should A 6-Month-Old Great Pyrenees Be?
A Great Pyrenees puppy should be between 50 and 80 pounds (23 and 36 kilograms) and 23 and 28 inches (58 and 71 cm) height at the shoulder when it is 6 months old.
It’s crucial to remember, however, that genetics, nutrition, exercise, and general health are only some of the variables that might affect a puppy’s growth and development.
The Great Pyrenees is a huge breed that continues to mature and gain weight until roughly the age of two. If you want your Great Pyrenees puppy to grow into a healthy and happy adult, you must provide it with proper diet and frequent exercise.
Is Great Pyrenees A Large Or Giant Breed?
The Great Pyrenees is a big dog breed that is quite enormous in stature. The American Kennel Club (AKC) classifies Great Pyrenees as a large-breed dog. They may range in height and weight because of gender and heredity.
The shoulder height of an adult male Great Pyrenees is typically 27 to 32 inches (69 to 81 cm), and their body weight is typically 100 to 160 pounds (45 to 73 kilograms).
Female Great Pyrenees have a height and weight range of 85-115 pounds and a height of 25-29 inches (63-74 cm) (39 to 52 kilograms).
Great Pyrenees Body Condition Score (BCS)
A dog’s level of body fat and muscle may be quantified using a number called its Body Condition Score (BCS). On a scale from 1 to 9, a BCS of 4 or 5 is excellent for Great Pyrenees.
A score of 1 indicates an underweight dog, whereas a score of 9 indicates extreme obesity.
Great Pyrenees need a balanced diet and frequent exercise to keep their BCS in good shape.
Obesity, caused by overeating and inactivity, puts extra stress on a person’s joints and increases the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems.
How Much To Feed A Growing Great Pyrenees Puppy?
The amount of food that you give your Great Pyrenees depends on their age, activity level, and size.
Start with one and a half to two cups of dry food or kibble and increase the number if your puppy is sporty and active and needs more food.
On average, you should feed your puppy three to four times per day, but you can decrease the amount of food per serving and increase the number of mealtimes if they have bouts of voracious eating.
During the weaning period, feed your puppy a mix of warm water with solid food, then slowly increase the amount of solid food as they grow.
If you are not sure which food types and nutrients to feed your Great Pyrenees puppy, consult your vet.
How To Tell If Your Great Pyrenees Is Underweight Or Overweight?
It may be challenging to tell whether your Great Pyrenees is underweight or overweight by just looking at them as their large size can trick the untrained eye.
Underweight and overweight dogs can be caused by illnesses, genetics, and improper nutrition. Use the following methods to tell if your Great Pyrenees is overweight or underweight:
- Touch method – if your dog is overweight, tracing the spinal cord, ribs, and tailbone will be difficult because the thick layer of fat will be covering the bones. If your dog is underweight, you will feel the spinal cord, ribs, and hip bones pressing slightly against the coat because of fat and muscle mass loss.
- Soak method – you will get a better view of your dog’s figure when the thick fur is flattened. An overweight Great Pyrenees will have a bulging stomach when viewed from above and a sagging stomach when viewed from the side. Underweight Great Pyrenees will have a severe abdominal tuck from its side and an hourglass body shape when viewed from the top.
What Are the Most Common Conditions To Be Aware Of In Growing Great Pyrenees Puppies?
As your Great Pyrenees is growing, there are conditions that you need to be aware of to ensure that they have a long and healthy life.
Since it is a large breed, the Great Pyrenees is susceptible to heart disease with the common conditions being cardiac weakness and valve dysplasia.
Orthopedic disorders are also a common condition that this breed suffers from as they grow. The most common disorders include hip dysplasia and patellar luxation.
Additionally, the Great Pyrenees is prone to various cancers, digestive bloat, and tortion as well as optical disorders.
Obesity is another condition to watch out for as it is often caused by the negligence of the owner. Physical activeness and nutrition play a key role in maintaining a healthy size and weight
Does Great Pyrenees Experience Growing Pain?
Since Great Pyrenees is a giant breed, they grow so fast and are likely to experience growing pains in their joints and bones. This may be due to orthopedic problems such as hip dysplasia and osteochondrosis or playing too much as they are active dogs.
If your puppy is experiencing growing pains, they will have difficulties in doing their normal daily activities such as waking and jumping, and they will experience abnormal gait and limping.
Signs of growing pain include swelling, pain, lethargy, loss of appetite, and heat around the joints. If you notice these signs, take your dog to the vet for medical examination and treatment.
What To Do If My Great Pyrenees Is Not the Right Weight?
If the weight of your Great Pyrenees is not within the limit according to their age in the weight chart, then they are likely overweight or underweight.
Weighing your Great Pyrenees at home will give you a clear indication of whether their weight is ideal or not for their age.
If you notice that your dog has significantly lost or gained weight, the first thing that you need to do is take them to the vet for a medical check-up. This is because your dog may be suffering from a health condition that is likely causing the weight changes.
When the vet clears your dog from any conditions, he/she may recommend ways that you can help them lose or gain the necessary weight at home.
Mostly, it involves changing the amount of food, increasing or decreasing the exercise levels, and supplementing their diet.
How To Help Your Great Pyrenees Lose Weight If He Is Overweight?
Like humans, there are several ways that you can help your Great Pyrenees lose weight at home. The following are the tips to follow to help your dog lose some fat:
Proper feeding schedules – since you don’t want to starve your puppy, you should not overfeed them as well. Overfeeding often leads to obesity and causes overweight in dogs.
Having consistent and firm feeding schedules means that you can monitor the amount of food your dog is eating daily. To help them lose weight, reduce the portions each mealtime.
Proper diet –Great Pyrenees should be fed a balanced diet to ensure that they have healthy growth and development. You should check the nutritional content of the food you are feeding your dog.
Switch to weight management kibbles and choose foods that are high in protein for building muscles and low in fat and calories.
Increase Exercise – increasing physical activity is a proven way that helps in reducing the excess body fat in dogs.
Encourage your dog to be more physically active by going for long walks and increasing playtime. Training is also a good way of shedding some fat.
How To Properly Weight A Measure My Great Pyrenees?
Weighing your Great Pyrenees at home will help in ensuring that they maintain a healthy weight throughout their life. It is recommended that you weigh your Great Pyrenees twice per year.
However, if they have underlying health conditions, then their weight should be monitored often, so you should weigh them every three months.
You can use a bathroom scale to weigh your Great Pyrenees. First, ensure that the scale reads zero, then step on it and record your weight.
Secondly, gently pick up your dog, step on the scale, and record the total weight. Finally, subtract your weight from the total weight of you holding the dog, and this is your Great Pyrenees weight.
Great Pyrenees Genetics and Common Health Problems
The Great Pyrenees is generally a healthy breed, but like other dogs, there are diseases that they are genetically predisposed as a breed including the following:
- Hip Dysplasia – this is a common disease that affects most bigger breeds including the Great Pyrenees. This painful condition is caused by the deterioration of the hip joint because of the grinding and rubbing instead of sliding as the joint does not fit properly to the socket. The most common factor that contributes to this disease is obesity.
- Osteoarthritis – if your Great Pyrenees is experiencing a loss of vigor and appetite, then they could be suffering from osteoarthritis. This condition makes it hard for your dog to move because the swollen joints cause pain as they grind every time they move.
- Diabetes Mellitus – If your dog is obese, then there is a high chance of getting diabetes. This condition occurs when the body is not able to regulate the sugar level in the blood. Symptoms include increased urination, excessive thirstiness, increased appetite, and significant weight loss.
- Others – there are other conditions that your Great Pyrenees may suffer from such as eye problems, skin problems, heart problems, blood clotting disease, and liver failure.
Great Pyrenees Size Chart FAQs
What Is The Great Pyrenees Height Chart
Great Pyrenees doesn’t have a definitive height chart. But the American Kennel Club (AKC) says that male Great Pyrenees should stand between 27 and 32 inches (69 to 81 centimeters) tall at the shoulder, and females ought to stand between 25 and 29 inches (63 to 74 centimeters) tall at the shoulder.
What Are The Dangers Of Stunned Or Accelerated Growth?
A dog’s skeletal and joint disorders, such as hip dysplasia and osteochondrosis, may be caused by stunted or rapid development, which can also contribute to long-term health concerns.
These conditions can be fatal. Also, it may result in an increased risk of obesity as well as other health issues that are related to being overweight.
What Is My Great Pyrenees’s Neck Size?
It is impossible to tell the actual size of your Great Pyrenees’ neck unless you take physical measurements of the dog’s neck.
Yet, as a rule of thumb, the majority of mature Great Pyrenees have a neck size that falls anywhere between 22 and 28 inches (56 to 71 centimeters).
Final Words
It is crucial to monitor the growth of your Great Pyrenees if you want them to live a happy and long life. To ensure that they have proper growth, pay attention to their nutritional and exercise requirements.
Hopefully, this article has given you all the information that you need to take care of your fur friend.