The Great Pyrenees is known for being highly intelligent, loyal, and gentle. You really can’t choose a better companion! However, it is important for every owner to understand the lifespan of the Great Pyrenees and the common health issues that affect their life expectancy. So, how old do the Great Pyrenees Live?
The Great Pyrenees have a long life expectancy for a large dog and can be expected to live between 10 to 12 years. A variety of factors such as diet, exercise, overall health, and even simple genetics will determine how long your Great Pyrenees will live. That’s why it is important for owners to be aware.
If you want to learn more about the lifespan of the Great Pyrenees, you are in the right place! We will go over their general lifespan, the health conditions of the breed, and ways to prolong their life. Keep reading to find out more!
How Long do Great Pyrenees Live?
As mentioned, the average lifespan of the breed is between 10-12 years. This is because larger dogs tend to have shorter lifespans due to an increased risk of health conditions related to size.
As a large dog (males can weigh over 100 pounds), these gentle giants do not usually exceed 12 years of age.
There are often uncontrollable factors that will impact age differently in each dog; food and exercise play a large part, and general health problems common in the breed should be expected.
Do Great Pyrenees Have A Lot Of Health Problems?
All owners should be aware of potential health problems in their dogs. When you know what to expect from the breed, you can identify health issues much more quickly when they arrive.
In terms of the Great Pyrenees, there are several possible serious conditions that owners should know about.
1. Bloat, or Gastric Dilation-volvulus (GVD)
The first issue to be aware of is commonly referred to as either bloat or GDV. It is found to occur more frequently in all large dogs, not just the Great Pyrenees.
With bloat, a dog’s stomach can fill with gas or fluids and twist. This twist creates an emergency blockage that must be treated quickly.
“Bloat is most common in middle-aged dogs, though it can develop at any age.”
Signs of bloat can include a distended stomach, general distress, and collapse. This is a life-threatening condition!
If you notice these signs, get your dog to an emergency vet immediately!
2. Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)
Once again, this hereditary condition is most often found in large dogs. As they grow, looseness might occur in the hip joint. This results in an inability to move and general pain and discomfort for your dog.
Common signs include a limp, obvious pain in the hind legs, and a hesitation to move around or jump. It can be treated by your veterinarian and should not negatively impact your dog’s life as long as it is treated quickly.
3. Patellar Luxation
Much like CHD, a luxating patella can be a major source of discomfort for your dog. It happens when the kneecap or the patella shifts out of alignment.
Such an injury should be treated immediately, and you should notice it quickly when your dog finds it difficult to move and is clearly in distress.
“With large dogs, the knee and hip joints are big areas of concern.”
This is true for the Great Pyrenees, so owners should focus on keeping their pup’s joints healthy and have them checked regularly by a veterinarian.
Otherwise, this breed is quite healthy and will not need much care outside of emergency situations like these.
Is the Great Pyrenees Prone To Cancer?
Cancer is a scary disease, and it is more common in older dogs nearing the end of their lives. This means that an older Great Pyrenees is more likely to develop cancer than a young one.
Luckily, the Great Pyrenees is not more likely than any other large breed to develop cancer – it is simply a risk for all aging dogs.
It is estimated that there are five types of cancer that are more common in large dogs: osteosarcoma or bone tumors, mast cell tumors, melanoma, lymphoma, and hemangiosarcoma, also known as cell cancer.
These are the possible cancers to look out for with your Great Pyrenees.
Large breeds like the Great Pyrenees (especially in middle age) are more likely to develop bone cancer like osteosarcoma.
Symptoms will include leg pain, limping, and lethargy.
Call your vet right away if you suspect something is wrong.
What Do Great Pyrenees Die From?
It is important to know what your dog is most likely to die from so that you, as its owner, can work to prevent it.
Some genetic conditions or pre-disposed issues can shorten lifespan, not to mention controlled factors like diet and exercise.
“The Great Pyrenees lifespan is usually come to an end due to old age, especially within that 10-12 year life expectancy.”
This can be accompanied by bone and joint issues, general lethargy, and reluctance to play. In addition, cancer is a huge cause of death for older Great Pyrenees.
Finally, issues such as bloat can cause an emergency that strikes suddenly. Bloat is a major health issue, and it occurs quickly.
Once your Great Pyrenees reaches the end of their lifespan, issues like cancer and old age will typically be their primary cause of death.
How can I make my Great Pyrenees live longer?
Of course, the primary concern of any dog owner is giving your dog the longest and healthiest life possible.
When it comes to your beloved Great Pyrenees, you can do various things to ensure they live a long and happy life!
Choosing a good Great Pyrenees breeder
This part is not available for those who found their dog at a shelter, but if you are specifically looking for a breeder, it is important to find a reputable one.
A good breeder will ensure genetic safety rather than breeding the dogs for looks.
Maintaining a healthy diet
A healthy and balanced diet is a great way to improve lifespan. It guarantees your dog is getting the proper nutrition and is staying healthy for as long as possible.
Ensure regular Exercise
Much like a healthy diet, regular exercise can do wonders for your Great Pyrenees! It keeps them moving and helps to fight obesity. Experts recommend at least 20-30 minutes per day of exercise and plenty of mental stimulation.
Provide regular Veterinary and Health Care
It should come as no surprise that regular healthcare will lengthen your dog’s lifespan. Common health issues like bone and joint problems can be caught quickly and dealt with thanks to regular visits to the vet!
Brush their teeth
It may seem silly, but brushing your dog’s teeth can actually help a lot! It doesn’t need to be every day, but gentle brushing lessens the chance of tooth decay and other dental issues. You can work your way up to brushing step by step!
Be mindful of Environmental Factors
Environmental factors may be out of your control, but they can still impact your dog’s life. For example, the Great Pyrenees were bred to live in cold weather and can quickly experience exhaustion in hot environments.
Provide appropriate Mental & Emotional Stimulation
Exercise is not the only activity your dog needs! Highly intelligent breeds like the Great Pyrenees also need mental and emotional stimulation through games and affection to flourish.
Ensure socialization with other dogs and people
Proper socialization goes a long way! It can boost their energy level and provide your dog with plenty of stimulation. Doggy play dates are a great way to get started!
Give affection and companionship
Finally, your dog just needs you. Providing affection and companionship builds an incredibly strong bond, and that bond can actually make your dog live longer! Treating your dog like a true companion can only strengthen its well-being.
These tips should help prolong the Great Pyrenees life expectancy. By fulfilling each category, you can give your four-legged friend a long life filled with love and affection.
Final Thoughts on the Great Pyrenees Lifespan
It can be hard to think about our furry friends leaving us, but lifespan is important for every dog owner to know and understand.
Being deducted on typical health concerns and the common causes of death is another way to lengthen your dog’s lifespan through prevention.
Following these tips can go a long way to helping prolong the Great Pyrenees lifespan. The amount of years does not matter as much as providing your dog with a great life and plenty of love – just like they give you!
You may be interested in – The Ultimate Great Pyrenees Guide – All Questions Answered!
