How Much Space Does a Great Pyrenees Need?

As the Great Pyrenees is a large dog breed, it is best to determine how much space they need to ensure their needs are met. We’ve therefore conducted some research to understand how much space is needed to keep them happy.

The Great Pyrenees need adequate space to move around and thrive. That is why the breed will not do well in a small and cramped apartment. It is best to keep them in a big house that also offers some patio or yard space for them to move around.

So, if you are looking to get the Great Pyrenees and are not sure how much space they need, you have come to the right place. Here is your complete guide to understanding how much space this dog breed requires.   

How Much Space Does a Great Pyrenees Need?

A small home is an adequate space for the Great Pyrenees. However, if you live in a small apartment, you will face obstacles raising this breed. They are large dogs, and most apartments will not allow them room to grow. 

For example, adult males can weigh over a hundred pounds, while females can weigh around 85 pounds or more. That is why they will need ample space to stay comfortable in the home.

Having a reasonably sized patio or a small yard is one of the best things to raise a Great Pyrenees. 

Why Is Space Important for the Great Pyrenees?

Space is essential for a Great Pyrenees because it is a large breed and requires some space to be its energetic self.

Of course, they can also sleep around on large beds and furniture, but owners report they are much happier when they can sit out on the patio or have an outdoor space to laze around.

They will become much more devoted, calm, and friendlier when they have this space than before. 

All dog breeds are unique, which is why you must keep these factors in mind before you decide to keep the Great Pyrenees at your home.

The breed always prefers to be near people, which is why you don’t need a big outdoor space to keep them happy. A small home with a porch or patio is acceptable for them to thrive. 

How Big do Great Pyrenees Get?

Size is the biggest factor determining how much space the Great Pyrenees requires. The breed is large and needs some room to grow and thrive.

However, you can even keep them in a small home if your Pyrenees are attached to you, as they will always be by your side. 

Besides that, many apartments also have a strict pet policy. As long as you don’t have a one-bedroom apartment, you can keep the Pyrenees in your home, but be aware that it may be challenging. 

Great Pyrenees Growth Chart

Exercise Needs for the Great Pyrenees

Great Pyrenees walking in water

One of the things many people love about the Great Pyrenees is that they are not highly active dogs.

That is why their exercise needs will not cause a burden to you in any way. For example, indoor Great Pyrenees will sleep a lot and be lethargic as they don’t require much stimulation. 

Remember that the breed is still intelligent, but they don’t like utilizing too much energy. However, you will still need to socialize with them and not leave them alone for too long. The best way to exercise your Great Pyrenees is to give them walks and moderate exercise. 

For example, taking them to a dog park for a long walk or running is one of the best ways to tire them out. So, be sure to fulfill these requirements for your Great Pyrenees so they can thrive the right way.

Temperament Of a Great Pyrenees

Most Great Pyrenees owners report that the breed is lazy and gentle out of all other dogs. They are not highly active and often prefer to laze around.

That is why the Great Pyrenees can become indoor dogs. However, they still need space in order to move around and channel their energy.

After that, they will be happy to sit with you all day. 

Remember that the Great Pyrenees always follow their instincts when guarding territory.

Even a highly trained Pyrenees will still react to the slightest sound, almost as if there is an intruder. The key is to train and socialize your Great Pyrenees well. 

Once you do this and offer them enough attention, they will make a great indoor dog for your home. They are highly affectionate and enjoy receiving lots of love from their owners. 

Keep in mind, like most breeds, the Great Pyrenees can occasionally become aggressive. The following graphic shows the typical scenarios in which this breed might show aggression.

Great Pyrenees Aggression - Useful Guide

Are Great Pyrenees Good Apartment Dogs?

The Great Pyrenees will do good in a small space such as an apartment, as long as you fulfill their exercise needs.

However, that does not mean you can keep the Great Pyrenees in a small space, such as a studio or one-bedroom apartment, as that is too small.

Besides that, potty training your Great Pyrenees will be one of the biggest obstacles to raising them in an apartment. 

The breed requires a small outdoor space, such as a balcony, patio, or yard, where they can go and rid themselves of their waste. After all, you want to avoid having to clean such a mess inside the home.

So, consider all these things to guarantee you have enough space for your Great Pyrenees. 

Are the Great Pyrenees High Maintenance?

Great Pyrenees sitting near a wall

All dogs have certain maintenance and grooming needs you must fulfill. For example, the Great Pyrenees sheds quite heavily. That is especially true if the dog breed lives in a hot climate. 

So, if you are living in such a climate region, you will need to provide them with regular grooming. You will need to brush their coat to offer them the best maintenance and care.

Besides that, you must brush their teeth at least two to three times a week. 

Because of all this, the Great Pyrenees are not too high maintenance. They require adequate maintenance and grooming to thrive and stay happy with you no matter where you are. 

Does the Great Pyrenees Like to Sleep Outside?

The Great Pyrenees is a mountain breed, so it is well-equipped for living outdoors and surviving.

After all, they have spent most of their time outside in their entire history. Besides that, their size does not allow them to be comfortable inside the home at all times. 

Remember that the Great Pyrenees loves to guard, which is why it might like to patrol outside at night and sleep on your patio or porch. However, you must still have a comfortable dog bed for your Great Pyrenees inside the home. After that, they can choose where they want to sleep for the night. 

Are the Great Pyrenees Good for Families?

The Great Pyrenees is one of the best dogs for families because of their temperament and behavior. They are a serious dog breed known to offer great devotion to children and family members.

The breed is gentle, affectionate, trustworthy, and much more. 

Besides that, they will also do anything to protect their territory and family. That is why if you need a loving guard dog for your family, it doesn’t get better than the Great Pyrenees. They will love and protect you. 

Is It Better to Have One or Two Great Pyrenees?

The Great Pyrenees thrive on companionship, which is why they will love it if they have the company of one another. However, they are still extremely sensitive. The female Pyrenees like ruling the show and are more strong-willed than the males. 

That is why we recommend you don’t get two females together but a female with a male. Otherwise, you might have some disruption and aggressiveness at your home.

So, always understand what you need before adopting the Great Pyrenees breed. 

How Big of a Yard Does a Great Pyrenees Need?

Even a small yard will do for a Great Pyrenees because they are not an incredibly active breed, as they love to laze around. However, if you have a yard in your home, you must ensure that it has proper fencing. For example, the fence must be five or six feet high. 

That is because the breed loves exploring, which is why it might wander off if the fence is not too high. So, if you have a yard, you must take this precaution. If you don’t, that is fine too, as you can keep the breed indoors. 

Watch below for tips on preventing your Great Pyrenees from jumping the fence!

Final thoughts

That was your complete guide to understanding the space requirements of the Great Pyrenees. It is a large breed and requires adequate space to thrive and grow for a long time to come.

So, please don’t keep this breed in a small apartment where living can become an obstacle when there is limited space.

RECOMMENDED – The Ultimate Great Pyrenees Guide – All Questions Answered!