Great Pyrenees - need advice quick!

[Sjisty]

Hi all -

I have a chance to get a GP puppy for $100. Any advice? Will he protect or eat my chickens? Are they noisy, smart, stupid, etc.? Are they good with other dogs? I have a 12-year-old Aussie female (fixed).

I have until about 2:00 this afternoon, so any advice would be helpful!

 

[texasgal]

Oh my .. you may need more research time ..

They are strong, big, protective.

I've heard they can bark alot.

They need boundaries .. or they think they own it all.
(PHysically and emotionally)

Any puppy will need to be trained

Every dog is an individual .. some are good with livestock, some are not .. (goes back to being trained)

Good luck with your decision .. let us know!

 

[Countrywife]

I would get it, but I already have one. You need to do more research. Quickly- they may or may not eat chickens, it is individual to the dog, not the breed. They need TONS of room, my 8 month old pup is over 100 pounds. They are stubborn and independent by nature, and need a firm hand from day one.

Some questions you need to find out

how old?
raised in what? barn? house?
with or without chickens/livestock?
can you handle such a big dog?

 

[Sjisty]

Well, we have 3 acres. I had a Great Dane in the past. My parents trained and showed German Shepherds in obedience all my life, and I used to help them teach classes.

 

[Countrywife]

how old is the dog and how is it being raised?

 

[Sjisty]

10-week-old puppy, both parents on site, raised with children. Not sure about other pets. We haven't seen it yet. I get off work at 1:00 and we will go then.

 

[Countrywife]

Well, if you want a field dog it is better if they are raised in the field. If you want a house dog this one is ready! I love mine, first I have ever had. You certainly have enough room for it. I also raise German Shephards and Labradors- do some research on the GP, becasue they are different that other breeds, in that they are quite independent, and require a strong hand. I also have teenagers and a new grandson- I have no fear of this dog around them. I have a momma hen walking all over the danged dog with two brand new babies- he shows no interest. But with the chicken thing you have to be careful, even tolerant dogs can sometimes go for chickens. Good luck, but if he is sweet and you have the room I would go for it.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

A Great Pyrenees is a Livestock Guardian Dog.
If you dont NEED a real LGD, then please dont buy one.
If you want a PET, get one from a shelter.

 

[babalubird]

Well, I would think you could train it since it is still a pup. W/only 3 acres, I assume you are rural and that the 3 acres have some kind of fencing and fence posts.

Pyrs and most lgd breeds suffer from Wanderlust! You really need to back up that livestock fencing, if that's what you have, with several rows of electric-charged fencing to keep the bugger at home and keep him from being a nuisance to your neighbors. Fence it like you were trying teseo keep in goats and w/a good charger. Then maintain the charge.

Our part of Texas is full of pyrs and pyr-anatolian crosses. They often wind up in our horse pasture from Heaven only knows where. They always come up for a pet on the head and are calm around the horses, and then sooner or later wander on to whereever they're going or wherever they've come from. I probably won't have such a happy attitude about that though, once my chickens are in place! These are all cattle and goat dogs, not poultry dogs.

If you train them right, though, they sure can be an asset to keeping your chickens safe. But, depending on the dog, that can take as long as 1 1/2 to two years before the dog can be trusted w/something as delicate as chickens.

My farrier had a pyr for a pet and absolutely loved it, but because it was a pet and not properly trained, that one was a chicken killer.

Connie

 

[Wolf-Kim]

The Carolina Great Pyrenees Rescue adopts dogs out for $250. Altered, up to date on shots, temperment tested, and even LIVESTOCK TESTED. They can tell you information on the dog, why is was surrended/rescued, it's likes and dislikes, what animals it can be around and what animals it can't.

Do your research FIRST!

Pyrs are ROAMERS, some even climbing or digging past fences to get out. Pyrs are BARKERS, they annouce their presence to the predators and bark at the slightest change. Pyrs are INDEPENDANT, they only need you for food and water, and they can be stubborn to train.

Pyrs are bred to do what they were bred to do, and are fairly predictable dogs IF you do you're research and know what to expect.

It sounds like you may want to pass this deal up, do some research, and then decide whether you want one or not. If so, hit up the local Pyr rescue.