Pyredoodle – Breed Information & Characteristics

Pyredoodle is the result of the crossbreeding between the two popular dog breeds: one is the Great Pyrenees, and the other one is the standard poodle dog. 

As this unique dog breed is the mixture of two great dog breeds, it comes with incredible characteristics that can steal your heart, being its owner. Pyredoodle is a blend of the exciting traits of the beloved Pyrenees and the Standard Poodle, making them a suitable pet option because it is a buy-one-get-one-free deal. 

Are you looking for a complete guide to Pyredoodle? If yes, then we have got your back. In this blog, we will discuss some historical facts, its origin, and other characteristics.

Appearance

One of the most unique features of the Pyredoodle is its coat, which may have a curly or wavy hair coat. Pyredoodle’s parent, the Great Pyrenees, directly inherited this characteristic. There exist various coat colors in Pyredoodle; mostly, it has a white coat, but it can vary, as sometimes cream-colored or beige-colored Pyredoodle has also been seen.

History

Pyredoodle is a designer dog, the result of the marriage between the intelligent poodle and the majestic Pyrenees. For years, people have been producing designer dogs by cross-breeding the two purebreds of their choice to add new desirable characteristics, and Pyredoodle is one of these attempts. Let’s discuss the parental breeds to determine the breeding goals for Pyredoodle. 

The Great Pyrenees is a giant dog breed that has been the center of attention among people and even Royalty due to its protective nature, giant size, and double-layered coat, which makes it a firm and steadfast pet during harsh conditions. It usually weighs 100-160 pounds, which is a high weight value. 

The second parent of the Pyredoodle is the Standard Poodle, which is popular due to its low shedding ability and hypoallergenic coat. This dog breed has been famous for years due to its intelligence and stylish look. People used to present at art and culture festivals and pet exhibitions. So, both breeds had incredible characteristics, and people started to think, why not make a mixture of these two breeds? A designer dog in the early 2000s was created and named Pyredoodle.  The goal behind this breeding was to attain the hypoallergenic coat and intelligence from the poodle and majestic size of the Great Pyrenees.

Also Read: Australian Mountain Doodle

Temperament And Personality of Pyredoodle

Pyredoodle is an intelligent dog, showing its intellect in learning things quickly and understanding what has been said to it. Pyredoodle takes this intellect from its great parent, Poodle, who is also famous for its intellect. 

Pyredoodles make excellent pets and are affectionate toward their owners. So, if you love to be loved, you must have them as pets, as they will give you all the attention and love you need after reaching home.

Although they don’t require too much effort to be trained, you have to train them early because if you don’t, you will have to put more effort into training them. 

Pyredoodles love to be with their owners, spend quality time with them, and become happy playing with children. They are large, which is why they guard their owners. This trait is inherited from their parents, the Great Pyrenees.

Moreover, they love playing games and engaging in activities like fetch, obedience training, etc. These games are necessary for their mental stimulation and keep them healthy because they quickly get bored if they don’t have to do anything.

Health Considerations

Pyredoodles are Designer Dogs, so there is a lesser chance of any health issues present in the parents as the best characteristics of both parents are selected in them. Even then, some health issues have been observed in them. 

• Hip Dysplasia

This is a genetic problem as both parents have this issue, but it is not frequently seen in Pyredoodles. In this condition, the ball doesn’t fit in the hip joint socket, leading to severe pain and sometimes permanent immobility. 

• Excessive Thyroid Production

The Great Pyrenees are large dogs, and thyroid hormone, one of the growth hormones, is produced in large quantities. However, Pyredoodles do not need that much thyroid, so this condition can occur in Pyredoodles, leading to Hyperthyroidism. 

• Eye Infections

Eye infections are common in Pyredoodles because both Pyrenees and poodles have certain eye problems, which is why they inherit these issues in their offspring. 

• Bloating

Bloating is one of the significant health issues seen in Pyredoodles. In this condition, air fills the stomach, leading to indigestion, flatulence, and no bowel movement. If this condition persists, there will be a permanent blockage of blood flow toward the heart. Severe bloating can cause the death of your Pyredoodle, so this condition needs to be treated as soon as possible.

Exercise

Despite their calm demeanor, Pyredoodles require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy. A mix of physical and mental stimulation is ideal for this intelligent breed. Daily walks, playtime in the yard, and interactive toys can help keep your Pyredoodle engaged.

Due to their Great Pyrenees heritage, Pyredoodles have an instinct to roam and explore. Therefore, a secure, fenced yard is essential to prevent them from wandering off. They also enjoy activities that allow them to use their minds, such as puzzle toys and training exercises.

Tailoring the exercise routine to the Pyredoodle’s size and age is essential. Full grown Pyredoodles may not require as much high-intensity exercise as when they were puppies. However, they still benefit from regular activity to maintain their physical and mental well-being.

Training

Training a Pyredoodle can be a rewarding experience, thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please. Start training your puppy as early as possible to establish good behaviors and prevent unwanted habits from forming. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, work well with this breed.

Consistency is key when training a Pyredoodle. These dogs respond best to clear, consistent commands and routines. Early socialization is also crucial to help them become well-adjusted adults. Expose your Pyredoodle to various people, places, and situations to build their confidence and reduce the likelihood of fear-based behaviors.

While Pyredoodles are generally easy to train, their Great Pyrenees’ side can sometimes make them independent and stubborn. Patience and persistence are important; enrolling in a puppy training class can benefit you and your dog.

Nutrition

Proper nutrition is vital for the health and well-being of your Pyredoodle. A balanced diet with high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals will support their growth and energy levels. It’s important to choose dog food appropriate for the Pyredoodle’s size and age, as nutritional needs vary throughout life.

Feeding your Pyredoodle twice a day is generally recommended to prevent overeating and reduce the risk of bloat, a condition to which they can be susceptible. Always provide fresh water and avoid giving them table scraps or foods harmful to dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, and onions.

Consulting with your veterinarian can help you determine the best diet for your Pyredoodle based on its specific needs and activity level. Regularly monitoring its weight and adjusting its food intake can help prevent obesity and associated health issues.

Color and Grooming

Pyredoodles come in various colors: white, cream, gray, and black. Their coats can be wavy or curly, and they often inherit the low-shedding, hypoallergenic qualities of the Poodle. This makes them an excellent option for individuals with allergies.

Grooming your Pyredoodle is essential to keep its coat healthy and free from mats and tangles. Regular brushing, at least a few times a week, will help maintain its condition. Professional grooming is also recommended every 6 to 8 weeks to keep its coat trimmed and tidy.

In addition to coat care, Pyredoodles need regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care. Brushing their teeth several times a week can help prevent dental issues and keep their breath fresh. Regular grooming sessions are an excellent opportunity to check for any signs of health issues, such as skin irritations or ear infections.

Pyredoodle Is Better Than the Great Pyrenees, Is It True?

The Great Pyrenees have been a popular pet and one of dog enthusiasts’ favorite pets, but people often prefer Pyredoodles over the Great Pyrenees. The reasons behind this preference are below.

• Hypoallergenic Coat

The coat of the Pyrenees undergoes regular shedding, and people can see their shredded fur on beds, couches, and laps. Due to this, pet owners often get allergies and respiratory issues.  

Pyredoodles, on the other hand, have non-shedding coats due to the dominant gene from the Poodle in them. So, the coat of a Pyredoodle is hypoallergenic. This is why the Pyredoodle as a pet is a better option than the Pyrenees. 

It also depends on whether you find it suitable to have the Pyrenees as a pet. For example, if you love regularly cleaning, bathing, and brushing or put too much effort and time into grooming your pet, you can easily have the Pyrenees as your pet. However, if you are allergic and have less time to give your pet, a Pyredoodle is a better option. 

• Health

It has been observed that, concerning health, the Pyredoodles are healthier than the Great Pyrenees. As we know, a Pyredoodle is a designer dog, so it has an improved immune system and develops fewer diseases than its parents.

 For instance, Pyrenees develop Addison’s disease, but there is no chance of this disease in the Pyredoodle. Moreover, the Pyredoodle is better than the Pyrenees regarding its life span. Less disease means longer life, so on average, the Pyredoodle lives 4-5 years longer than the Great Pyrenees. 

• Watch Dogs

The great Pyrenees were used as watchdogs, and you can also see homes of dog enthusiasts as a watchdog once in a while, but here comes their drawback! They bark several times a day and can cause disturbance as they have a high-pitched voice that is too loud to hear. Conversely, Pyredoodles can also be used as watchdogs, but their voice is not deteriorating. 

• IQ Power

Pyredoodles have the best characteristics of both their parents, i.e., Pyrenees and poodles. So, their IQ level is higher than the Great Pyrenees. The reason behind this intelligence is the genes from the Intelligent Poodles because Poodles are recognized worldwide as intelligent dogs. 

They don’t require that much training, which the Pyrenees requires, because they understand and act upon things quickly. 

• Versatility

Pyredoodles are versatile regarding their physical and other characteristics because they combine the traits of both parents, making them a blend of various traits. Pyrenees have a traditional white coat, but Pyredoodles have black, apricot, cream, and white coats, so there is variety.

Why AKC Doesn’t Accept Pyredoodle? 

Despite Pyredoodles’ marvelous characteristics and great intelligence power, the American Kennel Club (AKC) doesn’t accept them as a standard breed. The reasons behind this rejection are explained below.

• AKC requires a standard and certified breed method to recognize a dog as a standard dog, but Pyredoodles are not produced by a certified method and have no historical significance.
• The breed should be free of any health issues, but as a designer dog, Pyredoodle sometimes develops genetic issues.
• AKC only recognizes breeds that are constant in their characteristics, but Pyredoodles vary in their characteristics depending upon the lineage of the parents.

Facts About the Pyredoodle

• Great Pyredoodle is another name often used for this breed.
• Pyredoodle weight can range from 85 to 100 pounds.
• They are known for being hypoallergenic, making them suitable for allergy sufferers.
• Pyredoodle adults are typically calm and enjoy family life.
• This breed combines the Great Pyrenees’ protective nature with the Poodle’s intelligence.
• Pyredoodles are excellent with children and other pets.
• They have a lifespan of around 10 to 12 years.
• Regular exercise and mental stimulation are crucial for their well-being.
• Early socialization and training are essential to develop a well-rounded Pyredoodle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Pyredoodle is a remarkable breed that combines the best traits of the Great Pyrenees and the Poodle. Their unique combination of intelligence, protectiveness, and low-shedding coat makes them an excellent choice for families and individuals. With their friendly and gentle nature, Pyredoodles will become beloved members of any household. By understanding their needs and providing proper care, you can ensure a long, happy, and healthy life for your Pyredoodle.

If you’re considering adding a Pyredoodle to your family, remember that these dogs thrive on companionship and regular activity. Their striking appearance and affectionate and loyal personality make them a standout choice among designer breeds. By providing them with the proper training, nutrition, and exercise, you’ll have a devoted and loving companion for years to come. So why wait? Bring home a Pyredoodle today and experience the joy and companionship that this beautiful breed has to offer.