Can the Great Pyrenees Live Outside? Breed Characteristics & Safety Tips

Updated on
Click to Skip Ahead
When it comes to large dogs like the Great Pyrenees, some owners prefer to keep them outside. The Great Pyrenees have been used as cattle dogs, so they have a high tolerance for heat and cold. They also need a large amount of space and consistent daily outdoor activity, so it makes sense that they would be a suitable outdoor dog, but can Great Pyrenees live outside?
The Great Pyrenees can and probably will enjoy living outside. However, that does not imply that they should. While the Great Pyrenees can withstand low temperatures and even high temps, other factors come into play when deciding whether or not your Pyrenees should live or sleep outside. In this article, we will review everything you need to know to help you make a more informed decision based on your dog’s unique needs.
Can My Great Pyrenees Live Outside?
The answer to this question is not as straightforward as it would seem. Many factors can influence whether your Great Pyrenees can and should live outside. Living outside comes with unpredictable weather, unregulated temperatures, the possibility of wandering off, neighbors, etc.
The Great Pyrenees are not ideally suited to living as indoor dogs only. If they are constantly inside, they may develop destructive behaviors due to boredom and frustration. However, they enjoy the company of their humans, and outside temperatures may be too severe for them to be outdoors.
The most suitable answer would be to say yes, they can, but not all the time. They enjoy spending their days playing and guarding their area. They were bred for generations to be able to live outdoors in cold locations. You need to ensure your dog has access to water, food, protection from the wind and rain during cold weather, and a warm place to sleep.
Do Great Pyrenees Prefer to Be Outside?
In addition to having a long history of living outside, your Great Pyrenees may just prefer it. Since ancient times, the Great Pyrenees have been guardians of livestock in the Pyrenees Mountains and were doing the job for decades before being kept as companions. Therefore, they typically prefer to be outside.
The Great Pyrenees can withstand harsh conditions, and they may even find it easier to adjust to the weather outside due to their large bodies and fluffy coats. Great Pyrenees are fantastic pets, and some people still use them as security dogs.
Of course, your Pyrenees won’t be able to withstand some of the temperature extremes we’ll discuss later, so it’s critical to take precautions to ensure your Great Pyrenees stays healthy and comfortable during harsh weather. Even though they love being outside, the cold can be challenging for them. In addition to the dog house, setting up a space within your home is preferable so they can spend the winter nights there. However, if your house is small and your dog doesn’t have enough room, you can improve the dog house’s conditions.
Disadvantages of Living Outside
A Great Pyrenees will wander as far as possible, and if you don’t have a way to keep them in your yard, they are not suitable for living outdoors full-time. It is also vital to keep all pets free of parasites. They could get parasites whether you have outdoor or indoor-only dogs. However, the risk is only increased when sleeping outside.
The three most prevalent parasites your dog may encounter outside are heartworms, ticks, and fleas. Because they serve as carriers of other harmful infections, such as Lyme disease, fleas and ticks are dangerous. Parasitic roundworms, known as heartworms, can enter your dog’s heart and ultimately cause death. Even though parasite preventives are effective, outdoor dogs require more care than just a monthly pill. You’ll need to inspect your dog for tics almost daily to ensure there aren’t any attached to them.
Great Pyrenees typically bark to ward off predators and anything that moves, including other animals and cars. Even when predators remain sufficiently far away, their barking may disturb your neighbors. Keep your Great Pyrenees inside if your yard isn’t fenced, and only let them out when you’re home and able to take them outdoors.
Weather Concerns
Can the Great Pyrenees Stay Out in the Cold?
As we mentioned before, these dogs can withstand the cold and tolerate prolonged exposure to cold. They have two coats that provide insulation in below-freezing cold. Even when it’s below zero outside, great Pyrenees dogs often prefer to play outside. However, each dog has a different capacity for handling the cold.
Your Great Pyrenees must be examined to rule out any illnesses, and you must be mindful of not overgrooming if you keep them as livestock guardians, as it can remove a layer of protection.
Depending on where you stay, some winters can become too cold for even your Great Pyrenees, in which case, they will need to be brought inside or have their doghouse prepared and made warm enough for the harsh cold.
Can the Great Pyrenees Be Left in the Rain?
The Great Pyrenees are perfectly content to remain outside through rain. However, It’s crucial to have a shelter cover available because not all of them are as eager to wait outside in the pouring rain.
You can separate the dog house from the ground by placing it on a platform or pallet. It’s also a good idea to have a bed or other soft material inside so they can cuddle up and stay warm. Make sure their shelter has enough space for them to turn around and stand up.
Can the Great Pyrenees Live Outside in Summer?
You would assume that the Great Pyrenees can’t tolerate the heat because of how successfully they adapt to the cold, but that is not entirely the case.
The Great Pyrenees can handle intense temperatures reasonably well. These mountain dogs were developed to withstand extreme cold and bright sunlight at high altitudes.
The double-layered fur’s ability to reflect sunlight is one of its outstanding qualities. The thick top layer of the coat serves as a reflecting layer. Additionally, Pyrenees shed seasonally, so when the weather warms up, they will lose a lot of their fur.
However, the Great Pyrenees can still become too hot. If your dog is spending the night or day outdoors, make sure they have a cool place to rest. Try to give your Great Pyrenees the choice to go indoors on hotter days and watch for excessive panting and signs of dehydration.
How To Decide If Your Great Pyrenees Should Stay Outside
There are a few things to consider before deciding whether your great Pyrenees should live outside or not.
1. Age
The age of your Great Pyrenees is one deciding factor. When your puppy initially comes home with you, they will likely spend more time indoors with you as they bond with your family. They can begin spending most of their time outside at around 4 months old, but they need to come inside during inclement or dangerous weather. When they are 6 months old, they can be left outside for the night if they have access to food, water, and a warm place to sleep.
2. Climate
Another factor is the climate where you stay. Your Pyrenees may need to be brought inside if the nightly temperatures are too low or the daytime temperatures are too high. They will feel the most comfortable when the temperature ranges from 15°–75° F.
3. Location
The last factor is where you live. Great Pyrenees are excellent dogs for rural areas because the neighbors are few and far between. They make excellent watchdogs, but if you live in a city, you might have to keep your Pyrenees inside at night since they might bark and annoy your neighbors.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, you and your Great Pyrenees will have to decide whether they live outside. You must consider your resources, your dog’s health, and climate. They are typically tolerant of most climates and are generally happier outdoors. However, there are times when your Great Pyrenees may need to stay indoors with you. We hope you feel better equipped with the knowledge to decide what’s best for you and your companion.
Featured Image Credit: Danita Delimont, Shutterstock