Do Great Pyrenees Like Water? Vet-Reviewed Breed Preferences & Facts
By Misty Layne
Updated on
Traveling with dogs can be a great experience and a lot of fun for you both. But if you’re traveling somewhere like a lake or the ocean, you want to be sure your pup will have as much fun as you in the water.
There are many dog breeds that enjoy splashing and playing in the water (especially those that were bred for water activities). But many others don’t want anything to do with water. Where does the Great Pyrenees fall? Do Great Pyrenees like water?
Honestly, it depends on the individual dog. This breed wasn’t bred for water activities, so they may not like it as much as some other dog breeds. But some pups will love a good romp in a river or lake, while others will avoid it.
Can Great Pyrenees Swim?
Regardless of whether a Great Pyrenees likes water or not, if you’re planning on bringing yours out on a lake or other body of water, it’s important to know whether the breed is a good swimmer. The good news is the Great Pyrenees can swim, but they aren’t generally big fans of it (again, individual dogs have different preferences). And these canines aren’t ones that can swim for long periods; due to having only moderate energy levels and huge, heavy double coats, the Great Pyrenees won’t be able to spend a lot of time paddling around.
That moderate and more placid level of energy and heavy coat also means your pet should probably stay in more shallow water, or you could consider getting them a life vest when in the water. However, whenever exercising your dog in the warm months of the year, be mindful that they may get too hot, particularly when wearing a sturdy vest, if they do not have adequate shade and fresh drinking water. So, needless to say, never force your dog to swim or do any exercise if they do not feel like it. Chilling in the shade on the beach by the water may be equally enjoyable for them.
Can I Teach My Great Pyrenees to Like Water?
If your Great Pyrenees isn’t a big fan of water but you’d like them to be, you may be able to teach your pet to enjoy it. Just remember it’s always best to start teaching your dog new things when they’re a puppy rather than waiting until they are an adult! Also, keep in mind that patience is required when teaching a pup something new, and you should always be careful in larger bodies of water as your Great Pyrenees won’t be able to swim long distances.
You can help your Great Pyrenees learn to like, if not love, water by starting them out slowly with the whole getting wet thing. Don’t just toss your poor pup into a pool; let them get used to water slowly. If your pet seems uncomfortable getting wet, back off and let them get away from the water. Your dog might initially be nervous around water, so give them plenty of time to get used to it. Repeated introductions to water will eventually help your dog relax around it.
Another excellent tip for teaching your canine companion to enjoy hanging out in water is to utilize doggie treats and toys. Treats are used in training your pet to do other things, like obeying commands, so why not use them to teach them to like water? You can also invite their doggie friends to join you for the day out on the lake, so your pooch can follow their lead and learn that swimming can be good fun.
If your dog dislikes the feel of water, playing with your water hose is a good way to get them used to being wet. You can play chase in the yard but don’t just spray your pup whenever they get near, as they may get scared and even more hesitant of getting wet. Instead, leave the hose on the ground and let them approach it in their own time. As long as your dog is getting at least a little wet, they should get used to the sensation. Give them plenty of treats and praise them in a happy voice so that they feel rewarded for their participation in this game.
When introducing your Great Pyrenees to bodies of water, start with something small like a kiddie pool. Kiddie pools are fantastic because the water is shallow, so your dog should feel much safer while in the pool. Plus, these pools are easy to get in and out of, so your dog can leave whenever they want. And it’s a nice place to cool off on a warm day. Try throwing toys inside and get your dog to see it as a game. You can work your way up to a backyard pool, lake, or ocean from there.
But remember to be mindful of how your dog is reacting to the water. If you have been trying to get them used to small bodies of water or getting wet for some time and the dog seems reluctant or uncomfortable, it is best to try another dry activity.
Final Thoughts
If you have a Great Pyrenees, they may or may not like water. It really depends on the individual dog. However, this isn’t a breed that was bred for water-related activities, so in most cases, they are more likely to like water less than other dog breeds. If you start out when your dog is a puppy, though, you should be able to teach your dog to like (or at least tolerate) water.
If you can teach your pet that water is okay, you can even take them swimming! But you need to remember that these are large and strong working group dogs with heavy coats and moderate amounts of energy, so they may not enjoy swimming longer distances (like swimming after a thrown ball). Put your pup in a life vest before they get in the water to be safe, too, but only if it isn’t too hot, as they may overheat if wearing a heavy vest on a warm and humid day.
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Featured Image Credit: everydoghasastory, Shutterstock
