Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mix: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits
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The American Pitbull Terrier, a devoted and powerfully built dog with a strong protective instinct, and the Great Pyrenees, a watchful guardian with the capacity to think independently, were intentionally crossed to create the Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mix, also known as the Pitenees.
Over the years, crossbreeding has produced some of the world’s most coveted and sought-after dog breeds. The American Kennel Club does not recognize the Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix as purebred, yet it has gained popularity among dog lovers. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at this powerful hybrid.
| Height: | 18–25 inches |
| Weight: | 40–70 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
| Colors: | White, black, brindle, brown, fawn, cream, combination |
| Suitable for: | Active families, experienced owners, guard dog |
| Temperament: | Active, protective, loyal, intelligent, confident, affectionate |
The American Pitbull Terrier and the Great Pyrenees were crossed to create the Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix. The result is a powerful designer dog with strong natural guarding tendencies and unwavering loyalty.
Although the Great Pyrenees Pitbull is often considerably smaller than the Great Pyrenees, they’re typically a huge animal that is only slightly longer than they are tall. They are muscular, but some may lean more toward the Pitbull’s stockier build, while others may leaner and taller like their Pyrenees parent.
Because the coats of the parent breeds are so dissimilar, the Pyrenees Pit’s coat can vary considerably. Some may have a coat more like their Pitbull parent, which is short and single-layered, while others may inherit the Great Pyrenees’ double-layer coat, which has a layer of long, thick hair that is coarser in texture.
Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mix Characteristics
Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mix Puppies
The Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mix is a deliberate mix of two powerful breeds, which usually can only be acquired from a breeder. Your best option is to find a hybrid breeder or speak to breeders of each parent breed to recommend breeders.
It is especially important to find a reputable breeder since developing a mixed breed like this one is highly specialized. There may be a chance that a local shelter or rescue center will have a Great Pyrenees Pit, but they may be older, and the exact history and lineage may be difficult to determine.
Like all puppies, your Great Pyrenees Mix pup will demand extra attention and care. It is also essential to start early socialization and training, especially with a protective pup that can inherit the stubborn traits of the Pitbull parent.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mix 🧠
The Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mix combines the greatest qualities of the American Pitbull and the Great Pyrenees. They may inherit a patient and quiet disposition from the Great Pyrenees parent. In contrast, the Pitbull side of the family will pass down a pleasant, playful demeanor with a stubborn side.
While their temperament may vary depending on genetics, upbringing, and history, this hybrid is generally courageous, loyal, loving, protective, and affectionate. They make great watchdogs but need strict training and socialization from an early age because they can be headstrong and independent.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
Although these dogs usually get along well with kids in their own families, they might inherit a predisposition to be overly protective. This means that early socialization and obedience training should not be overlooked. They are the foundation for a Great Pyrenees Pit to grow into a well-mannered and well-rounded dog.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
The Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mix will often get along with other pets if they are socialized early and grow up together. However, with patience and assistance from a professional, you can introduce this breed to your current fur babies, and in time, they will learn to live in harmony together. The Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mix is naturally protective, so extra care must be taken when their owner interacts with other dogs.
Things to Know When Owning a Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mix
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
The Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mix is an energetic breed requiring an appropriate diet to meet their caloric and energy needs. Their food should be breed, size, and age-appropriate and approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Most owners typically prefer to feed them a combination of dry and wet food, but it’s best to talk to your veterinarian about the best food options, portion sizes, and necessary supplements for your unique dog. Like all dogs, they need access to fresh, clean water daily.
Exercise 🐕
Despite their size and energy levels, these dogs don’t need as much exercise as other breeds with comparable athleticism. For your Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mix to stay healthy and fit, about an hour of moderate to intense daily exercise is usually sufficient. Your Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mix will enjoy long walks, moderate runs, playing fetch, and training sessions.
If your mix has inherited the white coat of the Pyrenees, it’s best not to exercise or walk your dog at the hottest time of day as light-colored coats are more prone to sunburn and skin cancer, and thicker coats are susceptible to overheating.
Training 🎾
The Great Pyrenees Pit is an intelligent canine that is eager to please and often easy to train. However, the Great Pyrenees were bred to make their own decisions, so your mix may inherit the same independence and stubborn streak requiring a firm and confident leader.
Keep training sessions short and break them up into two a day to keep them motivated. Also, add variety to your training sessions to prevent boredom and use positive reinforcement to reinforce wanted behaviors.
Grooming ✂️
No matter how long their coats end up being, those who inherited the Great Pyrenees double coat should not be brushed daily as this often leads to the ends of the hair breaking off. However, they need to be combed and brushed every 2 to 3 days to prevent tangles or mats and remove loose hair from the coat.
You will need to check your dog’s nails regularly for trimming, as they can become uncomfortable and hard to walk when too long. Their ears must be checked for signs of infection and should always be dried thoroughly after being in the water to prevent moisture. Dental hygiene should never be overlooked, and your dog will need their teeth brushed at least twice a week, along with dental chews or chew toys to prevent plaque buildup.
Health and Conditions ❤️
The Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mix lives 10-12 years long and is typically a healthy dog. However, like many breeds, they can be predisposed to health issues that owners should be aware of and reputable breeders should screen for.
Understanding the health issues that can develop can help you provide the best care for your dog. Some are minor issues easily treated and managed, while others may be more serious and require veterinary care.
- Entropion
- Ectropion
- Demodectic mange
- Cataracts
- Patellar luxation
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Cerebellar ataxia
- Gastric Dilation Volvulus
- Bloat
- Heart Disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Osteosarcoma
Male vs Female
Male Great Pyrenees Pitbulls are typically larger than females, but when it comes to their temperament, it can be anyone’s guess. To understand your puppy’s temperament, you should speak to your breeder.
However, when males are still intact, differences in temperament and trainability are more apparent. Intact males will often act more excitable and territorial, and intact females can behave similarly when in heat.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mix
1. The Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mix Is a Fierce Protector
Both parents of this hybrid make exceptional guardians, which means your Great Pyrenees Pitbull is sure to be a fierce protector of their home and family.
2. The Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mix Is Strong-Willed
The Great Pyrenees would spring into action only when necessary to conserve their energy when protecting their home and flock. This means they are independent thinkers, which may make training a little more challenging.
3. The Pitbull Is Often Mistaken for an Aggressive Breed
The Pitbull’s history of being bred for bull baiting and dog fighting has left them with a reputation for being aggressive. However, they make caring companions with early socialization, proper training, and care. This rings especially true for the Great Pyrenees Pitbull.
Wrapping Up
The Great Pyrenees Pitbull is muscular and athletic and may be intimidating at first sight. However, in most cases, they are gentle and loving and have a stellar reputation for loyalty. They will go to any lengths for their family, which makes them exceptional guardians.
Great Pyrenees Pits need a strong leader, preferably someone with previous experience with large dogs, and like all dogs, they require early socialization and training. However, encounters with young children, strange animals, and strangers should be properly monitored.
Overall, the Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix makes a wonderful companion that appreciates receiving lots of love and attention from their owner.
Featured Image Credit: Left – Ryan Leeper, Pexels | Right – CrystalHeadbandz, Pixabay
