Walking like a moving mountain of fluff through your living room, your eye lands on your beautiful Great Pyrenees dog. An ideal picture of grace, serenity, and pure unmodified doggy charm. But don’t be fooled by their calm demeanor and majestic looks, these dogs carry a secret hidden within their breathtaking double-layer coats. What’s the big secret you ask? This gentle giant is a monster shedder!
All those lovely clouds of soft hair might end up adorning your sofa, drapes, and probably your best suit! But before you run around searching for a lint roller or thinking of banning your own dog to the backyard, let’s explore the nature of the Great Pyrenees’ shedding and learn how you can handle it the best way possible.
First things first, the Great Pyrenees, also known as Pyrenean Mountain Dog, are well-known for their voluminous double-layer coat, which is a result of their historical purpose. Originating from the Pyrenees Mountains located between France and Spain, these dogs were bred to care for flocks and guard livestock, often in harsh and freezing conditions. That’s where the thick double-coat comes into the picture! It serves as a much-needed insulation against inclement weather. So logically, they shed profusely, right? The answer is a resounding YES!
The double coat of these dogs is made up of a dense and soft undercoat that traps the heat, and a thicker weather-resistant outer coat. Now the blowout happens twice a year, typically in spring and fall. During the shedding seasons, they tend to shed their entire undercoats to prepare for the changing weather. Nevertheless, they do shed a little all year round. Just keep in mind, owning a Great Pyrenees means battling a daily cloud of dog hair!
If you still love your Great Pyrenees regardless (which you should!) and are ready to march on the path of responsible and patient dog parenting – kudos to you! In terms of shedding, our cute little mountain dog can surely give other breeds a run for their money, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
Perhaps, one thing that might just make your day is that managing the shedding of a Great Pyrenees is quite possible. So, goodbye to the thought of perpetually living in a house overrun with fluff or planning to design your wardrobe around the color of your dog’s fur. We’ll teach you some tips on keeping things somewhat under control.
The golden ticket to taming your white fluff ball’s fur-attacks is regular grooming. Here’s an insider tip – consistency is key! Brushing your Pyr’s coat daily can indeed make a world of difference. Using slicker brushes or rakes will effectively remove loose hair from their undercoat and prevent them from investing in your carpets.
You might wonder if frequent baths are necessary to mitigate the hairy attacks. Well, no. Overbathing can strip their skin of natural oils causing dryness and can trigger extreme shedding due to irritation. A monthly bath or two is well enough to keep them happy and clean.
Incorporating a high-quality diet packed with essential nutrients, Omega 3, and Omega 6 fatty acids can promote healthier skin and coats, which, in turn, can minimize shedding. Push away the clouds of fur with smart food choices which provide an indispensable part of your shedding control strategy.
Ensure your Pyr is adequately hydrated. A well-hydrated dog has healthier skin, which means less shedding. So, make sure they have constant access to clean and fresh water.
Lastly, occasional visits to professional groomers can be a blessing. Proficient in their job, they know what exactly your giant fur baby needs to keep their coats healthy and less shed-prone.
A perfect blend of elegance and thickness, the Great Pyrenees’ coat is the embodiment of their angelic looks and bravura nature. Regardless of the sheer amount of hair they shed, they’re nonetheless endearing canine companions who serve a heap of love and loyalty.
Don’t forget: each hair you brush, vacuum or swat away is a testament of your fluffy fellow’s trust and devotion towards you. Because, at the end of the day, what’s a little dog hair compared to the immeasurable love you share!
Remember, home is where the dog hair sticks to everything but the dog! So, embrace the shedding story of your loyal Great Pyrenees because love surely comes in all sizes, breeds, and amounts of shedding!
