How much does a Pyrenean Mountain Dog eat?
Despite the Pyrenean Mountain Dog’s size, they require only a small amount of food compared to other large breeds. Pyreneans require less food because they have a low metabolic rate and therefore are an economical dog to feed (approx $10-$20 per week depending on the quality of ingredients you use)
Average daily consumption
- 2-3 cups dry food per day
- 250g fresh meat & veg
Also, feeding your dog a raw bone occasionally assists in keeping teeth and gums in good condition
How much exercise does a Pyrenean Mountain Dog need?
Historically, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog was bred for livestock guarding on the steep mountain slopes of the Pyrenees Mountains. The nature of this role was that they required only short bursts of speed and agility with long periods of just resting and guarding grazing sheep.
Their modern lifestyle has afforded them a luxurious amount of sleep, with just few hours allocated for play and property patrol.
Average daily exercise regimen (Adult dogs)
- 15-30 min walk each day (or two)
Does a Pyrenean Mountain Dog require a lot of grooming?
The dog’s coats (outer and inner) are coarse and relatively tangle-free which means most dirt just seems to fall right out!
Pyreneans, like most breeds, generally moult every 6-12 months.
Grooming requirements
- A quick brush once every week (or two)
- A bath, a pedicure and thorough groom once every 3-6 months
How much do Pyrenean Mountain Dog puppies cost to buy?
Often, the initial purchase cost of a puppy is insignificant when you consider the various financial obligations you will have throughout it's life. Some people are quite happy to to pay $600+ for a cross-bred puppy from a pet shop with no knowledge of it's genetic integrity. Like many things in life..... You pay for what you get.
Despite the initial purchase cost, potential dog owners should realise that in order to to sustain a puppy into it's first year of life, there are a number of additional expenses that will be incurred. The following list is not comprehensive by any means and will vary depending on the size of your dog:
- 12-week vaccination: $90
- Microchipping: $50 (if the breeder hasn't already done this)
- Worming / Flea Treatment / Heart Worm: up to $300 per annum
- Council Registration: $50 per annum
- Bed / Leash / Bowls: $150
- Food: $500 per annum
- Desexing: $300
- Bathing / Grooming: up to $500
Total $1940
Additional costs may include obedience training, unexpected vet bills, pet insurnace, and kennel boarding fees should you decide to go on holidays without your faithful friend. This could add thousands to your total bill! Unfortunately, many dogs are purchased without any understanding of the 'fine print', and far worse, any understanding of their dog's true breeding and thus potential problems.
Even amongst pure bred dog breeders, the cost of a puppy can vary....
Prices vary amongst different breeders, as do the 'bells and whistles' that come with buying a puppy. When considering the cost of your puppy, here are a few things that you may want to clarify with your breeder:
- After-sale assistance
- Health Guarantees
- Vaccination
- Worming
- Microchipping
- Common problems associated with their breeding program
- Pedigree Papers
We find that only a handful of potential buyers research dog ownership and breeders well enough to make an informed decision. Those that do, usually tend to have the least amount of problems.
Will a large dog destroy my backyard?
The one thing most new dog owners forget is the very reason why we love them so much - they aren't materialistic creatures!
It doesn't matter if you feed them a porterhouse steak or a slice of cheese - they will still behave as though it is the tastiest treat they had eaten all day. It doesn't matter if you own a swarovski crystal-studded leather leash or a length of nylon rope - they just want to go for a walk!
Unfortunately, this attitude translates to our home and gardens. They really don't care if they chew a $1000 watering system that supplies a lovingly tendered and manicured garden.
We always recommend that people have certain areas where the dogs can co-exist with their families without too much bother. A certain area in the house where things aren't likely to be chewed, and an area outside in the yard where you don't mind if they dig. This doesn't mean they roam about doing as they please. But this just allows them to be dogs; Chew toys as puppies, dig holes as adults. Unfortunately, there are no great remedies for chewing and digging.
I have decided to get a Pyrenean, what do I need to do?
Once you know that a Pyrenean will fit into your lifestyle and that you can provide for its needs, you should contact a reputable breeder or breeders to find out when their next litter is planned and if they have a waiting list for puppies.
You can contact us on tammy.martin80@yahoo.com.au or you can contact the national or state canine association (see "links") to get the contact details for other breeders. You will also need to ask the price range for puppies (show quality or pet may vary) and let them know your preference for either a dog or bitch (note that numbers in litters can vary so you may have to wait to get exactly what you want). The Breeder will let you know what else needs to be done before your puppy arrives.
