Great Pyrenees
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Great Pyrenees. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat (GDV) | high | Giant, deep-chested build; prophylactic gastropexy is worth discussing. |
| Hip dysplasia | moderate | Common in the breed; insist on OFA clearances. |
| Osteosarcoma | moderate | Bone cancer occurs at elevated rates in giant breeds. |
| Patellar luxation | moderate | Kneecap slippage seen at notable rates; keep the dog lean. |
| Eye disorders (entropion, cataracts) | moderate | Eyelid and lens problems occur; annual eye exams recommended. |
Pet insurance for a Great Pyrenees
Insurers price a Great Pyrenees from the breed's documented claims profile — here, 1 high-risk condition, led by Bloat (GDV). Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Great Pyrenees is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 85–115 lbs and a grooming score of 3/5, the Great Pyrenees sits around the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees guarded sheep alone in the Pyrenees Mountains for centuries, which produced its defining traits: calm, patient, and gentle with its flock or family, but independent to the point of selective deafness and hardwired to bark at night. Pyrs need secure fencing, tolerance for heavy seasonal shedding, and owners who accept that obedience is optional to a dog bred to think alone. Exercise needs are moderate. Suits rural or suburban families wanting a majestic, devoted guardian — and earplugs.
Origin: France / Spain (Pyrenees Mountains)
Temperament
Related reading for Great Pyrenees owners
Great Pyrenees FAQ
How long do Great Pyreneess live?
The typical Great Pyrenees lifespan is 10–12 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Great Pyrenees?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Great Pyrenees carries 1 documented high-risk condition, which is the main reason a Great Pyrenees policy prices above the national average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Great Pyrenees a good apartment dog?
Usually not. At 85–115 lbs with an energy level of 3/5, the Great Pyrenees needs more space and daily exercise than most apartments can offer.
What health problems are Great Pyreneess prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Bloat (GDV), Hip dysplasia, Osteosarcoma. Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.