Are you curious about the Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mix? This is a breed that is becoming more and more popular, and for a good reason. They are an adorable mix of two very different dog breeds.
In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about this breed, as well as some pictures of them in action. So read on to learn everything you need to know about the Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mix.
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Pitbulls are one of the most controversial dog breeds. Some people see them as loyal and friendly animals, while others see them as dangerous and aggressive.
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On the other hand, the Pyrenees are seen as gentle giants that are great with children and make excellent family pets. So what happens when you put these two breeds together?
You get an adorable mixed breed. This dog is sure to be a favorite among families with its gentle nature and playful personality.
The Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix, also known as Pyrs pit or Pitenees, is a cross between the Great Pyrenees and the American Pitbull Terrier.
Combining the fearless, affectionate, and strong-willed personalities of the Great Pyrenees with the loyalty, friendly, and loveable nature of the Pitbull Terrier, we can assume that this dog was created as a companion and guard dog.
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- History of the American Pit Bull Terrier Great Pyrenees Mix (Pitenees)
- The Appearance of the Pitenees
- Pitenees Temperament/Personality
- Great Pyrenees Pit Dietary Needs
- Grooming Requirement
- Great Pyrenees Pitbull Exercise Requirement
- Training Requirement
- Great Pyr vs. Pit Bull Terrier Climate Tolerance
- How Much Does A Pitenees Puppy Cost & Where To Get It?
- Pitbull Great Pyrenees Health Problems
- Final Note
History of the American Pit Bull Terrier Great Pyrenees Mix (Pitenees)
The history of this hybrid dog is rather vague since there is no proper documentation. However, we can piece together a rough timeline based on the history of its parent breeds.
Many backyard breeders have been mixing these two breeds for many years now, so it’s hard to say when the first Pyrenees Pit was created.
However, to learn more about this mix, we must first look at the history of its parent breeds – The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) and the Great Pyrenees.
An Overview And History Of The Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees, also known as Pyrenean Mountain Dog, is a large dog breed originally bred in the Pyrenees Mountains. The breed is known for its thick, white coat, which helps to protect it from the cold weather in its mountainous homeland.
The breed’s coat is double-layered, with a dense inner layer of wool and a longer outer layer of hair. The outer coat is waterproof, making the Great Pyrenees well-suited for cold weather conditions.
The Great Pyrenees are also relatively large dogs, typically weighing between 100 and 120 pounds, the height of 25 to 32 inches tall, and has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years.
In terms of personality, Great Pyrenees are generally calm and gentle dogs. However, they can be protective of their families if they feel threatened.
Regarding exercise, the Great Pyrenees need moderate amounts of daily activity, and they enjoy activities such as hiking and swimming.
The Great Pyrenees are also relatively easy to train, although they can sometimes be stubborn. Overall, the Great Pyrenees is a loyal and loving breed that makes a great family pet. AKC recognized this breed in 1933.
An Overview And History Of The American Pitbull Terrier
The American Pitbull Terrier is a medium-sized, short-coated dog; the coat is glossy, tight, and can be any color. The head is large and square, with a short muzzle.
Pit bulls typically weigh between 30 and 60 pounds, height of 17 to 21 inches tall, and have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years.
The ears are small and may be cropped or left natural. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The body is compact and muscular, with well-sprung ribs and powerful hindquarters. The tail is set high and may be docked.
Pitbulls were originally bred in England in the early 1800s from cross-breeding of Bulldogs and Terriers. They were initially used for bull-baiting, a popular spectator sport in which the dogs were pitted against a chained bull.
However, when bull-baiting was outlawed in 1835, Pitbulls were used for dog fighting instead. This cruel practice continued until it was finally banned in the early 1900s.
Fortunately, Pitbulls today are no longer associated with fighting or other aggressive behaviors. They are known to be loving and devoted pets.
They thrive on human companionship and need plenty of exercises to stay happy and healthy. They can be great additions to any family with proper training and socialization.
This breed is yet to be recognized by AKC. However, it is recognized by many other dog associations around the world.
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The Appearance of the Pitenees
It is always hard to predict how a mixed breed will look since they can take on the physical traits of either parent. Still, typical Pitenees we have come across are well-built and muscular dogs with broad, deep muzzles and sturdy and wide heads.
However, if your dog takes more genes from the Pitbull parent, it will have a shorter muzzle. It will be stockier in build with a broad head than those that take more after the Great Pyrenees parent.
On the other hand, if your dog takes after the Pyrenean Mountain Dog parent, its head will be more wedge-shaped and have a longer muzzle.
It is very common to see puppies in the same litter that look pretty different from each other in terms of appearance.
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Also, your pup can have the triangular ear shape of the Great Pyrenees or the rosebud ears of the Pitbull. Their eyes are either round or almond-shaped and usually come in a dark brown shade.
In all, you should expect your mixed breed dog to be a combination of the Great Pyrenees and the Pitbull in terms of appearance.
The Size
The size of individual dogs may vary, with some as large as 30 inches at the shoulder and some smaller than that. But on average, a Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mix is about 23 to 27 inches at the shoulder.
They weigh anywhere from 60 to 100 pounds, with males typically on the larger end of that spectrum and females on the smaller end.
This breed will fall under the large dog size. However, they will likely not be larger than their Great Pyrenees parent. But they will be larger than their Pitbull parent. No matter their size, they’re all incredibly muscular and have large, powerful chests.
Coat Type And Color
Both parent breeds have different coat types and colors. The Great Pyrenees has a double coat, with the top coat being long and thick; it may be slightly wavy or straight.
The Pitbull has a short, single-coated breed; this means that it does not have an undercoat like the Great Pyrenees.
So, your dog can inherit the coat type from either parent breed. It is possible to have a Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix with a double coat, or it is more likely to have a single coat like the Pitbull parent.
As for colors, the Great Pyrenees can be all white, grey, tan, red, or badger. The Pitbull can be black, white, brindle, fawn, grey, red, tan, brown, or blue.
Therefore, the possibilities for coat colors in this mixed breed are endless. You could have a white Pitenees like the Great Pyrenees parent, or it could be black and white like the Pitbull parent.
It could also be any color in between or a combination of colors. The coat color possibilities are endless.
Pyrenees Pit Lifespan
Some factors will affect how long your Pyrenean Mountain Dog Pit mix will live.
The first is whether they take more after the Pyrenees or the Pitbull parent.
The Pyrenees is a large, bulky dog that doesn’t have the longest lifespan.
Pitbulls, on the other hand, are medium-sized and more agile; they don’t have the longest lifespan compared to other smaller dog breeds.
The second factor is how well you take care of your dog. A good diet, plenty of exercise, and regular vet check-ups will ensure your Pitenees lives a long and healthy life.
Environmental factors such as toxins and pollutants can also affect your dog’s lifespan.
As with most mixes, it depends on which parent they take after more and individual dogs.
If they are more Pyrenees, you can expect a lifespan of around 10 to 12 years.
If they are more Pitbull, you can expect a lifespan of around 8 to 15 years.
Either way, you can expect your Pyrenees Pit to live between 8 to 16 years or more.
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Pitenees Temperament/Personality
Dogs’ temperament varies from breed to breed and even from litter to litter. That being said, the Pitenees is a unique mix of two very different breeds.
The Pyrenees is a very strong-willed, affectionate, confident, gentle, patient, and fearless dog.
The Pitbull, on the other hand, is gentle, courageous, loyal, stubborn, intelligent, affectionate, friendly, and clownish. But don’t let the difference in temperaments fool you; these two breeds make the perfect mix.
The Pitenees is the best of both worlds, a strong-willed, gentle, intelligent, and affectionate dog. If you are looking for a loyal, obedient and loving dog, then the Pitenees is the perfect breed.
However, they may be aloof or suspicious of strangers and other animals unless they are properly socialized from an early age. But with the right owner, the Pitenees will be a loving and devoted companion for life.
Great Pyrenees Pit Dietary Needs
They will do well on high-quality dog food, whether homemade or commercially prepared, approved by your vet. Large breeds require more food than smaller breeds, and the Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix is no different.
Puppies need to eat more often than adults, so make sure you give them small meals throughout the day.
These active and high-energy dogs require a diet to support their energy levels and overall health. A great way to ensure that your Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix is getting the nutrients they need is to feed them a high-quality kibble designed for large breeds.
You should also ensure that their diet is rich in protein and healthy fat to help them maintain their muscle mass and energy levels.
Additionally, you may want to consider adding some supplements to their diet to ensure they get all the nutrients they need. Some good options include fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin. These supplements can help to support their joints and overall health.
Ensure that any diet you provide for your dog will be appropriate for its age, activity level, and health condition. You do not want to over or underfeed your dog, as this can lead to health problems. If you are unsure about what kind of diet is right for your dog, you should consult with your veterinarian.
Grooming Requirement
These are low-maintenance dogs and only require occasional brushing. If your dog inherits the Pyrs coat, it won’t require a lot of grooming. If your dog has a short coat like the Pit, it will require more frequent brushing.
Regardless of the coat, your Pyrs pit might be a moderate shedder. You’ll find hair everywhere. The best way to reduce the amount of shedding is to brush your dog regularly. A good quality slicker brush or pin brush will remove loose hair and help distribute natural oils in the skin and coat.
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It is difficult to know if a dog will be a moderate or heavy shedder, as it will depend on which parent’s genes they inherit. If you are concerned about shedding, you may need to invest in a vacuum machine that is designed to pick up dog hair.
The good news is that the Pyrenees shed moderately while pits do not shed too much because of their short, single coats.
You should also bathe your dog as needed, but be careful not to overdo it. Bathing too often can strip the natural oils from the skin and coat, leading to dryness and irritation. When you bathe your dog, use a mild shampoo designed for dogs.
Ensure you check your pet’s ears regularly and clean them when necessary. If you notice your dog scratching at their ear or shaking its head, this could be a sign of an ear infection.
Brush your dog’s teeth at least once a week to remove plaque and tartar. You can use dog or a child’s toothpaste, as long as it doesn’t contain fluoride. Also, trim its nails when it gets too long.
If you are unsure how to groom your dog properly, you can always take them to a professional groomer.
Great Pyrenees Pitbull Exercise Requirement
These high-energy dogs will need moderate exercise to stay happy and healthy. An excellent way to provide this is by having daily walks or runs, playing fetch in the yard, or going on hikes together. A Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix will be a great match for you if you live an active lifestyle.
A minimum of 30 to 45 minutes of daily exercise is recommended for this breed. If the dog does not get enough exercise, it may become destructive or start to develop behavior problems.
If your dog takes more of the pitbull parentage, it will likely require more exercise than if they take more after the Great Pyrenees. Finding a balance that works for you and your dog is important.
Exercise is not only crucial for the physical health of your dog but also for its mental well-being.
Exercise helps keep your dog healthy and strengthens the bond between you and your pet. So get out there and enjoy quality time with your Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix.
Please, if your dogs inherit the pitbull coat, do not exercise them in extreme heat (hot sun). Short coat dogs can quickly overheat and become ill as they are prone to sunburns or skin cancer.
Training Requirement
Early socialization, obedience, and puppy training classes are recommended for all dogs. Because of these breeds’ large size and strength in adulthood, it is important to start training early.
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog Pitbull mixes can be a bit stubborn. Still, with patience and consistency, they will respond well to training.
Take your dog to the park, on walks around the neighborhood, to pet stores, and anywhere else you go frequently. The more socialization they get, the better.
Start teaching your dog basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down before moving to more advanced training.
Suppose you have never trained a dog before. In that case, hiring a professional trainer or behaviorist is recommended to help you get started with this breed.
These dogs will do well in positive reinforcement-based training classes with an experienced instructor using praise or treats as rewards. Avoid using negative reinforcement such as scolding or punishment, as this can make the dog anxious and difficult to train.
Remember to be patient and consistent and never use physical punishment when training your dog. With the right training, your Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix will be a well-behaved and obedient dog that you can enjoy for many years.
If your dog has more dominant genes of the Pitbulls, it is likely to have a high prey drive, so teach your dog early to “leave it” when it sees a cat or squirrel running by.
If you live on a farm, it is vital to introduce your dogs to livestock early on and teach them that chasing and biting are not allowed.
Great Pyr vs. Pit Bull Terrier Climate Tolerance
If you’re looking for a dog that can withstand extreme weather conditions, you may be wondering if the Great Pyrenees or the Pit Bull Terrier is the better choice.
Both breeds are known for their hearty constitutions, but there are some important differences. The Great Pyrenees is a native of the Alps, and as such, it is well-adapted to cold weather. The thick double coat protects against heat and cold, and the dog’s size makes it less susceptible to wind chill.
On the other hand, the Pit Bull Terrier is more tolerant of warmer climates. However, their short coat cannot tolerate extreme sun, heat, and cold.
So if you’re looking for a dog that can handle the extremes, the Great Pyrenees is the better choice. But if you prefer a moderate warm climate, the Pit Bull Terrier may be a better fit, or you go this the Pitenees.
How Much Does A Pitenees Puppy Cost & Where To Get It?
Pitbull Great Pyrenees Mix puppy prices can range from $800 to $2500 depending o the breeder, availability, and location. You’ll need to factor in food, supplies, grooming, and vet care costs when budgeting for your new pet.
The best way to ensure you’re getting a healthy puppy is to purchase from a reputable breeder. You can also check your local animal shelters or rescue groups for adoptable Pitenees puppies.
When choosing a Pitbull Great Pyrenees Mix puppy, it’s crucial to select a breeder who is knowledgeable about the breed and can provide you with health clearances for the parents.
Pitbull Great Pyrenees Health Problems
Generally, these hybrid dogs are healthy. However, they may inherit some health problems from their parent breeds. The most common health issues that affect both parent breeds include:
The Great Pyrenees is also prone to several health problems, including:
- Entropion
- Osteosarcoma
- Hip dysplasia
- Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
- Skin problems
- Patellar luxation
- Cataract
- Chondrodysplasia
- Panosteitis
While the Pitbull is also prone to several health problems, including:
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Hip dysplasia
- Congenital heart defects
- Skin problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Kneecap dislocation
If you are thinking about getting a Pyrenean Mountain Dog Pitbull mix, talk to your veterinarian about ways to prevent or mitigate these health problems.
Ensure you ask the breeder for health insurance clearance to be sure you’re bringing home a healthy pup. Also, make sure you are prepared to handle any health problems that may arise.
The best way to do this is to have a solid understanding of the health problems that can affect your dog and to have a plan for how you will deal with them if they arise.
Also, take your dog to regular medical checkups and do not skip vaccinations or other routine preventive care. This will help you catch any health problems early before they have a chance to become serious.
Taking these precautions can help ensure that your Pyrenees Pit stays healthy and happy for many years to come.
Final Note
The Pyrenees Pitbull mix is an excellent dog for people looking for a large, protective pet.
If you are interested in adopting or purchasing a Pyrenees Pit mix, read this guide first. It contains all the information you need to make an informed decision.
If you find this article helpful, please share it with your friends. And if you have any questions about the Pyrs Pit mix, feel free to leave them in the comments below.
