Power and loyalty are in the veins of the Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix. They are known to make excellent guard dogs, which makes sense given their fascinating ancestry.
Learning about the outstanding characteristics of these canines can definitely make you fall in love with them. However, doing a little research won’t be enough to prepare you to adopt one.
You need quite the experience, patience, and a spacious place. So, if you’re on the fence about whether or not to get one, we’ll help you figure out if a Pyrenees Pit is the right fit for your lifestyle and needs.
By the end of this comprehensive guide, you’ll know exactly what it takes to give a Great Pyrenees Pit mix a long and happy life.
Breed Overview
| Height: | 21 – 25 inches |
| Weight: | 60 – 85 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10 – 15 years |
| Coat Colors: | Black, gray, brown, red, and cream |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, loyal, confident, independent |
| Suitable for: | Families with children; experienced owners; houses with big spaces |
What Is a Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mix?
The Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix, or Pyrenees Pit, is a crossbreed between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Great Pyrenees. This canine is an enormous ball of energy and will never refuse playtime. It is also known to be independent and bold and can sometimes become territorial.
The Pyrenees Pit is a recent designer dog that combines the powerful physique of the Pitbull with the alertness of the Great Pyrenees.
Due to the large size and unpredictable nature of these mixes, they are not suited for first-time owners. You will need the experience to deal with their strong personality.
Furthermore, while the Pyrenees Pit is a relatively new breed, they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and other known kennel organizations.
Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mix Origin and History
While we know that the Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix is relatively new to the list of designer dogs, there is limited data on when they came into the picture. However, we do know a great deal about their ancestors.
The two parent breeds involved in this mix are the American Pit Bull Terrier and Great Pyrenees.
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a purebred dog breed that originated in the British Isles. They were bred from Old English Bulldogs and were famous for partaking in the extreme sport of bull-baiting.
The other breed concerned with this mix is the Great Pyrenees, which most likely descended from a predominantly white mountain flock of guard dogs in Asia Minor.
The Great Pyrenees Club of America firmly believes that this breed is a lupomolossoid. This means that they are essentially more wolf-like creatures than other dogs.
When dealing with hybrids like the Great Pyrenees Pit mix, knowing about the history of their origin breeds is very helpful in predicting and explaining their characteristics and behaviors.
But most importantly, learning more about the ancestry of the Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix can provide a fair grasp of the genetic risks associated with the breed.
Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mix Appearance
Since they have Pitbull in their blood, the Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix is more muscular than the average mixes.
They hold the broad-bone features of their parent breed, and you can observe that they have deep and broad muzzles.
In terms of their coat color, it varies significantly, just like their Pitbull parent. They can either have a black, white, gray, brown, cream, or red hue. However, many Great Pyrenees Pitbull mixes exhibit a mix of black and white.
Furthermore, in terms of coat type, the Pyrenees Pitbull mix has medium-length fur with a straight texture. But some can inherit the short coats of Pitbulls.
Overall, it is easy to find the characteristics of both parent breeds in the Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix. Generally, those that lean more toward the Pitbull side have stockier physiques and shorter muzzles.
If you want to see the majestic Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix in training, watch this video:
Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mix Size and Weight
A Pyrenees Pit can grow up to 21 to 25 inches. Meanwhile, their weight can reach between 60 and 85 pounds. There can be differences in size between females and males, although very minimal.
Since the Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix is a hybrid pooch, it can be hard to predict its exact size. There will always be variations and discrepancies. We can only base our estimates on their parent breeds.
Moreover, these canines can grow quickly and reach their maximum size within 18 months. They may still put on some weight, but this would not be as drastic as their first few months of existence.
Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mix Temperament and Personality
The Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix is a perfect fit for families with children. Because of their good manners and peaceful demeanor, it won’t take long to become friends with these dogs.
Furthermore, they are also known to be highly affectionate pooches. As with their parent breeds, these dogs are devoted to their family.
However, their love for their owners can come with territorial and protective tendencies.
Training a Pyrenees Pit will require an experienced trainer due to the breed’s strong nature and desire to be independent.
While you can adjust some characteristics via training, their tendency to bark in response to odd sounds and unfamiliar guests may be difficult to overcome.
Aside from being friendly, loyal, and protective, another notable trait of the Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix is their intelligence.
Having an intelligent Pyrenees Pit has its perks, so it is your responsibility to enhance your dog’s mental abilities as a fur parent. You can do so by introducing them to mentally stimulating activities.
Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
The Pyrenees Pit can live between 10 and 15 years when properly cared for. However, they can be prone to several health issues since they are a large crossbreed.
You must give them proper exercise, feed them good food and supplements, and pay attention to their needs.
You should also take note of these common health problems of the Pyrenees Pit to prevent them at the onset:
- Patellar Luxation: This is a condition where the pup’s kneecap is moved out of its normal position. If your dog has patellar luxation, you will notice them skipping around and walking abnormally.
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: This is commonly observed among larger dogs older than two years old. Furthermore, hip dysplasia can be caused by either diet or genetics, while elbow dysplasia may result from trauma and hormonal imbalances.
- Cerebellar Ataxia (CA): This condition is an inherited degenerative disease affecting the cerebellum’s cells. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for cerebellar ataxia in dogs.
- Hypothyroidism: The primary cause of hypothyroidism in dogs is a tumor in their thyroid gland. Some symptoms of this condition include obesity, thinning throats, dull fur, and sudden weight gain.
Knowing the possible health risks of your Pyrenees Pit will significantly help you in finding the symptoms and warning signs early on to prevent further complications.
Like all other breeds, the best way to keep your canine healthy is by giving it a healthy lifestyle. As its parent, you must properly tend to its needs and know how to equip yourself in case of an unfortunate event.
Getting pet insurance enables you to choose from various solutions that will help you remain within your budget. Additionally, pet insurance allows you to focus on your pet’s health rather than the cost of medical care.
How to Take Care of Your Pitbull Great Pyrenees Mix
Each breed has specific maintenance requirements. While the needs of a Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix are not demanding, you still need to note several important aspects.
That said, here are the specifics on how you should take care of your Pyrenees Pit:
Food and Diet
The food you should serve for Pyrenees Pit is a lot similar to that of other large dogs, such as its Great Pyrenees and Pitbull parents.
This means that you can either feed them a pure kibble diet or mix their dog food with other nutritious ingredients to maintain their healthy weight.
According to WebMD, the lack of moisture in dry dog food will give your canine more nutrients per bite.
However, choosing the right dog food will also depend on your dog’s age.
Large and giant breeds like this mix should be fed foods that contain at least 30% high-quality protein. You can also add some fat sources but only keep it to a minimum.
You can incorporate more red meat, beans, chicken, and even carbohydrates as they age.
Cleaning and Grooming
Since the Pyrenees Pit has a medium-length coat and sheds heavily like its Great Pyrenees parent, you need to brush it properly at least once every week.
The best brushes for these canines include the dematter, which is effective in untangling their fur.
If you want your canine to maintain a healthy and shiny coat, you will also need professional grooming sessions.
Professionals can help you remove unwanted hair, dead ticks, and dry skin cells that your dog accumulates.
You should also monitor its ear wax color when cleaning the ears, as this may indicate infections.
Training and Exercise
Although their parent breeds are quite intelligent, teaching the Great Pyrenees Pit mix can be difficult because it can be stubborn at times.
To properly guide these canines through their training sessions, you will need great consistency and patience. Positive reinforcement is also ideal because they’ll be motivated to follow commands.
In terms of exercise, the Pyrenees Pitbull mix does not need heavy and intense physical activity. Although they are large dogs, regular walking and playtimes are enough to keep them fit.
How Much Does a Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
Expect to spend around $800 to $1,500 for a Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix puppy. Some puppies can even reach $2,500, depending on the lineage of their parents.
Generally, the pricing of the Pyre Pit mix is on par with other designer breeds. However, the puppy price should not be the only expense you should prepare for.
Here are the other initial expenses you should know about when buying a Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix puppy:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $80 – $150 |
| Bowls | $15 – $40 |
| Toys | $30 – $100 |
| Beds | $50 – $300 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $60 – $500 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $250 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $30 – $80 |
| Total Initial Cost | $620 – $3,150 |
From the list provided above, you will need to spend between $620 and $3,150 initially. The overall cost will significantly depend on your pooch’s age, gender, and overall needs.
However, note that this should not be the sole basis for your expenses. You should adjust the overall expense based on what you believe is best for keeping your dog healthy and happy.
Places to Find Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
There aren’t many breeders who produce the Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix, so finding one can be challenging.
Most Great Pyrenees and Pitbull breeders do not really focus on producing this mix, so your best chance is to find them on advertising websites.
To start your search, here are some safe places to find a Pyrenees Pitbull mix for sale:
- Lancaster Puppies – This platform advertises breeds of all kinds. You can sort the pups by breed, price, listing date, and state from their website. You may also browse the seller profiles to learn more about the breeder and ensure it is legitimate.
- Greenfield Puppies – Like Lancaster Puppies, this platform also offers different types of crossbreeds, including the Great Pyr Pit mix. Each puppy for sale comes with a minimum 30-day health guarantee from the breeder. Greenfield Puppies also ensures that all breeders get their puppies checked by a vet.
- Infinity Pups – In Infinity Pups, you can find a number of Great Pyrenees Pit mixes with varying prices and gender. The organization ensures that all the puppies offered on the website are healthy and from reputable breeders, not puppy mills.
However, if you want to adopt a Pyrenees Pit instead, you should look into the different adoption sites within your area.
Below are some sources where you can find a Pyrenees Pit mix for adoption:
- National Pyr Rescue (NGPR) – This non-profit organization aims to save and rehome rescued Great Pyrenees and their mixes in the United States. Furthermore, their mission also extends to Canada.
- Adopt-a-Pet – This company assists over 21,000 animal shelters, humane societies, and other adoption organizations in advertising their homeless pets to hopeful pet adopters. Check out their listings from time to time, as they often have Pitbull mixes up for adoption.
- Petfinder – This database contains approximately 11,000 animal shelters and adoption agencies in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Here, you can search for any breed you are looking to adopt, including the Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix.
Since finding a Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix online can be challenging, you may also want to drive around your neighborhood to search for local rescues and shelters.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mix
Like any other breed, adopting a Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix has advantages and disadvantages. Understanding them in advance will help you deal with some concerns in the future.
Here are some of the most notable pros of owning a Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix:
- The Pyrenees Pit is affectionate. Affectionate and loving dogs are the best companions; you will never get enough of their tenderness. This makes the Pyrenees Pit easy to get along with. Plus, this means they will be great with children.
- They are friendly towards other dogs. The Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix is not only great with children, but they can also make friends with other dogs. Therefore, you will not have any problem bringing them to dog parks and doggie daycares.
- This breed is very playful. Some owners can’t keep up with the Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix’s playfulness. However, this can also be an advantage for some. Playtimes with this pooch can enhance your bond and even help them increase their physical activity.
Nonetheless, you should also take note of these disadvantages of owning a Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix:
- The Pyrenees Pit was bred to be strong-willed. Being strong-willed is sometimes admired. However, dogs with this trait can be challenging to handle. Their desire to be independent sometimes can compel them to be stubborn and make it more difficult for them to train. So, this is something to get used to.
- They can be overprotective. The Pyrenees Pit is very loyal and can be very protective. This can be an issue when you have a lot of people going in and out of your home.
- The Pyrenees Pit can be noisy. Along with being a protector is their tendency to be more vocal than other dogs. Once they spot something unusual or hear visitors arriving, the Pyrenees Pit will definitely let you know.
Now that you know about the pros and cons of owning a Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix, this should offer insight into whether you will be a great match for this mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mixes Aggressive?
No, Great Pyrenees Pitbull mixes aren’t aggressive, but they can appear to be. Since they desire to keep their loved ones safe, they are more likely to be suspicious of others.
So, you may need to improve their social skills and make them more open to meeting new people and dogs.
Are Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No, the Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix is not hypoallergenic. In fact, since the Great Pyrenees parent of this cross is a high-shedding breed with a lot of fur and dander, they can surely cause allergies to people with sensitivities.
Do Great Pyrenees Pitbull Mixes Shed a Lot?
Great Pyr Pit mixes shed a lot, but this can still depend on which trait they’ll inherit. Great Pyrenees Pitbull mixes can be heavy shedders if they take after the Great Pyrenees and moderate shedders if they take after the Pitbull.
Final Thoughts
The Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix is a fantastic breed that everyone can quickly grow fond of. But, before you hunt for places to adopt one, you first need to determine whether this breed is truly right for you.
While this hybrid is loving and affectionate, they also have their difficult moments. This is why you may need some practice and patience to adapt to certain qualities.
Besides that, owning one of these pooches can significantly raise your expenses. Therefore, you should first know if your lifestyle and circumstances are ideal for caring for a Great Pyrenees Pitbull mix.
So, what are your thoughts about the Pitbull Great Pyrenees mix? Let us know in the comments below if you plan to take home one!
