Choosing a Great Pyrenees

Choosing a Great Pyrenees

By: Dr. Dawn Ruben


Common Diseases and Disorders

In general, the Great Pyrenees is a healthy dog with few medical concerns. However, the following diseases or disorders have been reported:

  • Heart disease occurs when the valves of the heart no longer function appropriately. Without treatment, heart failure can occur.

  • Gastric torsion, also known as bloat, is a life-threatening sudden illness associated with the stomach filling with air and twisting.

  • Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint that results in pain, lameness and arthritis.

  • Hot spots are areas of itchy moist skin irritation.

  • Atopy is an itchy skin disease of animals that is caused by an allergy to substances in the environment.

  • Elbow dysplasia is the abnormal development of certain parts of the elbow joint during the growing phase of a dog's life.


  • Ear infections or inflammation of the external ear canal, is characterized by inflammation of the soft tissue components of the external ear canal.

    In addition, although these occur infrequently, the following disorders have also been reported:

  • Demodex may occur in puppies or adults.

  • Deafness has been reported in the Great Pyrenees.

  • Epilepsy is a seizure disorder that develops between the ages of 2 to 5 years.

  • Entropion is a problem with the eyelid that causes inward rolling. Lashes on the edge of the eyelid irritate the surface of the eyeball and may lead to more serious problems.

    The Great Pyrenees is also prone to certain types of cancer.

    Life Span

    The average life span of the Great Pyrenees is 8 to 10 years.


    We realize that each dog is unique and may display other characteristics. This profile provides generally accepted breed information only.

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