The Pyredoodle is a Great Pyrenees Standard Poodle mix. They are long legged, narrow faced, floppy eared dogs that need lots of grooming and clipping. This hybrid dog has working roots on both sides of the family, they are intelligent and do best when given a job to do. Large, loyal and protective, they are great watchdogs. But they can make great pets for the right home too. Positive reinforcement training is essential for this powerhouse puppy, and will help you to form an even stronger bond as they grow.
Early vs Late Generations
There are different levels of crosses. At the most general level, the first generation, or F1, cross is a litter of puppies that comes from a crossing of the Great Pyrenees with the standard Poodle. The second generation, or F1B, cross is a litter of puppies that comes from a crossing of a Pyredoodle with either a Great Pyrenees or a standard Poodle. The third generation and later, or F2, F3, F4, etc, cross is a litter of puppies that comes from a crossing of two Pyredoodle parents.
In the earliest generations (F1 and F1B), since it is impossible to predict in advance which genetic traits a puppy will inherit from either purebred dog parent. This is where you will see the most variation between puppies even within a single litter.
The later the generation (F2 or later), the more control the breeder may exert over the appearance, personality, traits, health issues, coat type, and other important characteristics of the resulting puppies.
If you have your heart set on acquiring a Pyredoodle with certain specific traits, you may fare better seeking a breeder that specializes in later generation (F2 or later) Pyredoodle puppies.
Working Origins
The history of the Pyredoodle is very recent, but we can still find out a lot about them by looking into their parents’ pasts.
The Great Pyrenees, or Pyrenean Mountain Dog, is a calm, beautiful, large dog breed that first arose in the area of the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. The climate in the Pyrenees Mountains is quite cold, especially in winter, and this dog’s beautiful thick fur coat speaks to generations of outdoor work guarding sheep and other livestock from fearsome predators, including wolves and bears!
This dog’s native name is Le Grande Chien des Montagnes, or “the big dog of the mountains.” This is a truly ancient dog breed. Canine biologists have dated remains of this breed all the way back to the Bronze Age (beginning in 1800 B.C.).
The modern Poodle is bred in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. However, the standard Poodle represents the original Poodle purebred dog breed, and the Pyredoodle is the result of a cross between the Great Pyrenees dog and the standard Poodle dog.
The Poodle’s name refers to this water-loving dog’s working job of retrieving downed ducks from lakes and rivers for hunters. This dog breed dates back at least 400 years.
What Do They Look Like?
The Pyredoodle has been described as “the best hits” of the Great Pyrenees dog and the standard Poodle dog. Of course, you will find greater stability in puppy traits with later generations of Pyredoodles, but there are plenty of traits you can assume they will have. Like a long coat, with straight to wavy curls and a decent height if they are bred with Standard Poodle lines.
Pyredoodle Grooming
One of the most beloved traits of the standard Poodle is this dog breed’s low shedding coat.
The Great Pyrenees dog, on the other hand, has a thick, dense, double layer coat that sheds regularly, and can shed profusely when the seasons change. Some Great Pyrenees owners call this twice-annual big shed the “snowstorm.”
With earlier generations of Pyredoodles, all bets are off as far as whether your puppy will inherit the high-shedding, thick, long coat of the Great Pyrenees or the curly, wiry, non-shedding coat of the Poodle.
In either case, you will need to brush and groom your puppy regularly and may want to invest in professional grooming to ease your workload and keep the coat and skin in the healthiest condition.
Are Pyredoodles Hypoallergenic?
While biologically speaking there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog breed, it is true that the Poodle’s thick, wiry, curly coat doesn’t really shed. This is because the coat catches shed hairs before they can fall to the ground.
But when you mix in the Great Pyrenees coat, this dog could have quite straight fur. Allowing dander to free flow around your home! We therefore don’t recommend this mix to allergy sufferers.
Are They Giant Dogs?
Fully grown, a Great Pyrenees dog can easily top 100 pounds, although 85 to 100 pounds represents the range. Adult males are more likely to weigh 100+ pounds. These dogs generally stand 27 to 32 inches tall.
An adult standard Poodle can weigh 40 to 70 pounds, with adult males outweighing females by about 10 pounds on average. Adult standard Poodles can stand 10 to 15 inches tall.
From this mix of genetic attributes, you can estimate that a full grown Pyredoodle dog may weigh anywhere from 40 to 100+ pounds and stand anywhere from 10 to 32 inches tall! Here, meeting each parent dog personally will give you a better sense of the adult weight and height of your puppy.
Personality and Temperament
The Pyredoodle overall is known to be a loving, friendly, affectionate, and social pup who thrives when spending time with their people in an active lifestyle.
Some people call Pyredoodles the “nannies” of the canine world for their devotion to herding and protecting “their” charges!
They are likely to be fairly cold towards people that they don’t know. And might also guard their property, with loud barks and growls. But with good socialization in puppyhood you can help them to feel a little more warmly towards strangers.
Socialization & Training Needs
The Pyredoodle is a mix of two very intelligent, independent and driven parent dogs. It will be very important to start socialization and training early and keep at it, using only positive training methods and lots of rewards as motivation.
This dog needs plenty of exercise every day, ideally through a combination of walks, runs and time spent training.
Pyredoodle Health Issues
Pyredoodle dogs may inherit genetic health sensitivities from one or both parent dogs. For this reason, it is important to verify parent dogs have been pre-tested for all known health issues that may impact their breed.
The Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) recommends testing Great Pyrenees dogs for hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. Optional recommended tests include cardiac, thyroid, elbow dysplasia, hearing, eye issues, and bleeding disorders.
CHIC recommends testing standard Poodles for hip dysplasia and eye issues. Optional recommended tests include thyroid, skin, and heart issues.
Are Pyredoodles Good Family Dogs?
Pyredoodles can be great family dogs. Both parent dogs tend to be excellent watch dogs. They are highly intelligent with strong guarding and protective instincts towards “their” people. Both will be warm and loving with family and naturally reserved with strangers.
The watchdog trait is strong in both purebred parent dog. But neither dog is aggressive and both are smart enough to be readily trainable.
Pyredoodle Puppies
Great Pyrenees Poodle puppies are going to be very cute – this is something you can count on. For this reason, it is important to do all your research. Get the information you need before you begin contacting breeders and visiting available litters of Pyredoodle puppies!
The healthiest Pyrenees Poodle puppies will come from reputable and responsible Pyredoodle breeders. Those who place the health of their puppies above all else. Including appearance attributes.
Responsible Pyredoodle breeders should ensure that their parent dogs are always pre-screened. Tested for any known purebred genetic health issues prior to breeding. This will ensure preventable health concerns are not passed on to future litters of Pyredoodle puppies.
Wendie says
Looking for f1 Pyredoodle
Need ideas for solid good breeder
Thank you
M says
What would a f1 black golden doodle bred with a Great Pyrenees be?
Paula says
I have a F1 Pyredoodle. He is perfection. I also have a pure bread silver lab. They are both young so we were waiting to have them spay and neutered until two years old. She is in heat and I am pretty sure she is now pregnant. What would these pups be called? I am confident they will be beautiful, amazing dogs but because this is now three mixes of dogs, would they be considered mutts? I have seen information on Golden Labradoodles, also three mixes. Any info or advise on this mix of dogs? We will be getting the dogs fixed after this!
K. Russ says
I just purchased a Pyredoodle and so far he just the sweetest dog I’ve ever had. I wanted a Goldendoodle. Glad that I got my Pyredoodle.
Angelika Peters says
We are looking for a Pyrdoodle and wonder if you have suggestion of which breeder to use.
Gem615 says
Almost forgot… Standard Poodles size is also NOT 10-15″ (that may better apply to a toy or mini)… a Standard male (largest of the breed) stands at about 27″ at the shoulder. There are some people that claim they breed GIANT Standards (which really isn’t a thing, but more of a marketing ploy), that stand approx 30″ at the shoulder, and weigh typically 70-80 lbs.
Also note that European stock is much different than the Western version, being more true to the originals bred over the centuries as working dogs & possess a more heavier frame and well as taller than the AKC standard of up to 27″.
Mark says
We have a 120 pound Great Pyeredoodle. He is white with just a tint of champaign colored ears. He is a gentle giant. I would include a picture but, it does not let me on this reply.
Kim Platt says
We just adopted an 8 wk old F1 pyredoodle little girl, white w/parti black face! Can’t wait to get her home!
Deborah Jones says
The Toy poodle is 10″ or under. Teacup and tiny toy are both marketing terms. The Miniature poodle is 10+-15″. The Standard poodle is anything over 15″ with no upward limit. Standards in the lower range height-wise are sometimes referred to as ‘moyens’ or ‘kleins’ and are recognized as a fourth size in Europe. There is movement afoot to have them recognized as a fourth size in the US, as well. The really tall Standards (usually over 25″) are referred to as ‘royals,’ which is a marketing term in the US, but, in France, Standards are known as Royals.
Gem615 says
Quick correction…. The Poodle breed originates in GERMANY, NOT FRANCE – though they did adopt the breed throughout history (hence, the French Poodle). Ever notice a Weimaraner looks exactly like a shaved down Std Poodle? Theres a reason for that ?
Marci Lewellen says
What was the shedding like for your dogs with the mix?
Ralph Ramsey says
I have a male Great Pyrenees that just turned 4. He is 31″ tall at the shoulder, very long and looks lean at 151 lbs. Beautiful dog both physically and emotionally. Perfect with small children and all family. Very protective of us and our property. Every poodle I have ever been around is a disaster, jump on you, can’t sit still. I cannot imagine why anyone would want to have a speck of poodle in a great Pyrenees, what a crying shame
NonObnoxious DogOwner says
Because poodles don’t shed. Unlike my Pyr — after a brushing I can make another dog. If you just pick up what he’s dropped on the living room carpet today I could make another dog.
lisa says
ha! agree but it’s only the coat issue that necessitates it
Laura says
And drool….loved my pyr, but the drooling was out of hand
rollover&owner says
I had a Pyr many years ago that, according to the vet, was unable to get pregnant (therefore, no need to spay). I also had a beautiful, black, male, Standard Poodle. They were always together in the house when we were gone. One day my husband came in and told me my beautiful WHITE dog had 4 BLACK puppies!! She never even showed ANY signs of “being in heat”. All 4 of those puppies grew up to be the most wonderful dogs I’ve ever known! Great with kids, seniors and everywhere in between (including cats, birds and a rabbit), smart, affectionate, protective, excellent guard dogs but not aggressive (unless you try to harm their owner).This was a combo I would have never thought of but I’m so thankful my dogs did, long ago!! I my have had the first ones…lol. As for the “POODLE REMARKS”, MY STANDARD was not this dog you speak of: I QUOTE: “Every poodle I have ever been around is a disaster, jump on you, can’t sit still. I cannot imagine why anyone would want to have a speck of poodle in a great Pyrenees, what a crying shame”.
He was smart, attentive, SAT STILL when asked to, did not JUMP ON YOU or anyone else, unless they were attacking his owner. He followed commands very well, HE WAS A SERVICE DOG” EXCELLENT at his job and saved my live more than once. However, I too never “IMAGINED” mixing the 2 breeds but I am so thankful my dogs did and it was far from a “SHAME”! The STANDARD POODLE is the original POODLE!! It was a duck hunters dog. Loved the water and retrieving. A working dog. As time went by people wanted a smaller version as pets. Breeders found a way to make what was in demand, the mini and toy size. With the changes, the energy for hunting as a working dog had to go somewhere. Therefore, came the “can’t sit still” and energy that needs to get out, that you refer to as a ” disaster”. Poodles are just as good as the Pyr!! A lot of the same traits. The little ones are just more energetic due to no fault of there own!! I love both breeds and the mix is excellent!! I’m SPEAKING FROM EXPERIENCE! Please don’t criticize something you know nothing about.
Tina says
I would love to see pics!
Kathy says
I grew up with a standard poodle.
He joined our family 5 kids under 6 years of age.
Never did our dog jump on us, he was great.
A neighbor laughed when my dad told him that Whinny
Would protect the family.
They put a wager on this.
The neighbor put a hoodie of covering his face,
Walked into the house unannounced.
Whinny jumped on him knocking him to the floor.
Whinny didn’t bite the neighbor, but definitely protected the family.
Beth HOFER says
How did those puppies shed? Are the longer, thicker coats on puppies always double coated and big shedders of the pyredoodles? Wanting low-shedding for allergy sake.
Jamele says
I also agree with rollover&owner – I had a beautiful chocolate Std Poo that I trained ed as an advanced task service dog… there was absolutely nothing about him that was annoying! His personality was beyond charming… he did have his moments being endearingly goofy, but was ALWAYS loving to everyone he ever met, highly intelligent & eagerly obedient. Granted, I trained him as a service dog (of which I would often find him in the other room practicing whatever newly taught task all on his own), but that dog would jump to his feet out of a dead sleep to retrieve me something I’d dropped without my ever having to ask. When I didnt feel well , he was ALWAYS lying there calmly right by my side…. He also was one of the happiest dogs I’ve ever had – frequently waking me up with the thump of his tail wagging while he was dreaming, there wasn’t an annoying bone in his body, & I dont think I’ve ever had a dog so innately sweet (& I’ve had a LOT of dogs over my lifetime)! I somewhat recently lost him to a quick onset of a rare cancer, 2 mos shy of him turning 11…. and why I’m just starting to research a similar, but much larger/ taller & heavier framed dog to fill the void hes left in my life. a Pyredoodle may just fit the bill….
Kim Platt says
For 20 years I owned Great Danes! I lost my last Dane at age 10 2 years ago! To fill that sad void I have adopted a beautiful F1 Pyredoodle girl! I’ve done all my research and am very excited to get her home! Good luck with your new baby whenever that may be!
Deborah Jones says
May I ask where you got your puppy? The one breeder I’ve found had this spiel about how adding the Standard Poodle to the Pyrenees reduced the likelihood of bloat and Addison’s in the offspring. That was a red flag for me because Standards are well known for both bloat and Addison’s. I’m hoping to find someone who has a strong knowledge of both breeds and genetics, and it wouldn’t hurt if they were on the west coast.