Anatolian Pyrenees
The Anatolian Pyrenees is a cross between the Anatolian Shepherd and the Great Pyrenees. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Anatolian Pyrenees. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd is a large, rugged, and powerfully built livestock guardian that projects an imposing presence and commands respect through its substantial size and athletic capability. Males stand at least 29 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 110 and 150 pounds at full maturity around age three, while females are at least 27 inches tall and weigh 80 to 120 pounds. The breed possesses a balanced, athletic build specifically designed for endurance and strength, with a body that is slightly longer than it is tall to provide stability and efficient movement. The deep chest reaching to the elbows and well-developed muscles throughout the frame provide the physical foundation necessary for long hours of guarding and patrolling across vast territories in harsh conditions. The head is large, broad, and proportionate to the body, with a slightly domed skull that is notably broader in males than females, contributing to sexual dimorphism within the breed. The muzzle is rectangular in shape, blunt in profile, and often features black coloring along the lips and nose. Eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, and range from dark brown to light amber, conveying an intelligent, alert, and somewhat serious expression that reflects the breed's keen awareness. Ears are triangular, V-shaped with rounded tips, set no higher than the plane of the head, and hang close to the cheeks with a slight lift when alert. In their native Turkey, ears are traditionally cropped very short. The neck is strongly muscled, of medium length, with minimal dewlap. The double coat varies from short to medium length, ranging from one to four inches, and provides essential protection against extreme weather conditions ranging from scorching summers to freezing winters. The outer coat is dense, straight, and slightly coarse, while the undercoat is softer and thick for insulation. Coat is more profuse around the neck and mane forming a protective ruff, with feathering sometimes appearing on the ear fringes, legs, breeches, and tail. All color patterns and markings are equally acceptable within the breed standard, including fawn, white, brindle, red, liver, gray, and various combinations. Many individuals display a distinctive black or brown mask that frames the face. The breed is notably clean with little doggy odor and does not drool excessively.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Training an Anatolian Shepherd requires patience, consistency, and understanding of the breed's independent nature. They are not eager-to-please dogs like retrievers and will question commands that seem unnecessary. Obedience training is absolutely essential, as is extensive early socialization to help them distinguish genuine threats from normal situations. Without proper socialization, their protective instincts can become problematic. These dogs require experienced owners who can provide strong, positive leadership. Secure fencing of at least five to six feet is essential, as is a large outdoor space where they can exercise their natural guarding behaviors.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations A notable breed characteristic is sensitivity to anesthesia, which can affect recovery time from surgical procedures. Veterinarians should be informed of this sensitivity before any procedures requiring sedation. Bloat, while not as prevalent in Anatolian Shepherds as in some other deep-chested breeds, can still occur and is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention. Other conditions occasionally seen include hypothyroidism, demodicosis (skin mite infestation), degenerative myelopathy affecting the spinal cord, and dental disease common to all breeds. Tumors have been cited as a common cause of death, likely reflecting age-related conditions. The breed club recommends hip screening, eye examinations, and cardiac evaluations for all breeding animals to help maintain breed health.
Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a large, immensely powerful working dog that conveys an impression of elegance and unsurpassed beauty combined with great overall size and majesty. Males stand 27 to 32 inches at the shoulder and typically weigh 100 to 150 pounds, while females range from 25 to 29 inches tall and weigh approximately 85 to 130 pounds. The breed possesses a well-proportioned, balanced frame that is only slightly longer than tall, with strong bone and substantial body mass reflecting its capacity for physical work and endurance as a livestock guardian in mountain terrain. The head is wedge-shaped with a slightly rounded crown, not heavy in proportion to the body size. The expression is elegant, intelligent, and contemplative. Eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, set slightly obliquely, and rich dark brown with close-fitting black rims. Ears are small to medium in size, V-shaped with rounded tips, set at eye level, and normally carried low, flat, and close to the head. There is a characteristic line where the hair of the upper and lower face meets, running from the outer corner of the eye to the ear base. The nose and lips are black, and a scissor bite is preferred. The weather-resistant double coat is one of the breed's most distinctive features, consisting of a long, flat, thick outer coat of coarse hair that may be straight or slightly undulating, lying over a dense, fine, woolly undercoat. The coat is more profuse around the neck and shoulders, forming a ruff or mane that is more pronounced in males. Longer hair on the tail forms a plume, and feathering appears along the back of the front legs and thighs, creating a pantaloon effect. The coat is primarily white, though markings of gray, badger, reddish brown, or varying shades of tan may appear on the ears, head, tail, and as body spots. The breed sheds heavily, particularly during seasonal coat changes.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Great Pyrenees are naturally protective and territorial, viewing their family as their flock to be guarded. They tend to be wary of strangers and will bark to alert their families to anything unusual, particularly at night when their guarding instincts are most active. This barking is part of their natural behavior as livestock guardians. They generally do well with children and other family pets when properly socialized, taking their protective role seriously. Early socialization is essential to help them distinguish between real threats and normal everyday situations. The breed requires secure fencing and does not do well in apartment settings.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, commonly called bloat or GDV, is a life-threatening condition that affects deep-chested breeds like the Great Pyrenees. This emergency occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists, requiring immediate veterinary intervention. Many veterinarians recommend prophylactic gastropexy surgery to reduce risk. Eye conditions including entropion, cataracts, and canine multifocal retinopathy (CMR) can affect vision. Neuronal Degeneration (NDG) is a devastating inherited neurological disease that causes progressive loss of coordination in young dogs. Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) is unfortunately more common in this breed. Other conditions include hypothyroidism, Addison's disease, Von Willebrand's disease (a bleeding disorder), and dental disease. Genetic testing is available for several of these conditions and is strongly encouraged for breeding dogs.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Anatolian Pyrenees may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Anatolian Shepherd and Great Pyrenees to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.