Frequently Asked Questions
Eeyore (Scarlet x Max) courtesy of @3pyrsinapod
What kind of food do you feed your puppies ?
Currently we are feeding our puppies Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food available from Chewy and supplementing with goat’s milk, farm fresh eggs, and meat scraps when available. Whatever brand of puppy food you choose, it should have a high protein and lower calcium ratio. (The majority of puppy foods have a higher protein ratio as compared to foods for more mature and adult dogs.) Your puppy will have exponential growth over that first year and good food does make a difference. Feeding our dogs raw eggs makes their hair softer and glossier. The bones and meat treats are packed with protein and help keep teeth clean. Just keep in mind that a small population of dogs can have allergies to eggs, so watch you pup and chat with your vet to decided what’s best. Also remember that digestive health is important especially when consuming raw meats, so set up a worming schedule with your vet as well.
Is a Great Pyr right for me?
Make certain Great Pyrenees are right for you before reserving a puppy! Familiarize yourself with this wonderful breed with the following info:
And of course if you have any question don’t hesitate to contact SRK!
When can I take my puppy out and about ?
Early socialization is important for your puppy with animals as well as people of all ages. We start introducing your puppy early to sounds, textures, noise and even smells but you need this training to continue. Keep in mind though that when you pick up your puppy from us at 8 weeks, he will have only had one round of a 3-round vaccination against viruses such as canine Parvovirus (CPV). This yucky virus can live in soils and is highly contagious so I would highly caution you against taking your pup to a dog park or other environment where he can come into contact with infected dogs or contaminated soil. If you want to go to the park or ball field within those first few weeks, consider letting your pup enjoy the view from a wagon.
What do you want every adoptive family to know ?
Great Pyrenees are amazing dogs! They can be stubborn and might throw the occasional tem-pyr-tantrum, but that’s nothing to how loyal and loving they are. I encourage families to remember that even though they are gentle giants, they must still go through the puppy phase. Be patient, consistent, and firm. Invest four months of consistent, intentional training into your puppy initially, and then reap the rewards and experience the richness they will bring into your life for years afterward. It is a profitable investment!
What size collar should I have for my puppy ?
When you pick up your puppy at eight weeks, he or she will likely weigh between 15 and 20 pounds and have a neck diameter of around 10 to 12 inches. Over the next couple months, he or she will outgrow that first collar, so save the diamond encrusted collar for when the initial growth spurt slows down around her first birthday.
How big will my puppy grow ?
This is a tricky one. The answer is, I have no idea! We have had puppies grow to weigh-in anywhere from 80 pounds up to a whopping 150 pounds. Even the litter’s smallest pup can outgrow mom and dad.
Are the masking and markings permanent ?
A purebred Pyrenees can be born either all-white or marked. This is referred to as masking. Our dam Bristol was a pure-white puppy, but Millie and Maximus were both heavily masked as pups. Both their coloring has faded giving the appearance of pure white dogs. However this is not always the rule. Some pups keep their masking, but in our experience, even the darkest masks eventually fade some around a year old.
How does the puppy selection process work ?
Puppy selection order is determined by the date the reservation and deposit are received. In general, selections are made around 5 weeks as personalities and temperaments begin to emerge. These selections may be done in-person or through conversations, videos, and photos if in-person selection is not possible.
Deposit is refundable less $50 until the puppy is born and the confirmation email is sent. At that time the full deposit is non-refundable. Please visit the Reserve a Puppy page for current deposit and puppy prices.
Coyote Rollers
Although pyrs are big, they are still very athletic and sometimes get a wild hair to test their high jump skills. So what are some safe ways to keep your high jumper in their pen? SRK has tested shock collars, hot wire, extra high fencing, and “coyote rollers.” Over time we have found the best solution for small properties is a higher fence (6ft+). For larger properties the combination of hot wire and “coyote rollers” works well. Use a single strand of hotwire about 4-4.5ft high for everything but the gates. Use coyote rollers on the gates. Coyote rollers can be easily built with 7in eyebolts, smooth fence wire, 3/4in pvc, and 2in pvc.
What supplements do you recommend?
SRK has tried many different vitamins and supplements for our moms and pups. We are always looking for the best quality of supplements at a reasonable cost. This is why we have really come to appreciate the NuVet products. Our moms are not “blowing their coat” nearing as bad on NuVet and the general health of all our pyrs is excellent.
You can order directly from the manufacturer by calling 800-474-7044 and using Order Code: 173843 , or ordering online at www.nuvet.com/173843
To save 15% on your puppy’s supplements, sign up for their Auto Ship Program.
We have also added Glycoflex Stage 3 joint support supplements. The formula has a bit more of things like glucosamine and MSM, but it’s a bit more pricey. We have found a good balance in using the NuVet daily and alternating the NuJoint with the Glycoflex for preventative measures.
Hip Dysplasia Testing
We are often asked if our prys are tested and scored. Simply answered, they are not. This decision is made with research as well as the advice of our vet. Please read this article to better understand our position.
What kind of kennel or crate do you recommend ?
We use a large collapsible wire crate. When you first bring home your puppy these crates will seem enormous, but as they continue to grow, you will come to appreciate the size. Ours had a movable divider so we started with a small area up front, and adapted that area to “grow” with the puppy. We have brought it with us on road trips and it folds up compactly. If your pup likes it darker, throw a blanket over the top, but we found that these gentle giants love the additional ventilation the wire kennel provides.
Eventually your pup should become more trustworthy and their need and desire for their kennel will lesson. They would rather be doing their job patrolling your home or property outside a kennel.
