Great Pyrenees Owner Guide
Great Pyrenees shedding and grooming guide
TL;DR
A Great Pyrenees has a weather-protective double coat and sheds—often dramatically during seasonal coat blows. Regular, gentle maintenance is more useful than shaving a healthy coat or waiting for mats to become a crisis.
- Plan regular line brushing, with more frequent work during shedding seasons.
- Check friction areas, ears, nails, feet, and rear double dewclaws routinely.
- For a healthy double coat, shaving solely to make a dog cooler is generally discouraged; ask a veterinarian or skilled groomer about an individual medical exception.
The coat has a longer outer layer and a dense undercoat. Dirt may shed with drying and brushing, but trapped undercoat and friction can become mats—especially behind ears, under collars, in the pants, and around legs.
- Use a gentle line-brushing technique that reaches the undercoat without scraping skin.
- Work in small sections and stop if the dog is uncomfortable; cooperative handling should be trained, not forced.
- Bathing is occasional and situation-dependent. Dry the coat thoroughly before leaving a dense, damp undercoat.
| Task | Typical rhythm | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Brush and body check | Weekly; more during coat blow | Mats, skin changes, burrs, moisture |
| Nails and double dewclaws | Check every 1–2 weeks | Curling, snagging, clicking on floor |
| Ears and feet | During grooming | Odor, redness, discharge, debris |
| Bath and blow-dry | As needed | Skin irritation or incomplete drying |
A healthy double coat is part of the dog’s natural protection. Shaving it solely because the dog seems hot can change coat regrowth and removes that protective layer. Prioritize shade, cool water, appropriate activity timing, brushing out dead undercoat, and veterinary advice for heat concerns. Medically necessary clipping is a separate conversation with the veterinarian and groomer.
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Frequently asked questions
- How often should I brush a Great Pyrenees?
- Weekly maintenance is a reasonable starting point, with more frequent sessions during seasonal shedding or whenever the coat starts packing. The individual coat and lifestyle matter.
- Why do Great Pyrenees have double dewclaws?
- Rear double dewclaws are a recognized breed feature. They need routine checks and nail care because they may not wear down like other nails.
Sources
Sources
Last reviewed October 2, 2026. These sources support general education and do not replace veterinary or qualified behavior-professional advice for an individual dog.