Great Pyrenees are large, calm guardian dogs with a thick white coat built for mountain weather. Their coat is surprisingly dirt-resistant, but they shed heavily and need regular brushing, plus attention to their double dewclaws.
- Coat type: Double coat
- Routine: Bathe only every 2 to 3 months or when dirty; the coat tends to shed dirt.
- Key tools: Undercoat rake, slicker brush, wide-tooth metal comb
What kind of coat does a Great Pyrenees have?
Pyrs have a weather-resistant double coat: a dense, woolly undercoat and a long, coarse outer coat, with a thick mane on males. They shed year-round and heavily seasonally. They have double dewclaws on the hind legs.
Coat type, more than breed name, is what decides how often a dog needs a bath, a brush or a haircut. Mixes and individual dogs vary, so treat the schedule below as a starting point and adjust it to your dog's lifestyle, skin and how quickly the coat gets dirty or tangled.
How often should you groom a Great Pyrenees?
Bathe only every 2 to 3 months or when dirty; the coat tends to shed dirt. Brush weekly and daily during coat blows. Trim nails and the hind double dewclaws every 3 to 4 weeks.
How to bathe a Great Pyrenees at home
- Brush and rake thoroughly before the bath. Water tightens loose undercoat into clumps that are hard to remove later.
- Use lukewarm water and soak all the way to the skin. Double coats repel water, so this takes longer than you expect.
- Lather with a dog shampoo, working it in with your fingers against the direction of growth so it reaches the skin.
- Rinse until the water runs completely clear, then rinse once more. Leftover shampoo trapped in the undercoat is a common cause of itchy skin.
- Apply a light conditioner if you use one and rinse again.
- Dry completely, down to the skin. A damp undercoat can lead to hot spots and odor. Finish with a final rake once dry.
Always use a shampoo made for dogs; human shampoo is formulated for a different skin pH. Keep water out of the ears, and give a treat at the end so bath time stays positive.
Brushing routine
Use an undercoat rake through the body, a slicker brush on the mane and pants, and a comb behind the ears.
Short, frequent sessions beat one long struggle. Two to ten minutes, a few times a week, keeps most coats in good shape and gives you a chance to spot skin problems, lumps, ticks or sore spots early.
Fitting the routine into your week
Pick two or three set days for brushing, for example Sunday, Wednesday and Friday, and add a quick daily rake during heavy shedding. Book baths and professional deshedding at the start of each seasonal coat change. In hot, humid weather, keep the undercoat brushed out, offer shade and water, and walk during cooler hours rather than cutting the coat short.
Tools you'll need
- Undercoat rake for loosening the dense underlayer
- Slicker brush for the outer coat and feathering
- Wide-tooth metal comb to check for hidden tangles behind the ears and on the "pants"
- Dog shampoo and a light conditioner made for dogs
- High-velocity or cool blow dryer (or a lot of towels and patience)
- Nail clippers or a grinder
Common Great Pyrenees grooming mistakes
- Shaving the coat. A double coat insulates against both cold and heat and helps protect the skin from sun. Shaving can damage how the coat grows back. Trim feet, sanitary areas and feathering instead.
- Only brushing the top layer. The surface looks neat while mats form underneath. Use a rake and finish with a comb that reaches the skin.
- Letting the coat air-dry. Trapped moisture in a thick coat is a recipe for hot spots, especially in humid climates like Florida.
- Forgetting the double dewclaws. Hind dewclaws do not touch the ground and can overgrow. Check and trim them with the other nails.
Great Pyrenees grooming FAQ
Can you shave a Great Pyrenees?
Not recommended; their double coat helps protect against heat and sun.
Do Great Pyrenees shed a lot?
Yes, especially during seasonal coat blows.
How often should I bathe a Great Pyrenees?
Usually every 2 to 3 months or when dirty.
Why does my Great Pyrenees have extra toes?
Double dewclaws on the hind legs are a normal breed trait; keep their nails trimmed.
How often should I bathe a Great Pyrenees puppy?
Puppies usually need fewer baths than adults: bathe only when dirty, with a gentle shampoo made for dogs, and keep them warm until fully dry. Use short, positive sessions to get them used to water, brushing, nail trims and the dryer. Ask your vet when your puppy is ready for a professional groom.
Can I groom a Great Pyrenees at home?
Yes, most of the routine can be done at home: brushing, baths, ear checks and nail trims. A professional deshed during coat blows removes far more undercoat than most home sessions.
This guide offers general grooming information. For skin, ear or coat problems that don't improve, talk to your veterinarian. More Pawfile breed guides.