How big does a Great Pyrenees get?

A full-grown Great Pyrenees typically stands 64–81 cm (25.2–31.9 inches) tall at the shoulder and weighs 45–68 kg (99.2–149.9 lbs). Great Pyrenees is considered a giant breed and may take up to 18–24 months to reach full size.

What is the lifespan of a Great Pyrenees?

The average lifespan of a Great Pyrenees is 10–12 years. Giant breeds typically have shorter lifespans than smaller breeds. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important factors in extending your dog's lifespan — overweight dogs can lose 1–2 years of life expectancy.

What are the personality traits of a Great Pyrenees?

Great Pyrenees are known for being calm, patient, smart, strong-willed. They are generally good with children and make excellent family dogs. They can be challenging to train and benefit from experienced handlers. They need plenty of space and exercise, making them better suited for homes with yards.

Is a Great Pyrenees a good choice for apartments and families?

A Great Pyrenees is a giant breed that typically needs more space and exercise, so they may not be ideal for small apartments. They are generally good with kids and make great family companions. Be prepared for significant shedding — regular brushing 2–3 times per week is recommended.

What are common health issues for giant breed dogs like the Great Pyrenees?

Giant breeds like the Great Pyrenees face increased risks of bloat (GDV), hip/elbow dysplasia, heart conditions, and bone cancer. Their large size puts extra stress on joints, making weight management critical. Keeping your dog at an ideal weight is the single most effective way to reduce the risk of many of these conditions. Use our BCS assessment tool above to check your dog's condition.

← All Breeds

Great Pyrenees Weight & Calorie Guide

Q: How many calories does a Great Pyrenees need per day?

A typical adult Great Pyrenees weighing about 57 kg needs approximately 2308–2885 kcal per day, depending on activity level and neuter status. Puppies and very active dogs need more, while seniors and neutered dogs need less. Use our breed-specific calculator for an exact number.

Giant Breed

Quick Answer

A healthy adult Great Pyrenees weighs 45–68 kg (99.2–149.9 lbs), according to the AKC breed standard. Puppies reach 50% of adult weight by 8–12 months and full weight by 18–24 months.

Source: AKC breed standard, WSAVA nutrition guidelines

Quick Facts

Ideal Weight

45–68 kg

(99.2–149.9 lbs)

Size Category

giant

Breed Type

Daily Calories

~2308–2885 kcal

Adult, neutered

Free Tools

BCS Assessment Calorie Calculator

Ideal Weight Range

45 kgto68 kg

99.2 lbsto149.9 lbs

UnderweightIdealOverweightObese

Data:AKC breed standard·WSAVA guidelines

Your dog's weight (kg)

Puppy Weight Predictor

For puppies under 12 months. Enter your puppy's current weight and age to predict adult weight.

Unit:

Current weight (kg)

Age

How the puppy weight predictor works

This predictor uses growth milestone data from Salt et al. (2017), published in Veterinary Record, which tracked the weight development of dogs across five size categories from birth to adulthood. By comparing your puppy's current weight against the expected growth percentage for their age and size category, we estimate their adult weight range.

Factors that affect adult weight

Genetics play the largest role, but nutrition, neutering status, and overall health also influence growth rate. Puppies fed excessive calories during rapid growth phases may exceed their genetic weight potential, while underfed puppies may not reach it. Large and giant breeds grow more slowly than toy and small breeds, reaching full size at 18–24 months rather than 10–12 months.

Data source: Salt et al. (2017) "Growth patterns of commercial kennel dogs" Veterinary Record • AKC breed standards

Great Pyrenees Health & Weight Management

Great Pyrenees are majestic, white-coated livestock guardians with a calm, patient demeanor. Despite their enormous size, they are relatively low-energy dogs who conserve energy for nighttime patrol. Their thick coat easily masks weight gain, making regular body condition checks essential. Hip dysplasia and joint problems are common; excess weight dramatically accelerates degeneration. Bloat is also a risk in this deep-chested breed.

Exercise: 30–45 minutes of moderate daily exercise — walks and supervised yard time. Great Pyrenees are not endurance athletes; they prefer leisurely patrols. Avoid forced running, especially during growth phases. They are independent thinkers who may not respond to recall.

Feeding tips: Feed measured meals twice daily using a giant-breed formula. Avoid one large meal to reduce bloat risk. Great Pyrenees will eat whatever is offered; secure food areas. On cold days, they may need slightly more; on warm days, reduce portions.

Keeping your Great Pyrenees at a healthy 99–150 lbs (45–68 kg) is essential for joint preservation. Use PawScale’s calorie calculator for Great Pyrenees to set daily limits, check body condition with our BCS assessment, and plan meals with the crate size calculator.

Data source: AKC breed standard

Data source: AKC breed standard • Last updated: 2026-08-12

Is your Great Pyrenees at a healthy weight?

59% of dogs are overweight — can you tell? Take our free 2-minute Body Condition Score assessment.

Take BCS Assessment

Great Pyrenees Calorie Calculator

Calculate daily calorie needs in 3 steps

Life Stage

Activity Level

Neuter/Spay Status

Weight Management Tips for Great Pyrenees

Breed-specific guidance backed by veterinary research

Obesity Risk

Giant breed with slow metabolism — obesity compounds joint stress disproportionately. Thick double coat hides weight gain visually. Working livestock guardians need significantly more calories than pet Pyrenees.

Breed-Specific Weight Management Tips

Feed 2-3 meals/day minimum; never feed within 1 hour of exercise (GDV prevention)
Pet Pyrenees need significantly fewer calories than working guardians — portion by lifestyle
Monthly weigh-ins are essential — their coat can hide 5+ kg of gain

Health Risks of Obesity

Hip dysplasia: ~10–15% prevalence (OFA/PLOS ONE); excess weight is the primary modifiable risk factor
GDV (Bloat): Deep-chested giant breed; mortality ~10–20% with prompt treatment (Cornell 2025)
Hypothyroidism: Moderate prevalence; causes weight gain in a vicious cycle

BCS Quick Check

Great Pyrenees' thick coat makes visual BCS assessment nearly impossible. Monthly rib palpation using the BCS chart technique is mandatory.

Full Calorie Calculator

Detailed calorie needs with food brand comparisons

Feeding Guide

Personalized feeding plan with portion sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should a Great Pyrenees weigh?

The ideal weight for a Great Pyrenees is 45–68 kg (99.2–149.9 lbs). Giant breeds have slower metabolisms, so weight management is especially important. Use our calorie calculator above to get personalized feeding recommendations.

How many calories does a Great Pyrenees need per day?

A typical adult Great Pyrenees weighing 57 kg needs approximately 2308–2885 kcal per day, depending on activity level and whether they are neutered. Use our breed-specific calculator above for an exact number based on your dog's details.

Is my Great Pyrenees overweight?

59% of dogs are overweight, and most owners cannot tell just by looking. Check your Great Pyrenees's Body Condition Score (BCS) — if you can't easily feel their ribs or they have no visible waist from above, they may be overweight. Take our free 2-minute BCS assessment above to find out.

When does a Great Pyrenees reach full adult weight?

Great Pyrenees puppies reach 50% of their adult weight by 8–12 months and typically reach full adult weight by 18–24 months, according to AKC growth guidelines. Small breeds mature faster than large breeds.

What size crate does a Great Pyrenees need?

A Great Pyrenees typically needs a 48-inch crate based on breed size. Use PawScale's free crate size calculator for a personalized recommendation.

How much should a Great Pyrenees eat daily?

A pet Great Pyrenees typically needs 1,200–1,800 kcal/day, while a working livestock guardian may need 2,500+ kcal/day. Use our calorie calculator to determine the right amount for your dog's specific lifestyle.

Are Great Pyrenees prone to bloat?

Yes — as a deep-chested giant breed, Great Pyrenees are at elevated GDV risk (mortality ~10–20% per Cornell 2025). Feed 2-3 smaller meals daily, avoid exercise 1 hour before/after eating, and discuss prophylactic gastropexy with your vet.

References & data sources

1. AKC Official Breed Standard — Great Pyrenees. akc.org

2. Salt C, et al. “Estimating the expected growth of dogs.” Vet Record, 2017;180(15):376.

3. National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, 2006.

4. Laflamme DP. “Development and validation of a body condition score system for dogs.” Canine Practice, 1997;22(4):10–15.

5. WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines; Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) 9-point BCS scale.

Last reviewed: September 2026

⚡

Know Your Great Pyrenees's Exact Calorie Needs

Calculate the perfect daily calories for your Great Pyrenees based on their weight, age, and activity level. Prevent obesity with science-backed nutrition guidance.

Calculate Calories Now

Free · Breed-specific · Takes 30 seconds