The Great Pyrenees is known as a loving yet fierce protector of their families. It is this devotion that has made them a popular breed choice for many decades. With their beautiful and distinctive white coats, gentle personalities, and loyalty to their family, the Great Pyrenees has become a popular choice to mix with other canines in the pursuit of the “perfect” large breed.
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The practice of breeding two purebred dogs of different breeds to create a brand-new breed is called “designer dog” breeding. In the article below, we look at 16 different designer dogs that have been produced by mixing Great Pyrenees with another breed.
Many deserving mixed-breed dogs are looking for their forever homes in shelters across the country. If you love the Great Pyrenees and are open to a mixed breed – which are often healthier and unique – you can find some of the lovable hybrid pups below in your local shelters! Let’s jump in and look at some of our favorites, including pictures of each.
If you are not certain of your dog’s genetic makeup, you can use an at-home DNA test kit to find out.
Anatolian Pyrenees: Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix
While both the Anatolian Shepherd and Great Pyrenees are bred to guard livestock, mixing the two is actually quite unusual. Known as the Anatolian Pyrenees, this massive pup is very mellow and does well with children of all ages. They can be protective at times, as is typical with many Pyrenees mixes, but they are not aggressive and can be very friendly even with strangers if they are given proper socialization and training.
This mix does better with a strong leader who has experience with giant breeds. They are also not suited for apartments. This mix loves to run and roam and should be given plenty of space to do so. With the right structure, they are an extremely devoted companion. The Anatolian Pyrenees tend to be very laid-back and affectionate – making this wonderful giant breed the perfect snuggle companion. Just make sure you have enough room on the couch.
Australian Pyrenees: Australian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix
The Aussie Pyrenees blends the Australian Shepherd and the Great Pyrenees. This mix is perfect for someone that’s looking for a dog that’s slightly bigger than an Australian Shepherd yet smaller than a Great Pyrenees. You’ll likely end up with a medium or large-sized dog, depending on their parents. Their coat colors will range, but you’ll likely end up with a mix of coat colors, mostly from their Aussie parent.
The Australian Pyrenees is an excellent family companion. Crossing the Aussie allows the friendly and energetic personality to come out in this unique mix. They will be less likely to be more reserved with strangers and due to their slightly smaller stature than their Pyrenees parents, will be better sized if your family has kids. The Aussie Pyrenees mix does have some herding instincts, but these can be subsided with proper exercise and training. They are great with children and not aggressive or territorial.
Border Collie Pyrenees: Border Collie Great Pyrenees Mix
The Border Collie Pyrenees is a rare mix between a Border Collie and, you guessed it, a Pyrenees. This pup is quite energetic and generally is a larger-sized dog. Due to these factors, the Border Collie Pyrenees should not be kept in a home with limited space. This highly intelligent breed will need ample amounts of physical and mental stimulation – more than your average breed. This is best achieved with a house and a fenced backyard, but will also require owners dedicated to giving them opportunities to be active.
This mix likes to be made a priority in their family. This mix does not enjoy being left alone and can become destructive if they are unattended for long periods of time. As we mentioned, this mix is very intelligent, which usually means they should be easy to train. However, the Border Collie Pyrenees has been known to be quite stubborn and, therefore, will require consistent, dedicated training to master certain commands.
Chownees: Chow Chow Great Pyrenees Mix
The Chownees mixes the Great Pyrenees and the Chow Chow. This mix is a fluffy mix with lots of hair. It will range in color from black to white, orange, and even multi-color. There’s a good chance your Chownees will inherit a different colored tongue from their Chow parentage. This mix is typically larger than a Chow but smaller than a Purebred Great Pyrenees. Their hair will generally be longer and somewhat fluffy.
The Chownees sheds A LOT. You’ll need to be prepared for regular grooming sessions if you adopt one into your home. This mix can also be somewhat territorial. Both parents are very well known for their guardian instincts. While the Chownees may not necessarily be known for biting, they may act somewhat assertive or even aggressive when people they don’t’ know enter their space. This breed isn’t recommended for families with kids due to their size and temperaments.
Germanees: German Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix
Germanees may sound like a funny name, but this mix between a German Shepherd and a Great Pyrenees is no laughing matter. Both regal and beautiful, this fiercely devoted hybrid can be quite protective and formidable. This makes them excellent watch and guard dogs, but they should be properly trained and socialized to make sure they can tell the difference between friend and foe.
The Germanees goes by a few other names like the Shepnese and Shep Py. They tend to weigh around a hundred pounds and are incredibly powerful and agile canines. We recommend strong and capable leadership for this pup, as they could easily overpower an owner they don’t consider “alpha.” For this reason, we recommend this breed to those who have experience with large breeds. The Germanees does well with children but should always be supervised when around them.
Great Bernese: Great Pyrenees Bernese Mountain Dog Mix
The Great Bernese is a beautiful hybrid. The result of mixing the Bernese Mountain Dog and a Great Pyrenees. With two giant breed parents, the Great Bernese will likely weigh between 85 and 190 pounds. However, despite their impressive size, they are very mellow animals. This doesn’t mean they won’t need space to roam – we don’t recommend this breed for apartment dwellers.
Given a backyard and a loving family, this gentle and easy-going pup will certainly be happy. While naturally pleasant and good-natured, this breed can also be a bit stubborn. They require consistent training with an experienced leader. Provided this proper structure, the Great Bernese is an affectionate breed that will make a great family companion.
Great Pyredane: Great Pyrenees Great Dane Mix
Meet the giant Great Pyredane. A large breed produced from mixing a purebred Great Dane and a purebred Great Pyrenees. Two-parent breeds with “Great” in their name? This mix is sure to exceed expectations. They are known for being quite independent, and the Great Pyrenees helps to temper the Great Dane’s tendency for separation anxiety. This is helpful for those who love Great Danes but are concerned about their difficulties with separation. One should also expect lots of hair from this breed. They are heavy shedders year-round.
The Great Pyredane is a giant breed and can be a little more active than a traditional Great Dane due to their Pyrenee’s parent’s need to roam. Because of this, you’ll likely want to consider a different breed if you have young kids. They can be somewhat guarded and become overprotective if not socialized properly. If you socialize them early, expect a very large but happy and boisterous pup.
Great Pytriever: Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever Mix
The Great Pytreiver is an affectionate and intelligent dog that reminds us of a big golden bear. A Great Pytriever mixes the Golden Retriever and the Great Pyrenees. They are full of energy and protective of their humans. Because of their size, we don’t recommend the Great Pytriever for those who live in apartments (consider one of these smaller apartment-sized pups instead). This mix enjoys room to roam, preferably with a backyard to lounge in and explore.
While it’s easy to let this cute breed get away with a lot, we highly recommend consistent training and firm leadership. If this area is ignored, the Great Pytriever could develop an aversion to structure and boundaries, and their stubborn side is likely to manifest. Daily exercise will be required to burn off their boisterous energy levels. A well-trained and exercised Great Pytreiver is a wonderfully affectionate pup.
Great Weilernees: Great Pyrenees Rottweiler Mix
The Great Weilernees combines the Rottweiler and the Great Pyrenees. A Great Weilernees will generally have a medium to longer-length coat. When it comes to their size, they can weigh upwards of 100 pounds, easily pushing into giant breed territory. Males are usually larger than females. Their coats can range in color. Typically, their coat colors will resemble their Rottweiler parent, but there’s also a chance you’ll see a mix of the two breeds together.
When it comes to temperament, the Great Weilernees can be a good family pet. Their size, however, may not be great for families with young kids. One quick swipe of their tail can clear a table. If they are not properly socialized, they can also inherit territorial behaviors. Both parent breeds are known for being different types of guardian dogs so that inherent breed nature can be hard to deter. The Great Weilernees needs a strong leader. They can be headstrong dogs that will require consistent training.
Great Wolfhound: Great Pyrenees Irish Wolfhound Mix
This massive pup – known as the Great Wolfhound, mixes the Irish Wolfhound and the Great Pyrenees. They are a faithful hybrid with lots of love to give! Likely to mature into a giant breed, this mix tends to weigh in at over a hundred pounds. Potential adopters should make sure they are equipped to take on such a large dog. The Great Wolfhound is known for being protective of the ones they love. This, coupled with their large stature, make them an excellent choice for those who would like a guard dog to feel safe. However, they are rarely aggressive.
While they are gentle with children, they should never be left unattended with kids as they are very big and accidents can happen! It is important to socialize this mix regularly with people and other dogs. Their Irish Wolfhound side can lead them to be suspicious and even overprotective. Introducing them to new situations frequently can help with this.
Maspyr: Mastiff Great Pyrenees Mix
A Great Pyrenees and a Mastiff mixed will produce the beautiful Maspyr. This giant pup can weigh up to 200 pounds. This makes them one of the largest breeds on our list and, therefore, not for everyone. Because of their size, this powerful pup will require a strong and confident handler to assert their dominance and properly train a Great Pyrenees.
In addition to their size, the Maspyr can be quite strong-willed and will require patience and persistence to train. This breed, like many other giant breeds, expects a shorter lifespan. Maspyrs usually only live for about 6 to 10 years. The shorter lifespan is generally due to their size being harder on their body and is something to consider before adopting a Maspyr. If you are willing to dedicate the needed amount of time and love to this gentle giant, they will repay you with endless devotion and love.
Pyrador: Great Pyrenees Labrador Retriever Mix
Meet the Pyrador: an energetic large breed that is very affectionate and family-oriented. This mix between a Great Pyrenees and a Labrador Retriever is generally quite friendly, although they should be properly socialized when very young to ensure this remains the case. They are heavy shedders, so make sure you have a brush and vacuum on hand.
Typically the Pyrador is an active breed, meaning they will enjoy activities that allow them to stretch their legs and are not suitable for apartments. The Pyrador loves children and can be protective of their family. This is great for potential dog owners seeking a companion that will protect you and your family against intruders. If you’re looking for a devoted companion who is a great exercise buddy and wonderful with kids – look no further than the Pyrador.
Pyredoodle: Great Pyrenees Poodle Mix
The Poodle remains a very popular breed to mix with other dogs, so, of course, we have a Great Pyrenees and Poodle mix for you. While Poodles vary in size, the Standard Poodle is the most popular sized Poodle used to breed for this hybrid. This means the Pyredoodle will be quite large, generally maturing around 100 pounds. The Pyredoodle requires moderate exercise. If they feel understimulated, this breed has been known to get themselves into mischief, so keeping a consistent exercise routine will be important.
While this mix does great in multiperson families and is incredibly loyal, both parent breeds have the propensity to be suspicious of strangers. This makes them an excellent watchdog. However, they will also require consistent socialization to curb any unwanted overprotectiveness. They may not be the first to make friends, but they are not known for being aggressive and can easily warm up if introduced properly.
Pyrenees Husky: Great Pyrenees Siberian Husky Mix
The Pyrenees is an impressive giant breed. A Pyrenees Husky combines the Husky and the Great Pyrenees. This canine is likely to be a very large pup. Although, some Pyrenees Huskies can be on the smaller side if they take after the Husky parent. The Pyrenees Husky is quite energetic and is a great adventure partner for active families. It is important to note they can become destructive if left under-stimulated. A regular exercise routine is imperative.
This canine is very loyal to their family but also can be independent. They get this trait from their Husky side. This mix is extremely intelligent. But, they are known to be a bit stubborn and will need consistent and firm training. This mix is great for families with children, and they are both protective over and gentle with kids. If given love, attention, and stimulation, the Pyrenees Husky will be amiable and devoted, making them a wonderful option for dynamic families!
Pyrenees Pit: Great Pyrenees Pit Bull Mix
The Pyrenees Pit is a powerful, impressive mix between the Pitbull and the Great Pyrenees. This pup is quite the specimen, both very athletic and muscular. They will require a strong leader to follow, preferably someone who is experienced with large dogs. This hybrid is known for his incredible loyalty. They will do anything for their family, but this also means they can be quite protective. It is very important to train your Pyrenees Pit mix to know when guarding is appropriate and not.
The Pyrenees Pittie may look intimidating, but they are actually quite gentle in most cases. There are many misconceptions about Pit Bulls, but they are very sweet in the proper environment. However, the Pyrenees Pit should still be closely watched during interactions with small children, unfamiliar animals, and strangers. The Pyrenees Pit is a very eager-to-please dog. This trait makes them very trainable and obedient – good news with such a powerful dog. While this mix looks intimidating, like most pups, they just want to be loved by their family.
Saint Pyrenees: Saint Bernard Great Pyrenees Mix
A Saint Pyrenees mixes a Saint Bernard and a Great Pyrenees. You are sure to have a very large pup with this hybrid. The offspring of two giant breed parents, this mix usually weighs well over 100 pounds. Like other giant breeds, expect a shorter life span. The Saint Pyrenees usually does not live longer than 10 years. The Saint Pyrenees is very gentle, especially with children, and does well as a family companion pet.
Because of the Saint Pyrenees’ massive size, we do not recommend them for those who live in apartments or small spaces. As with any large dog, the bills are likely to be bigger, as well. If you have the budget and room for this giant-size breed, they will reward you with the love and gentleness this hybrid is known for.
Final Thoughts
The Great Pyrenees adds beauty, stature, loyalty, devotion, and many other wonderful qualities to any mix. It’s no wonder breeders are beginning to mix these giant pups with other large breeds. The above are just a few that stood out to us.
If you’re considering owning a Great Pyrenees, looking into mixes can often get you a unique dog that’s healthier than a purebred. You may also luck out finding the perfect mix at a local shelter, saving a life in the process. Looking into some of these amazing Great Pyrenees mixes could lead you to your next best friend.
