Can I get some advise please,

[ann404]

Hi,
I've been doing a lot of Internet searching trying to decide if this may be the dog for my family and I. So I have a few questions. The biggest being if the dog could even handle the heat and humid condition of south Louisiana? I've seen kind of a mixed review; some saying they are snow dogs and others saying their white fur can adapt to any climate. I always bring my dogs in during super hot, cold or wet weather, and at night.
Just to give you a quick background, we have two dogs currently, but one is at the end of her wonderful life. Our 45lb mixed collie has cancer at age 13. She was diagnosed several months ago. She is losing the battle; that I've found out so may of our beloved pets die from. Our other healthy dog is a 9-year-old chihuahua. This is my other big concern will there be a way I can get the 4lb chihuahua to co-exist with a 100lb Pyrenees?? She is highly aggressive, and has only taken to me, we just kind of deal with her now. I fully realize that the two couldn't be left alone. However, would there be no hope for the two to simply co-exist. I should note that the chihuahua does dominate the 45lb collie.
One last thing, I'm looking at this breed for a few reasons. We always wanted a big dog that would be ok around supervised children, but the biggest being the protection it can give us just by looks but also by actions (like barking and growling). I’m in the hurricane Katrina area and currently have no neighbors on this side of the block, just slabs where they use to be. So this is important to me. Do you think that's a good idea, or am I missing something here. I know there are not many people on this board but I'm hoping to get a few answers. I am simply trying to avoid a big mistake. I know we will get another dog, and I just don't want our grief to make us pick quickly and foolishly. Thanks

[andyho]

My 2 cents.

I have spent a lot of time in south LA. ( New Iberia, Lafayette area ) and I live in Toronto Canada and own a great pyr.

There is no way a pyr would enjoy that climate. They are certainly not an indoor dog and there is no way that dog could enjoy outside life down there other then 2 - 3 months a year.

Andy

[ann404]

Thanks for posting. I'm certainly getting a mixed review on this. Including a rescus shelter saying that it would work. So I'm just trying to get some people to post what they think. I've had thick coated dogs before, but never a dog as big as this, and I would not want a dog just to watch it suffer. I really hope some more people will post so I can can the big picture. Also if anyone knows of a dog that might suit us better, please post. Again I'm doing this before my dog passes, so as to have a sound grasp of what we should and shouldn't consider before our emotions take over.

[maryhall45]

I live in Alabama and have a great pyr. He has the run of the house and has a doggy door to come and go (fenced yard) as he pleases. He lays on the air conditioner vents when he gets hot. But he does very well in the humidity and hot climate. I hope this helps.
He is a wonderful addition to our family.

[vin63]

My sister-in-law had her Bernese Mountain dog with her when she attended LSU. He did just fine. It depends on the environment that you set up for him. My sister-in-law's dog had shelter (plenty of shade outside and a dog door to be in the house when he wanted), a secured yard and access to plenty of water when she was not home. Otherwise, he was in the house with her when she was home. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[ann404]

Thanks very much for all the replies. How about health problems from the heat? I've been told hot spots are common with these breeds in hot-humid conditions. Also would you say they have a shorter life from living outside of their snowy comfort zone?
From all the breeds I've looked at this one still seems a prefect fit for my family; just not the weather. I do have a tall fence yard, and would surely have shade and cool water. Also, maybe you wouldn't mind telling just how good are these dogs at protecting family from inturders?? I'm home alone a lot with my 4year-old and we don't have neigbors anymore (Hurricane Katrina area), so I really wanted a dog that would at least look the part. Before my dog got sick she did an excellent job, you'd think she was coming over that fence with her deep growls and clawing, but she was really a sweet dog. She would never bite someone once she got to them she was fine. Now my chihuahua would fight to the death to protect me, but she doesn't understand that she is only 4 pounds. Again thanks for all the advise, as I'm having a hard time finding more than the average description of the great pyrenees.

[vin63]

I can't say enough about good quality food, flea/tick control, and since 1999 we've had all of our dogs on a regimen of fish oil supplements, we have not had a hot spot (knock on wood) episode. Our last hot spot episode was with our Germand Shepherd when she was 8 years old. She lived the rest of her 6 years hot spot free.

[risestar]

They can and do adapt to warm climates, however it is critical to have an area with lots of shade where it can go during hot days. You will find they will become fairly lethargic during heat spells and will also dig fairly large craters in your yard so as to be able to lie in the cooler earth. The Pyr in a warmer climate will develop a lesser coat during winter months.

[Alexis1905]

I like in Dallas and have a Pyr.. Since she is only 8.5 months old, we haven't gone through the heat of the summer yet.. so this summer should be fun. :) However, she is an indoor dog that does have a backyard to run around in which also has a huge full covered patio to lay under if she doesn't want to be directly in the sun. I have a friend who recommended a mini trampoline (sp?) for Leia to lay on top of .. apparently it helps them stay cool since the air will come up under the tramp and will cool down her belly. Any of you guys tried that? I also plan on getting her a little baby pool to have access to. She always knocks over her water bowl outside and lays on the water, so I'm sure the baby pool will be a hit.

Also.. in terms of the digging.. I also have a sand box just for her to dig in... she loves it. You just have to teach them that the sandbox is their approved place to dig... so that saves your yard.

Pry's are great for protection. It's the exact reason why I got mine since my husband was deployed overseas.. my 15 pound Pekingese wasn't cutting it. :) Leia is the sweetest Pyr, but her bark can be extremely intimidating.. luckily she doesn't bark that much, but will when she feels it is necessary. Plus.. she is great with children!!!

[ann404]

So after looking at all the post about the heat down here, we've come to the conclusion that this alone shouldn't stop us from getting this breed. We think that it's important for us to get one from one of the rescues in Texas, Florida, or Mississippi. That way we haven't encourage people in breeding this dog down here, as I do agree with the post from "Andyho" that this really is not the best or happiest place climate wise for this dog. Still I'm willing to try and make it as comfortable as possible, like some of you have done. I still have a lot more questions, and I'm very happy I found this board to post them. Thanks again, ann

[Alexis1905]

Definitely get your pup from a rescue. I didn't, but wish I had (even though I love Leia!!). There are many Pyr's out there that need loving homes .. trust me.. you will get a lot of love. :)