Hard
Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a majestic white livestock guardian breed with one of the most impressive double coats in the dog world — a long, flat, thick outer coat and a dense, woolly undercoat that sheds heavily. The breed's white coat shows environmental staining readily, and the massive undercoat volume requires consistent brushing and professional de-shedding to stay manageable. Despite their imposing coat, the outer guard hairs have a self-cleaning quality that sheds dirt when dry.
Coat Type
Long, Thick, Flat Outer Coat with Dense Woolly Undercoat — White Double Coat
Groom Every
Every 4-6 weeks
Styles Available
4 cuts
Cuts & Styles
Grooming Styles
1
Natural Pyrenees Coat
The full white double coat maintained in its natural length with no trimming of the guard coat — only paws, hocks, and sanitary areas are tidied. The correct presentation for the breed.
2
De-Shedding Treatment
An intensive undercoat-removal session using de-shedding shampoo, whitening conditioner, high-velocity blow-out, and extended undercoat raking. Critical during the biannual coat blow.
3
Whitening Groom
A full bath using a whitening or brightening shampoo and conditioner specifically for white coats, followed by thorough drying to restore the brilliant white appearance after environmental staining.
4
Show Preparation
A meticulous groom using whitening shampoo, full blow-dry, and careful brushing to present the full white coat at maximum volume for the show ring, with precise tidying of the feet and hocks.
Expert Advice
Care Tips
- Never shave a Great Pyrenees' double coat — the thick outer coat and undercoat protect the dog from both cold and sun. Shaving removes the natural sunburn protection from the skin beneath the white coat and can permanently damage coat texture.
- Use a whitening shampoo and conditioner formulated for white double-coated breeds at every professional bath — the breed's white coat yellows and stains from grass, dirt, and saliva; whitening products restore the brilliant color.
- Line brush the coat using horizontal sections from the bottom upward — the dense, woolly undercoat felts rapidly beneath the long guard coat if brushing only skims the surface. Confirm with a wide-tooth metal comb after each section.
- The Great Pyrenees sheds its undercoat massively twice yearly; during these 3-4 week coat blows, daily brushing with an undercoat rake is necessary to prevent the loose coat from matting against the skin.
- The inner rear legs and armpits carry double dewclaws (a breed characteristic) that can become overgrown and curved into the leg if not trimmed monthly — check and trim both the front single dewclaws and rear double dewclaws at every appointment.
Recommended Tools
What you'll need
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
BrushThe gold standard for poodles and doodles. Features long pins that penetrate deep into dense coats to remove tangles and fluff the hair.
$60 - $75
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Nail CareUsed by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
$10 - $15
TropiClean PerfectFur Whitening & Brightening Shampoo
ShampooNaturally whitens and brightens white coats without bleach or harsh chemicals.
$12 - $18
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Deep Dives
Great Pyrenees Grooming Guides
Summer Grooming
Heat management, coat care, and seasonal tips.
Read guide
Winter Coat Care
Cold-weather protection and moisture balance.
Read guide
Shedding Season
Survive the seasonal blowout without losing your mind.
Read guide
Prevent Matting
Detangle, prevent, and protect their coat year-round.
Read guide
Best Brushes
The right tools for this specific coat type.
Read guide
Nail Trimming
Safe nail care frequency and technique.
Read guide
Ear Cleaning
Prevent infections with proper ear care.
Read guide
Bathing Guide
How often to bathe and which products to use.
Read guide
Grooming Cost
What professional grooming should cost for this breed.
Read guide
Hypoallergenic
Shedding, dander, and allergy-friendly coat care.
Read guide
First-Time Owner
Grooming basics for new owners of this breed.
Read guide
Skin & Allergies
Itchy skin, hot spots, and coat-sensitive care.
Read guide
Dental Care
Oral hygiene tied to coat and skin health.
Read guide
Flea & Tick
Parasite prevention without damaging the coat.
Read guide
Pro vs DIY
When to groom at home and when to hire a pro.
Read guide
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