PyrPressures Great Pyrenees

A note to anyone interested in owning a Great Pyrenees:

In 2001 we purchased our first Great Pyrenees. Her name was Glory. We bought her for $400 from a person we now know is a “backyard breeder”. As she grew we grew to love her. She was a kind and friendly dog. However, we noticed as she reached about 13 months old that she was having difficulties with her joints. She developed symptoms similar to arthritis. She had difficulty getting up after lying down. We began to do research into Great Pyrenees breeding and dog breeding in general. We went to AKC dog shows and spoke with many breeders there and this is what our research has shown:

Many persons who call themselves “breeders” do not discriminate when breeding dogs. Many are only concerned that the dogs can be registered or are registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and that they can make a few dollars breeding dogs. They do not research the parents or the bloodlines of the dogs and therefore are not aware of genetic problems that can lead to short, unhealthy lives for the puppies. The heartbreak of losing a cherished family pet at a young age or having a crippled pet is tragic. Many of these breeders sell puppies for $50 to $400 to unsuspecting new owners.
Some breeders intentionally cross breed one breed with another. If you are looking for certain traits in a dog, do the research and pick a breed with those traits. Crossbreeding may lead to unforeseen, undesirable traits.

The responsibility of the purchase of a puppy is on the purchaser. Here are some suggestions we recommend:

Before you purchase a puppy, go to a local AKC Dog Show (you can find shows at www.onofrio.com then click on “Show Information”. In the pull down menu at the top choose “Upcoming shows – Complete Listing” and then scroll down to find a local show you can attend).
Do not accept a “breeder's” word that they are a reputable breeder. Check references, check the pedigrees of the parents of the puppy and see the parents if possible. Ask questions:

Have the parents had OFA checks (dog must be 2 years old or older to have accurate checks) of hips and elbows? What were the results? Are the papers available to view?
Have the puppies had any vet checks?
Have they been de-wormed (there are worms dormant in the dam that are often passed on to the puppies)?
Have the puppies received their required vaccinations? Is there a record (some breeders give the shots rather than going to a vet but reputable breeders keep a written record)?

Plan ahead. A rush can sometimes lead to a bad decision that lasts a long time.

Be aware that a reputable breeder will sell pet puppies that are neutered or spayed or will require signing of a contract requiring that the pet is neutered or spayed. This process will help to ensure that any genetic weaknesses are not propagated into the breed (overbite, “popping hocks”, hip dysplasia or other genetic weaknesses that may appear and then become prominent in future generations). Reputable breeders do not want their name or kennel name to be associated with genetic problems or inferior dogs. A pet puppy from a reputable breeder will probably cost you $200 to $400 more but that will most likely be $20 to $40 per year during the life of the dog (that's about $2 to $4 per month).

The bottom line is – whether you purchase a puppy from PyrPressures or elsewhere, do the research. It will almost always help to assure a long and healthy life for your soon to be cherished pet.

PyrPressures Great Pyrenees

Glenn, Merry and Jonathan Johnson

	2008 Puppies 2007 PyrPressures Puppies 2006 PyrPressures Puppies CONTACT PYRPRESSURE'S FOR OWNERSHIP POSSIBILITES A note to anyone interested in owning a Great Pyrenees: In 2001 we purchased our first Great Pyrenees. Her name was Glory. We bought her for $400 from a person we now know is a “backyard breeder”. As she grew we grew to love her. She was a kind and friendly dog. However, we noticed as she reached about 13 months old that she was having difficulties with her joints. She developed symptoms similar to arthritis. She had difficulty getting up after lying down. We began to do research into Great Pyrenees breeding and dog breeding in general. We went to AKC dog shows and spoke with many breeders there and this is what our research has shown: Many persons who call themselves “breeders” do not discriminate when breeding dogs. Many are only concerned that the dogs can be registered or are registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and that they can make a few dollars breeding dogs. They do not research the parents or the bloodlines of the dogs and therefore are not aware of genetic problems that can lead to short, unhealthy lives for the puppies. The heartbreak of losing a cherished family pet at a young age or having a crippled pet is tragic. Many of these breeders sell puppies for $50 to $400 to unsuspecting new owners. Some breeders intentionally cross breed one breed with another. If you are looking for certain traits in a dog, do the research and pick a breed with those traits. Crossbreeding may lead to unforeseen, undesirable traits. The responsibility of the purchase of a puppy is on the purchaser. Here are some suggestions we recommend: Before you purchase a puppy, go to a local AKC Dog Show (you can find shows at www.onofrio.com then click on “Show Information”. In the pull down menu at the top choose “Upcoming shows – Complete Listing” and then scroll down to find a local show you can attend). Do not accept a “breeder's” word that they are a reputable breeder. Check references, check the pedigrees of the parents of the puppy and see the parents if possible. Ask questions: Have the parents had OFA checks (dog must be 2 years old or older to have accurate checks) of hips and elbows? What were the results? Are the papers available to view? Have the puppies had any vet checks? Have they been de-wormed (there are worms dormant in the dam that are often passed on to the puppies)? Have the puppies received their required vaccinations? Is there a record (some breeders give the shots rather than going to a vet but reputable breeders keep a written record)? Plan ahead. A rush can sometimes lead to a bad decision that lasts a long time. Be aware that a reputable breeder will sell pet puppies that are neutered or spayed or will require signing of a contract requiring that the pet is neutered or spayed. This process will help to ensure that any genetic weaknesses are not propagated into the breed (overbite, “popping hocks”, hip dysplasia or other genetic weaknesses that may appear and then become prominent in future generations). Reputable breeders do not want their name or kennel name to be associated with genetic problems or inferior dogs. A pet puppy from a reputable breeder will probably cost you $200 to $400 more but that will most likely be $20 to $40 per year during the life of the dog (that's about $2 to $4 per month). The bottom line is – whether you purchase a puppy from PyrPressures or elsewhere, do the research. It will almost always help to assure a long and healthy life for your soon to be cherished pet. PyrPressures Great Pyrenees Glenn, Merry and Jonathan Johnson