Great Pyrenees health: what owners should know

Like most giant breeds, the Great Pyrenees is known to be predisposed to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat and bone cancer, and to kneecap problems and eyelid issues such as entropion in some lines. A life expectancy of 10 to 12 years is good for a dog of this size, and lean dogs tend to age noticeably better.

Before buying, ask to see hip and elbow results for both parents, along with any eye and kneecap checks, and ask what the breeder knows about the health and lifespan of older relatives. At home, maintain a lean weight, keep exercise moderate, and learn the signs of bloat. Contact your vet if your dog limps for more than a couple of days, develops a firm swelling on a leg, squints or has a constantly watery eye, or seems unsteady on its feet.