Rottweiler Lab Mix: What To Know About This Stunning Family Dog
Breeds / 2026
Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix: The Majestic Lion
Want a dog with model quality hair?
Looking for a pooch that people might mistake for a lion?
Then look no further than the Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix!
These pups come packed with all the strength and majesty of a lion.
Despite their intimidating appearances, these lion impersonators are gentle giants. They make caring companions and love to be spoiled rotten with affection.
In this article we will discuss how to care for these massive pups and show you how these fierce protectors can make a loving addition to any home.
Contents and Quick Navigation
- What is a Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix? (Overview)
- Pros and Cons
- Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix Appearance
- 6 Fun Facts About Pyrenees Mixes
- Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix Personality and Temperament
- Caring for a German Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix
- How to Train a Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix
- Quick Breed Summary Table
- Summary
What is a Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix? (Overview)
This hybrid is a masterpiece.
They are a beautiful blend of the coat of a Great Pyrenees and the agile, muscular body of a German Shepherd.
Both parent breeds are known for their working drive, so naturally the Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix is an extremely hard-working breed that is ready to be challenged (both mentally and physically).
Aside from their beautiful appearance, these pups have kind and gentle souls. They are very loving and sweet, and just love affection from their owners.
They are loyal to their families and are eager to protect them.
As long as you have an active lifestyle and can commit to some moderate grooming then they are fairly easy to care for.
- Overview: Hybrid (Great Pyrenees/German Shepherd).
- Purpose: Companion/Guard.
- Weight: 75-120 pounds.
- Size: 22-32 inches.
- Temperament: Loyal, sweet and intelligent.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Loyal and protective.
- Naturally sweet temperament.
- Great with children of all ages.
- Make a good guard dog.
- Easy to train.
Cons:
- High exercise requirements.
- Suffer from numerous medical conditions.
- Can bark excessively.
- Shed a lot.
Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix Appearance
Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mixes inherit their majestic appearance from their Great Pyrenees ancestors. These pooches have luscious coats that often make them appear more like a lion than a dog.
Combining this gorgeous breed with the sleek, strong German Shepherd produces a breed that is absolutely breathtaking.
Some mixes retain the perky ears of a German Shepherd, while others inherit the floppy ears of a Great Pyrenees.
With their long flowing hair and enormous body, these hybrids are sure to leave everyone they meet awestruck.
Coat and Colors
These dogs are most known for their luscious fur.
Their beautiful locks are typically medium length and straight. Although the hair on the majority of their body is straight, they tend to have excess fur around their neck (similar to a lion’s mane) that has a wavy or curly texture to it.
As for color, they typically inherit their coat color from their Great Pyrenees parent – white, black, and tan. They usually have solid colored coats but sometimes their coats may contain multiple colors like their German Shepherd ancestors.
Because they have such dense coats, Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mixes shed heavily.
So it is very important to brush them daily to help prevent tangles and remove any dead fur.
Height and Weight
You can expect this dog to stand between 22-32 inches tall.
As for weight they are typically 75-120lb.
These mixes can be quite muscular and appear very strong – their huge size is sometimes intimidating, yet these hybrids are gentle giants.
6 Fun Facts About Pyrenees Mixes
- This hybrid goes by many names: Shepnees, Germanees, or Shep Py.
- Although Great Pyrenees German Shepherds act tough when they are working, these dedicated dogs turn into playful puppies in the snow – they love snow!
- Because of their thick coats, they thrive in cold conditions. They can overheat quickly in warmer climates, so it is important to provide them with plenty of shade if you live in a warm area.
- Agility training with this breed forms an extremely strong bond between dog and owner and often increases confidence.
- They can inherit their coat from their Great Pyrenees parent which is water-resistant and acts like a built-in raincoat!
- These highly independent dogs are prone to wandering off. They do not see this as an issue, because they will eventually return home. But for ease of mind as an owner it is best to invest in a sturdy fence to keep them confined to a large backyard.
Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix Personality and Temperament
This hybrid takes some of the best personality traits from both the Great Pyrenees and the German Shepherd and combines them into one majestic pooch.
The perfect mix inherits the kind, gentle nature of a Great Pyrenees and the loyal and dedicated nature of a German Shepherd. Both parent breeds are highly intelligent, so these dogs are very smart as well.
As both parent breeds are working dogs, the Great Pyrenees German Shepherds are very determined and serious when it comes to performing tasks.
Because German Shepherd Great Pyrenees mixes are so devoted to their jobs they are extremely confident and self-assured. They will almost never appear timid and will always walk around with their head held high.
Despite their serious nature while they are working they have a very playful side as well.
Pyrenees mixes love to run and explore and may even get into some mischief if they get bored. It is important to play often with them to challenge their minds and let them flex their hard-working instincts.
Their large bodies house A LOT of energy!
These pups need to be walked and played with frequently to help them burn all of this energy. They can be calm and snuggly, but to achieve this temperament, you have to make sure you exercise them regularly.
As long as these dogs are socialized from pups they will be extremely loving with other people or pets.
Without socialization they may not trust strangers.
Is A Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix A Good Family Dog?
As long as they are socialized from a puppy, the Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix makes an incredible family dog. These pooches are very loving and sweet and get along easily with children and other pets.
Despite their large appearance these dogs are very gentle and patient so they will get along even with young children.
Caring for a German Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix
Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mixes have an excellent, sweet temperament that is perfect for first time owners.
They are easy to train because of their high intelligence and they are typically very well-behaved.
These majestic dogs require some moderate grooming and also need a significant amount of exercise each day, so make sure you have the money and time to invest in these beautiful hybrids before adopting one.
Exercise Requirements
They are highly active dogs that need to be exercised often.
Both parent breeds are used to running freely in open pastures. Because of this they require large yards and open spaces to roam in – they are very independent and like to explore.
This hybrid mix also loves to walk so if you are not an active person or do not have time to commit to walking a dog, you should consider looking at another dog breed.
In addition to walking you should give your mix plenty of opportunities to display its intelligence. Ideally you would give these dogs a chance to use their herding instincts, but not everyone has a flock of sheep in their backyard!
Other ways to mentally challenge your pooch include agility and obedience training.
They are skilled at tasks such as jumping and running through obstacle courses.
Exercising them frequently will help avoid any boredom that could result in destructive behaviors like digging and chewing.
- Number of Walks Per Day: 2+.
- Total Exercise Needed Per Day: 90+ minutes.
Grooming and Shedding
Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mixes have gorgeous fur, but they do not just magically have such silky locks – they need lots of grooming!
Daily brushing is the first step to maintaining this pup’s hairdo. It may be smart to invest in a de-shedding tool as well to reduce the amount of loose hair that ends up everywhere in your home.
The next step to help your pup achieve flawless hair is to make regular visits to the groomer, maybe once a month depending on the speed at which your dog’s fur grows.
When it comes to cleaning, make sure not to bathe them too often. German Shepherds typically have sensitive skin and can easily develop rashes or skin irritations if they are over-bathed so it is better to only wash your pup when absolutely necessary (max once a month).
Watch their skin and pay attention to any dry patches to determine if you are over-washing your dog.
It is also important to keep an eye out on your dog’s ears. The long hair that grows around a Great Pyrenees German Shepherd’s ears can easily trap dirt that will eventually make its way into their ears and may possibly lead to an infection.
Feeding and Diet
Because of their large size Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mixes need a lot of food.
Be careful to not overfeed your pup though because this mix is prone to obesity.
You should spread out their food over 2-3 meals per day.
Controlling the amount of food that these dogs eat is very important to avoid bloat (a medical condition we will discuss later in this article).
It is also important to choose foods rich in fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin to help support healthy bone development to prevent hip/elbow dysplasia.
Remember that German Shepherds typically have sensitive stomachs, so this mix can have a sensitive stomach too. It is important to consult with your veterinarian about the specific food you should be feeding your hybrid if they are having problems with their stomach.
| Calories Per Day: | Cups of Kibble Per Day: |
|---|---|
| 1500-1700 | 3 |
Known Health Problems
Unfortunately the Great Pyrenees German Shepherd can suffer from certain health problems.
- The most common health problems associated with this breed are hip and elbow dysplasia. They are large stature makes them prone to issues with the sockets around their hips and elbows.
- They can also suffer from obesity and bloat (buildup of gas, food, or liquid in the stomach).
- Great Pyrenees German Shepherds can also suffer from Von Willebrand’s Disease. This disorder is characterized by blood that is unable to clot.
- Heart murmurs, cataracts and epilepsy are also common ailments.
This long list of potential health concerns is by no means a guarantee that all Great Pyrenees German Shepherds will suffer from these illnesses, but it is important to be aware of possible diseases your dog can develop so you can watch out for any signs or symptoms.
Frequent vet visits are crucial to early detection or prevention of many of these disorders.
How Long Do Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix Live?
They typically have a lifespan of 10-12 years.
How Much Do Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix Cost?
These beautiful pups can cost around $400-$500 from a breeder. If you are lucky enough to find one in a shelter they will be cheaper.
How to Train a Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix
Because these crosses are extremely intelligent, training one is not that difficult.
These dogs are excited to learn new tricks and are eager to please their owners. As with all dog breeds you should plan to train this pooch from an early age, so they do not become too stubborn.
When it comes to training it is important to use positive reinforcement.
Reward good behaviors with lots of treats and praise. This technique is especially important when you are training your Great Pyrenees German Shepherd to not bark so frequently.
Consistently reward them for quiet and calm behavior, rather than punish them for barking.
Because this breed is highly intelligent it is a great idea to consider doing agility training with your Great Pyrenees mix if you have the time. Running between obstacles and jumping hurdles is very mentally and physically stimulating and this working breed loves the chance to complete tasks.
Finally although these dogs have a naturally sweet disposition, it is important to socialize them from an early age.
Quick Breed Summary Table
| Breed Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Size: | 22-32 inches. |
| Weight: | 75-120lb. |
| Lifespan: | 10-12 years. |
| Coat: | Thick medium length with a mane of wavy hair at the front. |
| Color: | White, black or tan. |
| Do They Shed: | Yes, lots! |
| Temperament: | Loyal, sweet, protective and energetic. |
| Intelligence: | Intelligent and easy to train. |
| Socialization: | Gets along very well with other people and pets. |
| Destructive Behavior: | May dig or chew if they get bored. |
| People Skills: | Good with people of all ages. |
| Good with Children: | Great. |
| Activity Levels: | High energy and require lots of exercise. |
Summary
Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mixes are an extremely loyal and loving family dog.
These hard working dogs are eager to please so be prepared to put them to work.
They love long walks and need plenty of time to roam around – but make sure they do not get too hot in their heavy fur coats!
These dogs are a perfect fit for first time owners who have an active lifestyle. If you are someone who likes to lay on the couch all the time, this is not the breed for you.
They require a little bit of extra care to maintain their luscious coat, but beyond that they make kind and cuddly additions to any family.
Let us know your questions in the comments section below…
