Crossbreeds are a mix of two different breeds of dogs that have come together to produce the best of both worlds. And although purebred dogs have a reputation for being the best, it is actually becoming increasingly popular to get crossbreeds, as they are far more unique and can have some amazing traits.
The Great Pyrenees Labrador mix is a large dog that’s intelligent, very friendly, and great with families and children. This mix is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Great Pyrenees. Breeders called this mix the Pyrador or the Labrenees.
However, before you get a Pyrador or any dog, it is important to do some research and figure out whether it truly is the right dog for you. Do your lifestyle and home fit in with the different needs of that particular dog type? In this article, we can tell you everything you need to know about the Great Pyrenees Lab mix, so you can make a fully informed decision. Are you ready? Then let’s get right into it!
General Information About The Pyrador
As with any canine crossbreeds, the Great Pyrenees Lab mix combines traits of both parent breeds.
They are big, beautiful, and soft.
They essentially mix up the loyalty and trainability of the Labrador, with the companionship and protective nature of the Great Pyrenees. The result is a perfect family dog suited to the outdoors, and very long walks.
This crossbreed is actually pretty new (we’ll look into this in the next section), so it is considered to be a designer dog, which has been registered within the Dog Registry of America, the DRA.
It is not, however, listed or officially recognized within the American Kennel Club, the AKC. Both parent breeds, on the other hand, are within the AKC and therefore officially recognized as dog breeds.
But let’s take a look at the overview of the Pyrador so that you can get an overview of all the main traits:
| Trait | Information |
| Purpose | Based on the parent breeds, Pyrador dogs were originally bred for hunting and companionship |
| Nature | Friendly and loyal |
| Size | Large |
| Height | – Males are between 25 and 29 inches tall – Females are slightly smaller, between 23 and 27 inches |
| Weight | – Males are between 80 and 100 pounds – Females weigh between 70 and 90 pounds |
| Colors | Pyrador dogs can be white, grey, beige, black, cream, yellow, and brown |
| Coat | Medium to long, with a thick double coat and dense ha |
| Lifespan | Between 10 to 12 years |
History Of The Pyrador Crossbreed
Understanding the history and origin of a dog breed is more important than many believe, as the original purpose of a dog can determine the physical and personality traits that it has.
When it comes to crossbreeds, they essentially inherit the traits, and therefore instinctive purposes, of both parent breeds.
So let’s take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds, that define the Pyrador.
History of the Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever was first bred in Newfoundland, in Canada, during the 16th century. It, later on, spread around the world, and it is now one of the most popular dogs all over, and the most popular breed within the United States.
Labradors were originally bred as working hunting dogs, mainly used in water environments due to their excellent swimming abilities. They were trained to retrieve fish and to work with fishermen’s boats. It was then officially registered in the AKC as a sporting dog, in 1917.
Given their love for the outdoors, their friendly nature, and making a great family pet and companions to other pets in the house, the Labrador has been used for many crossbreeds including the following:
- The Jackador: Jack Russell Terrier and Lab mix
- The Labrahuahua: Chihuahua and Lab mix
- The Pomador: Pomeranian and Lab mix.
History of the Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a very old breed of dog, so ancient that it is believed to have been around since 5000 years ago! Much as the name suggests, it first appeared in the Pyrenees Mountains, which are located between France and Spain.
As a working dog, it was bred mainly for guarding purposes, and to protect cattle from wolves and bears. It is big, strong, and very much suited to the outdoor environment of mountainous terrain.
The Great Pyrenees is still going strong today, which is an indicator of its popularity and how well it works as both a working dog and as a companion. And it was officially registered within the AKC as a working dog, in 1933.
As for the exact origin for the crossbreed between both, the Great Pyrenees Lab mix, it’s kind of hard to pinpoint an exact date and location. However, it’s quite a recent mix that is registered as a designer, and which is therefore highly sought after and popular.
The Temperament Of A Great Pyrenees Lab Mix
Dogs all have their own unique personality and temperament, and the type of upbringing that they receive can play a big part in this. However, dog breeds will all have a general temperament and a tendency in regards to different behavior types, mostly due to the way they were originally bred.
The Great Pyrenees Lab mix, being a crossbreed, will combine the temperament traits of both parent breeds. They are generally very friendly and great with families and children. However, as they are quite large in size, they should be supervised with younger children, and trained to be extra gentle and careful.
They are also easy to train, as they are very intelligent.
But the curious thing is that they might struggle to settle down and sleep at night, because the Great Pyrenees was used mainly as a watchdog, and is therefore naturally more nocturnal.
With crossbreeds, temperament isn’t as predictable, as it can go both ways. Your Pyrador could take after the Labrador parent, after the Great Pyrenees parent, or after both in an equal measure.
It’s important to ask about the parents to see what their temperament is like, and that will narrow down what to expect.
More like the Labrador parent
If the Pyrador takes more after the Labrador parent, they will have a lot of energy and will be very playful. They will be very sociable, just like Labradors are, and will need companionship so as to not feel lonely or bored. Plus, they will be very easy to train and will be eager to please.
More like the Great Pyrenees parent
If the Pyrador takes more after the Great Pyrenees, they will be extremely loyal, which can lead to territorial and protective behavior towards strangers.
They are alert and protective and have a very strong sense of family, so they will be great with children and with other household pets.
The Physical Appearance Of A Pyrador Dog
As a mixture of the Labrador parent and the Great Pyrenees parent, their exact appearance can vary depending on which parent they take after the most. However, there are a few physical traits that are pretty much guaranteed, as they are similar amongst both parents.
Size
For starters, the Great Pyrenees Lab mix is large in its size. They usually have a height between 23 to 29 inches and a weight between 70 to 100 pounds. Male Pyradors will be slightly bigger and heavier than their female counterparts. This comes as no surprise, as both parent breeds are also large in size.
Head
As a mixture of both, Pyrador dogs have a slightly broader skull compared to the Labrador, shaped like a wedge. They have a wide and deep muzzle, and will often have a dark and fleshy nose, either in black or brown.
Eyes
They have medium-sized eyes, most often brown or hazel, and their ears are slightly longer than most dogs, triangular and floppy.
Tails
Their tails are long and thick, and the coat is equally as thick.
Coat
As both Labradors and Great Pyrenees were originally bred for working in cold environments, they are very prepared for the winter season, and they have thick and fluffy coats.
The Pyrador has inherited this and has a medium-to-long coat of thick and fluffy fur, perfectly suited to cold winters up in the mountains, or by the water.
If the Pyrador takes more after the Labrador, then the coat will also be pretty water-repellent, and if not then it will be dense and long.
Coat color
As for the color of the coat, it can be any color within the range of colors that both Labradors and Great Pyrenees can have. Most often, they have a solid color, but they can also sometimes have a mixture of colors with some spots.
The colors can be shades of cream, white, black, yellow, grey, and brown.
Grooming Needs Of The Great Pyrenees Lab Mix
Low maintenance coats
As outdoor working dogs, both Labradors and Great Pyrennes are pretty low-maintenance. And thankfully, Pyradors are the same. No special grooming is required, other than…
- Brushing the coat once a week, and
- Bathing them once in every long while when they get extra dirty.
They do have pretty soft and sensitive skin, so it’s important to start brushing them when they are a puppy so that they can get used to it from the start.
Shedding
The only big problem with Pyradors is that they shed a lot.
Both Labradors and the Great Pyrenees are big shedders during shedding season, which happens twice a year.
So during the molting season, be ready to deal with a lot of hair, and you will likely have to brush them every day in order to deal with it.
They will also shed moderately throughout the rest of the year, so basically, you need to be okay with having your life covered in dog hair!
Clean their ears
One of the main grooming needs is to clean out their ears twice or so a week, in order to avoid infections and ear problems, as they have very large and floppy ears.
Brush their teeth
You might also want to brush their teeth every now and then.
Clip their nails
Be prepared to keep their nails clipped if necessary.
Exercise Needs Of The Pyrador
Both Labradors and Great Pyrenees are highly active and outdoorsy, originally bred as working dogs.
However, while Labradors are more athletic and high-energy, Great Pyrenees dogs are calmer and patient, better suited to endurance.
So while Labradors need a lot of interactive and high-intensity activities, Great Pyrenees are happy with long steady walks.
The Great Pyrenees Lab mix can take after either parent and depending on that they will be more high-energy or more chill. But regardless of that, they will still require around 60 minutes of exercise a day, combining long walks with higher-intensity playtime.
One of the best exercises for Pyradors is swimming. Water comes naturally to them, both through the Labrador side and the Great Pyrenees. Plus, water activities don’t place any stress on the bones or joints, and it can actually help improve the cardiovascular system and reduce the risk of developing elbow or hip dysplasia.
Making sure that they get enough exercise in a suitable way is vital for their health and development, as well as their happiness.
If they don’t get enough exercise, their physique will deteriorate, and they might also become bored, which can lead to destructive behavior.
Living Conditions Required For A Pyrador
One of the main factors you have to take into account before deciding if a dog is right for you or not is the living conditions you can offer.
Different dog breeds require different amounts of space and different specific living conditions, and if you don’t have the right ones, then it will be a struggle for your dog to thrive in a happy and healthy way.
Large living space required
Labradors and Great Pyrenees are large dogs that were originally bred for working outdoors, with plenty of space, and with regular swimming or mountain hiking. It is no surprise, therefore, that the Pyrador is exactly the same.
Pyradors are not suited for apartments or small homes. They require big amounts of space, so you will need a big backyard or garden, preferably fenced so that they don’t wander off. They will also do a lot better in colder regions, as they have thick long fur, better suited for winter climates.
Active companionship
Pyradors also need to feel involved. They make for excellent companions, and they are great with children, and will gladly join in to play with them.
However, they can sometimes get very protective, so beware of strangers approaching unannounced.
Active lifestyle
If you live an active lifestyle and have space and the time to go out for long walks and to take them outdoors, then your lifestyle is a good fit.
But if you live in an apartment, or within a city, then the Great Pyrenees Lab mix will not do as well.
Training Needs Of The Great Pyrenees Lab Mix
Pyradors have a strong hunting instinct, and are also very protective, due to the mix of both parent breeds.
This means that it’s extra important to start training them as soon as possible and to incorporate socialization so that they don’t become dangerous to strangers, other animals, and new places.
If your Pyrador takes after the Labrador parent, then it will be incredibly easy to train, as it will be eager to please.
But if your Pyrador takes after the Great Pyrenees parent, it might be a bit more challenging, as it will be stubborn and independent. If this is the case, then consistency and a sterner approach to training are the keys to success, and as they are very intelligent, they will understand exactly what you want from them.
Because training and socialization are so important in a Great Pyrenees Lab mix, especially for safety and well-being reasons, it might be a good idea to get a professional in to help. At least if it’s your first time owning a Pyrador or dog of this kind. If not, then at the very least consider looking for online training courses for Pyradors, or professional advice and tricks, so that the training goes smoothly and it’s a success!
After all, once the Pyrador gets to its full size, it will be a lot harder to handle!
Health Risks And Issues Of The Pyrador
Health can depend majorly on the living conditions, but different breeds will be at risk of specific health issues, and that’s something to watch out for.
Pyradors can inherit the health risks of both parent breeds, so you need to look out for the most common health issues in both breeds. However, the good news is that crossbreeds are usually a lot healthier, and they are a lot less prone to suffering from those health issues.
So as a general rule, your Pyrador should live a long and healthy life, and you won’t have to worry too much about vet bills.
Nevertheless, here are the main health issues to look out for in a Pyrador.
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are caused by a non-uniform growth of the hip and elbow joint, and it can sometimes happen due to rapid bone growth. It will affect the walking ability, and could even cause paralysis later on down the line.
Eye diseases
There are a few eye diseases that Pyrador dogs can suffer from. Amongst them: retinal dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, eyelid entropion (the eyelid rolls inward), eyelid ectropion (the eyelid rolls outward), and cataract.
These eye diseases are mostly hereditary, so make sure to check the parents.
Bloating
Medically known as gastric dilatation and volvulus, this happens when a dog’s stomach expands due to fluid, food, or gas. This can cause difficulty breathing, loss of blood flow to the heart, or a tear in the stomach wall.
Diet And Food Requirements For A Pyrador
Pyradors are big dogs, and with the large size comes a bigger need for food. As a general rule, they will need around three cups of high-quality kibble every single day.
It’s important for this to be of high quality, in order to avoid rapid bone growth which would then cause hip and elbow dysplasia. Make sure that you’re feeding your Pyrador food suitable to large dogs.
If the Pyrador takes after the Labrador, it will have a very big appetite and will keep on eating and eating. This is why it is very important to supervise how much food is eaten, and to spread the overall food into small amounts served often throughout the day. You should also avoid leaving any food out in the open, it will absolutely get eaten.
It is also important to remember that Pyradors are quite prone to obesity, due to the Labrador influence. This is why it is so important to limit food intake and to ensure they are getting sufficient exercise and physical activity.
However, it is also important to be moderate. Do not exercise them right after eating, as they need to digest and rest, but make sure they do exercise every day.
Based on our estimates on the feeding cost of a Labrador, you can expect to pay $76 per month in food costs. This is broken down into:
- $28 to $30 a month for dry dog food
- $36 for a month’s supply of wet food
- Around $10 a month for treats.
Should You Get A Great Pyrenees Lab mix?
If you’ve gotten this far and you’re seriously thinking about getting yourself a Pyrador, stop for a second and answer this: should you really get a Pyrador?
Consider whether you have a suitable lifestyle and living conditions and whether you have the time and energy to be able to properly take care of a Pyrador.
Do you have space?
Will you be able to commit to all the training?
It’s important in order for the Pyrador to grow and thrive in a healthy manner. For example, if you live in an apartment in the city, then no matter how much you like Pyradors, it is not the dog for you, and it would be cruel to get one.
Pyrador Puppies For Sale
Great Pyrenees Lab mix price
Pyradors are pretty new, and therefore highly sought after.
They are classed as designer dogs, and buying a puppy will cost you just as much as if it were a purebred dog, sometimes even more. You can pay anywhere between $500 to $1500 when you source them from a breeder.
Great Pyrenees Lab mix breeders
A quick Google search revealed the following breeder details. Always do your research online to find out if breeders are reputable.
Other places to find Pyrador puppies…
Online classified ad sites like Craig’s list or this one or this one in Coatesville Indiana.
Try these puppy directories:
Breed rescue centers in your state are also a good place to start:
Another option, of course, is to look for a Pyrador in animal shelters and adoption centers. You might be able to find one, and not only will it be cheaper for you, but you will also be giving an abandoned dog a new home, which is absolutely priceless.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the life expectancy of a Great Pyrenees Lab mix?
The Great Pyrenees Lab mix lifespan is 10-20 years.
When is a Great Pyrenees Lab mix full-grown?
The Great Pyrenees will be considered full-grown when they reach between 25 and 29 inches tall as male or between 23 and 27 inches as a female. In terms of the Lab Great Pyrenees size, males will weigh between 80 and 100 pounds and females between 70 and 90 pounds.
How big will a Great Pyrenees Lab mix get? Despite these average height and weight measurements I’d provided, how big they ultimately get will depend on their parents and genes. For example, some Pyradors have been recorded as weighing 120 pounds!!!
As large dogs, they require a large living space and won’t fare well in a small apartment.
What’s the Great Pyrenees Lab mix shedding like?
Pyradors shed a lot of hair twice a year during the typical shedding season in Spring and Fall. The Great Pyrenees Lab mix will also shed moderately throughout the rest of the year. Be prepared!
Are Pyradors hypoallergenic?
The answer to this is no. In fact, Pyradors are not the best dogs if you have allergies, because they shed quite a lot, especially during shedding season. They have very long and thick coats, with fluffy hair that ends up everywhere.
Are Pyradors aggressive?
Pyradors are not aggressive by nature, they are actually very friendly and loving, and incredibly loyal. However, they have a strong hunting instinct and are very protective by nature.
So if you do not give them appropriate training, and the right amount of socialization, they can become dangerous toward strangers and to other animals, as they will instinctively aim to protect and chase them away.