AZRYN GREAT PYRENEES
Health
The Great Pyrenees is an exceptionally healthy breed compared to others of the same size. While no amount of health testing can remove 100% of risks, ethical breeders are sure to take all extra steps to ensuring they produce the healthiest puppies possible. Without health testing no breeder can honestly say that their dogs are clear of all health risks associated with the Great Pyrenees.
It should also be noted that there is a difference between a genetic and an acquired illness. Care, nutrition, age and environment can all be major factors in a dogs health and wellbeing. With routine care and prevention the average lifespan of Pyrs is 10 to 12 years.
OFA CHIC
OFAs are an important part of every breeds testing. OFA testing is primarily done at 24 months old and should be done before breeding any bitch or dog. The Great Pyrenees requires Hips and Patella’s be evaluated by a veterinarian and two elective tests must be done before they can earn a CHIC number. You can view the link below to see a full list of the anvalible elective tests provided by OFA and the GPCA.
OFAs Great Pyrenees CHIC Program
Pediatric Spay and Neuter
At Azryn Great Pyrenees we strongly believe in and encourage delayed spay and neuter. With more research coming out every year, large and giant breed dogs in particular are seen as having health risks associated with pediatric spay and neuter. The following points have been linked to pediatric spay and neuter through recent studies.
-Keeps growth plates open longer causing growth issues and lameness.
-Hormonal urinary incontinence in bitches.
-Heightened risk of hip dysplasia.
-Some forms of cancer becoming more prevalent in altered dogs.
We encourage you to do your own research regarding pediatric spay and neuter but know finding accurate and trustworthy sources can be difficult. Below we have linked a couple of studies directly provided by our primary veterinarian.
Health Implications in Early Spay and Neuter in Dogs (AKC Canine Health Foundation)
Data on the consequences of early sterilization continues to mount (AAHA)
When Should You Neuter Your Dog to Avoid Health Risks? (UC Davis)
NDG
An inherited neurological disease termed Neuronal Degeneration (NDG), has been reported in Great Pyrenees dogs. The age-of-onset of this disease is very young, well before an affected dog’s first birthday, but begins quite mildly. Initial signs include slipping, sliding, and difficulty maneuvering on smooth surfaces. The gait is abnormal - the dog may seem weak, clumsy, or uncoordinated. Over time, these problems progress and worsen. The abnormalities are most pronounced in the hind limbs, and both sides of the body tend to be affected symmetrically. Eventually, affected dogs display a wide-base stance, become unable to negotiate stairs, have a generalized loss of control and coordination over body movements, and may experience intermittent falling. The condition itself is non-painful, although stumbling and falling can obviously cause pain and traumatic injuries.
Neuronal Degeneration in Great Pyrenees: Genetics and Breeding Decisions
Dwarfism
Dwarfism (chondrodysplasia) in the Great Pyrenees was first reported nearly 30 years ago. Puppies appear normal at birth, but by 14 days of age, affected dogs are obviously disproportionate, with shorter limbs, trunk, and muzzle compared to their normal littermates. As adults, affected dogs range in size from 13 - 18 in. at the shoulder and weigh from 35 - 50 lbs.