Grooming a Great Pyrenees means weekly brushing and only occasional baths—never shaving the double coat that keeps this breed comfortable year-round.
For the full breakdown, see our best Brush For A Great Pyrenees guide.
That coat sheds heavily once or twice a year during “blowing coat” season, and grooming is the difference between a manageable dog and a house full of fur.
What Tools Do You Need for a Great Pyrenees?
A slicker brush and a wide-toothed comb or grooming rake cover nearly everything. The slicker brush removes loose fur from the topcoat, while the comb or rake reaches the dense undercoat underneath.
Step-by-Step: The Weekly Brushing Routine
Start by inspecting the coat for mats and debris before brushing anything. Friction zones—behind the ears, under the arms, around the tail, and on the rear—hide tangles that are easier to remove before they tighten.
Work in sections, starting at the neck and moving backward. Brush in the direction of hair growth, lifting the hair as you go so the tool reaches the undercoat. Use the wide-toothed comb or grooming rake first to work through tangles, then follow with the slicker brush to smooth the topcoat and pull loose fur.
Pay extra attention to the neck, tail, rear, and back legs. These areas shed heavily and mat faster than the rest of the body.
Bathing, Drying, and Nail Care
Over-bathing strips natural oils and can irritate the skin—this breed simply doesn’t need frequent washing.
Drying matters as much as washing. The dense coat traps moisture close to the skin, which can lead to irritation if left damp. Rinse thoroughly after shampooing, then dry completely using a low-heat pet dryer, which groomers commonly recommend for reaching the undercoat.
Trim nails every 3–4 weeks and check the dewclaws regularly. Great Pyrenees dewclaws can curl and grow into the skin if ignored.
Common Grooming Mistakes to Avoid
Shaving a Great Pyrenees is the most damaging mistake owners make. The double coat regulates both heat and cold, and shaving destroys that function while risking sunburn and uneven regrowth. Multiple grooming sources warn against it explicitly.
Over-bathing and skipping the ears round out the common errors. Clean ears weekly to prevent buildup, and resist the urge to wash the coat more often than needed.
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | Once weekly, ~30 min | Increase to 2–3x weekly or daily during heavy shedding |
| Bathing | Every 2–4 months | Only when dirty; never more often than needed |
| Ear cleaning | Weekly | Prevents buildup in the floppy ears |
| Nail trimming | Every 3–4 weeks | Check dewclaws for curling |
| Full drying after bath | Every bath | Low-heat pet dryer reaches the undercoat |
References & Sources
- National Great Pyrenees Rescue. “Care and Grooming.” Details brushing frequency, bathing intervals, and double-coat care.
- PetMD. “Great Pyrenees.” Breeds overview including coat characteristics and grooming needs.
FAQs
Can I shave my Great Pyrenees in summer?
No. Shaving removes the double coat that regulates the dog’s temperature in both heat and cold. The undercoat provides insulation, and the outer coat blocks sun. Shaving risks sunburn, skin damage, and coat regrowth problems.
How often should a Great Pyrenees get a bath?
Every 2–4 months is enough for most dogs, unless they get visibly dirty. Over-bathing strips natural oils and can irritate the skin. After bathing, dry the coat completely with a low-heat pet dryer to prevent moisture from getting trapped.
Why does my Great Pyrenees shed so much?
The breed “blows coat” once or twice a year, releasing the undercoat in large clumps. This seasonal shedding is normal and lasts several weeks. During this time, brush more frequently—daily if needed—to keep the fur manageable.