Great Pyrenees Australian Shepherd Mix: Info, Pictures, Facts, FAQs & More (2024)

If you are a fan of big, intelligent, and rare dogs, then the Great Pyrenees Australian Shepherd mix is a pooch you might be interested in.

With its soft and fluffy fur combined with an affectionate and protective personality, this hybrid is a perfect companion and guard dog.

To know more about this designer breed, scroll through this guide as we give you a complete guide to the Great Pyrenees and Australian Shepherd cross. After this article, you’ll know if this pooch is the right one for you!

What Is a Great Pyrenees Australian Shepherd Mix?

The Great Pyrenees Australian Shepherd mix is a cross between the Great Pyrenees and the Australian Shepherd. This large pooch is a herder, similar to its parent breeds. It is also very loyal and protective of its family, making it a good life-long furry companion.

The Great Pyrenees Australian Shepherd mix is also known as Australian Shepherd Pyrenees, Great Pyrenees Aussie, Great Pyrenees Shepherd, Aussie Pyr, and Aussie Pyrenees.

With parent breeds having a rich background in an array of activities, including herding, the Aussie Pyrenees mix has a great combination of traits that make a good watchdog and companion.

As a crossbreed, the American Kennel Club does not recognize this mix. They can only be registered under the club’s Canine Partners Program, which accepts all hybrid dogs.

Great Pyrenees Australian Shepherd Mix Origin and History

There is no exact recorded information as to when and where the Aussie Pyrenees Mix came from. Unlike its parent breeds, this designer breed has very little information about its origin.

Since its origin is very hard to trace, most owners rely on the history of its parents — the Australian Shepherd and the Great Pyrenees — both of which are well-known herding dogs throughout their historical timelines.

The Great Pyrenees, also more fondly known as Pyr, has ancestors that have been around since 1800 B.C., according to fossils found by researchers. It is believed to be one of, if not the, oldest known dog breeds.

These dogs are usually found as working or herding dogs in most countries. However, it is also seen as companion dogs in family homes.

Meanwhile, the Australian Shepherd originated from the Pyrenees Mountains between Spain, France, and not Australia — which is a bit misleading due to its name.

The Australian Shepherd was often seen at rodeos and horse shows, while some dog owners even used them in leading roles in mainstream Hollywood films. They are also picked as herding dogs in most countries.

Both dogs are known for their intelligence and herding instincts, traits that your Great Pyrenees Aussie mix may surely inherit. Even without a clear record of its origin, this designer breed is surely one of the best out there.

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Great Pyrenees Australian Shepherd Mix Appearance

As a crossbreed, the appearance of a Great Pyrenees Australian Shepherd mix could be hard to predict. Its physical traits would always depend on its parent’s dominant genes that they inherited.

Some of this breed’s genes only become visible after they have grown, which is why as pups, the Great Pyrenees Aussie may look like one parent at first but grow to look more like the other.

Once grown, the Aussie Pyrenees will grow a sturdy and muscular body frame. This build is an advantage as this breed is made to run and work.

With a double coat inherited from the Great Pyrenees, however, you won’t be able to see their muscles as they will be hidden under their long fur.

The coat of a Great Pyrenees Australian Shepherd mix will have varying colors such as white, cream, brindle, tan, or a double-color and tri-color combination of these colors.

If they inherit dominant genes from a Great Pyrenees, their coats will be mostly white, but if they take after an Australian Shepherd, they will most likely be multi-colored or white coated with patches of marbled colors.

For facial features, your Aussie Pyrenees adopt its parents’ floppy ears and a medium-length snout. Its eyes will be dark. However, there is a chance that it could have the rare blue eyes of an Australian Shepherd.

It’s not unusual for Australian Shepherds to have one blue eye and one black eye, so you may observe this with the Aussie Pyrenees mix as well.

Whether your pup inherits its Great Pyrenees or Aussie Shepherd parent, it is no doubt that it would look stunning with a sturdy built and long elegant fur.

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Great Pyrenees Australian Shepherd Mix Size and Weight

With large parent breeds, your Aussie Pyrenees mix will be a medium-sized to a large dog weighing between 50 to 100 pounds and standing 25 to 32 inches tall when fully grown.

A Great Pyrenees Shepherd mix will reach its peak adult size somewhere around 18 to 24 months. Although it will be considered mature in its first year, it will continue to build muscles and gain weight for a few more months.

You can get a general idea by looking at the size of its Great Pyrenees parent. However, your dog’s final size would still be unpredictable.

Males are typically larger than females, so the size of your Great Pyrenees Australian Shepherd mix could be influenced by this.

To have a better general idea of an Aussie Pyrenees’ size and growth, watch this video:

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Great Pyrenees Australian Shepherd Mix Temperament and Personality

A Great Pyrenees Shepherd cross will most likely inherit its parent breed’s intelligence and protective traits. This mix is known to be affectionate, loyal, and friendly.

Like the sociable Australian Shepherd, the Great Pyrenees Aussie mix gets along well with guests and existing household pets. They actually treat others as playmates and friends.

The Australian Pyrenees mix is quickly bored, so it’s advisable not to leave them locked up or alone for a long time. This is when they are most likely to get into trouble by having unpredictable behavior.

Pyrenees mixes, like the Great Pyrenees Aussie mix, could also be very protective. Because of this nature, they could be used as both herders and guard dogs.

When it shows protectiveness, the Aussie Pyrenees’ size tends to scare people away, making them good guard dogs.

Nevertheless, the Aussie Pyrenees mix is still very affectionate, loyal, intelligent, independent, and protective. It’s a good mix, and you’ll often see all these characteristics when you live with them for a while.

You should also try to get to know the pup’s parents, if possible. Sometimes the parents’ temperaments could tell you what you can expect from the pups.

Great Pyrenees Australian Shepherd Mix Lifespan and Health Issues

Great Pyrenees Aussie mixes are relatively healthy dogs that have a lifespan of up to 10 to 15 years. As a dog with long life, this mixed breed is an excellent choice for a lifetime friend.

You should take note, however, that they are not invincible to other health conditions and could still face quite a few illnesses in their lifetime.

Other health concerns for an Aussie Pyrenees owner to be aware of include:

• Elbow and Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a disorder in which the ball and socket of a dog’s hip are misaligned, causing severe pain when the dog moves. You may take preventative measures by ensuring they get enough movement and exercise.
• Skin Allergy: The most common symptoms of skin allergy are licking the paws, stroking the face, and frequent ear infections. Veterinary services often suggest topical medicine or prescribe oral medicine for treatment.
• Bloating: Bloat occurs when food or gas expands your dog’s stomach, producing pain in the abdomen. This is more frequent in large breed or deep-chested dogs, but it can affect any breed.
• Arthritis: Arthritis, or joint inflammation, is a common issue in dogs that cause pain, stiffness, and discomfort. Cartilage within a joint (hip, elbow, etc.) changes or is damaged in dogs with arthritis, making it less smooth and causing the bones in the joint to rub together.
• Joint Pain: Joint pain is common in dogs of all breeds and ages, but it is much more likely to develop as they reach their senior years. While dog owners see this as “slowing down,” it is much more likely that pain in your dog’s joints is to blame than old age.

You won’t always be able to control everything, but you can try to be proactive in taking care of your Aussie Pyrenees’ health.

All your dog needs from you are that you pay attention and be aware of things that could harm them or have an impact on their overall well-being.

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How to Take Care of Your Australian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix

Because of its Pyrenees parent, the Australian Shepherd Pyrenees cross is known for having a bit of an independent streak. Despite this, they are quite high maintenance and require sufficient care from their owners.

As large dogs, owners should be aware of the importance of a proper diet, training, and exercise needs for the Aussie Pyrenees.

Food and Diet

Your Great Pyrenees Australian Shepherd’s dietary needs will vary depending on its size, weight, age, medical history, coat and skin condition, and overall health, to name a few factors.

Your Aussie Pyrenees should be fed four times a day as a puppy. You can lower that amount to three times a day when it reaches between four and nine months.

After nine months, you can feed it twice a day with 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food per meal. Your vet can help you determine the specific nutritional requirements of your pooch.

Vets will also be able to give you a list of high-quality dog food brands that will meet the needs of your dog and also recommend vitamins and other supplements.

Cleaning and Grooming

Your Aussie Pyrenees’ coat is double-layered and needs to be brushed and groomed on a regular basis. If it isn’t properly cared for, its long hair can quickly become matted, tangled, and out of control.

Even if you brush your dog often, it will most likely still shed a lot. Brushing can only help to lessen this, but don’t expect it to completely eliminate shedding.

Brushing its hair at least three times a week is recommended, but five times a week is ideal for keeping the hair mess at bay.

If the puppy more closely resembles the Great Pyrenees parent, it may shed less and require less brushing than the Aussie side.

These dogs are also vulnerable to skin irritation. This means you shouldn’t bathe them too frequently.

They should be bathed now and again, but you can use doggy wipes in between baths to help eliminate odors, especially if your dog enjoys running outside.

A pin brush, a comb, and a de-shedder are all recommended for brushing. You’ll probably need all of them or a brush that can do a little bit of everything.

If you’re unsure about proper grooming, hiring a professional groomer for bathing, grooming, and nail clipping is completely reasonable.

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Training and Exercise

Owners of Aussie Pyrenees should schedule a time to take their dogs on long walks and hikes to keep their energy levels as low as possible.

The Great Pyrenees Australian Shepherd mix pup will be energetic since their Australian Shepherd parent is considered a dog with higher energy levels. Proper exercise will keep them from being destructive.

Both parent breeds are herding dogs, which means they were bred to work and roam throughout the day. Make sure your dog gets at least two hours of daily activity and exercise, such as walking, hiking, or roaming around wide spaces.

The Australian Pyrenees thrive in rural locations, where they can get outside and run around and play. You’ll have to teach them not to go too far out of bounds though, so they understand their limits.

This crossbreed is also an intelligent dog breed, and training them would be easy. However, they are also known to sometimes show a stubborn streak.

To train this type of dog, you’ll need a stronger, more consistent handler who won’t let the dog take advantage of him.

Because all dogs respond well to positive reinforcement, it is also important to note that you need to praise your dog with positive remarks during training.

How Much Does a Great Pyrenees Aussie Mix Cost? Puppy Prices and Expenses

The price of the Great Pyrenees and Australian Shepherd mix puppy ranges between $800 and $4,000. A crossbreed coming from a champion bloodline will put its price on the higher end of the range.

The designer dog’s final price may be influenced by its pedigree, unique colors, special markings, and the breeder’s reputation.

A budget for other essential items for your Great Pyrenees Shepherd’s demands should be considered in addition to the puppy’s cost.

You should also include expenses for dog food, treats, leashes and collars, feeding bowls, and other canine supplies in your budget.

The following are the starting costs of owning an Australian Pyrenees mix:

Apart from the price of the dog, the initial costs of owning an Australian Pyrenees puppy can range from $650 to $2,445.

Keeping a Great Pyrenees Aussie puppy might be expensive, but you can save money by taking advantage of pet store discounts or other special deals for your pet’s supplies and demands.

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Places to Find Great Pyrenees Australian Shepherd Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption

Because the Aussie Pyrenees mix is a new and developing hybrid, there may only be a few reputable breeders who purposefully breed them.

Puppy mills and careless breeders take advantage of their scarcity to make extra money by selling unwell puppies.

For a healthy puppy, look for a reputable breeder who follows strict breeding guidelines. It’s critical to select a breeder who does genetic testing and health screenings on their dogs and litters.

Here is a list of a few of the best places to look for Great Pyrenees Australian Shepherd mix puppies for sale:

• Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies is an online store that sells puppies from breeders across the United States. You’ll find plenty of purebreds and hybrids, like the Great Pyrenees Australian Shepherd, from reputable and well-reviewed breeders on this website. There are also puppy shipping choices on the website.
• Lancaster Puppies – Lancaster Puppies is a puppy marketplace where legitimate breeders sell mixed breed puppies. A number of crossbreed puppies are offered, including an Aussie-Great Pyrenees hybrid.
• Infinity Pups – Similar to Lancaster Puppies and Greenfield Puppies, this pet website sells crossbred puppies all across the country. This website will first assist you in locating the mixed-breed or purebred puppy of your choice, after which it will connect you with the breeder for an interview.

Check our article on how to buy pups online to help you navigate your way around the virtual puppy market.

Alternatively, you may also want to read our list of Australian Shepherd breeders to find the crossbreed you are looking for.

READ NEXT: 10 Best Great Pyrenees Breeders (2023): Our Top 10 Picks!

To further help you find your furry companion, here is a list of shelters and rescues that may have the Great Pyrenees Australian Shepherd mix for you:

• Aussie Rescue & Placement Helpline, Inc. (ARPH) – This Australian Shepherd rescue group has three goals: to rescue Australian Shepherds, place them in forever homes, and educate the public on what it means to own an Australian Shepherd. If you fall in love with an Aussie but are unable to adopt it, you may still help that dog by sponsorship.
• Australian Shepherds Furever (ASF) – ASF is a well-established non-profit organization that has rescued over 3,150 Australian Shepherds. This shelter focuses on rescuing, fostering, and adopting mixed and purebred Australian Shepherds around the country.
• Great Pyrenees Rescue Atlanta – This rescue in Atlanta has been rescuing mixed and purebred Great Pyrenees since its inception in 2010. Since then, they have rescued 2,259 dogs. The process for adoption includes an application and a $20 adoption fee to cover the shelter’s expenses for their dogs.

You could also read our list of the top 10 best Australian Shepherd rescues for adoption to try your luck in finding the perfect Aussie Pyrenees mix for you.

Reading our ultimate dog adoption guide might also help you get that perfect puppy you are looking for.

READ NEXT: 10 Best Australian Shepherd Rescues for Adoption (2023): Our Top 10 Picks!

Pros and Cons of Owning an Australian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix

Having a mixed-breed dog has its advantages and disadvantages.

Some individuals are wary of buying a Great Pyrenees Aussie hybrid since crossbreeding is still a dubious practice that increases the possibility of unpredictable behavior.

While some view mixed breeds as a genetic oddity, others find advantages in terms of appearance, health, and temperament.

The combined DNA of crossbreed dogs decides the benefits and drawbacks of owning one.

Here are some of the advantages of owning a Great Pyrenees and Australian Shepherd mix:

• Highly sociable: Due to the parent breeds’ affectionate and loyal nature, Aussie Pyrenees are exceptionally sociable to other humans and animals. This is ideal for families that already have children and other pets. They are also highly protective, which makes them good guard dogs.
• High work drive: Both the Pyr and the Australian Shepherd are dogs with a high work ethic. You could expect its mixed offspring to be a good work dog too. This hybrid is a great workout buddy as well as an excellent hunting and herding dog. Because the Aussie Pyrenees hybrid requires frequent exercise, it’s ideal for active families.
• Intelligent dog: Compared to other dogs, this mixed breed shows a lot of signs of reliability, especially when properly taught. As long as you can display effective and solid leadership, you should be able to see their amazing potential.

Here are some disadvantages of having an Aussie Pyrenees mix:

• High-level Shedding: With both its parent breeds having thick and high-shedding coats, you should expect this mix to shed often. To owners, this could be a nuisance, especially if its hair often sticks to linens, curtains, carpets, clothes, or just anywhere in the house. This would mean extra effort to brush the dog’s hair and sweep the floors.
• Unpredictable behavior: Predicting this breed’s temperament can be a bit of a mixed bag. The Aussie Pyr can be rebellious and stubborn if not properly taught. These puppies would benefit from an owner who has a pack leader mentality.
• Unpredictability in size: Size is also a consideration for dog owners. As a large dog, owners may have a hard time maintaining the pup if it grows more than the size they expected it to. This means a larger crate, cage, bed, and an increase in certain dog expenses such as grooming needs, vet needs, and food.

It’s vital to understand the benefits and drawbacks of owning an Aussie Pyrenees before bringing one home. This will help you determine if the dog is right for you and if you can care for it in the long run.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Great Pyrenees Australian Shepherd Mixes Good Guard Dogs?

The Great Pyrenees Australian Shepherd cross is one of the best guard dogs you could get. Due to its protective and loyal nature, this pup can surely be trusted to guard you and your loved ones.

With their size, these dogs also scare most people away, especially if they are in their aggressive yet protective mode.

Do Great Pyrenees Australian Shepherd Mixes Shed a Lot?

With a high-maintenance double coat, the Great Pyrenees Australian Shepherd mix sheds a lot. Frequent and regular brushing is recommended to keep their shedding and hair mess at bay.

Are Great Pyrenees Australian Shepherd Mixes Hypoallergenic?

The Great Pyrenees Australian Shepherd Mix is not hypoallergenic. Because of its thick double coat, it is not recommended for people with dog allergies.

Its long fur, as well as its saliva, may produce allergens that could trigger symptoms in someone allergic to dogs.

Final Thoughts: Is a Great Pyrenees Aussie Mix the Right Dog for You?

The Aussie Pyrenees, or Great Pyrenees Australian Shepherd mix, is a fascinating mix breed.

They thrive in areas where they can run around and play and also get along well with a sibling or a playmate.

If you choose to own this mixed breed, you will be rewarded with a highly intelligent dog with an affectionate nature. They’re a wonderful combination of love, loyalty, protection, and intelligence rolled into one.

Keep in mind that their sizes and personality may differ depending on the traits they inherited from their parents. You must also be prepared to take on the grooming responsibilities.

If you are a Great Pyrenees Aussie owner or someone interested in this mix, let us know in the comments below!