Can Great Pyrenees Be Inside Dogs? The Ultimate Guide to Indoor Pyr Life

Have you ever looked at a massive, fluffy Great Pyrenees and wondered, “Could this giant mountain dog actually live inside my house?” As someone who’s spent years around these majestic floofs, I totally get the concern! These dogs were literally bred to live outdoors guarding livestock in the mountains, so it’s natural to question if they can adapt to indoor living.

The short answer? Yes, Great Pyrenees can absolutely be inside dogs – but there’s a lot more to understand about making it work successfully. These unique pups have specific needs that differ from your average house pet.

In this article I’m gonna break down everything you need to know about keeping a Great Pyrenees as an indoor companion. From dealing with their legendary shedding to managing their independent nature we’ll cover it all!

The Great Pyrenees: Outdoor Worker or Indoor Companion?

Great Pyrenees (also called Pyrs) have a reputation as outdoor working dogs, and for good reason. Their history as livestock guardian dogs in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain means they’ve traditionally spent most of their time outside with their flocks.

However, the modern Great Pyrenees can adapt surprisingly well to indoor living. Many Pyr owners successfully keep these gentle giants as house pets, though it does require some understanding of their natural tendencies.

Natural Instincts vs. Indoor Living

When considering whether a Great Pyrenees can be an inside dog, we need to acknowledge some of their natural behaviors:

• Guardian instincts – They’ll still want to “patrol” and protect their territory
• Independent thinking – They were bred to make decisions without human guidance
• Temperature preference – They genuinely prefer cooler temperatures
• Nocturnal tendencies – Many Pyrs are more active at night (when predators would threaten livestock)
• Barking habits – They bark to warn off potential threats

One Pyr owner named Jean Lodge shared: “I’ve had eight Pyrs and they all want or wanted to be near me as much as possible, even though they go in and out all day.”

This points to an important truth – while these dogs can thrive indoors, they typically enjoy a balance of indoor comfort and outdoor time.

Benefits of Keeping Your Great Pyrenees Indoors

Despite their working dog background, there are several advantages to keeping your Great Pyrenees as an indoor dog:

1. Stronger human bonds – Indoor Pyrs typically develop deeper connections with their families
2. Better socialization – Regular exposure to family life helps them become more well-adjusted
3. Health monitoring – It’s easier to notice health issues when your dog lives closely with you
4. Protection from extreme weather – While cold-resistant, they still benefit from shelter during extreme conditions
5. Safety from predators, traffic, and theft – Sadly, beautiful Pyrs can be targets for theft when left outdoors

As Ed A. from New Jersey commented: “Yes they are working dogs but nobody works 24 hours a day. If you are using them as LSGD I totally get it so after dusk they go out with the flock, in the day a little rest in the hallway or reckroom would be nice, in from the heat of the day… But if you love the babies why would you not want to spend their off time with them.”

Challenges of Having a Great Pyrenees Indoors

Let’s be real – having a 100+ pound fluffball in your house isn’t without challenges! Here are the main issues you’ll face:

1. The Fur Situation (It’s Epic)

Great Pyrenees shed. A LOT. We’re talking tumbleweeds of white fur rolling across your floors. Their double coat blows out seasonally, usually in spring and fall, but they shed year-round too.

To manage the fur apocalypse:

• Invest in a high-quality vacuum designed for pet hair
• Brush your Pyr at least 2-3 times weekly (outside is best!)
• Consider keeping certain rooms “Pyr-free” if you need fur-free zones

2. Space Requirements

These dogs are BIG. Adult males typically weigh 100-160 pounds, while females range from 85-115 pounds. They need space to stretch out comfortably.

For indoor Pyrs, you’ll need:

• Large, sturdy dog beds in multiple rooms
• Wide pathways through your home
• Space where they can retreat when they want alone time

3. Temperature Considerations

Great Pyrenees were bred for mountain climates and have incredibly thick double coats. This means they often struggle with heat and prefer cool environments.

For indoor comfort:

• Keep your home cooler than average (around 65-68°F is ideal)
• Provide cooling mats during summer months
• Ensure good air circulation
• Never shave their coat (it actually helps them regulate temperature)

One Pyr owner shared this observation: “She does however get so so hot when she comes inside even with us keeping our heat at 60 degrees.”

4. Managing Guardian Behaviors

Even indoors, your Great Pyrenees will maintain their guardian instincts. This means:

• Barking at perceived threats (delivery people, strange noises)
• Wanting to “patrol” the house, especially at night
• Positioning themselves near windows or doors to monitor outside activity

Creating an Indoor-Outdoor Balance

Most Great Pyrenees experts agree that the ideal situation is a balance between indoor and outdoor time. As Donna, an experienced Pyr owner, noted: “Pyrs love to hang outside all day and night if they can. That’s where they were bred to be.”

However, this doesn’t mean they can’t be primarily indoor dogs with regular outdoor access. The key is creating a lifestyle that honors their natural instincts while integrating them into family life.

What Works Best:

• Secure outdoor space – A fenced yard (minimum 5-6 feet high) where they can patrol
• Regular outdoor time – Even apartment-dwelling Pyrs need substantial daily walks
• Indoor comfort zones – Cool resting spots away from heat sources
• Nighttime options – Some Pyrs prefer sleeping outdoors in cooler weather
• Mental stimulation – Puzzle toys and activities that engage their intelligent minds

Training Considerations for Indoor Great Pyrenees

If you’re transitioning a Great Pyrenees to indoor living or raising a puppy to be an inside dog, training is crucial.

Key Training Focus Areas:

1. Potty training – Start early and be consistent (adult Pyrs are large, so accidents are significant!)
2. Appropriate barking – While you can’t eliminate barking completely, you can teach them when it’s excessive
3. Furniture boundaries – Decide early if your Pyr is allowed on furniture (remember how big they’ll get!)
4. Chewing prevention – Provide appropriate chew toys to prevent household destruction
5. Greeting manners – Teach them not to jump or bowl over visitors

One important note from an experienced Pyr owner named Donna: “When they bark, see at what they are barking. Tell dog ‘it’s okay, there is nothing there’. Turn to them and say ‘shhh’ very quietly. In that moment, dog will stop barking. Say ‘good dog’, and ‘go lie down’.”

Can You Have a Great Pyrenees in an Apartment?

While not ideal, it is possible to keep a Great Pyrenees in an apartment with appropriate accommodations:

• Multiple daily walks – At least 3-4 substantial walks daily
• Regular park visits – Off-leash time in secure areas is essential
• Climate control – Air conditioning is non-negotiable for apartment Pyrs
• Noise management – Training to minimize barking is critical in close quarters
• Space optimization – Furniture arrangement that maximizes floor space

One foster parent shared this experience: “We are fostering a 19 month old pyr/retriever mix. She refuses to come inside willingly. She lives in our screened in porch and we take her on walks 2-3 times a day. I think she would do well with a fenced in yard that we do not have.”

This highlights that while some Pyrs can adapt to apartment life, many strongly prefer having outdoor space.

Age Considerations: Puppies vs. Adults

The age of your Great Pyrenees matters when determining if they can adapt to indoor living.

Puppies (Under 2 Years)

Great Pyrenees puppies are generally more adaptable to indoor living if raised that way from the start. However, they’re also more energetic and destructive, requiring:

• Puppy-proofing – They will chew everything!
• Frequent potty breaks – Their bladder control develops slowly
• Energy outlets – Structured play sessions and training
• Socialization – Exposure to various indoor environments and situations

Adults (2+ Years)

Adult Pyrs who have primarily lived outdoors may struggle with the transition to indoor living. However, with patience, many can adapt:

• Gradual transition – Start with short indoor periods and gradually increase
• Comfort items – Familiar beds or blankets with their scent
• Cooling options – They may overheat more easily than puppies
• Patience with house training – Even previously trained adults may need a refresher

One owner asked about transitioning their 1.5-year-old dog from indoor to outdoor living, and Donna responded: “1.5 years old is still very young. Again, if she wants to be outside, let her be outside. No transition required.”

This suggests that younger adult Pyrs can still adapt to lifestyle changes relatively easily.

My Personal Experience with Indoor Pyrs

I’ve found that Great Pyrenees have unique personalities that influence how well they adapt to indoor living. Some genuinely prefer being outside most of the time, while others become total couch potatoes!

What works best for our Pyr is having options. During cool weather, she often chooses to be outside during the day, patrolling the yard and watching the neighborhood. At night or during extreme weather, she’s perfectly content snoring away on her indoor bed.

The key has been letting her make choices when possible while ensuring her safety and comfort in all situations. And yes, I vacuum almost daily – it’s just part of life with a Pyr!

Final Thoughts: Can Great Pyrenees Be Happy as Inside Dogs?

After reviewing expert opinions and owner experiences, the answer is clear: Yes, Great Pyrenees can be wonderful inside dogs for the right homes.

However, success depends on:

• Providing adequate space
• Managing temperature needs
• Allowing sufficient outdoor time
• Understanding their guardian instincts
• Committing to regular grooming
• Creating appropriate training boundaries

These majestic dogs can adapt to various living situations when their core needs are met. Whether your Great Pyrenees lives primarily indoors, outdoors, or enjoys a mix of both, the most important factor is that they receive the love, care, and respect their loyal hearts deserve.

Do you have a Great Pyrenees living indoors? Share your experiences in the comments below!

While a Great Pyrenees doesn’t need another dog, having a canine companion is highly recommended to prevent separation anxiety and provide the constant companionship they crave, especially when left alone. For a compatible match, focus on temperament, a smaller or opposite-sex companion, and a home with plenty of land.

Great Pyrenees can live outside, especially in cooler climates, as their thick double coat helps them tolerate cold, but they thrive on human companionship and need access to a comfortable indoor space. You must provide sufficient shelter from elements like sun, wind, and rain, with access to plenty of fresh water. In hot weather, they require air-conditioned shelter to prevent overheating and should not be left outside for extended periods in the heat.

Cons of owning a Great Pyrenees include stubbornness and independent thinking, making them challenging to train; excessive barking, particularly at night; high shedding, requiring frequent grooming; a large size, which requires more space and can make walks difficult; a tendency to wander, necessitating a very secure yard; potential health issues like hip dysplasia and bloat, which can increase vet costs; and high food costs due to their large size.