So You Think You Want a Great Pyrenees? Meet Winnie.

Let me introduce you to the queen of fluff, the ruler of the yard, the cloud with legs: Winnie. Our Great Pyrenees who has been gracing us with her majestic presence for the past month. And when I say majestic, I mean she looks like she belongs guarding the gates of Aslan’s kingdom in Narnia.

Here’s the thing about Great Pyrenees—they are not your average dog. They are livestock guardians by trade, bred to keep wolves, bears, and any other “no thank you” animals far away from their herd. That means when Winnie steps outside, she’s not just sniffing the grass—she’s on duty. Squirrel in the distance? Threat. Mailman? Potential invader. Acorn falling from a tree? Definitely suspicious. And yes, she'll announce all of it—with gusto.

But beneath the fluffy exterior lies a working dog with instincts and expectations very different from your typical Lab. We learned something big the hard way: you cannot treat a Pyrenees like a Lab.

4. You Can’t Treat Them Like a Lab (Warning: Dominance Risks Ahead)

Labradors love the sofa. They snuggle, drool, and genuinely think the bed is their birthright. A Pyrenees like Winnie? Not so much. In fact, it’s bad for them to be treated like a Lab. Here’s why:

• Dominance and Pack DynamicsLivestock guardian dogs (LGDs), including Great Pyrenees, are bred to be independent thinkers and judgement call-makers—even when humans aren’t around. This independence means they may test boundaries, subtly or overtly challenging humans for leadership. Without consistent structure, they can begin to think they’re the pack leader, which can manifest as pushiness or even aggression. One source states that when LGDs aren’t given clear leadership, “they became pushy and dominant over their human handlers” and that “the #1 reason for LGD surrender to rescue groups is that they became pushy and dominant” frogchorusfarm.com.

• Socialization Is Not OptionalWhile LGDs are naturally gentle, they need early, intentional socialization with humans and other animals. When poorly socialized or treated as if they're human equals, they may become aggressive or impossible to manage—including refusing vet care or responding to commands Noble Research Institutejan-dohner.

• Real Owner ExperienceOne Pyrenees owner shared how, when treated like the boss, their dog began acting arrogant and even aggressive—believing their actions were approved. The solution? Reintroducing clear leadership boundaries through consistent recall exercises and structure Dog Gone Problems.

  
  

5. The Rest of the Story

Bath Time Royale

Winnie is so cute—like unfairly cute. But thanks to her membership in the Bad Girls Club with Becks, she’s also a full-time mud magnet. Becks insists on daily pond excursions, so our snow-white marshmallow princess emerges looking like she auditioned for Swamp Dog. Cue daily baths—and our newfound appreciation for how dirty dark-haired Labs must secretly be.

Selectively Obedient (a.k.a. Opinionated)

Winnie hears you. She just decides whether your ask aligns with her priorities. "Sit" is optional. "Come" depends on her mood. "Don't bark at that leaf?" Hilarious. "Bark louder at the leaf," more like it. She’s basically a roommate with fur and strong opinions.

Squinty and Sleepy

We call her Squinty because she naps about 80% of the day. When she wakes up, she shuffles around with her eyes half closed like she’s just emerged from a soul-crushing Zoom meeting. A nap-happy guardian? You bet.

Gentle Giant Vibes

Stubborn, muddy, vocal—yet infinitely loving. When Winnie leans into you, it’s like a weighted blanket with a heartbeat. She’s got that calm, unwavering guardian energy that just makes you feel… safe.

Final Verdict

Would I recommend raising a Great Pyrenees? Absolutely—but only if you’re ready for a giant, gloriously stubborn, extremely vocal, boundary-testing workaholic who prefers guarding the yard over lounging on the couch. If you treat her like a Lab, you risk creating a rebel leader. Give her structure, purpose, and consistent rules, and she’ll be the most loyal, majestic leftover from Narnia you could dream of.

Winnie has taught us that raising a Great Pyrenees isn’t about ownership—it’s about earning trust and respect. She doesn’t just enter your home; she floats in, drenched in mud, narcoleptic-eyed, barking at the world, and completely rewrites your definition of love.

Want to meet Winnie and her furry friends in the Bad Girls Club? Head over to Stella’s Rescue—where the fluff is big, the personalities are bigger, and the leadership lessons are real.