Great Pyrenees

Brushing Routine

Brush 3-4 times weekly with a long-toothed slicker brush and undercoat rake. Their thick, white double coat mats easily behind the ears, in the armpits, and on the hindquarters. Use a wide-toothed comb to check for mats after brushing. A pin brush works well for the outer coat finishing.

Bathing Tips

Bathe every 6-8 weeks with a brightening or whitening shampoo to maintain their pristine white coat. Pre-soak with a degreasing shampoo for heavily soiled areas. Their coat is naturally dirt-resistant -- mud often dries and brushes right out. A thorough blow-dry with a high-velocity dryer is essential to prevent matting and hot spots.

Common Issues

• Matting in armpits, behind ears, and hindquarter feathering
• Staining on white coat from tears, saliva, and outdoor debris
• Double dewclaws (breed standard) require careful nail maintenance
• Hot spots in humid climates from moisture trapped in dense coat
• Excessive shedding creating tumbleweeds of white fur

Extend Your Grooming Results

Apply a leave-in whitening conditioner after baths to keep the coat bright between grooms. Check for mats daily by running your fingers through coat at mat-prone areas -- 30 seconds of prevention saves hours of detangling. Clean around eyes daily to prevent tear staining on white fur.

Seasonal Care

Heavy shedding in spring as the winter undercoat releases -- daily raking required for 3-4 weeks. Houston summers demand vigilant coat care: maintain the coat for insulation but ensure thorough drying after any water exposure. Never shave -- the white coat reflects sun and provides UV protection. Winter coat is at its fullest and most magnificent.

Maintenance Schedule

Brush 3-4 times weekly, daily mat checks, nail trim every 3-4 weeks including double dewclaws, ear cleaning weekly, eye area cleaning daily. Professional groom every 6-8 weeks with deshedding and whitening treatment.