Giant white livestock guardian breed (85-115 lbs) that trended 2015-2020 alongside homesteading and farm-to-table movements. Viral videos showed them protecting chickens and goats from predators with impressive dedication.
Instagram aesthetic featured majestic white dogs in pastoral settings. Reality shocked suburban adopters: independent stubborn temperament (bred to make decisions without human direction), excessive barking (guarding instinct active 24/7), nocturnal activity patterns, and wandering tendencies (bred to patrol acres, not stay in yards).
#GreatPyreneesProblems documented destroyed furniture from bored dogs and ignored commands. Double dewclaws represent genetic trait distinguishing breed. Heavy year-round shedding creates “tumbleweeds” of white fur. Working Pyrenees thrived on actual farms; suburban Pyrenees became bored and destructive.
Breed popularity increased 30% 2015-2020 due to homesteading trend. Pandemic saw urban professionals adopting them for rural properties, then mass abandonments occurred when people returned to cities 2021-2022.
Sources: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/great-pyrenees/ | Livestock guardian dog behavior research