Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I had a breed DNA test done on my pup and found out that she's atleast 75% geat pyrenees(I was told that she was a border collie mix). I'm only concerned about one thing, and it's the reason why I chose not to adopt a pyrenees puppy in the first place. I've read that hot humid weather is very bad for their skin, and in Virginia, it's 85 degrees at 80 or 90 percent humidity... all summer long. I was planning on spending a lot of time outside with my dog to make sure she get's lots of exercise and doesn't get bored in the house all day. How, exactly, does heat/humidity affect them, and can it be overcome without keeping her inside all day? She's definatly mixed with something, but I don't know what. Will the heat not bother her as much since she is a mix?

also, I don't know if it's the fur or the skin that makes them not do well in hot weather, but on her body the fur is very straight and soft, fine and soft on her head, and kindof frizzy and thick on her legs.
Anybody ant to guess at what she's mixed with to get that coloring? I don't know, I'm just wondering what other people think.

Australian Shepherd maybe. Just a guess.

~C~

I think she's still got puppy fur right now- it can take a while for that to go away. So, not really sure what the adult coat will be like. Still, no matter what the breed or coat- heat and especially humidity are never great friends for dogs. Being black- you are going to want to not excercise in the sun during the hottest part of the day. Get your dog used to water and make it fun to play with. That can help with activities on hot days when it's just too oppressive for a good long walk. I have a dog walking buddy that walks with us at night once things have cooled off. Still have to be aware of the signs of over heating, but it's not as easy to do. There was a good article on this very subject on the Pharoah Hound board about a month ago. Check that out- there were some great tips in there.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles www.freewebs.com/performanceshibas

thankyou for replying. She does seem to get hot easily. I usually wait until dusk to take her on long walks/jogs or I go in the morning befor it gets hot. She doesn't like to get wet but she loves to eat and play with ice cubes. Anytime I have to go for a couple hours and I leave her outside I dump a bunch of ice cubes in her water bucket. It seems to help keep her cool, hydrated, and entertained. She's always got lots of shade and water when she's outside.
I've read that Prys should not be shaved because the fur helps protect them from the heat, but with her being dark colored, do you thin I should get her coat shaved in the summer?

Dogs sweat through their paws and by panting. Coat keeps them cooler and protected from bug bits and sometimes even sunburn. Keep the dog well brushed. I think shaving is not a good idea.

Just my opinion.
Cheryl