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Russet (also known as Russ) is a handsome Pyr mix, with DNA confirming that he is 75% Great Pyrenees and 25% Bloodhound. He has the classic Pyr body, paired with an adorable hound face, and his long, luxurious white fur with golden brown spots makes him quite the head-turner. His tan “helmet head” is especially lovable and perfectly matches his goofy, sweet personality. Russ came into rescue from a hoarding case in Tennessee along with his two brothers, Crispin and Macintosh. Together, these three handsome boys are affectionately known as The Apple Gang!
Russ is housebroken and crate trained, and he is currently working on learning schedules and polishing up his house manners. He has a wonderfully low activity level and is happiest snoozing the day away. He does enjoy being outside and currently prefers outdoor lounging, although he is beginning to appreciate the finer things in life - like air conditioning and having a roof over his head when it rains! He doesn't do much digging and, despite being a Pyr mix, we have hardly heard him bark at all. Russ doesn't mind riding in the car once he gets inside, although new things can be a little scary for this shy boy. Squeaky toys are fun, and he absolutely loves being brushed!
Russ has been exposed to all kinds of dogs - male and female, big and small - and he loves them all once he has a chance to get to know them. He has not yet met any cats, but given his very laid-back nature, we expect he would likely do well with them. He also lives near chickens and has shown no interest in them, although he has not shared the yard with them. When it comes to people, Russ has had lots of folks coming and going and tends to prefer a quiet spot of his own, often choosing to snooze peacefully under the azalea bush. He did really well when children came over to play. He is still quite shy, but we don't foresee any issues with respectful, gentle children.
Russ is going to grow into a big, beautiful goofball, and his sweet face will make you want to smooch him all day long. He would do best in a quieter home where he can take his time gaining confidence and discovering that the world isn't so scary. A canine friend is important for Russ, and he would be especially happy with a friendly dog or two to show him the ropes and keep him company. We can picture him being absolutely adored by an older couple or enjoying life with a gentle child or two, as long as things aren't too boisterous. A securely fenced yard of at least five feet would be wonderful for Russ to stretch his legs, explore, and play with his canine pals.
Underneath Russet’s shy exterior is a truly gentle, loving boy. He was named after an apple variety, and we think it's fitting because he really is the apple of our eye! With his luxurious coat, irresistible helmet head, sweet hound-like face, and goofy charm, Russ is ready to find his forever family and show them just how wonderful life can be when you have a big, soft, lovable boy by your side.
NGPR Pooch Profile
Name: Russet in VA
Age: 20 weeks old as of beginning of September 2026
Color: White with golden brown spots and ears
Dew Claws: Yes, Double
Estimated Adult Weight: 100+ lbs
Current Location: NGPR approved foster in Vienna, VA
Medical: Pup will be placed on a spay/neuter contract with a date specified for the spay or neuter procedure to be performed by. Dewormed, negative for heartworm, up-to-date on vaccinations and currently on flea, tick and heartworm preventative. This dog travels with an Interstate Health Certificate required by the USDA confirming that all the above criteria have been met.
Housebroken: Yes
Can Be Placed With: Dogs, Cats, Kids
Fencing: Secure VISIBLE fencing is required; invisible fencing WILL NOT contain this breed.
Fees: Adoption fees are determined on a sliding scale depending on age, location and transport. Transport costs are included in the adoption fee. Fees for dogs adopted locally start at $400 and can range up to $700 for puppies under six months. Puppies placed on spay/neuter contracts receive $100 back when the dog is spayed or neutered. Fees for senior dogs (7 or older) and foster dogs will be adjusted accordingly.
More Information: Questions? The fastest way to learn more about a dog is to fill out our Adoption Application. If you call or e-mail you are reducing your chances of adopting this animal as we direct our time and energy to first serving those who apply.
NYS Registered Non-Profit Rescue # RR102. National Great Pyrenees Rescue (NGPR) has been rescuing and adopting out Great Pyrenees since 2006. Our relationship doesn’t end with adoption, as we continue to support adopters throughout the lifetime of their dog.
Our goal is to assess every application on its own merits. Key considerations are: 1) the experience of the applicant with large breed dogs 2) children in the household or regularly visiting the household are ready for a large-breed dog who is a guardian by nature and 3) the sex of other dogs currently residing in the household to avoid same-sex aggression issues. For puppies under six months old, the applicant’s ability to socialize the puppy with older dogs is a priority.
We have many Pyrs and Pyr mixes who need homes. You can see more of these beautiful dogs by clicking on Adoptable Dogs.
