Description

The Great Pyrenees is also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog. Full grown this is a very large animal with a solid muscular body. The long, coarse, outer coat is either straight or slightly wavy, while the fine undercoat is soft and thick. The coat is weather resistant which allows it to live outdoors year round in very harsh climates. Coat colors come in solid white, or white with patches of tan, wolf-gray or pale yellow. It has a black nose and dark brown, almond-shaped eyes with a thoughtful, intelligent, dignified expression. The Great Pyrenees looks a lot like a brown bear except for its light coloring. The body proportions are somewhat rectangular; the length is slightly more than the height at the withers; the topline is level. The chest is fairly broad. The head is wedge-shaped with a slightly rounded skull with no apparent stop. The medium-sized ears are triangular and pendant. The muzzle is wide and slightly pointed, and its lips are not pendent. The teeth should ideally meet in a scissors bite, but level bite is allowed. The Great Pyrenees has single dewclaws on the front legs and double dewclaws on the hind legs. The long, feathered, plumed tail curves upward slightly at the tip and reaches at least to the hocks.

Origin

The Great Pyrenees descended from the Hungarian Kuvasz and the Maremmano-Abruzzese. The Pyrenees is considered the aristocratic relative of the St. Bernard and the Newfoundland. It has a long history in its native France as a guard dog of sheep and chateaux. Remains dating as for back as 1800 BC of a dog similar to the Great Pyrenees have been discovered in Europe, though the breed probably originated much earlier in Asia or Siberia. Once established in Europe, the Great Pyrenees (also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog) remained in the high mountain regions until the Middle ages, When the breed gradually gained popularity with the French nobility as a guard dog. By the late 17th century, every French noble wanted to own one. Armed with a spiky collar and thick coat (a natural defense against attack), the Great Pyrenees protected vulnerable flocks from such predators as wolves and bear. Born to live in the mountains, this versatile breed has also served man in other ways: as an avalanche rescue dog, as a cart-puller and a sled dog, as a pack dog on ski trips, and as a companion and defender of family and property. With a minimum of training it can still be used today. In ancient times, when its temperament was less gentle, it may have been used as a dog of war. The Great Pyrenees was an important part of the founding stock for the Newfoundland. The AKC officially recognized it in 1933.

Temperament

The Great Pyrenees is a capable and imposing guardian, devoted to its family, and somewhat wary of strangers - human or canine. They are often used to guard livestock. When not provoked, it is calm, well- mannered, and somewhat serious. Courageous, very loyal and obedient. Gentle and affectionate with those he loves. Devoted to family even if self-sacrifice is required. It is very gentle with its family and children. It does best with children when it is raised with them from puppyhood. It has an independent, somewhat stubborn nature, and may try to dominate a less secure owner. A serious worker, but very independent. Be patient when training the Great Pyrenees, as it may be slightly difficult. It is important to socialize and train this breed properly to insure good citizenship. Male dogs can be aggressive with other animals. The Great Pyrenees is good with non-canine animals, and usually loves cats. These dogs do not reach maturity until they are about 2 years old. Some are not good off the leash and may wander away. The Great Pyrenees tends to bark a lot and some tend to drool and slobber.

Height

Height: Dogs 27-32 inches (69-81cm.) Bitches 25-29 inches (63-74cm.)

Weight

Weight: Dogs from 100 pounds (45kg.) Bitches from 85 pounds (38kg.)

Known Health Problems

Prone to hip dysplasia. Can develop skin problems in very hot weather.

Conditions for Living

These dogs are not recommended for apartment life. They need space, but adapt well to family life. They are not really active indoors, but would be happy with regular exercise outdoors or in a mid-to-large sized yard. Puppies are very active and might have the tendency to wander off or escape. The Great Pyrenees prefers cool climates.

Exercise Requirments

Pyrenees need plenty of exercise to stay in shape. If they are not actively working as a flock guardian, they need to be taken on a daily,

Life Expectancy

About 10 years.

Grooming

Regular brushing of the long double coat will keep it in good condition, but extra care is needed when the dog is shedding its dense undercoat. The outer coat does not mat, so care is relatively easy. Bathe or dry shampoo only when necessary. These dogs shed heavily once a year.

Group

Flock Guard, AKC Working