Dog Breed Information, Description, Origin, History, Temperament, Height, Weight, Exercise, Life, Group, Articles, Health, Books, Photos, Posters,
Wallpapers, Training, Dog names, Links and more.
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog, also commonly known as the Great Pyrenees, is a large, majestic breed of dog that was used traditionally for protecting livestock (especially sheep) in pasture.
The Great Pyrenees is a very old breed, and has been used for millennia by the Basque people, who inhabit parts of the region in and around the Pyrenees Mountains of southern France and northern Spain. More recently, the breed served as the official dog of the royal French court (whose prominence began circa the Middle Ages, and lasted until the middle of the nineteenth century).
During World War II the dogs were used to haul artillery over the Pyrenean Mountain range to and from Spain and France. They are related to several other large white European livestock guardian dogs (LGD), including the Italian Maremma Sheepdog, Kuvasz (Hungary), Anatolian Shepherd (Turkey) and Polish Tatra or Polski Owczarek Podhalański.
It is a very old breed, and has been used for millennia by the
Basque people. The Basques are an indigenous people who
inhabit parts of the region in and around the Pyrenees
Mountains of southern France. More recently, it has served as
the official dog of the royal French court (whose prominence
began circa the Middle Ages, and lasted until the middle of
the nineteenth century).
Males weigh in at about 100-130 pounds (45-59 kilograms),
while bitches are approximately 85-115 pounds (39-52
kilograms). Their fur is often whitewith shades of grey or tan
around the face, ears and sometimes on the body; these dogs
are called "blaireau". Only one in four will have a
pure white coat.
The Great Pyrenees is readily identifiable by a double
dewclaw on each of its hind legs. These are considered breed
standard, more than two dewclaws is not a fault just
undesirable and should not be removed by veterinarians.
Temperament: Loyal and protective of its territory,
the Great Pyrenees makes for a great family dog. However,
there are several reasons owning a dog of this breed may be
inconducive, including the following:
A fenced yard is a must with this breed. Unfenced, they
will roam. So called invisible fences are often
ineffective with this breed, as they can withstand a high
degree of physical discomfort, and will train themselves
to run through it.
Owners can expect copious amounts of white fur — down
hair and coat — in their homes and on their dark
clothing. Seasonal "blowing of coat" - in which
the Pyr sheds vast amount of undercoat - occur at least
once a year. Weekly grooming is a must to avoid mats, and
nails - particularly the dewclaws - must be regularly
trimmed. Actual bathing is seldom needed because the
undercoat sheads out when dirty so all that is needed is a
quick weekly brushing.
Neighbours may be annoyed and complain about the deep,
booming bark — if the dog is left outside continuously
or left inside without a companion too long.
They cannot be trusted off-leash, as their guardian dog
nature will cause them to investigate anything and
everthing they find interesting, and to not trust their
owners to make the final decisions.
A mature Great Pyrenees may be somewhat standoffish and
wary of strangers. They are extremely protective of their
family members - human or animal - and will never trust or
like anyone who they think is a potential danger or threat
to their family. That said, they do warm up to friendly
and kind people, especially children and women, fairly
quickly.
Interested owners should be wary of comparing the
temperament of Golden Retrievers with this breed of dog.
Prospective owners are advised to familiarize themselves
with characteristics of Livestock guardian dogs (LGD)
which are known for their independent nature. While the
Pyr will defend its owner to the death, it will see no
reason to slavishly obey commands.
Best suited for those living on property with a large
yard, as it enjoys walks and attention especially from
children and other animals.
Even with property, daily walks - a minimum of an hour
total each day - are important.
Obedience training and socialization at a young age are
a must, as this breed grows large and strong very quickly
and is best suited for someone capable of handling a large
dog. Bad habits, such as jumping, pulling on lead and
table surfing should be nipped in the bud - any bad puppy
habits will be ten times worse when the dog is 100 lb!
Pyrs readily take to crate training, which should be
started during puppyhood.
In the field it is an excellent guardian — large
enough to be a deterrent to smaller pests, such as coyotes
and foxes, and a match for larger wildlife, such as
cougars and bears, in fact a single male pyr is supposed
to be able to hold off a bear long enough to allow a
shepherd to move the herd away.
Miscellaneous: In the U.S., this breed is known as
Great Pyrenees. In the U.K., they are called Pyrenean Mountain
Dogs. They are related to several other large white
European Livestock guardian dogs (LGD), including the Italian
Maremma Sheepdog, Kuvasz (Hungary), Anatolian Shepherd
(Turkey) and Polish Tatra or Polski Owczarek Podhalański,
among others.
In the anime/manga Azumanga Daioh, Tadakichi-san (Mr.
Tadakichi) is a Great Pyrenees. In the anime/manga Full
Metal Alchemist, Shou and Nina Tucker's dog Alexander is most
likely a Great Pyrenees. In the novel, Belle et Sébastien,
Belle is a Great Pyrenees. The 2004 film Finding
Neverland used a Great Pyrenees to represent J.M. Barrie's
Landseer Newfoundland. The Spanish designer Javier
Mariscal was inspired by this dog breed for the design of the
1992 Summer Olympics mascot "Cobi".
HeyDogs is an easy to use site that keeps both dog professionals and dog enthusiasts up to date on the latest information on dogs. You can find the best in dog training, behavior, natural health, agility, clicker training, and other dog related topics
Looking for the perfect
Dog name? Dogs names for your new Puppy.
Browse thousands of Dog names, names for both male
and female dogs, Start looking by clicking on a
letter!
Hi Cats is a website you can find extensive information on all Cat Breeds, Articles, Health, Books, Photos, Desktop Wallpapers, Posters, Training, Cats names, Links and more.
HeyDogs.com Dog Breeds Information
Guide menu 
