The Great Pyrenean mountain dog is a really giant, muscular, double-coated dog. The outer coat is long, coarse, and both straight or barely wavy; the undercoat is okay, tender, and thick.
Pyrenean Mountain Dog profile
Coat colors are strong white, white with patches of pale yellow, tan, or grey. The nostril is black; the eyes are darkish brown. The ears are triangular and flop downward. The tail is long and plumed, reaching not less than to the dog’s hocks.
Male Great Pyrenean mountain dogs are between 27 and 32 inches in height; weights begin at 100 kilos (45 kilograms). Females range in height from 25 to 29 inches, with weights beginning at 85 kilos (38 kilograms).
Elegant, imposing, and majestic, the Great Pyrenean mountain dog is a big dog of medium substance that’s barely longer than tall.
The thick coat of the Great Pyrenean mountain dog gives the look of heavier bone and stature. This breed was developed to protect flocks on steep mountain slopes and so should mix energy with agility.
The dog strikes easily, with good attain and drive. The weather-resistant double coat consists of a dense, wooly undercoat and a long, flat, coarse outer coat, imparting great insulation from the Pyrenean chilly. The expression of a Great Pyrenean mountain dog is elegant and contemplative.
History
The Great Pyrenean mountain dog is a really old breed that in all probability descended from the first flock guardian dogs, which had been giant white dogs that existed in Asia Minor about 10,000 BC.
When nomadic shepherds introduced their sheep to the Pyrenees Mountains around 3000 b.c, their flock guarding dogs got here with them, forming the basis of the Great Pyrenean mountain dog breed.
These dogs excelled as livestock guardians for a number of centuries. In medieval France, the Pyrenees turned a formidable fortress guard, and bands of those imposing dogs turned the delight of many giant chateaus.
In the late 1600s, the breed caught the attention of the French Aristocracy. For a quick time, they had been in great demand within the courtroom of Louis XIV.
In reality, in 1675 the Great Pyrenean mountain dog was decreed the “Royal Dog of France” by Louis XIV. Around the same time, Great Pyrenean mountain dogs got here to Newfoundland, the place they could have performed a task within the improvement of the Newfoundland breed. The first documented Pyrenees got here to America with General Lafayette in 1824.
By the 1900s, the breed had disappeared from French courtroom life, and the remaining dogs had been found nonetheless working within the remote countryside.
Puppies had been bought to vacationers who introduced them back to England and different international locations. These dogs bore little resemblance to the magnificent Pyrenees that had as soon as been so admired, nonetheless.
Interest within the breed declined in England. Fortunately, the breed nonetheless existed in ample numbers and high quality in its native mountain land that later fanciers had been capable of acquiring good breeding inventory.
These dogs served as the muse of the modern Pyrenees. Serious importation of the breed to America occurred within the 1930s, and by 1933 the Great Pyrenean mountain dog acquired AKC recognition.
The breed attracted great consideration in addition to new house owners, and at the moment the Great Pyrenean mountain dog enjoys average recognition as a family pet. The breed has earned additionally a repute as a dependable livestock guardian in service in a lot of the United States.
Pyrenean Mountain Dog Personality
The Great Pyrenean mountain dog is a peaceful, well-mannered, critical dog identified for his great devotion to family, together with well-behaved kids.
These dogs are usually reliable, affectionate, and mild, but when the need arises, they won’t hesitate to attempt to shield their family and their territory.
The Great Pyrenean mountain dog was bred to be left alone and guard sheep in mountain valleys, so they’re by nature comparatively impartial.
This independence could make obedience coaching more of a problem than is the case with different breeds. The identical guarding roots even have left the Pyr with a powerful intuition to bark.
The Great Pyrenean mountain dogs are adults at 1 year of age however can take as much as 2 years to mature.
Pyrenean Mountain Dog Temperament
The Great Pyrenean mountain dog is a successful and imposing guardian. This breed is dedicated to its family and considerably cautious of strangers—human or canine.
When not provoked, the breed is calm, well-mannered, and considerably critical. While very mild with family and kids, the Great Pyrenean mountain dog has an impartial, considerably cussed, nature. Because they’re wanderers, they need to be stored on-leash.
As a guardian dog, the Great Pyrenean mountain dog is a natural barker.
Upkeep
The Great Pyrenean mountain dog requires day by day train to remain in form. A moderate stroll will normally suffice. This breed enjoys mountaineering, particularly in chilly climate and snow, however, doesn’t do nicely in sizzling climate.
This dog’s coat would require brushing a couple of times weekly, day by day when shedding. Some dogs of this breed might drool on occasions, and might be usually messy drinkers.
Living With
The Pyrenean dog could be a fantastic companion if you happen to dwell in a suburban or rural space and lead a reasonably placid life. These dogs like having quiet time in the home and luxuriate in a predictable, orderly routine.
The guarding nature of this breed makes socialization particularly essential. Exposure to as many new people, locations, and conditions as possible, particularly when the Pyr is a pet, will assist average any extreme protectiveness.
Patience throughout coaching is a should, as a result of a Pyr tends to be impartial and even cussed. Even then, don’t anticipate the Pyr to win any obedience championships.
Grooming wants are average. Regular brushing of the double coat will hold it in a good situation, however, be ready for a serious annual shed. The outer coat doesn’t mat, which makes care comparatively straightforward.
Health
Major considerations: CHD, patellar luxation
Minor considerations: entropion, OCD, pores and skin issues, osteosarcoma, cataract, chondrodysplasia (dwarfism), panosteitis
Occasionally seen: gastric torsion, otitis externa, spinal muscular atrophy
Suggested checks: hip, knee, (eye)
Life span
10–12 years
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