| Alternative Name
Chien des Pyrénées Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées
Montañés del Pirineo
Basic Info
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. 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 kilograms), while bitches are
approximately 85-115 pounds (39 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.
Behavior
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
suposed to be able to hold off a bear long enough to
have a sheperd move the herd away.
Origin
France
|
