The Great Pyrenees were bred to protect livestock in the cold climates of the Pyrenees Mountains.
Alternate Names
Chien de Montagne des Pyrenees
Chien des Pyrenees
Le Chien des Pyrenees
Le Grande Chien des Montagnes
Montanes del Pirineo
Pyrenean Mountain Dog
Pyrenean Bearhound
Pyrenean Wolf Dog
Pyr
Appearance:
Body: Immense, well-balanced, and powerful with heavy bones, a broad, level back, sloping croup (the back from the loin to the hind legs), and deep body.
Coat: Long, thick, flat, and coarse with a dense, wooly undercoat and water-resistant. Coat can be straight or somewhat wavy.
Color: Primarily white but may have markings of gray, badger, reddish brown, or varying shades of tan.
Ears: Small and v-shaped with round tips, hung against the head and set at eye level.
Eyes: Small, almond-shaped, amber-brown color, tight, dark eyelids and obliquely set.
Feet: Round, compact and cat-like, and well-padded with well arched toes. Hind feet may turn slightly outward.
Head: Medium size and wedge-shaped with a slightly rounded crown, black flews, a black nose and black lips.
Legs: Forelegs are straight, strong, well-boned and well-feathered. Hindquarters are muscular and well-boned.
Neck: Medium length, and strong with a short, slight dewlap.
Size:
Weight: 90 – 132 pounds
Height: 25 – 32 inches
Tail: Long with a somewhat curved tip, well plumed and carried low or over the back.
Behavior
Recommended for experienced owners
Sheds excessively
Barkers – particularly at night
Produce excessive saliva
A large magnificent-looking dog known for his patience, courage, and composure, good with children, if raised with them, reserved with strangers, and protective of family and pets. His body is large and his bark is deep.
The Great Pyrenees is a working dog used to guard and herd sheep. He loves to be outside playing in the snow and has been used to pull carts and carry backpacks full of supplies.
He loves children but is too large to be left with toddlers unless supervised. Because of his protective personality and territorial traits he may become aggressive with other visiting children if he perceives them to be playing too roughly or hurting one of his own.
The Pyrenees is independently-minded, alert and quick-witted, and is best suited for an experienced dog handler. The owner must be firm making it known that he is the boss or the Pyrenees will put himself in charge. Early obedience training and socialization are important for this powerful breed.
He must be kept in a securely enclosed area or he will go off on his own mission. Keep in mind that he was bred to work alone and make his own decision.
Breed Type
AKC Group: Working Group
Used to protect sheep and other livestock from bears, wolves and other predators in the cold climates of the Pyrenees Mountains.
Care and Grooming
Exercise: Moderate daily exercise if sufficient.
Grooming: Brush two to three times weekly, daily during heavy shedding seasons. Bath two to three times annually.
Health
Life Expectancy: 9 – 11 Years
Possible Problems:
Bleeding disorders
Bloat
Entropion – the eyelid turns inward
Hip Dysplasia
Luxating Patella
Recommended Certificates:
OFA (hips)
Known to have negative reactions to anesthesia, vaccines, and other chemical type drugs.
Country of Origin
France