Also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, the Great Pyrenees is a large, stunning breed of dog. Their body is slightly longer than it is tall and their thick, white coat is their stand out feature. Originally from Siberia or Central Asia, they descended from the Hungarian Kuvasz and the Maremmano Abruzzese and are also a relative of the St. Bernard. During the Middle ages the breed gained popularity as a guard dog with the French and by the 17th century they were in high demand by every French noble. Used to protect flocks from wolves and bears they would be armed with spiky collars and with their thick coat were able to defend their property well. Over their time they have proven to be very versatile working as cart pullers, sled dogs, dogs of war and avalanche rescue dogs.
Today they are still used as working dogs to guard livestock and also very devoted family pets. They can be wary of strangers, both human and animal, though when not provoked they are very much a calm, well-mannered dog that still maintains some seriousness to him. They are extremely courageous, obedient and loyal and for this reason need a strong, calm and assertive pack leader who understands and can project natural dogmanship. They are independent in their nature and will dominate an owner who is less secure or that tries to treat them as a human. They are a breed that needs rules set and to be reinforced. With their family they are extremely gentle and loving but if they needed to protect their family, they would stop at nothing – even self-sacrifice.
Grooming is a high priority; their long, thick double coat needs daily brushing to keep it in good condition and extra care when shedding their dense undercoat. Their outer coat doesn’t mat unless something gets stuck in it, this can prove to be an issue with working dogs. A good understanding of the breed is a must before considering a Great Pyrenees as your next pet as they are prone to bloat, hip dysplasia, luxating patellas and can develop skin issues in very hot weather. They are not a dog for a small apartment and need room to move and roam. They are fairly inactive indoors though need regular exercise outdoors to keep in shape and somewhere cool to be kept during warmer weather.
As part of the right family and with the correct pack leader, the Great Pyrenees is a loving, gentle giant who are guaranteed to bring years of love and happiness to their family.
Grooming is a high priority; their long, thick double coat needs daily brushing to keep it in good condition and extra care when shedding their dense undercoat. Their outer coat doesn’t mat unless something gets stuck in it, this can prove to be an issue with working dogs. A good understanding of the breed is a must before considering a Great Pyrenees as your next pet as they are prone to bloat, hip dysplasia, luxating patellas and can develop skin issues in very hot weather. They are not a dog for a small apartment and need room to move and roam. They are fairly inactive indoors though need regular exercise outdoors to keep in shape and somewhere cool to be kept during warmer weather.
As part of the right family and with the correct pack leader, the Great Pyrenees is a loving, gentle giant who are guaranteed to bring years of love and happiness to their family.
Jussi and Bella
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