The Pyrenean Mountain Dog, also commonly known as the Great Pyrenees, is a large, loyal 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 often weigh in around 100 pounds (45 kilograms), while bitches are approximately 85 pounds (39 kilograms). Their fur is often white, but may sport shades of grey or tan; these dogs are called "blaireau".
Temperament
Loyal and protective of its territory, Pyrenees makes for a great family dog. However, there are several reasons owning a dog of this breed may be inconducive, including the following:
Owners can expect copious amounts white fur — down hair and coat — disseminated throughout the owner's abode.
Neighbours may be annoyed and complain about the deep, booming bark — if the dog is left outside continuously.
Interested owners should be wary of conflating 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.
Best suited for those living on property with a large yard, as it enjoys walks and attention — especially from children.
Obedience training and socialization at a young age are a must, as this breed grows large and strong and is best suited for someone capable of handling a large dog.
In the field it is an excellent guardian — large enough to be a deterrent to smaller pests, such as foxes, and a match for larger wildlife, such as bears.
History
The Great Pyrenees is native to the Basque country in the Pyrenees mountains that border France and Spain. Known as Le Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées in its native France, the Great Pyrenees is known to be one of the oldest breeds of dog in the world.
While similar in size and stature to the Mastiff family, the Great Pyrenees is actually descended from the ancient large, white livestock guardian dogs of the middle ages and therefore evolved parallel to most modern breeds of dogs as opposed to being descended from them. Because of this, the Great Pyrenees has more in common with a wolf, than that of a modern dog.
Having no extant ancestor, the Great Pyrenees has remained virtually unchanged both physically and mentally for hundreds of years. This has allowed it to evolve naturally over centuries, which among other things, means that the breed has relatively few health problems, in comparison to modern dogs. The first written reference to the Great Pyrenees is from 1407, where the historian of the Chateau of Lourdes wrote of the breed in use to guard the Chateau.
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