Great Pyrenees Breed Information

Great Pyrenees profile

Other names     Chien des Pyrenees

                Chien de Montagne des Pyrenees

                Montanes del Pirineo

                Pyrenean Mountain Dog


Breed Group:     Working

Weight:     Male: 100; Female: 85 lbs

Height:     Male: 27-32; Female: 25-29 inches

Color(s):     white or white with markings of gray, badger, reddish brown, or tan

Life expectancy 10 years


Litter size     6-10

Great Pyrenees History

Great Pyrenees are an ancient breed descended from the sheep guards used by the "Aryans," who migrated throughout Europe from what is now Persia or Iran. as a result of this westward migration, we now have a cousin flock of guard breeds in the Tatra, the Kuvasz, the Maremma, and Sloserto. The Pyrenean mastiff is on the Spanish side of the mountains while the Pyrenean Mountain dog is on the French side. None of for mentioned breeds actually descended from each other, but are rather offshoots of the similar ancient ancestor. Louis XIV of France, as dauphin, brought them to Versailles and they became the dog of France. They continued to guard sheep in the mountains at the Chateau de Foix in medieval times. during the two world Wars, they carried messages between outposts and command posts. in their native mountains, they worked with the small Pyrenean shepherd who did the actual herding while the Pyrenean guarded against predators.



The great Pyrenees is a descendant of the Hungarian Kuvasz and the Maremmano-Abruzzese. The breed is considered to be the aristocratic relative of the Newfoundland and the Saint Bernard. remains of a dog similar to the great Pyrenees were discovered in Europe and dated back to the yr 1800 BC. it’s highly likely that the breed actually originated much earlier in Siberia or Asia. throughout its native country of France, the great Pyrenees includes a long history as a guard dog of sheep and chateaux. These dogs were greatly sought after by French nobility throughout the seventeenth century. The AKC officially recognized the breed in 1933.




Great Pyrenees Description

It's not unusual that breedings that result in a high incidence of all white puppies do not have the needed jet black pigment on the nose and eye rims. These breeding lines are therefore not, as a rule, desirable in well-bred stock. There are generally all white puppies in most litters. this is normal and these all white puppies can be bred successfully in the hands of a competent breeder. The rear leg bilateral double dewclaws are required.The color of the nose and on the eye rims should be jet black.Grey or tan markings that remain lend the French name, "blaireau," (badger) which is a similar grizzled mixture color witnessed in the European badger. more recently, any color is correctly termed "Badger" or "Blaireau."Sometimes a little light tan or lemon will appear later in life around the ears and face. being a double-coated breed, the undercoat can also have color and the skin as well.As great Pyrenees mature, their coats grow thicker and the longer colored hair of the coat often fades on those people dogs that were not born completely white.Their coats are white and can have varying shades of gray, red (rust), or tan around the confront (including a full confront mask), ears and sometimes on the body and tail.



Great Pyrenees Temperament


The great Pyrenees is good with non-canine animals, and usually loves cats. These dogs do not accomplish maturity until they are about 2 years old. Some are not good off the leash and may wander away. wants an owner who understands and practices organic dogmanship. The great Pyrenees tend to bark a lot and some tend to drool and slobber.The great Pyrenees is a capable and imposing guardian, devoted to its family, and somewhat wary of strangers - human or canine. They are often used to guard livestock. When not provoked, it is calm, well- mannered, and somewhat serious. Courageous, very loyal and obedient. gentle and affectionate with those people he loves. Devoted to family even if self-sacrifice is required. It is very gentle with its family and children. It does best with children when it is raised with them from puppyhood, and if they are not being used as working flock guards be sure to socialize them well with people, spot and noises. It has an independent nature, and may try to dominate a less secure or meek owner, and/or an owner who treats the dog as if he is human, becoming stubborn or territorial. owners need to be firm, but calm, confident and consistent with the dog. Setting rules the dog must follow and sticking to them. A serious worker, but very independent. Be patient when training the great Pyrenees, as it may be slightly difficult. If left alone inside the home without the proper quantity of exercise and or leadership they are able to become destructive.



Great Pyrenees Care

The coat can be kept in a good condition if it is brushed on a regular basis. When these dogs are shedding their undercoats, it is important to perform some extra grooming. when a yr these dogs shed very heavily. These dogs can be bathed and dry shampooed,but only when it is really necessary.



Great Pyrenees Grooming

Shedding season is the most significant grooming period for the great Pyrenees since it sheds heavily during this time. The coat does not become matted, but it is a good idea to brush the coat more often during shedding season. regular brushing is all that is necessary another part of the year.



Great Pyrenees Training

The great Pyrenees can prove difficult to handle, and train. However, they are very eager to work and please their owner. with the right training techniques, a dominant handler, and verified methods, this breed should be very obedient and loyal.




Great Pyrenees Pictures