Country of
Origin: Spain/France
Height: 32 inches
Weight: 100 lbs
Life
Span: 10 - 12 years
Breed
Group: Working Group
Good With
Children: Yes
Good
Watchdog: Yes
Exercise
Needs: Moderate
Grooming
Needs: Demanding
Also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, the
Great Pyrenees or "Pyr" descends from the Molossian hounds that
date back to ancient Roman times, brought to Spain by the Romans,
where the breed became well established in the Pyrenean Mountains
on the border between France and Spain. Great Pyrenees are
large, beautiful and highly intelligent dogsthat were entrusted
with the formidable task of guarding fortresses and protecting
sheep from predators, sometimes left alone for days at a time.
Highly prized for their working abilities and appearance, the
Great Pyrenees were bred pure for centuries, and were even made
the official dog of the court of King Louis XIV of France. In the
1930's the Great Pyrenees found it's way across the Atlantic to
the US, in the form of some excellent breeding dogs, and has since
become one of the more popular breeds, both for work, and as a
loveable family pet.
Great Pyrenees are large, regal looking dogs
that stand up to 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh in the area
of 100 pounds. They have a dense, double coat, which makes them
able to withstand cold and wet weather when performing their
duties. The Great Pyrenees outer coat is long, thick, flat and
weather resistant, and there is a dense, woolly, close-fitting
undercoat. The white, coat can be all white, or white with badger,
reddish brown, grey or tan markings, and needs daily brushing to
keep it clean, shiny and tangle free. Great Pyrenees tend to shed
a lot, so a good vacuum cleaner or an easygoing attitude towards
housekeeping is essential to owning one of these wonderful dogs.
Great Pyrenees are gentle giants; they love children and are loyal
and protective of their home and family. They are very intelligent
dogs that are easy to train with the proper technique. Although
they are quite large dogs, the Great Pyrenees has a fairly small
appetite.
