<C>Height:</C> 27 to 32 inches (male); 25 to 29 inches (female).
<C>Weight:</C> 100 to 125 pounds (male); 90 to 115 (female).
<C>Size:</C> Very Large.
<C>Availability:</C> May take some effort to find.
<b>History:</> Remains dating as far back as 1800 BC of a dog similar to the Great Pyrenees have been discovered in Europe, though the breed probably originated much earlier in Asia or Siberia. Once established in Europe, the Great Pyrenees (also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog) remained in the high mountain regions until the Middle Ages, when the breed gradually gained popularity with the French nobility as a guard dog. By the late 17th century, every French noble wanted to own one. The Great Pyrenees was also prized by peasants as an outstanding sheep guardian. Armed with a spiky collar and thick coat (a natural defense against attack), the Great Pyrenees protected vulnerable flocks from such predators as wolves and bears. This versatile breed has also served man in several other ways: as an avalanche rescue dog, as a cart-puller and sled dog, as a pack dog on ski trips, and as a companion and defender of family and property. The Great Pyrenees was an important part of the founding stock for the Newfoundland. The Great Pyrenees was officially recognized by the AKC in 1933.
<b>Description:</> The Great Pyrenees is a large, majestic dog with a black nose and dark eyes. The ideal Great Pyrenees looks a lot like a brown bear except for his light coloring. (The coat is most often whitish but may also have some areas of yellow, reddish brown, tan or gray.) The thick, double coat is so weather-resistant that the Great Pyrenees can live outdoors year-round in very harsh climates. The body proportions are somewhat rectangular; the length is slightly more than the height at the withers, and the topline is level. The chest is fairly broad. The plumed tail reaches at least to the hocks. The head is wedge-shaped with a slightly rounded skull and no apparent stop. The almond-shaped eyes are dark brown with a thoughtful, intelligent, dignified expression. The teeth should ideally meet in a scissors bite, but a level bite is allowed. The Great Pyrenees has single dewclaws on the front legs and double dewclaws on the hind legs. The long feathered tailed curves upwards slightly at the tip. The medium sized ears are pendant.
<b>Notes:</> Although hip dysplasia is rare in Great Pyrenees, buy only from OFA stock. Good with children when raised with them from early puppyhood. Sheds heavily once a year.
<b>Personality:</> Courageous, very loyal and obedient, calm and highly protective. Gentle and affectionate with those he loves. Devoted to family even if self-sacrifice is required. A serious worker, but very independant. Training the Great Pyrenees takes patience. It is important to socialize and train this breed properly to ensure good citizenship. Male dogs can be aggressive with other males. The Great Pyrenees is good with non-canine animals, and usually loves cats.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Good only when raised with children from puppyhood.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Reserved with strangers.
<C>Trainability:</C> Slightly difficult to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Fairly independent.
<C>Dominance:</C> Moderate.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Generally good with other pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Can be a bit dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Average barker.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> Regular grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> Some trimming or stripping (little skill required).
<C>Coat:</C> Medium long coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Seasonally heavy shedder.
<C>Exercise:</C> Moderate exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> A good jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Relatively inactive indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Not recommended for apartments.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Best with at least an average-size yard.
<C>Climate:</C> Prefers cool climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Not recommended for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Short (under 10 years).
<b>Talents:</> herding, watchdog, guarding, search & rescue, sledding, and carting.
<b>For More Information:</>
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> GREAT PYRENEES
Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved.
