The information contained in these pages has been included to give you some insight into just what a Pyrenean Mountain Dog is - and isn't. Hopefully it will help those interested in becomin custodian to one of these gentle giants, to fully understand the committment needed to get the best from their Pyrenean.

Breed History
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog's ancestry can be traced back to the Bronze Age, around 1800 -100 BC. This makes it one of the oldest of all dog breeds. The Pyrenean Mountain Dog (Great Pyrenees, USA) is thought to be a direct descendant of the Tibetan Mastiff brought to the Pyrenees Mountains (located between France and Spain) by nomadic Asian tribesmen. They come from a group of dogs called Molossers - breeds of heavy build and steady temperament and are therefore also related to several other large white European Livestock guardian dogs (LGD), including the Italian Maremma Sheepdog, Kuvasz (Hungary), Anatolian Shepherd (Turkey) and Polish Tatra or Polski Owczarek Podhalański, among others.

For centuries, the Pyrenean was bred by, and worked in the Pyrenees Mountains for, Basque shepherds - protecting their flocks from large predators such as wolves and bears. Because of its ancestry the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is classed as a “flock-guard breed”, as opposed to a “flock-herding breed” like the many other breeds of shepherding dogs, and this difference is quite an important element in their personality even today.

The Pyrenean is still used in it's traditional role, including here in Australia, but it is perhaps more recognised as a companion and guardian of its human custodians (it's family).

General Appearance
A Pyrenean is a very large, majestic dog; beautiful and elegant. It is strong and well balanced even for it's great size, substance and power. Its coat of thick, fairly straight hair is mainly white sometimes with patches of badger, wolf-grey or pale yellow. A Pyrenean's coat forms a thick mane around it's neck and shoulders (thought to prevent it from injury when under attack). It's forelegs are fringed and long, dense woollier hair on the rear of the thighs produces a 'pantaloon' (bloused) effect.

The Pyrenean is one of only two dogs remaining in the world today with double dewclaws on its hind legs. This reminds us of its ancient mountain ancestry where these dew claws were thought to assist it on rocky ground. The Pyrenean is a heavy boned dog with close cupped feet and a spectacular plume tail that generally hangs below the hocks or curled high over the back "making a wheel" when the dog is alert.

A Pyrenean’s ambling, rolling gait unmistakably shows the purpose for which the Pyrenean was bred - the strenuous work of guarding flocks in all kinds of weather on the steep mountain slopes of the Pyrenees.

Qualities
The Pyrenean has been used for centuries as a guard and watchdog, not only of animals, but also of its human companions. This makes the modern Pyrenean ideal as a faithful and devoted companion and family member who will protect those placed in its care.

Despite its large size, a Pyrenean can make a wonderful house pet, since it is not clumsy or awkward unlike a number of other breeds, and has a natural cleanliness which makes it relatively easy to house train. Pyreneans love to spend time inside with their family and are often happiest sleeping with their back to a door or at the feet of a family member.

Hot or cold weather conditions do not particularly bother a Pyrenean since its double coat – short under-coat with longer outer hair - insulates against both hot and cold weather and readily sheds most dirt. Pyreneans cope well with Australia's summer (even in temperatures as high as 40 degrees C+) as long as they can have shade and plenty of cool water to drink.

Size
Dogs should be at least 70 cms (28 ") at the shoulder and weigh a minimum of 50 kgs (110 lbs).
Bitches should be at least 65 cms (26 ") at the shoulder and weigh a minimum of 40 kgs (90 lbs).
It is common for both dogs and bitches to be considerably larger than this.

Temperament
The Pyrenean's temperament is generally gentle and patient. Quietly confident, they show unfailing devotion to their adopted family and are particularly good with young children and small animals (even cats). Pyreneans look after and protect their family as though they were a flock and while they are very friendly with people away from their “home territory”, they make an excellent guard dog at home and can be extremely protective of the home and family. A Pyrenean's large size is usually enough to deter most would-be intruders and while some will bark when alerted they usually refrain from this unless provoked or caught unawares.

The Pyrenean has been bred to be independent and have a strong and positive character, and while they are placid and good natured, they require early training as well as firm and consistent handling to ensure they understand who is boss - so they are always aware of their place in the “pecking-order” of the family (a family is the Pyrenean’s “pack” and it must not be allowed to become dominant in the home).

Life Span
Pyreneans tend to be strong and healthy dogs if fed and cared for appropriately, and can live for around 12-14 years, with the average being about 10-12 years.