Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is one of the largest members of the Working Group. An imposing animal, one that was bred to be a guardian, is highly devoted to its family and very suspicious of unknown strangers, both human and animal. So long as the Great Pyrenees is not provoked it remains a calm, loving, and very well-mannered canine. Only strong minded, dominant owners should raise one of these dogs.
A Brief History Of The Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees dogs originated from France. It's function was to guard sheep. Researchers suggest that the breed descended from an original flock of guard dogs. These dogs were all white, from Asia Minor, some 10,000 years B.C.
Nomadic shepherds migrated to the Pyrenees Mountains sometime around 3,000 B.C., bringing their guarding dogs with them, thus creating the basis of today's Great Pyrenees. These dogs maintained themselves as superb livestock guardians for centuries to come.
Just before the end of the 1600s, the breed became a favorite among the French Nobility and were heavily requested in the court of Louis XIV. In 1675, Louis XIV publicly announced that this dog was to be known as the Royal Dog of France. It was at this same time that the dogs arrived in Newfoundland.
In 1824, the first Pyrenees is documented to have arrived in the United States by General Lafayette. However, over the next 75 years the breed had lost all popularity in France and could only be found working as useful guardians in small, isolated areas. Interest in the breed remained low and they had all but became instinct in England.
Sometimes in early 1930s, enthusiasts of the Great Pyrenees started a heavy breeding program, importing hundreds of dogs to the United States. In 1933, the AKC officially recognized the breed which helped boost the dog's popularity with new owners.
Upkeep Requirements For The Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees must have plenty of daily exercise to keep in shape. However, these needs are not excessive and can easily be met with a few brisk walks on the leash. They absolutely love to hike so if you live in an area with nature trails or hills, you have the ideal setting for raising this dog.
This breed can live outside if need be, especially in cold temperatures. However, they are not suited to withstanding hot weather. When sleeping it is best to keep them inside at night with the rest of the family. Grooming requirements call for a thorough brushing, once per week - daily during shedding season. Great Pyrenees dogs also have a habit of drooling.
Health Concerns
The average life span of a Great Pyrenees dog is between ten and twelve years. Major health problems that run common in the breed are patellar luxation and CHD. Minor issues include panosteitis, OCD, osteosarcoma, chondrodysplasia, entropion, skin problems, and cataracts. Veterinarians suggest that these dogs get tested for potential eye, knee, and hip problems.
History
Some think this breed's ancestors were Tibetan Mastiffs. It is proposed that the Aryans coming from Central Asia brought them to Europe. These people traveled to the Pyrenees Mountains, which are located in southwestern France, around 5000 ago. These dogs herded and guarded sheep. During the latter 1600's, French royalty took an interest in the Great Pyrenees. In 1675, Louis XIV proclaimed them the official French dog.
Documentation indicates that they came to the United States with General Lafayette in 1824. They lost popularity in France for awhile. The ones still in France were used for working purposes in the farmland areas. This breed was brought to the U.S. in plenitude in the 1930's. The American Kennel Club gave them recognition in 1933.
General Looks
It is a big dog with powerful shoulder muscles. The head is shaped like a wedge and curves some on top. The ears are shaped like the letter v and are curved on the tip. The body is a bit lengthier than it is tall. The muzzle is smooth. The tail is plumed.
Is This Your Breed?
They are loving with their people. They are good guard dogs because they are protective and territorial. The Great Pyrenees can be hard headed and is independent. They need weekly brushing and walking each day.. A big yard for this dog to run around in and be playful is the best environment for him. They bark quite a bit.
Coat
The outer coat is long, profuse, rough, and flat. The undercoat is like wool, and is dense and fine. The coat resists weather.
Color
The color is white and can be off white. The marking colors are tan, red, reddish brown, and badger.
Locomotion
The locomotion is straight, agile, powerful, and balanced. The drive is strong.
Personality
This breed is self-assured, affable, and gentle. Its alertness and suspicion of strangers makes them good watch dogs. It is smart and faithful. The Great Pyrenees doesn't always do well around other male dogs. They can be difficult to train owing to their independent nature.
Great Pyrenees video:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EdNHI5inDM
Tags: England, Pyrenees Mountains, Asia, General Lafayette, B.C, Greatgreat pyrenees description, great pyrenees dog description, discription of great pyrenees dogs, Great Pyrenees habitats
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My pure-bred Great Pyrenees dogs had 7 ADORABLE puppies…….and now 5 of them are looking for loving new homes.
These puppies are pure-bred, pure-blooded white (some with tan spots) Great Pyrenees puppies.
They are playful, shy, sweet, and only 6 weeks old.
SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY!!
There is a rehoming fee….
Please e-mail if you have any questions or if you are seriously interested… I am available to show the puppies to only those who are very serious about rehoming my sweet puppies.
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