Great Pyrenees
The original ancestors of the Great Pyrenees are the Tibetan Mastiff and the Molossian Hounds which were brought to Spain by the Romans. For the next 1000 years, the dogs that existed on the border between France and Spain developed in relative isolation, thus the creation of the Great Pyrenees. The large, intelligent animals were used to guard flocks of sheep in the hills, and could be trusted alone for days at a time. At times they were also used to guard French prisons, and during the reign of Louis XIV, the Great Pyrenees was made the official court dog. It wasn't really until the 1800's that travelers to the area, impressed with these beautiful dogs, started to import them to other places throughout the world. The breed standard, adopted in France after World War I, was translated to English and by the 1930's, the Great Pyrenees, or Pyrenean Mountain Dog, was popular with breeders in Britain and North America. This breed is well-suited to family life, but because of its size should have plenty of room and exercise.
Height: 27 - 32" (68.6 - 68.6cm) for dogs, 25 - 29" (63.5 - 63.5cm) for bitches
Weight: 100 - 125 lbs (44.6 - 44.6 kg) for dogs, 90 - 115 lbs (40.2 - 40.2 kg) for bitches
Coat Type: The double-coat consists of a long, flat weather-resistant outer coat, and a thick, woolly undercoat. The color is generally all-white but there may be traces of badger, gray, or reddish brown markings. Lots of brushing is required to keep the coat free of dead hair; shedding is to be expected if the dog spends a lot of time indoors.
Temperament: The Pyr, as it is nicknamed, is obedient and loyal, as well as affectionate and gentle. This intelligent dog makes a very welcome family pet.
Special Interest: The Great Pyrenees' blood line continued on, long after the breed itself was established. Historians believe that Pyrs brought to Canada in the 1600's were one of the forefathers of the giant Newfoundland rescue dog. Another point of interest is that the Great Pyrenees was used as a pack dogn carrying supplies during World War I.
Classifications:
AKC: Group 3 - Working Dogs
CKC: Group 3 - Working Dogs
KC: Non-Sporting - Working Group
FCI: Group 2
ANKC: Group 6 - Utility
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