Great Pyrenees

Size: Large to Extra-Large
Other Names: Pyrenean Mountain Dog, Chien des Pyrénées, Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées, Montañés del Pirineo
Country of Origin: France and Spain
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Working
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Working
United Kennel Club (UKC): Guardian Dog
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized

Height:

Male: 27-32 inches; Female: 25-29 inches

Weight:

Male: 110-120 pounds; Female: 80-90 pounds

Color(s):

White, and may have varying shades of gray, red (rust), or tan around the face

Coat:

Double; dense; fairly long and flat topcoat; very thick, fine and wooly trouser hair

Description:

The Great Pyrenees is a very old breed, descended from the ancient Tibetan Mastiff, and, more recently, from their descendants, the Mollossian Hounds brought to Spain by the Romans.  The Great Pyrenees has been used for millennia by shepherds, which includes Basque people, who inhabit parts of the region in and around the Pyrenees Mountains of southern France and northern Spain.  More recently, the breed served as the official dog of the royal French court, whose prominence began circa the Middle Ages, and lasted until the middle of the nineteenth century.  During World War II, the dogs were used to haul artillery over the Pyrenean Mountain range to and from Spain and France.  They are related to several other large white European livestock guardian dogs, including the Italian Maremma Sheepdog, Kuvasz, Akbash Dog, and Tatra Shepherd Dog.

Temperament:

The Great Pyrenees has an innate gentleness, and becomes very attached to his "flock".  He has a propensity for independence, and a sense of authority, having been left on his own to protect his flock.

Training:

Socialize early and keep the rules quiet and firm.  This livestock guardian was selected to think for itself.

Care & Grooming:

Brush the heavy white coat weekly, more often when the undercoat blows.

Shedding:

Seasonal and heavy; the dense white coat blows large amounts of undercoat.

Health:

Great Pyrenees may develop hip dysplasia, eyelid problems, Addison’s disease, and bloat.  Keep this guardian lean and watch for overheating under the heavy coat.

Lifespan:

10–12 years

Litter Size:

6–10 puppies