GREAT PYRENEES
Also known as: GP, Pyr, Pyrenees
HISTORY BRIEF: The breed is of French royalty and nobility and working associate of the peasant shepherds high on the slopes of the Pyrenees Mountains. His remains are found in the fossil deposits of the Bronze Age, which roughly dates his appearance in Europe between 1800 and 1000 BC, although it is believed that he came originally from Central Asia or Siberia and followed the migration into Europe. It was in the isolation of the lonely mountain pastures that the Pyrenean Mountain Dog developed his inherent traits of devotion, fidelity, sense of guardianship, and intelligent understanding of mankind. Here, in the days when packs of wild animals roamed the mountain slopes freely, he was the official guardian of the flocks. With the dogs' ability to scent and keen sight he was an invaluable companion of the shepherd. The Great Pyrenees was recognized by the American Kennel Club in February of 1933. History credits the first pair to be brought to the United States by General Lafayette for his friend J. S. Skinner in 1824.
DESCRIPTION: The Great Pyrenees is a dog of medium substance whose coat deceives those who do not feel the bone and muscle. The weather resistant double coat consists of a long, flat, thick, outer coat of coarse hair, straight or slightly undulating, and lying over a dense, fine, woolly undercoat. The coat is white or principally white coat that may contain markings of badger, gray, or varying shades of tan. The undercoat may be white or shaded. Females: weight 85+ pounds; height 25-29 inches. Males: weight 100+ pounds; height 27-32 inches. WORKING CHARACTERISTICS: The Great Pyrenees is a territorial guard by nature, which means that he works to keep his territory free from predatory danger. Because of this, there may be times when the shepherd does not see the dog for long periods of time. He knows that the job is being done because the losses decrease. If the dog is working effectively, the stockman may never see a predator, and the flock will never be disturbed. |
HEALTH: Great Pyrenees are subject to certain genetic and hereditary diseases and should be screened for these conditions before breeding. Please click the links below to learn more.
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GREAT PYRENEES MENTORS
Theresa Wegner
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