GREAT PYRENEES Breed Standards
The Great Pyrenees descends from a great white dog that was used to herd and guard sheep in central Europe and Asia Minor during the Bronze Age. Roughly 5000 years ago, these dogs were brought to the Pyrenees Mountains in southwestern France, and it is here that the dog would grow and develop as a breed. For thousands of years, these dogs were used exclusively to guard the flocks of nomadic shepherds. During the Middle Ages, Great Pyrenees were brought out of the mountains and put to work guarding forts, castles and estates in France. By the 17th century the dog had found favor with the French aristocracy, and was particularly popular with Louis XIV, who named the Great Pyrenees the Royal Dog of France in 1675. Many believe that the Great Pyrenees made it to Newfoundland around this time, where it may have been a progenitor of the Newfoundland breed.
General Lafayette introduced two Great Pyrenees to America in 1824, though the breed did not catch on there until the 1930s. Back in France the dog had fallen out of favor with the aristocracy, and once again the only place to find Great Pyrenees of good stock was in the Pyrenees Mountains themselves. By the early 20th century, foreign interest had once again called the Great Pyrenees out of the mountains, and in 1930 a steady stream of the breed was entering America. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1933. Today the Great Pyrenees is most often seen as a companion, though it is still used as a flock guard dog by some farmers and shepherds.
SKILLS: The Great Pyrenees dog conveys the distinct impression of elegance and unsurpassed beauty combined with great overall size and majesty. He has a white or principally white coat that may contain markings of badger, gray, or varying shades of tan. He possesses a keen intelligence and a kindly, while regal, expression. Exhibiting a unique elegance of bearing and movement, his soundness and coordination show unmistakably the purpose for which he has been bred, the strenuous work of guarding the flocks in all kinds of weather on the steep mountain slopes of the Pyrenees.
SIZE: Size--The height at the withers ranges from 27 inches to 32 inches for dogs and from 25 inches to 29 inches for bitches. A 27 inch dog weighs about 100 pounds and a 25 inch bitch weighs about 85 pounds. Weight is in proportion to the overall size and structure. Proportion - The Great Pyrenees is a balanced dog with the height measured at the withers being somewhat less than the length of the body measured from the point of the shoulder to the rearmost projection of the upper thigh (buttocks). These proportions create a somewhat rectangular dog, slightly longer than it is tall. Front and rear angulation are balanced. Substance - The Great Pyrenees is a dog of medium substance whose coat deceives those who do not feel the bone and muscle. Commensurate with his size and impression of elegance there is sufficient bone and muscle to provide a balance with the frame. Faults - Size--Dogs and bitches under minimum size or over maximum size. Substance - Dogs too heavily boned or too lightly boned to be in balance with their frame.
COAT: 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 more profuse about the neck and shoulders where it forms a ruff or mane which is more pronounced in males. Longer hair on the tail forms a plume. There is feathering along the back of the front legs and along the back of the thighs, giving a "pantaloon" effect. The hair on the face and ears is shorter and of finer texture. Correctness of coat is more important than abundance of coat. Faults--Curly coat. Stand-off coat. Color - White or white with markings of gray, badger, reddish brown, or varying shades of tan. Markings of varying size may appear on the ears, head (including a full face mask), tail, and as a few body spots. The undercoat may be white or shaded. All of the above described colorings and locations are characteristic of the breed and equally correct. Fault--Outer coat markings covering more than one third of the body.
CARE REQUIRED: Regular brushing of the long double coat will keep it in good condition, but extra care is needed when the dog is shedding its dense undercoat. The outer coat does not mat, so care is relatively easy. Bathe or dry shampoo only when necessary. These dogs shed heavily once a year
CHARACTER: Character and temperament are of utmost importance. In nature, the Great Pyrenees is confident, gentle, and affectionate. While territorial and protective of his flock or family when necessary, his general demeanor is one of quiet composure, both patient and tolerant. He is strong willed, independent and somewhat reserved, yet attentive, fearless and loyal to his charges both human and animal.
TRAINING: Pyrenees need plenty of exercise to stay in shape. It need not be vigorous, but it must be regular.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: These dogs are not recommended for apartment life. They need space, but adapt well to family life. They are not really active indoors, but would be happy with regular exercise outdoors or in a mid-to-large sized yard. Puppies are very active and might have the tendency to wander off or escape. The Great Pyrenees prefers cool climates.
EXERCISE: Gentle and affectionate with those he loves. Devoted to family even if self-sacrifice is required. It is very gentle with its family and children. It does best with children when it is raised with them from puppyhood. It has an independent, somewhat stubborn nature, and may try to dominate a less secure owner. A serious worker, but very independent. Be patient when training the Great Pyrenees, as it may be slightly difficult. It is important to socialize and train this breed properly to insure good citizenship.
