Pyrecosse - Pyrenean Mountain Dogs

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog, known as the Great Pyrenees in the United States, is a large breed of dog, which has been used for protecting livestock (especially sheep) in pasture, and can be readily identifiable by a double dewclaw on each of its hind legs.

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is one of the oldest breeds of dog in the world descending from livestock guardian dogs over ten thousand years ago in Asia. The are often referred to 'Great dogs of the mountain' in their native France and are world-renowned for their loyalty, intelligence and un-wavering courage.

Breed History

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is native to the Basque country in the Pyrenees mountains that border France and Spain. Known as Le Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées in its native France, the Great Pyrenees is known to be one of the oldest breeds of dog in the world.

While similar in size and stature to the Mastiff family, the Great Pyrenees is actually descended from the ancient large, white livestock guardian dogs of the middle ages and therefore evolved parallel to most modern breeds of dogs as opposed to being descended from them. Because of this, the Great Pyrenees has more in common with a wolf, than that of a modern dog.

Having no extant ancestor, the Great Pyrenees has remained virtually unchanged both physically and mentally for hundreds of years. This has allowed it to evolve naturally over centuries, which among other things, means that the breed has relatively few health problems, in comparison to modern dogs. The first written reference to the Great Pyrenees is from 1407, where the historian of the Chateau of Lourdes wrote of the breed in use to guard the Chateau.

Appearance

Males weigh in at about 90-125 pounds, while females are approximately 85-115 pounds. Their coats are white and can have varying shades of gray or tan around the face (including a full face mask), ears and sometimes on the body; as a Great Pyrenees matures, their coats grow thicker and the longer white hair of the coat often fades the markings on those dogs that were not born completely white.

Grey or tan markings that remain lend the French name, "blaireau," (badger) meaning "with color" to those dogs who are marked. Only one in four will have a pure white coat. They are well known for their back double dewclaws.

Temperament

They can usually be found lying quietly in a comfortable spot and watching the world go round them. If they feel a threat however, they will let off a round of very loud and deep barking and will go to defend their territory.

These dogs do not attack unless they feel it is absolutely necessary, and they are more likely to simply intimidate intruders by their bark and size. However, they are well known for being distrustful of strangers and will often stand between their owner and any person who they do not know.

Pyreneans are very good with children and small animals if socialized from an early age. Training from an early age is a must, but these dogs are not known for their obedience. This is probably due to their flock-guarding history, where they would often be left alone in the mountains without the guidance of a shepherd, and would need to make their own decisions. This has led to an independent nature in the breed. These great dogs are usually gentle, loving giants.