Family: Mastiff
Breed Group: Flock Guard, AKC Working
Origin: France
Date of Origin: Ancient
Originally used for: Livestock protection, guard dog
Used today: Companion
Other Name(s): Pyrenean Mountain Dog, Pyrenees
History of the Breed: A working dog breed used by peasant shepherds high on the slopes of the Pyrenees Mountains. The Great Pyrenees
developed a special relationship with the shepherd, its family, and the flock it guarded. Here the large dog fearlessly faced wolves and bears
and guarded his family from bandits. In 1675, they were adopted as the Royal Dog of France by the Dauphin in the court of King Louis XIV, and
subsequently became much sought after by nobility.
General Appearance: The Great Pyrenees with its massive size and majesty has a white or principally white coat that may contain
markings of badger, gray, or varying shades of tan. The large head is wedge shaped with a slightly rounded crown. The dog has medium sized almond shaped dark brown eyes. The ears
are medium in size and are V-shaped with rounded tips, carried low, flat, and close to the head. The muzzle is approximately
equal in length to the back skull. The muzzle blends smoothly with the skull. The nose and lips are black.
The chest is moderately broad. The rib cage is well sprung, oval in shape, and of sufficient depth to reach the elbows.
The tail is well plumed, carried low in repose and may be carried over the back, "making the wheel," when aroused.
Height & Weight:
Height 25-32 Inches
Weight 85-100 Pounds
Coat: A double coat consisting of a long, flat, thick, outer coat of coarse hair, straight or slightly undulating, and lying over a
dense, fine, weather resistant 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.
Color: White or white with markings of gray, badger, reddish brown, or varying shades of tan. Outer coat markings covering more than
one third of the body are a fault.
Grooming needs: Medium
Temperament of Breed: They are independent, strong willed and intelligent.
Friendly with children: Yes, It does best with family members, proper socalization is strongly recommended at an early age
Friendly with other dogs: Moderate, these very large dogs require proper socalization starting at an early age. They can be aggressive
with unknown dogs.
Suitability as a watchdog: Excellent
Exercise Level: Medium
Health Issues with the Breed:
Major: Hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, arthritis
Minor:
Suitability as a watchdog: Excellent
Life Expectancy: 9-11 Years
2006 AKC Ranking: 58
First Registered by the AKC: 1933
Registries: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
A
CR -American Canine Registry
AKC -American Kennel Club
ANKC -Australian National Kennel Club
APRI -American Pet Registry Inc.
CKC -Continental Kennel Club
CKC -Canadian Kennel Club
FCI -Fédération Cynologique Internationale
KCGB -Kennel Club of Great Britain
NKC -National Kennel Club
NZKC -New Zealand Kennel Club
UKC -United Kennel Club
Breed Organizations & Associations:
Great Pyrenees Club of America
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