Great Pyrenees

Great Pyrenees Dog Picture
Photo ©2005 Kiah & Big Paws Only

Standard Great Pyrenees Characteristics

About the Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees, also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, lived for a long time in Andorra before being discovered in the early 20th century. When found they were strong, assertive sheep guard dogs in the mountains. Today the Great Pyrenees is mainly used as a guard of both its family and flock. It has also been know to be used as an avalanche rescue dog, as a cart-puller, a sled dog, and as a pack dog on ski team.

The Great Pyrenees Temperment and Intelligence

The Great Pyrenees is known for its confident and gentle nature. They are patient, courageous and very intelligent dogs. Being somewhat reserved, these noble animals will go into defensive mode if territory is invaded. They will lovingly and loyally guard their flock with extreme poise and attention.

Great Pyrenees Characteristics

The Great Pyrenees has small, triangular ears that stop when they meet the small, dark amber eyes on the face. The facial fur is thin and smooth with an upper lip covers the bottom one. Each front leg has a dew claw and is punctuated with a spherical, well padded paw with arched toes. The hind legs were created with a double dew claw and have very similar paws to those in the front. Both the shoulder and thighs are made of tough muscles that help this powerful dog to move about easily.

The Pyrenees has a strikingly beautiful white coat which may or may not contain shades of gray, badger, reddish brown, or tan on the head, ears or tail. The coat is resistant in all types of weather because it is made of two layers, an elongated, flat, thick outer coat and an impenetrable, wooly undercoat. Though the coat is more plentiful around the neck, it appears to produce a mane in males. The coat does tend to layer the length of the back of the front and hind legs.

Great Pyrenees Health Concerns

The Great Pyrenees, like most giant breed dogs, is prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. They may also be prone to skin conditions in hot weather.

Choosing a Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is not made for apartment living and needs open space and exercise to thrive. They can be very active as puppies and tend to wander off if not watched carefully. They are great family dogs although they do drool and slobber and some bark a lot. As a general rule, the best climate for these dogs is in the cooler climates.

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