That said, as a potential wannabe Pyr owner (?), I'm a little worried.
Don't be worried. When we describe our Pyrs barking, we don't mean they bark all the time. They are just a more vocal breed than some. They don't bounce around your feet or guest's feet barking like some little yippy breeds. They simply bark to let you know there is something that you need to be aware of. Squirrels on the screen enclosure, kids playing and screaming in the street, people accross the lake yelling and arguing, someone walking on the sidewalk in front of the house, etc. Jake is the only dog I have ever had who will bark when he wants to go out. He is not a nuisance barker. Of course he is always in the house except to go to the bathroom or out on the leash. We have learned not to let him lay on the floor in the sunroom where he can see the squirrels or hear the people accross the lake. It is just something you adapt to and learn to head off if it is something that really bothers you. The love and affection you get from a Pyr more than makes up for the occassional barking. AND like our garbagemen told my husband "Man, you'd have to be a fool to break into your house. We heard that dog and we've seen him in the window. Bet he'd eat you alive." Yeah!! Keep thinking that and spread the word.
Kathy