I am Jackie Wood Tanimara Great Pyrenees and I am an educator for the breed. I moderate an email list called Pyr Talk. It is a list for people that use these dogs as guardians. But it is also a great list to learn about their temperments and any problems you may have due to that character. You are welcome to join us there is you like. If nothing else you can read the archives and see what people have to deal with on a daily basis.
I admire your asking the questions. It is so important that you understand the character and temperment of the breed. I turned down a puppy sale this week in fact, due to the gentleman telling me, "I know all about dogs. Ive raised and shown them for years". He was not wiling to go the extra mile and learn about Pyrs and it's a must due to the difference in this breed from just any dog.
I would recommend you not only join several email lists for Pyrs, but also that you read this...
http://www.pyrenean-journal.com/patous.htmIt's a lengthy article but very interesting and will give you a good idea of what they are like. Keep in mind, with 20 years of raising and breeding Pyrs under my belt, this story is not the exception. This is in fact the exact traits you will see in your Pyr.
I do believe in laying it on the line as I hate nothing worse than someone having to give up their dog due to the dog being different than what they thought it would be or some other stupid excuse, like they are not committed enough, or responsible enough to take care of the dog they got.
Positive traits..
Great Family dogs
Very protective of family and livestock of any kind
Impressive visually and you will be the center of attention with a Pyr.
Very laid back and do well in the house - depending on the dog.
Very Intelligent and self thinkers.
Not large eaters after puppyhood.
Very, very trustworthy with people.
Longivity for a large breed with the average lifespan being 10 - 11 years, I've seen more than one that was 16.
Almost always good with cats and small dogs. (my barn cats sleep on my dogs backs in the winter).
Negative traits...
If they have an incorrect head or incorrect temperament (shy), they drool.
They are barkers, especially at night as they are nocturnal (as are predators).
They are diggers. Bunker size holes!
They are roamers and can not be trusted off leash. (some bloodlines worse than others in this).
Heavy coated and shed year round but especially for a 3 week period in the spring called coat blowing. Their coat sheds dirt very well, you will be amazed.
Food must be thawed on TOP of the refridgerator as they can reach your kitchen counters.
They can be escape artists.
Care must be taken for helping them stay cool in the summer and in hot climates
Health issues noted in the breed (small percentages actually) - hip dysplasia, bone cancer, bad hearts, dwarfism, and thyroid. They are actually a pretty healthy breed.
The main thing you need to watch for in a rescue with no guarantee of health, is a dog that was not socialized as a pup and exhibits shyness in any form, and sound hips.
You can spin their hair for weaving clothing.
Over all, this breed is one that needs room. They need some obedience training, if nothing else, due to their size but keep in mind, that they will evaluate every command you give them and if they feel it is not appropriate, they just wont do it. The only time you will ever see a Pyr that bites people is one that is very shy, unsocialized, and fear bites, or a rare human agressive Pyr. Unless of course they are guarding you. They have such a sweet loving personality in fact, if they did go into guardian mode, it will just amaze you. You would not believe some of the things Ive seen my dogs do, including taking on a courgar. Remember, these dogs are very individualisti
c. Every one is different in pyrsonality.
If you have more questions, feel free to email me off list at tanimara@townsqr.com
Jackie