Dogs

Pyrenean Mountain Dog

Pyrenean Mountain Dog
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is one of the large breeds
Alternative names
Great Pyrenees Chien des Pyrénées Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées Montañés del Pirineo
Country of origin
France
Common nicknames
Classification and breed standards
FCI:	Group 2 Section 2 #137
AKC:	Working
ANKC:	Group 6 (Utility)
CKC:	Group 3 - Working Dogs
KC (UK):	Pastoral
NZKC:	Utility
UKC:	Guardian Dogs
Not recognized by any major kennel club
This breed of dog is extinct
Notes

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog, also commonly known as the Great Pyrenees, is a large, loyal breed of dog that was used traditionally for protecting livestock (especially sheep) in the pastures. It is a very old breed, and has been used for thousands of years by the Basques of the Pyrenees Mountains in southern France; more recently, it was the official dog of the royal French court. Males are usually about 100 pounds while females are only 85 pounds. They are typically white but can have some markings in gray, tan, or badger.

Temperament

Loyal and protective of its territory, it makes a great family dog. This dog is not for everyone, as its white coat sheds frequently and spreads huge amounts of fur throughout the house, and its deep booming bark can annoy neighbors if left outside continuously. Furthermore, this is not simply an overgrown Golden Retriever, and interested owners should familiarize themselves with the tempermant and characteristics of the flock guardian breeds before considering this dog. Best suited for folks with a large yard, it enjoys walks and attention, and loves children. Obedience training and socialization at a young age is a must, as this breed grows large and strong and is best suited for someone capable of handling a large dog. In the field it is an excellent guardian, large enough to be a deterrent to smaller pests (like fox) and a match for animals as big as bears.

Miscellaneous

• In the anime/manga Azumanga Daioh, Mr. Tadakichi is a Great Pyrenees.
• In the anime/manga Full Metal Alchemist, Shou and Nina Tucker's dog Alexander is most likely a Great Pyrenees.
• In the novel, Belle et Sébastien, Belle is a Great Pyrenees.

Two adult Pyrenean Mountain Dogs

• The 2004 film Finding Neverland used a Great Pyrenees to represent J.M. Barrie's Landseer Newfoundland.
• The Spanish designer Javier Mariscal was inspired by this dog breed for the design of the 1992 Summer Olympics mascot "Cobi".

External links

• Great Pyrenees Library : interesting and useful articles on breeding, behavior, livestock guardians, Great Pyrenees rescue and medical information
• Great Pyrenees Connection: Great Pyrenees breed information, photographs, history of the breed in France and the Netherlands, links to international Great Pyrenees breeders and Great Pyrenees clubs
• GreatPyr.com : Great Pyrenees Information & Resources
• Great Pyrenees Club of America

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This guide is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia.