Brief description of the breed

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog (UK) or the Great Pyrenees (US) originates from France, from the mountainous region called the Pyrenees. It's original name is "Le chien de Montagne des Pyrénées" but Pyreneans call them "Patou" and so do  French Pyr owners.

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog (also PMD) has been living there for as long has people have. Like many big dogs, it comes from the Tibetan mastiff dog. As many "big white dogs" , the Great Pyrenees evolved in the way that to its mastiff status, was added some of the lupus-status, such as you can see in wolf-like dogs. This explains the physical differences between Great Pyrenees and, for instance, Saint Bernard or Newfoundland. The Great Pyrenees' colour changed to match the one of its flock, the sheep.

As opposed to the Kuvasz or Maremmano for instance, The Pyrenean Mountain Dog isn't a shepherd dog. This job is the one of the Pyrenean shepherd dog. The Great Pyrenees is only a guarding dog. This affects its way of thinking and explains its independence.

The Great Pyrenees often also has grey or yellowish spots, to the difference of the other completely white dogs.

Ideborgens Just Call My Faitful

Suotella Douce

Blaireau Noire Galadriel

Nowadays, there are two different standards for the breed. The first one was of course the French one. But since 1986, an American standard was created to reflect the tendency of the United States' breeding.

French standard (in French)

French standard on video

(Great Pyreneans from the kennel du Neouvielle)

American standard (in English)

Pyr male of American origin

Pyr female of American origin

(Great Pyreneans from the kennel Pyristamo)

Before acquiring a Great Pyrenees, you should know that it isn't the easiest dog. Because of its independent way of thinking, it will not obey your every order. It also has a natural need for free space so it will need a yard big enough and fenced. Your neighbour should also be aware that, as a guarding dog, it will bark a lot, day and night.

A male dog will measure from 70 to 80 cm  (2.3-2.6 feet) and weight about 60 kg (132 lbs).

A female will measure from 65 to 72 cm (2.1-2.3 feet) and weight about 45 kg (99 lbs).

A Great Pyrenees lives about 10-12 years.

Information found in the book: Le Montagne des Pyrénées by Benoit Cockenpot, responsible of the Great Pyrenees in the RACP.

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