Learn More About Pyrenean mountain dog
Discover Pyrenean mountain dog's history, temperament, and key traits – essential knowledge for future owners and breed enthusiasts.
Summary
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog, also known as the Great Pyrenees in some countries, is an imposing presence. He is a large dog known for his majestic beauty and size. With his massive head, strong body and flowing, thick white coat, this dog exudes both power and elegance. It belongs to FCI Group 2, the Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molosser and Swiss Mountain Dogs, and is part of Section 2.2, the Mountain Dogs. It is bred as both a show and working line, with the working line being characterized by its greater emphasis on protection and herding, while the show line is more focused on appearance and temperament.
Height | 65 - 75 cm (Female), 70 - 80 cm (Male) |
Weight | 37 - 54 kg (Female), 50 - 54 kg (Male) |
Life Expectancy | 10 - 12 years |
Character | Alert, gentle, independent |
Coat | Dense, long, undercoat present |
Coat Color | White or white with gray, orange, wolf gray, or pale yellow spots |
Price | 2000 - 3500 € € |
History
The history of the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is impressively old, dating back to the Bronze Age, where it served as a guard dog for flocks of sheep in the Pyrenees, a mountain range between Spain and France. It was bred to protect herds from predators such as wolves and bears and is known for its strong protective instincts. The breed was first officially documented in the 17th century, when French nobility began keeping these majestic dogs as guard dogs in their castles. In the 19th century the breed was officially recognized and the first breed standard was established.
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog was used to protect flocks of sheep from predators in the Pyrenees.
France/Spain
Antike
Character
Although often perceived as fearsome due to its size and history as a guard and herding dog, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is known for its gentle and calm nature. He is naturally alert and protective, but he is also incredibly gentle and loving with his family. The Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog is an independent thinker, a trait that has served him well as a herding dog. He is capable of making decisions on his own and is not as eager to follow orders as other breeds. But that doesn't mean he's stubborn or disobedient - he's simply strong-willed and needs loving but consistent guidance. In terms of temperament, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is rather calm and collected. He is not hyperactive and does not require as much physical activity as some other breeds. But he still enjoys being outside and taking walks and needs daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is very people-oriented and often develops a close bond with its family. Although the Pyrenean Mountain Dog has a strong protective instinct, it is not aggressive. He is alert and will bravely defend his family and territory if he feels it is necessary, but he is also good-natured and calm. His strong protective instinct makes him an effective guard dog. In terms of training, the Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog is an intelligent dog that learns quickly. But his independence can sometimes be a challenge. It is important to work with patience, consistency and positive reinforcement to achieve the best results. Early socialization and training are also important to ensure that the Great Pyrenees becomes a well-rounded dog.
Trainability | |
Alertness | |
Openness to Strangers | |
Hunting or Herding Drive |
Did you know that the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is also called "Le Chien de Montagne des Pyr"n"es"? is called what in French is "mountain dog of the Pyrenees" means? And that they have been used for centuries to protect flocks of sheep from wolves and bears in the Pyrenees? An amazing testament to their bravery and loyalty!
Fun Fact!
What to Expect
Pyrenean mountain dogs are herd protection dogs that tend to protect their herd or family. They work independently and are not suitable for beginners.
Care
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a calm and balanced companion, but requires a lot of space and is therefore best kept in a house with a garden. They are not suitable dogs for an apartment in the city. They generally get along well with children and other pets, but their natural protective instincts can cause them to be overly vigilant at times. He can be a bit clumsy at times due to his size and strength, so it is important that dog-child interactions are always supervised.
Family-Friendly | |
Good with Young Children | |
Good with Other Dogs | |
Suitable as a City Dog |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you need to be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails.!
Training & Education
A Pyrenean Mountain Dog is an intelligent and sometimes stubborn animal that requires consistent and loving training. Their natural desire to protect can lead to problems without proper training and socialization, so it's important to expose them to a variety of people, places and situations from an early age. They are not ball junkies, but they do need regular mental and physical activity. Despite their size and strength, they are gentle and patient, which makes training easier. Engaging in search games, nose work or even Treibball can bring them a lot of joy and help them to live out their natural instincts in a healthy way.
Nutrition & Grooming
Your Pyrenean Mountain Dog's diet should be tailored to his age, weight and activity level. These large dogs require a balanced diet with high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and an appropriate amount of carbohydrates to maintain their energy and health. The Pyrenean Mountain Dog has a thick, weatherproof double coat that protects it from the harsh weather conditions in the Pyrenees. That's why he gets along well with the German climate. However, he sheds a lot, especially during the coat change in spring and autumn, and needs regular grooming.
Grooming Effort | |
Exercise Needs | |
Shedding | |
Trainability |
This information is currently being peer-reviewed. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de.!
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