GREAT PYRENEES
DOGS OF THE FRENCH MOUNTAINS

Highlands Nordic Dreamer

(Export to Czech Republic)

Do you have acreage? Do you have livestock? Do you have predators? Do you want family protection? If you can answer yes to any of these questions then here is the solution - GREAT PYRENEES!
The Great Pyrenees is known today as one of the oldest breeds in existance. These noble, patient and courageous giants have been the sought after protector of many a flock through the centuries.From the earliest times on Pyrenean Mountain Dogs (or Great Pyrenees as they are known in the U.S.) have proven to be formidable adversaries of all predators whether they were animal or human. In France during the middle ages, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog was used for guarding fortresses from attack and to make escape impossible for prisoners.
The Great Pyrenees was born to live in the mountains. With little training the Pyr has been used not only as a flock guardian but as a guide through heavy snow. The services of the Pyr have been called upon to help many an avalanche victim and as a pack and sled dog. Pyrs have been used to haul guns, ammunition and medical supplies during both world wars. One dog, with its keen eyesight and exceptional sense of smell was considered equal to two men and could travel areas not so easily accessible to man.
Today there has been growing interest in many breeds as livestock guardian dogs. Commonly this has been due to the fact that ranchers are becoming desperate to find a way to protect their livestock from predators. Many states have prohibited the use of animal traps, poison and guns in controlling predators. Coyotes, bobcats,mountain lions, bears and roaming dogs can all play havoc with livestock. Most killings take place at night or very early in the morning when the coast is usually clear for the perpitrator. The Great Pyrenees can be on duty twenty four hours a day and will remain alert to the possibility of attack. It is often merely their presence and resounding bark that will deter any attack. A Pyr will chase an intruder but not so far lest he become separated from his livestock exposing them to further danger.
The Great Pyrenees is adaptable to a variety of terrain and climatic conditions doing especially well in colder regions due to its thick insulating coat. Pyrs may spend many of the daylight hours on the ranch dozing, but despite their calm exterior will prove to be a force not to be trifled with if provoked. A Great Pyrenees is not a dog who will be happy isolated in a backyard and left to his own devices all day. He is considered to be a one-family dog instead of a one-man dog. The Pyr is a wonderfully patient dog with children and a more loving playmate and protector you could not find. Pyrs are easygoing and are accepting of other animals or dogs in a family especially when raised with them from puppyhood. Great Pyrenees, despite their size, are extremely sensitive and require very little discipline to correct a wrongdoing. They are easily trainable although it goes without saying that there will always be exceptions!
A boundary or a fenced yard is a must as the natural instinct of these dogs is to patrol their 'pasture'. If a boundary is not present, wandering may be a problem since these dogs are used to patrolling vast amounts of acreage. Pyrs are adept climbers and will not see anything less than a six foot fence much of a challenge.
Great Pyrenees do grow large and males may drool. Standard size for males is 27" to 32" and 25" to 29" for females. Weight can go as high as 170 lbs for males and 130 lbs plus for females. Recognised colors are all-white or white with badger, gray or shades of tan found on the head or end of tail. Puppies are commonly born with a badger mask which usually fades by adulthood. Coat maintenance is not difficult and a weekly brushing or so will remove any loose hair or mats. Pyrs do not require frequent baths as bathing can result in the loss of the natural oils in the coat. Pyrs are blessed with a self cleaning coat which should never be clipped. Unlike other breeds Pyrs have double dewclaws on the hind legs and is a necessary trait especially if the dog is to be shown. Great Pyrenees are one of the larger breeds that posess a relatively longer life span than others, often past twelve and sometimes even further.
The Great Pyrenees has proven to be effective as a guardian of all types of livestock from chickens, sheep, emus, goats and anything else on two or four legs! If the dog is to be used to guard livestock it is wise to make sure the parents have been x-rayed for hip dysplasia since this is a hereditary trait. The Great Pyrenees is highly intelligent and has earned the reputation of being the most beautiful dog in the world.

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