Great Pyrenees

Their physical appearance is large and imposing, yet with a face that invites friends and family to snuggle. The Pyr is selective in its friendship, allowing only those who have proven themselves worthy to enter its inner circle. They are protective of their family, home, and flock. They are gentle with family, including children and elderly, but can be fierce against intruders. This is a dog that can think for itself, especially when deciding who is friend or foe—and whether a threat is present. They enjoy the company of family but are equally content to spend time outside with their flock. This breed loves cold weather, especially snow. The Great Pyrenees turns heads wherever they go. Owners are constantly stopped by strangers to inquire about their stunning dogs.

The Pyr has medium-sized bone that looks larger because it’s covered with thick fur. The body is slightly longer than tall, with a straight, level topline. The tail is long and well-plumed. A distinctive feature are the double dewclaws on each hind leg. The head is wedge-shaped, with a rounded crown. The flews are not excessive. The eyes are medium-sized and almond-shaped, and the hanging ears are small to medium in size, and V-shaped with rounded tips. The coat is thick and double, with a super dense wooly undercoat and longer, coarse, flat overcoat. The males especially may have a longer ruff around the neck. In color, the Pyr can be solid white or white with either gray, badger, reddish brown, or tan.

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) Standard, the Great Pyrenees is "strong willed, independent, and somewhat reserved, yet attentive, fearless, and loyal to his charges – both human and animal". This description is extremely accurate. But it fails to also mention that they are calm, affectionate, and protective. Pyrs are courageous and confident. They are laid back, but while they may appear to be just hanging out, they are alert for signs of intruders. They may watch an intruder unobtrusively at first, then take care of business once the intruder commits. The Great Pyrenees is the most popular working livestock guardian in North America, and it comes by this rank honestly. As a house dog, the Pyr loves to stretch out, preferably in a doorway, and half sleep as they keep an eye out for threats to its human flock. They are generally very gentle with household children but as with all dogs of that size, should be monitored—especially if strange children visit. Because they tend to overheat, some Pyrs are happier sleeping on the floor than in bed. When the Pyr feels their territory or flock is being threatened, they may bark a warning (or not) but if that goes unheeded, they will take action. They have the strength to take down wolves and other large predators. Even though they were not developed to take down humans, they will stand their ground. As befitting a dog that often lived days or weeks away from humans with its flock, Pyrs are independent dogs. They had to think for themselves, and that, coupled with their strength, often translates into stubbornness.

Given their size and strength, you obviously can’t force a Pyr to do anything it doesn’t want to do. Even if you could, Pyrs are not the sort to take coercion well. The way to train a Pyr is to use plenty of rewards in the form of treats, praise, and play to have them eager for every training session. Use treats to lure them into position, and gentle guidance to make sure they have the right idea. Even the best obedience Pyrs are not fast responders, nor are they concerned about a perfectly executed exercise. This is not the breed for you if a highly competitive obedience dog is your fantasy, because it will remain a fantasy with a Pyr. But a Pyr can become a reliable companion with enough obedience skills to earn titles and behave well in public…plus do a few tricks. It is imperative that Pyr puppies be socialized from an early age, as they can be naturally suspicious. An unsocialized Pyr can grow into a dog that is uncontrollable in public rather than the steadfast partner they can otherwise become.

Most of the world calls the breed the Pyrenean Mountain Dog. In France, they may be called Patou or Le Chien de Montagne des Pyrenees. Despite its appearance, the Pyr is not in the Mastiff family. According to DNA evidence, it is more closely related to Mediterranean breeds, such as the Komondor and Kuvasz. The breed was developed as a remote flock guardian. Dogs grew up and lived with a flock so they regarded the flock as their family. The dog’s white fur allowed it to mingle with the sheep undetected by predators. When unsuspecting predators approached, the Pyr would take action and save the flock. One of the oldest accounts of the breed dates from 1407. The dogs were said to also guard castles. General Lafayette brought the first Pyrenees to America in 1824. Pyrs are used today as a working livestock guardian in the United States. Celebrity owners include Selena Gomez, Mariah Carey, Jimmy Fallon, Jay Leno, Martha Fallon, and many many more.