BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
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Breed Registries:
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Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may also be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.
* — The FCI is the World Canine Organization, which includes 84 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 339 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The "owner" countries of the breeds write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
Origin:
France
Height:
Males: From 27 to 32 inches (69 to 81 cm) - Females: 25 to 29 inches
Weight:
Weight should be in proportion to the overall size and structure of the dog. A 27 inch male will weigh approximately 100 lbs. and a 25 inch female will weigh about 85 lbs.
Breed Profile:
The Great Pyrénées (known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog in most places in England and Continental Europe and Le Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées or le Grand Chien des Montagnes in France) descended from the Molossian hounds brought to Spain by the Romans. He was originally used to protect sheep from predators and guard fortresses during the middle ages. The Pyr is a working dog who's physical and mental characteristics have remained virtually unchanged through the centuries. While today, the Pyr is most commonly seen as a family companion or in the show ring, there is a growing interest to use the breed once again as a guardian of livestock.
In appearance, the Great Pyrenees is elegant, majestic and beautiful with a kind and regal expression. Adult Pyrs are calm, confident, affectionate and gentle by nature. Intelligent, an independent thinker, attentive, fearless and loyal, the Pyr is an excellent guard dog with a natural instinct to protect.
His coat was created to withstand severe weather; the outer coat is long, flat, thick and coarse while the undercoat is heavy and fine for insulation. He is all white or white with badger, grey or tan markings.
Health Issues
The Great Pyrenees breed's average life expectancy is 10 to 12 years and they have few major genetic disorders. However, if you are considering the adoption of a Pyr puppy, or any breed, it is still very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
- GPCA Health Committee Report (PDF format)
- Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
- Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
- AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
- Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
- Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
- University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
- HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
Breed Standards
- CKC Breed Standard
- AKC Breed Standard
- UKC Breed Standard
- The Kennel Club (U.K.) Breed Standard — Pyrenean Mountain Dog
- FCI Breed Standard No. 137
AKC GREAT PYRENEES DVD
19 Min. Video Edition, Published by the AKC
Discussion of the breed standard: good structure and movement, acceptable colors, correct head, size. Developed for breeders, exhibitors and judges.
— Available from Dogwise.com.
Grooming Information
The Pyr's coat requires regular brushing to remove dead hair and keep shedding to a minimum.
- Grooming the Great Pyrenees
- Grooming — This section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
Training Resources
- Starting the LGD Pup by Catherine de la Cruz
- Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
Additional Information
- Working Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGD) — What is their Job?
- Livestock Guardian Dogs: Their Current Use Worldwide by Robin Rigg (PDF Format)
- The Great Pyrenees Temperament
- Is this the Breed for You?
- Est-ce une race qui vous convient?
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
- Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.
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Select from the following links to view Breeder listings; Breed Clubs; Rescue Organizations; as well as Books and other Merchandise specific to the breed: |
