A faithful friend and a true aristocrat: the Pyrenean mountain dog

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* Here is a photo of a typical representative of the Pyrenean mountain dog breed . You can send us photos of your animals by email, and we will post them on the website. Don't forget to send your pet's name.

Story

As the name of the breed suggests, large white dogs first appeared in the Pyrenees Mountains, where they worked as shepherds, protecting flocks of sheep from predators. Excavations show that such dogs appeared 6-8 thousand years ago in Asia. There is no reliable and accurate data on where large white dogs came from, but there is information that suggests that the ancestor of the breed was the white Tibetan mastiff. Along with the Great Migration of Peoples, the faithful defenders ended up in Europe, where they quickly gained popularity not only among shepherds.

In addition to its main functions, this breed was used for smuggling purposes. Thanks to their intelligence and endurance, wolfhounds easily crossed the border between Spain and France in places where humans could not pass.

The Pyrenees Mountain Dog first appeared at the European court during the time of Louis XIV, who in 1675 proclaimed them court servants, as stated in the chronicles. In addition, it is documented that it was precisely such a dog that saved Charles V when the king was attacked by an angry boar.

In the XVII-XVIII, huge white dogs became popular in France, which exported them to other European countries, for example, Italy and England.

The first registered Pyrenean wolfhounds entered the exhibition only in 1885. The breed standard was approved in 1907.

During the two World Wars, the Pyrenean mountain dog almost became extinct . People did not have the opportunity to keep such large dogs. Thus, the world almost lost this most beautiful breed. But a group of French enthusiasts, having searched all the Pyrenees mountains, managed to find several dogs that fit the breed standard and in 1960, the breed was again officially recognized.

The Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog was originally bred to guard flocks and successfully cope with its duties. French nobles used them as guards or for hunting big game. In the modern world, these dogs have almost lost their working skills, since they are rarely used for their original herding purpose. But even now they are excellent guards and just kind and fluffy pets.

Description of the breed

The Pyrenean mountain dog, with its appearance, can extremely amaze a person who has never seen such animals before. A majestic, stately, large dog with beautiful white fur looks like a polar bear. Cynologists classify such dogs as the so-called Molossian type, which also includes mastiffs and Great Danes.

The coat color of Pyrenean mountain dogs is usually white. Gray or fawn spots are allowed. The most valuable are dogs with a badger “mask” on their muzzle . According to conformation standards, the total area of ​​spots on the coat should not exceed one third of the total surface of the coat.

The same mask

The undercoat is thick. The coat is long and straight. Short on the head, long on the tail, mane, collar and pants. The fur is close to the body. The most abundant covering on the neck forms the so-called mane. A raised or wavy coat is considered a fault in conformation.

Breed standard:

1. The dog's head is not large compared to the body, it looks elegant and noble. The shape of the skull is correct, the muzzle itself is wide. The lips and lobe are black, contrasting beautifully with the white color of the coat. The jaws are powerful, with a scissor bite (the upper lip slightly overlaps the lower lip). Number of teeth 42.
2. Breeders especially highlight the dog's eyes. As experienced dog handlers say, if a dog’s gaze is not spiritual, then such a dog cannot be considered a Pyrenean mountain dog . The look, combined with a “smile,” creates a unique facial expression, characteristic only of this breed. The eyes of the Pyrenean Wolfhound are amber-brown, almond-shaped, slightly slanted.
3. The ears are triangular, medium size, hanging, rounded. Their fur is shortened.
4. The neck is muscular, not short, but not long either. The scruff is well defined.
5. The body is elongated with a wide chest and a well-developed muscular back. The back is long and strong.
6. The tail is set low. Covered with thick long hair. When walking or running, the dog usually does not lift it high.
7. The paws are straight, parallel to each other. The muscles of the limbs are well developed. The fingers are closed, the pads are dense. The dog has not five, but six toes on its hind legs. These two thumbs, higher than the rest, at one time served as a kind of “crampons” to make it easier to walk in the mountains.

An adult male Pyrenean wolfhound weighs about 60 kg and reaches a height at the withers of up to 80 cm. For a female, the norm is 55 kg and a height of 65-72 cm.

The Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog barks a lot. This is a feature of guard dogs. They bark at everything and especially at night.

IMPORTANT! Their bark is very loud and ringing, as befits a good watchman. Therefore, if a person is not ready for this, it is better to think about purchasing another breed of dog.

Appearance and standards

When getting a dog, you need to very seriously study its description - first of all, its appearance. Otherwise, when the breeder comes to the nursery, he may see something completely different from what he expected, or, what is much worse, become disappointed in the breed later.

Sexual dimorphism is even more pronounced than in many other breeds. Therefore, males are much larger than females - the height at the withers is about 70-82 cm, and the weight is 50-54 kg. For females, these figures are much smaller - 65-74 cm and 36-41 kg, respectively.

The coat is very thick and long. Moreover, there is no short-haired variety - only long-haired. The most common color is white, but mountain shepherds that have yellow or gray markings are also not considered a defect.

The head is quite elegant, slightly wedge-shaped, and has smooth features.

For reference! The breed was included in the FCI register in 1955.

Hygiene is very important for the breed

Features and diseases

Pyrenees Mountain dogs are naturally strong and resilient. They were bred to herd flocks and live in difficult conditions. Therefore, their health is excellent. Although there is, of course, the possibility of diseases:

1. One of the few problems common to most large, heavy dogs is limb dysplasia . Therefore, the dog’s elbow and knee joints should be under special control by a veterinarian.
2. Thick undercoat and coat can create certain skin problems if the dog lives in a hot climate.
3. Pyrenees do not like confined spaces and can become seriously ill if they stay in a small room for a long time. They require a large area to live in, where they can have plenty of fun every day.
4. This breed of dog has ears that fit tightly to the head, as a result of which they do not receive the required amount of ventilation, which leads to the development of serious ear diseases, in particular, otitis media . The disease will begin to manifest itself with the appearance of an unpleasant odor from the ears.

Disgusting odor from dog's ears: quick cure strategy

Temperament and character

As stated above, the Great Pyrenees dog was bred for a specific purpose and for many centuries acted exclusively as a herding dog. This is where her relationships with everyone around her come from.

Attitude towards other animals

Like all large dogs, the Pyrenees is distinguished by its good nature and calmness. Therefore, how relationships with other dogs will develop depends primarily on their behavior.

For example, if a dog, cat, guinea pig or rabbit behaves calmly and peacefully next to a massive neighbor, then they will be perceived as a herd that needs to be protected.

Conversely, any aggression directed by pets against a Pyrenean dog can be regarded as an attack. The reaction will be adequate and it may well end badly.

Attitude towards children

Usually, Pyrenees are very polite with children, perceiving them as the puppies of the leader and part of the pack, which must be protected at all costs.

However, there are certain boundaries here that you should not go beyond. Therefore, before this huge dog appears at home, it is worth explaining to children that this is not a toy at all that will tolerate any bullying. Respecting their beloved pet, they will find a faithful friend for many years who will never let you down or betray them.

Where is the best place to buy a puppy: nurseries

When choosing a puppy, you should pay attention to how the puppies look, how well-groomed they are and how happy they are with life. You need to take a closer look at the face; if there is no Pyrenean expression on it, most likely it is a non-purebred representative of the breed.

You should try not to purchase puppies from breeders who breed wolfhounds in apartments. This is unacceptable for this breed.

The most famous nurseries in Russia are:

• "Zurion";
• "Nicoloberg";
• "YAKOGOR".

Pyrenean mountain dog price

In Russia, the breed is not represented as widely as in the USA or European countries, so you will have to spend time searching for a reliable nursery. The lack of prevalence of the Pyrenees also affects their price tag. For example, buying a puppy with a pure pedigree and no developmental defects will cost 50,000 – 60,000 rubles. Offspring born from a foreign sire will cost an order of magnitude more - the seller will not forget to take into account the costs of travel to another country and the time spent. Owners of well-promoted foreign nurseries are very reluctant to agree to breed their pets with Russian Pyrenees. Individuals with mediocre ancestors, defects in appearance and those who have not been examined for genetic diseases can be purchased cheaper - around 30,000 - 35,000 rubles, but in this case there is a high risk of going broke on treatment from a veterinarian.

Owner reviews

Olga:

Our favorite Dick is already two years old. He's part of the family. A beautiful, smart and kind dog. Children especially dote on her. They can all play together for days. I don’t regret at all that we have such a miracle in our family.

Stanislav:

I live in the village and adopted a dog to guard my property. He copes with his duties perfectly. Because of the menacing barking, they avoid strangers, but with close people, this is a kind-hearted dog.

Inna:

Our Margot is the best dog in the world. Very cheerful and sociable. I don’t worry about the children when they walk with Margosha, I know for sure that he will protect and will not give offense. Great dog!

Dmitriy:

A wonderful dog, funny and smart. He understands everything perfectly. I had to work a little while training, but it was worth it. The dog gets along well with all family members and has never shown aggression towards anyone in three years.

Characteristics: pros and cons

The Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog is the epitome of nobility, intelligence and fearlessness. They are balanced and absolutely not aggressive, and have absolutely no fighting qualities.

1. Dogs begin to show their character as early as four months. It is during this period that the owner needs a certain firmness. It is very important that the owner is an authority for her, otherwise she will not listen.
2. Dogs of this breed are very loyal to their owners and their loved ones . They have no problems with other pets, including cats.
3. These large, beautiful wolfhounds take everyone who lives with them under their protection. When communicating with “strangers,” they may well growl, show their teeth, or bark strongly if they seem to have some kind of malicious intent. It is this character trait that makes them excellent watchmen and security guards.
4. Among the disadvantages, it should be noted that due to its free-thinking, a dog that is not kept behind a high fence or on a leash can easily run away . Representatives of this breed think independently and consider everything as far as they can see to be their territory. These features are due to the fact that initially they were shepherds.
5. It should be noted that the Pyrenean Wolfhound sheds very heavily . All the time. Hair from this dog will be everywhere, especially if you keep it in an apartment.
6. Despite their rather sociable character, such dogs can easily tolerate prolonged loneliness and will never impose their company.

Children's faithful friend

Despite all their majesty and noble appearance, these are very restless dogs . They are never averse to frolicking and playing. They are very lenient towards children and are able to be patient with any children's pranks. The Iberian Wolfhound is usually very affectionate and kind. It is widely accepted that the Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog is an excellent pet candidate for families with children.

Personality of the Pyrenean Wolfhound

Nowadays, the Great Pyrenees have not been used as shepherds for a long time, but they perform security functions properly. The owners of large country houses with a lawn for games and a spacious enclosure are happy to have such giants, capable of driving away ill-wishers with one look. Add to this the aristocratic past and appearance of the Pyrenean Wolfhound, which the owner can rightfully be proud of, and you will understand why wealthy people often get dogs of this breed.

The cost of Pyrenean puppies is quite high, and therefore not every owner can afford to purchase such a dog, much less maintain it, given its rather large size.

But, as a reward for love and care, this shaggy giant will give the necessary protection and joy of communication. The Pyrenees is distinguished by its loyalty, because this dog perceives its owner and his family as his pack, and therefore is ready to protect the members of the pack from any threats to the last.

It is impossible not to note this particular feature. The Pyrenees perfectly adapts to its owners, which means it gladly accepts the restrained praise of the owner and the “hugs” of the children. This dog loves close contact and will never snap at a child who decides to cuddle such a soft four-legged giant.

Experts also include the fact that, despite its menacing and even frightening appearance, the Pyrenean wolfhound is characterized by reduced aggression as a positive character trait. He can scare off a troublemaker with a loud bark, but he will not rush at him and cause harm unless clearly necessary. With their calmness and poise, the Great Pyrenees are very reminiscent of their ancestors - the mastiffs.

But calmness should not be confused with good nature. Dogs of this breed do not welcome strangers and are extremely wary of them. This means that any wrong move on the part of the aggressor can result in a lightning-fast reaction from the shaggy defender.

The territorial instinct of these dogs is excellent. The dog will not let anyone into its property without the owner's accompaniment. At the same time, the Great Pyrenees gets along well with other inhabitants of the house and will never chase a cat or parrot. True, having impressive dimensions, the giant can accidentally step on an unwary hamster or other small inhabitant of the house.

Important! The Iberian Wolfhound barks a lot and loudly. This is a feature of the guard breed, which may scare off some potential owners, but may serve them well. Still, not every ill-wisher will risk entering the yard where a huge barking giant lives.

Conditions of detention

If you have decided to buy a Great Pyrenees puppy, you need to pay attention to the fact that this dog is not at all suitable for living in a city apartment. A small enclosure and a chain will not suit her either. This freedom-loving and active animal should only be kept in a country house with a garden area. Any other types of maintenance will quickly lead to the dog wasting away and getting sick a lot.

IMPORTANT! It is not recommended to keep your pet on a leash. It is necessary to build a spacious enclosure with a booth where the dog can be left overnight. Any tight conditions have a bad effect on the health and appearance of the pet.

Comfortable enclosures for dogs: do it yourself without waste or mistakes

If the owner walks the dog on a leash, then when accustoming the puppy to it, you should remember that they will get used to the leash less painfully if you distract the baby with treats. From the very first days, you should teach your dog to walk on a loose leash and not allow him to play with it or chew on it.

Walks should be active and long, as this type of dog loves a free lifestyle.

How to choose a puppy

A healthy puppy has a huge supply of energy - an active little dog, active and often vocalizing.

A good puppy has shiny fur, no rashes, clean eyes and ears, and a moist nose.

Pyrenean Shepherd puppies have proportionate, dry paws with strong joints.

Signs of marriage, as in Cane Corso puppies , can be weak legs, lethargy, aggression, non-black nose, erect ears, curly hair, upright tail, non-standard height.

The Pyrenean Shepherd Dog needs enormous physical activity, but it does not like monotonous work, it simply tires it.

Necessary care

Caring for this pet includes several points.

Feeding

To understand how a dog should eat properly, you should remember that they are all predators. Their teeth and fangs are designed to tear meat and gnaw bones, and a wide esophagus and concentrated gastric juice serve to facilitate the digestion of large pieces. When planning your diet, you need to take these features into account.

1. The majority, approximately two-thirds, of the food consumed by the dog should be protein foods . This includes lean meat and offal, cottage cheese, eggs and fatty fish. Raw tripe is extremely useful. All these products are best given raw; the meat can sometimes be boiled.
2. The rest of the diet should consist of a variety of fruits and vegetables . They are also recommended to be given raw. Under the influence of coarse fiber, the correct microflora is formed in the dog’s intestines; boiled vegetables will be useless.
3. Porridge has virtually no benefits for dogs. Only carbohydrates are digested from cereals, which contribute to the accumulation of fats. Therefore, if they are given to a wolfhound, then only in winter, when additional energy is required. The norm for a representative of this breed will be no more than one glass per week. Read more: Tips and recipes from experienced dog handlers: porridge for dogs
4. vitamin and mineral complexes to your dog's diet , which can be purchased at any veterinary pharmacy. Before introducing vitamins, you should read the instructions or consult a veterinarian.
5. In addition, it is good to add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or 100 grams to your diet daily. oily fish . This is a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids for any organism.
6. Breeders also recommend adding 2-3 tablets of brewer's yeast, a tablespoon of bran and half a teaspoon of fish oil to the diet of a puppy and an adult dog every day. And a couple of times a week you should treat your pet with beekeeping products.
7. The dog should not be overfed. The puppy should look underfed rather than fat ( Cerberus diet depending on age: what should you feed your puppy? ). Under the influence of excess weight, the dog may develop disorders in the paw ligaments and problems with the spine. To prevent your dog from overeating, it is necessary to remove the bowl out of reach of it immediately after it has had enough. Usually 10-15 minutes are enough for this.
8. The amount of food depends on the activity and place of residence of the dog. Moreover, in winter she needs almost twice as much food to maintain her energy at the proper level.
9. If it is not possible to feed your pet natural products, you should choose only premium dry food. For example, .
10. The bowls from which the dog eats should be no lower than chest level. To do this, it is recommended to purchase special stands in the store.

Hygienic grooming

The coat of the Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog requires the most careful care from the owner. It must be combed at least 3 times a week , otherwise tangles that can only be trimmed.

Despite the fact that the coat of the Pyrenean wolfhound is white, it does not get dirty very often. It is recommended to wash such dogs no more than four times a year.

IMPORTANT! Pyrenean mountain dogs cannot be groomed. After this procedure, problems with skin and parasites are possible.

Particular attention should be paid to your pet's ears . They must be cleaned with cotton pads or swabs, which are moistened in special solutions.

Without pain and whims: detailed instructions on how to clean a dog’s ears

Diseases, average life expectancy

Diseases characteristic of this breed are:

1. Eczema. This disease occurs due to insufficient care of the animal's fur, due to parasites. The appearance is also affected by a lack of vitamins in the diet, digestive disorders and excess weight.
2. Osteomyelitis. Chronic or infectious disease of bones and muscle tissue.
3. Incurable dysplasia of the hip joint, i.e. discrepancy in the position of the articular bones. Veterinarians can only slow down its development.

The average lifespan of dogs is 10-12 years

Training and education

Pyrenean mountain dogs are distinguished by their rare intelligence, they easily understand and remember commands, but due to their wayward and freedom-loving nature, they can become very stubborn. They can easily sense weaknesses in character, so if you are unsure of yourself, it is better to entrust training to professionals.

Training of the breed begins when the puppy is three to four months old. The list of mandatory commands includes “Sit”, “Lie down”, “Come to me!”, “Ugh”. The dog must unquestioningly respond to its name.

Training of this breed of dog can be carried out in several training courses:

• UGS – controlled city dog;
• OKD – general training course;
• VN is a companion dog.

After the dog completes the course and passes the exams, its owner is given a special diploma.

Key points in training

The Iberian wolfhound (sometimes called that) is distinguished by its intelligence and intelligence. This leaves a certain imprint on habits and behavior. First of all, the dog is accustomed to thinking independently and with a high degree of autonomy. Therefore, the owner can simply ignore monotonous and meaningless commands.

But this does not mean that training should be abandoned - every dog ​​should know at least a few of the most important commands, otherwise over time it will simply become uncontrollable.

You need to approach training wisely - start from puppyhood and not overdo it, doing several short training sessions every day.

Gets along great with animals

Nicknames for boys and girls

The choice of nickname should be approached very seriously. It should be simple, easy to remember and easy to pronounce. In addition, it should not be in tune with the main commands. You should not call the puppy with diminutive forms of his name until he gets used to responding to the full name.

Nickname options for boys:

• Camlet;
• Onyx;
• Aslan;
• Top;
• Teddy;
• Laurel;
• Lucas;
• Loki;
• Zach;
• Kurt;
• Hail;
• Zakhar;
• Dollar;
• Amethyst;
• Ernie;
• Bear.

The most amazing feature of this dog breed: it is a constant, slightly sly smile that does not leave its muzzle.
Options for nicknames for girls:

• Delia;
• Nessie;
• Lady;
• Teffi;
• Dory;
• Terra;
• Xena;
• Lussy;
• Cassie;
• Sakura;
• Snowball;
• Helly;
• Bella;
• Naiza;
• Shari;
• Audrey.

Differences with the Maremma Abruzzese Sheepdog

The Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog and the Maremma Abruzzese Sheepdog are quite similar to each other. They were bred to perform the same function - protecting herds and flocks of sheep on the slopes of the mountains.

Maremma / Pyrenees

Abruzzese Shepherd/Great Mountain Dog

They differ in the shape of the head and the shape of the body. In addition, the Pyrenees Mountain Dog has an unusual facial expression, unique to this breed, which is difficult to confuse with anything else.

By nature, both of these dogs are very friendly, responsible and quite headstrong. Maremmas are easier to train.

The following differences are also distinguished between these dog breeds:

• The Maremma has high-set ears, while the Pyrenees have drooping ears;
• Maremma does not show aggression even towards strangers who visit the home, until they begin to transgress the bounds of decency, but the Pyrenees can sometimes growl at strangers;
• Maremma is a rather heat-loving animal, which cannot be said about the Pyrenees, who can tolerate significant cold.

Application

Pyrenean Shepherds are born watchdogs and shepherd dogs; they are not at all afraid of danger, are resilient and hardworking in their work.

The dog's high intelligence allows it to make independent decisions when it comes to its immediate service.

An active, passionate, energetic dog, the Pyrenean Shepherd cannot sit cooped up and often gives a voice. Rest assured, a dog left alone will definitely turn the whole house upside down.

Movie

If you want to watch a movie about a Pyrenees mountain dog, it is recommended to watch the movie “Belle and Sebastian”. This is the first part of a trilogy, the films “Belle and Sebastian: The Adventure Continues” and “Belle and Sebastian: The Final Chapter” will also be released.

The films tell about the true friendship between the formidable Pyrenean wolfhound and a simple boy Sebastian, describing their adventures.

In addition, you can watch a lot of videos dedicated to training or raising this breed of dog.

Photo

Let's enjoy a variety of Great Pyrenees dogs and their puppies:

Eh, make way, honest people!

What are you watching? I didn't do it!

Characters of the feature film - Belle and Sebastian

Well, how can you not smile when looking at this pie?

The shepherd is not just for the sheep

The first dance with the owner is exciting!

We're lying down well, aren't we, goat?

Useful video

Educational video:

So, if you want to have a loyal friend, an excellent guard and just a beautiful, majestic and proud dog, then the Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog is your choice. It should be remembered that this breed has an independent and proud disposition, so you should not force them to do anything.

Share your experience with us. Perhaps you already have this beautiful animal living with you. What other advice can you give on care and maintenance? Maybe you just want to share the joy of living together or a photo of your pet. Write in the comments, we will be glad to receive any feedback!