Pyrenean Mountain Dog
Description
It was in the French Pyrenese Mountains where the Pyrenean
Mountain Dog was used by shepherds to guard flocks of goats and sheep
from predators such as wolves and bears. They are still being used today in
various places around the world as livestock guardians. Today they are mainly a
companion dog and family pet.
Temperament
The owners of the Pyrenean Mountain dog often describe them
as affectionate, mischievous, majestic, placid, loveable, and confident
enough to be very protective of its family. If they are with the right
family who can adjust to their needs, they will be perfectly happy
however, they can become problem barkers if bored and usually only bark
to let any predators know that they are there. They are known to be good
escape artists, so a well fenced and secure yard is a must as well as
their love of digging holes large enough to lie in and keep cool, thus
this dog may not be a good choice if you are particular about your
garden. Even though these dogs are great with young children, they need
to be supervised as puppies as they may become very boisterous and
easily knock over young children in their exuberance.
Appearance
Height: 65-70cm
(25-27in)
Weight: 40-50kg (88-110lb)
For those that love
them there can be no other dog even though they are definitely not the
dog for everyone because even though they are highly intelligent, they
are quite independent in their thinking and sometimes willful. Their
sheer size, beautiful coat and wonderful eyes are their trademarks.
Grooming
These dogs have this beautiful white coat which is
relatively easy to care for but does however require brushing around
once a week to stop mats from developing. They do shed all year round
so owners need to get used to the sight of white hair everywhere and
also lots of brushing is required to assist in the removal of their
undercoat when they ‘blow’ their coat, which normally occurs once or
twice a year. Regular trimming of their nails is necessary to keep them
short and in particular the double dewclaws on the hind legs.
If you don't have the
time to bath or groom your dog, your local dog grooming
salon provides these services.
Life Expectancy
12 Years
Health Concerns
They are quite healthy and have few major genetic problems.
However, like many large breeds, hip dysplasia can be an issue so it is
recommended that puppies come from breeders who have undergone the
process of having the parent’s hips x-rayed.
Suitability
These dogs can be quite willful when younger and are not
the easiest breed to train because they have been bred to work
independently and are not overly interested in doing things just because
you want them to. They cannot be trusted off the lead anywhere outside a
fully fenced area as they are well known for not coming when called and
while some owners may have success with formal obedience training, they
still cannot be trusted to do the right thing.
The decision to
acquire a new puppy or to own a Pyrenean Mountain Dog should be
considered carefully and you should be absolutely convinced that this
breed is for you. However, once you decide upon the breed, you will fast
become one of the many who firmly believe this is the most beautiful dog
in the world.
Pyrenean Mountain Dog -
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