Origin: France, Spain
Origin of Name: The breed comes from the French side of the Pyrenees Mountains that separate France and Spain.
Size | Temperament | Shedding | Drooling | Monthly keeping cost | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Small | Zero High |
Negligible Hair Everywhere |
Zero Excess |
|
The Great Pyrenees were working centuries ago in the Pyrenees Mountains, the natural border between France and Spain, to work with breeders and shepherd dogs. The dog's job was to watch herds and predators, whether wolves, bears, or livestock rustling. The instinctive patience of the breed came at a time when sitting on a cool hillside for a few days had nothing to do but look at the sheep. His courage while defending the herd was legendary.
In the 17th century, the Great Louis was adopted as the royal dog of France in the court of King Louis XIV, as they proved useful as patrons of the chateau.
For all their abundant fur, the pyramids do not require too much grooming, as their coat contains dirt- and tangle-resistant. They have a double coat, with a long outer coat and a soft undercoat. One owner says, "They will shed this undercoat with great enthusiasm-" leading to a blizzard. She laughs, "They flow into the waterfall, after spring, in honor of some special druid festivals, and after you enter them in a show!" Thorough brushing at least once a week with a pin brush or a slicker brush will help reduce shed hair that ends up throughout the house. Pyramid nails should be trimmed regularly, as longer nails can cause dog trouble. Teeth often need to be brushed, using toothpaste designed for dogs.
Peers were bred to be independent thinkers, to work without guidance, and to protect their flocks. Although they are intelligent, standard obedience training will be completed with great indifference. They do not see the point of everyone sitting, heckling and living. They will show you their boredom by doing anything important with very slow reactions. Nonetheless, early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended to help give the Pir a good start in becoming a well-adjusted, well-run companion.
Pyramids are not a highly active breed. The breed was developed as a livestock protector and has been used since ancient times to protect herds from wolves, bears, and human enemies. While working, they would patrol their area, but conserve their energy to stop whatever might threaten their herd. Moderate exercises such as walking with their boss will help keep them healthy and happy. The breed also practices mind and body by participating in canine activities such as obedience tests and cart-pulling.
Some owners note that Great Pyrenees feed a relatively small amount of food for dogs of their size. Devotees of one breed say, "Of course, if a dog wants what is in its bowl, they will eat that way, like they have eaten in months." A high quality dry dog food that is low protein and specially prepared for larger breeds is a good idea. The breed is susceptible to bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), where the stomach expands and turns. The causes of bloat are not fully understood, but experts believe that preventing vigorous exercise around multiple, small meals and meals per day may reduce the likelihood of this happening.
Ethical peer breeders have excelled in their commitment to health issues. The Great Pyrenees Club of America has insisted on testing all dogs for a variety of conditions that can affect the breed, including elbow and hip dysplasia, eye disorders, lezating patellas, and neurological and immune-mediated disorders. Are included. Some cancers breed, as well as bloat, a life-threatening condition where the abdomen suddenly spreads and sometimes twists. All Pir owners should educate themselves to know the signs of bloat and what it should do.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: