Detail information about the Great Pyrenees dog :-
The Pyrenean
Mountain Dog, known as the Great Pyrenees in North America, is a large breed of
dog used as a livestock guardian dog. It should not be confused with the
Pyrenean Mastiff.The Great
Pyrenees is a very old breed that has been used for hundreds of years by
shepherds, including those of the Basque people, who inhabit parts of the
region in and around the Pyrenees Mountains of southern France and northern
Spain. One of the first descriptions of the breed dates from 1407, and from
1675 the breed was a favorite of The Grand Dauphin and other members of the
French aristocracy. By the early nineteenth century there was a thriving market
for the dogs in mountain towns, from where they would be taken to other parts
of France. It was developed to be agile in order to guard sheep on steep,
mountainous slopes.
Males grow to
115–130 pounds (52–59 kg) and 29–39 inches (74–99 cm), while females reach
90–110 pounds (41–50 kg) and 27–33 inches (69–84 cm). On average, their
lifespan is 10 to 11 years. The weather resistant double coat consists of a
long, flat, thick, outer coat of coarse hair, straight or slightly undulating,
and lying over a dense, fine, woolly undercoat. The coat is more profuse about
the neck and shoulders where it forms a ruff or mane, which is more pronounced
in males so that it may fend off wolf attacks. The longer hair on the tail
forms a plume. There is also feathering along the back of the front legs and
along the back of the thighs, giving a "pantaloon" effect. The hair
on the face and ears is both shorter and of finer texture.
The main coat
color is white and can have varying shades of gray, red (rust), or tan around
the face (including a full face mask), ears and sometimes on the body and tail.
As Great Pyrenees mature, their coats grow thicker and the longer colored hair
of the coat often fades. Sometimes a little light tan or lemon will appear
later in life around the ears and face. Being a double-coated breed, the
undercoat can also have color and the skin as well. The color of the nose and
on the eye rims should be jet black. Grey or tan markings that remain lend the
French name, "blaireau", (badger) which is a similar grizzled mixture
color seen in the European badger. More recently, any color is correctly termed
"Badger" or "Blaireau".One singular characteristic of the
Great Pyrenees is the unique double dew claws on each hind leg.
In nature, the
Great Pyrenees is confident, gentle (especially with children), and
affectionate. While territorial and protective of its flock or family when
necessary, its general demeanor is of composure and patience and loyalty. It is
a strong willed, independent and reserved breed. It is also attentive, quite
fearless and loyal to its duties. The Great Pyrenees' size makes it an imposing
guardian. A dog of this breed will patrol its perimeter and may wander away if
left off its leash in an unenclosed space. The Great Pyrenees protects its
flock by barking, and being nocturnal, tends to bark at night unless trained
against such behavior.
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