Pyrenean Mountain Dog
The Great Pyrenees is also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog. Full grown this is a very large animal with a solid muscular body. The long, coarse, outer coat is either straight or slightly wavy, while the fine undercoat is soft and thick. The coat is weather resistant which allows it to live outdoors year round in very harsh climates. Coat colors come in solid white, or white with patches of tan, wolf-gray or pale yellow. It has a black nose and dark brown, almond-shaped eyes with a thoughtful, intelligent, dignified expression.
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog (known in America as the Great Pyrenees and in France as Le Grand Chien de Montagnes des Pyrenees) invariably inspires any number of superlative comments. The majestic beauty, dignity, regal bearing and aura of self-confidence which are characteristic of the breed make a lasting impression on the viewer. However, only after one has come to know the Pyrenean Mountain Dog its unique history does it become apparent that the breed’’s true and greatest value is not beauty, but the admirable and unique character of the dog. The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a native of the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain.
General Appearance:
The Pyrenean should possess great size, substance and power, giving an impression of an immensely strong yet well-balanced dog. These qualities should be accompanied by a certain elegance resulting from a combination of the attractive coat, the correct head and a general air of quiet confidence. It is of the utmost importance that nervousness or unprovoked aggression should be heavily penalised.
Head and Skull
Strong head without coarseness, not too large in relation to size of dog. Skull curved when viewed from front and sides. Breadth at widest point about equal to length from occiput to stop. Head as viewed from above forms a blunt ‘v’ shape, well filled in below the eyes. Sides nearly flat and of good depth. No obvious stop or excessively protruding eyebrow ridges; only a slight furrow, so that skull and muzzle are joined by a gentle slope. Strong muzzle, medium length, slight taper near tip. Nose black.
The Great Pyrenees is a large breed of dog, averaging 25-32″ in height. Its principally white appearance gives it a very unique and graceful appearance and is recognized as one of the most beautiful dog breeds in the world. Properly trained and socialized, they make great pets and protectors of family and flock.The Great Pyrenees is highly intelligent and it possesses a unique independant personality that is unlike any other breed of dog.
