Great Pyrenees Dog Breed | Great Pyrenees Facts
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Great Pyrenees - Dog Breed
The Breed History
Originally from Siberia or Central Asia, it is thought that this breed entered Europe at least 1000 years BC. The ancient Asiatic mastiff-type is believed to be the primary ancestor. Common lineage may trace to Kuvasz, Kuvac, or Turkish Karabash dogs. As an aside, it is reported that this breed, and/or the Pyrenean Mastiff, when crossed with black English Retrievers may have given rise to the Newfoundland breed. The first formal breed standard was drawn up in 1927. Great Pyrenees were first registered with AKC in 1933. The Pyrenean Mastiff is a much larger breed, though it likely arose from similar ancestors. At one point, the Great Pyrenean dog was close to extinction. They are named after the mountain range in which much of the breed development took place.
Breeding for Function
Originally used for shepherding, the dog also functioned as a guard dog for the nobility. As a shepherd's dog, it was fitted with a spiked collar, and its bravery and long haircoat helped to protect it when it fended off wolves and bears. For the shepherding families, this dog would also serve as a watchdog and a draft dog. During WWI, this breed was put to work as a pack dog. Today, the Great Pyrenees generally functions as a companion breed.
Physical Characteristics
Height at Withers: female 25-29" (63.5-73.5 cm), male 27-32" (68.5-81.5 cm).
Weight: female 85 lb (38.5 kg), male 100 lb (45.5 kg).
Coat: They possess a very thick, full coat of white or almost white color though markings of gray, tan or badger are allowed (up to one third of body). The double coat consists of a fine wooly undercoat and a hard, long, flat and very dense outer coat that is slightly wavy. The ruff is more pronounced in males. Feathers are found on the back of the thighs and front legs. Has moderate grooming needs consisting of a thorough brush twice weekly (hair tends to resist tangling and shed dirt). High shedding occurs during the coat change spring and fall.
Longevity: 10-11 years
Points of Conformation: In general body type, it is said that they are built like a brown bear. They are large but still agile, and their gait is powerful, smooth and covers lots of ground. Their muscling and bone is medium in substance. The skull is wedge-shaped, and almond-shaped eyes are medium in size and pigmented dark brown. Palpebral margins are darkly pigmented. Ears are V-shaped with rounded tips, and small-to-medium sized, set at eye level and rest close to the head. They have a slightly tapering muzzle, no stop, and the nose and lips are pigmented black. The Great Pyrenees has a minimal dewlap, a strong medium length neck, topline is level, thorax is deep and broad, and ribs well sprung. Some abdominal tuck up is present. The bones of the tail reach the tarsus, the heavily plumed tapering tail is carried both over the back and low. Legs are straight boned; the single dewclaw (front) and double dewclaw behind are not removed. Round feet are large and pads are thick.
Recognized Behavior Issues and Traits
Reported breed traits include: Devoted, intelligent, guarding family and home as they would a sheep flock; quite territorial. Loyal and fearless, they are sometimes independent, even strong willed, but known to be gentle and patient with human family members. Need to begin socialization and obedience training early. Slow to mature. Needs open space, has moderate exercise needs but tends to be quiet around the home. Need to keep in a fenced enclosure if off leash. High barking tendency exists in some dogs.
Normal Physiologic Variations
Double hind limb dewclaws are always present. The breed is homozygous for this autosomal dominant condition.
In a UK study, 28.9% of Great Pyrenees litters were born via Cesarean section.
Drug Sensitivities
None reported
Inherited Diseases
Hip Dysplasia: Polygenically inherited trait causing degenerative joint disease and hip arthritis. OFA reports 9.2% affected.
Multifocal Retinopathy/Retinal Dysplasia: Autosomal recessive retinal pigment epithelial dysplasia causing localized multifocal retinal detachments. Age of onset from 11 to 13 weeks of age. Identified in 3.22% of Great Pyrenees CERF examined by veterinary ophthalmologists between 2000-2005. CERF does not recommend breeding any Great Pyrenees with retinal dysplasia. A genetic test is available.