The Great Pyrenees Dog

The great pyrenees dog breed history lies in the fact that they were originally bred to protect sheep, goats and livestock. And, to this day, this is still the great pyrenees main charge in life. Their duties require an independent nature yet also a dedicated loyalty. They need to be fierce, aggressive fighters against predators, but gentle with small defenseless animals.

A Great Pyrenees Picture of a Working Ranch Dog

It is this contradictory mix of innate characteristics that make the great pyrenees such an incredible dog breed. However, it is also this mix that makes them unsuitable pets in some environments. The great pyrenees protective nature and love of children makes them wonderful family protectors, however, their independent nature usually rules out any true "obedience training". Let's just say they are not known for their desire to come when called or to follow orders in general. They love human companionship but are most happy when allowed to "work" outside by guarding playing children, livestock or even little dogs. Great Pyrenees don't mind being "alone" in the presence of livestock but they hate to be all alone with nothing to watch over. The great pyrenees does well in the presence of smaller pets but can sometimes have trouble getting along with pets of the same size or larger. As with any large breed, the great pyrenees can have trouble with hip dysplasia or other giant dog breed ailments, so you'll want to be careful where you get them from. However, all in all, under the right circumstances, the great pyrenees can be a highly valued, wonderful, loyal family pet.

The great pryenees, also known as the pyrenean mountain dog, has many wonderful character- istics and a rich working heritage that can be traced back to 1000 BC. It is believed they origionally came from Siberia or Central Asia where they were brought to Europe during the Aryan migration. The great pyrenees was used widely in Europe to protect sheep herds and homes. In the 1700's the great pyrenees regal nature and majestic appearance made it quite popular with french nobility. The great pyrenees heritage also shows a relation to the hungarian kuvasz, st. bernard and newfoundland. It is believed the great pyrenees made their first appearance in the United States when they were brought over by General Lafayette as a gift to a friend.