Great Pyrenees

Developed on the French side of the Pyrenees Mountains, the Pyr guarded sheep against wolves and bears. His calm, royal bearing, and fierce courage won him a spot in court in medieval France as a guardian of palaces and nobility. He also served as a pack dog during World War I and today he still guards French chateaus.

The Pyr made his way to Newfoundland in the mid-17th Century and with a black retriever brought from England, provided foundation stock for the Newfoundland dog.

In the US, the Great Pyrenees is 44th among the 145 AKC-registered breeds with 4709 individuals and 1727 litters in 1997 — between the Cairn Terrier and the Scottish Terrier. Male Pyrs range from 27-32 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 125 pounds. Females are a bit smaller but are still giant-sized dogs. The breed is always white but may have tan or badger gray markings, especially on the head.

A white ball of fluff as a puppy, the Pyr quickly becomes a big dog. Fortunately, he is gentle and affectionate to the family and low-key in the house. Unfortunately, his independence and strong-minded personality do not take well to obedience training, so he is completely unsuitable for a timid owner.

Our Great Pyrenees – Zeus