1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)
Owner, Exhibitor and Breeder for 15 years
2. Where and why was the breed first developed?
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog's ancestry can be traced back to the Bronze Age, around 1800 -100 BC. This makes it one of the oldest of all dog breeds. The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is thought to be a direct descendant of the Tibetan Mastiff brought to the Pyrenees Mountains (located between France and Spain) by nomadic Asian tribesmen. They come from a group of dogs called Molossers - breeds of heavy build and steady temperament and are therefore also related to several other large white European Livestock guardian dogs, including the Italian Maremma Sheepdog, and the Hungarian Kuvasz. Pyreneans tend to be more substantial in overall size than the latter breeds: Pictured at the bottom of this post are some wonderful examples of the breed. From Left to Right, the dog in the first two photos is the only Pyr in the history of the breed to win the Working Group at the prestigous Westminster Dog Show, the 3rd is the top-winning Pyrenean of All-time in Canada, and (Right) the top-winning Pyrenean in the History of the breed worldwide* (*Best in Show wins)
For centuries, the Pyrenean was bred by and worked in the Pyrenees Mountains for Basque shepherds - protecting their flocks from large predators such as wolves and bears. Because of its ancestry the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is classed as a 'flock-guard breed', as opposed to a 'flock-herding breed', and this difference is quite an important element in their personality even today
3. How common is it in Australia?
They are relatively uncommon in Australia. Today, there are only a handful of people breeding these wonderful dogs. A few of the long-time breeders with a great deal of knowledge have sadly retired.
4. What is the average lifespan?
As a breed, Pyrenean Mountain Dogs are remarkably healthy and long-lived. They have few major genetic problems and our dogs easily live to be 10 -12 years old.
5. What is the general temperament/personality?
Pyreneans are livestock guardians and were bred to be left alone with the sheep in the mountain valleys of the Pyrenees. They are a guard dog by instinct, not by training. Unlike many breeds that have been trained to take commands from people, Pyreneans prefer to work independently. As a result of this, Pyreneans have a mind of their own and are not easily obedience trained. So if you require a dog that will instantly follow your commands, run off-leash, and compete as an obedience dog, this breed is probably not for you. In saying this, we have had numerous Pyreneans advance through several levels of obedience so their independence should not be confused with their intelligence.
While trustworthy, gentle and well mannered, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog can be a protective guardian of their family and their territory when the need arises. Thus, they command respect as a guard dog and admiration as a pet. They will generally accept anyone you invite into your home, but can be intimidating to a surprise visitor. Pyreneans are guard dogs, not 'attack' dogs, but it is important to monitor a young Pyrenean's guarding instincts to ensure they are exercised in an appropriate way.
As adults, Pyreneans are calm and composed in the house, enjoying quiet periods in which to rest and sleep. But they are a large breed and are not always suited to life in an urban setting with a small backyard.
Like all livestock guardian breeds, Pyreneans can be barkers. The amount of barking varies amongst individual dogs, but the instinct is there, and in some highly built-up urban settings, this can cause problems if not addressed quickly.
6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?
Historically, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog was bred for livestock guarding on the steep mountain slopes of the Pyrenees Mountains. The nature of this role was that they required only short bursts of speed and agility with long periods of just resting and guarding flocks of sheep.
Their modern lifestyle has afforded them a luxurious amount of sleep, with just few hours allocated for play and property patrol.
Average daily exercise regimen (Adult dogs): 15-30 min walk each day (or two)
7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?
Pyrenean Mountain Dogs were bred to be independent and have a strong and positive character, and while they are placid and good-natured, they require early training as well as consistent handling to ensure they understand they are not 'pack leader' within the family structure.
8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?
On-going communication with our puppy buyers tells us that young dogs with a canine companion tend to be less bored and destructive. However a dog that is adequately exercised and socialised is usually happy to be on his or her own. Similarly, Pyreneans guarding livestock are generally well occupied and are happy to be by themselves for long periods during the day. But we all appreciate a friend in our lives! :D
9. How much grooming is required?
A correct coat consists of a thick, coarse outer coat combined with a fine-knit undercoat. Dogs with long swishy coats are incorrect, as they will matt easily and are not conducive to a working dog's lifestyle.
Pyreneans, like most breeds, generally moult every 6-12 months. Their coats require a brush once every week (or two), in addition to a bath, a pedicure* and thorough groom every 3-6 months. (*Particularly the single dewclaws on the fore feet, an double-dewclaws on the hind feet)
10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?
Pyreneans are particularly good with small children and other animals and have been lovingly branded 'Gentle Giants'. We have a number of families with small children or wheelchair-bound family members who own Pyrenean Mountain Dogs. Our dogs also feature at various community functions for the Ronald McDonald Children's Cancer House and also have made regular visits to nursing homes as pet therapy dogs. Adults tend to be less boisterous, so if this is of particular concern, a re-homed Adult dog may be worthwhile considering.
11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?
They are quite low-risk when it comes to hip and elbow dysplasia - unlike many other giant breeds. On the American Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals website http://www.offa.org/, Pyrenean Mountain Dogs (or Great Pyrenees as they are called in the US) are ranked:
#97 out of 153 breeds for hip dysplasia (2nd lowest for giant breed dogs)
#80 out of 95 breeds for elbow dysplasia (lowest for giant breed dogs)
#75 out of 87 breeds for patella luxation (3rd lowest for giant breed dogs)
#47 out of 81 for thyroid problems (3rd lowest for giant breed dogs)
Historically, the most common issue within the breed in my opinion has been hypothyroidism, and issues with the patellas (which can also have a flow-on effect for the hip capsule so this can lead to some secondary hip dysplasia). Thyroid levels are easily assessed via a blood test, and a trained veterinarian can assess patellas. No breeder can ever tell you that a puppy will be free from any hereditary disorder. The fact is that although hip / elbow scoring can assist in a breeding program, 2 dysplasia-free dogs can still produce a puppy with dysplasia. So while you may ask for hip scoring results from the puppy's parents, this will never guarantee you a healthy animal.
We always tell puppy buyers that the most important thing they can do to minimise joint issues in their growing pups is to prohibit them from jumping from high steps or playing on slippery surfaces. Additionally, a giant breed dog that is overweight at any point during its life puts them at risk of osteoarthritis later in life.
12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (Eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)
It is best to try to buy locally from a registered breeder who is also affiliated with a recognized breed club and the state canine authority. This will assist to distinguish between reputable dog breeders, and those that are not.
Reputable breeders are usually candid about their breeding program - in particular, common health problems and general issues regarding the breed. Ask the breeder what types of problems they have encountered in their breeding program. You should also ask the breeder what type of after-sale service they offer. Ideally, you want to buy a puppy from a breeder who is willing to share their advice freely for the life of your dog. You may like to ask the breeder what kind of health guarantees they offer should a hereditary disease present itself after the dog has been sold.
A good quality dog is worth the time required to research and evaluate both the breed and the breeders you are considering. Take time out to visit a local dog show - this can be a great way to see a variety of breeds, meet a breeder or two, and examine the overall health, soundness and temperament of their dogs.
You will find that most reputable breeders will require that you reserve puppies in advance since their animals are in high demand.
