Great Pyrenees    Questions About Great Pyrenees? Click Here for the Kennel.com Forum! Description: Great Pyrenees are large, elegant dogs with a thick, primarily white coat. It is believed this breed's ancestors originated in Asia or Siberia and then migrated to Europe. Fossil deposits of similar dogs are dated to be from thousands of years ago. The breed takes its name from the Pyrenees Mountains in southwestern France where they were used as guardians of the flocks. During the 17th century, the Great Pyrenees was recognized by the court of Louis XIV and named the Royal Dog of France. Not only was this breed desired by farmers and shepherds, but now by nobility as well. The first Great Pyrenees dogs were imported to the United States in 1824 by General Lafayette, however, since this was at the time the breed was no longer fancied by aristocracy, there was no demand and once again, these dogs were mainly isolated in the Pyrenees mountain region. Interest sparked again in the 1930s and more dogs were imported to the US by Mr. & Mrs. Francis V. Crane who were both deeply devoted to this loyal and protective breed. The Great Pyrenees breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in February of 1933. Height: The height for a Great Pyrenees dog is 27–32 inches (69–81cm) and for females: 25–29 inches (64–74cm). Weight: The weight for a Great Pyrenees dog is approximately 100 pounds (45kg) and for females, approximately 85 pounds (38 kg). Coat Type: The Great Pyrenees has a double coat which is weather resistant. The outer coat is coarse and the under coat is soft and wooly. Regular, weekly brushing is necessary to keep the long coat in good condition and bathe only when necessary. The coat does not tangle or mat. Typically, this the Great Pyrenees sheds once a year, but some may seem to shed more often. Color: The color of the Great Pyrenees' coat is primarily white with gray, badger, reddish brown (or varying shades) markings. Temperament: Great Pyrenees are calm natured, very intelligent and deeply devoted to his family. These territorial, fearless and protective dogs make a good guardian. Great Pyrenees are gentle, affectionate, independent and wary of strangers. Great Pyrenees can quickly become bored with repetitive training - they respond best to praise rather than harshness. They like to roam, therefore best to be kept in a fenced in area or on a lease during outdoor activities. Great Pyrenees bark a lot, especially during the evening. This breed does not fully matured until about two years old. Health Problems: Great Pyrenees are susceptible to hip dysplasia, also bloating. This breed is often allergic to the cheaper, commercial dog foods which over time may cause breathing and skin problems. Because of the Great Pyrenees' thick coat, he can become very sensitive to the heat during the warmer months. The average life span of the Great Pyrenees is between 10 - 12 years. Special Interest: • It is believed the Great Pyrenees is related to the Newfoundland breed. • The Great Pyrenees breed was adopted as the Royal Dog of France in 1675 by the Dauphin in the court of King Louis XIV making these dogs popular with nobility. Great Pyrenees was recognized by the American Kennel Club in February of 1933. •The Great Pyrenees breed is known as Pyrenean Mountain Dog in Europe and in their native France - Le Chien de Montagne des Pyrenees (big dog of the mountains) or Le Chien des Pyrenees (the dog of the Pyrenees). Classifications: AKC: Working Group ANKC:Group 6 - Utility CKC: Group 3- Working FCI: Group 2 Section 2 Molossoid breeds KC: Pastoral NZKC Utility UKC: Guardian Dogs