pyrenean information
Pyreneans are large dogs.A male stands at an average of 27 to 32 inches at the top of shoulder and weighs roughly 100 to 125 pounds. Females are smaller . As far back in time as the pyrenean can be traced, the same characteristics have always been valued in the breed. The dog had to be large enough and strong enough to handle predators of all sizes and degrees of aggressiveness. He had to be protective and calm in order to coexist with the flocks he attended. These characteristics typify the breed and remain paramount in the minds of today's Pyrenean breeders .
General appearance Pyreneans convey the distinct impression of elegance and unsurpassed beauty combined with great overall size and majesty. They are white or can have markings of badger,gray, or varying shades of tan. They possess a keen intelligence and a kindly, while regal, expression. Exhibiting a unique elegance of bearing and movement, their soundness and coordination show unmistakably the purpose for which they have been bred, the strenuous work of guarding the flocks in all kinds of weather on the steep mountain slopes of the Pyrenees Pyreneans are extremely affectionate, the love they give their families matches their great size. They can be extremely stubborn, and this can put people off, but with proper training the rewards are immense.They also love to bark, sometimes it seems at nothing! They grow very quickly - a pup that's taken to it's new home at 8 wks old, can grow at a rate of an inch per week.They also take longer to mature - a full grown pyrenean at 2 years old can still behave like that small puppy. Some bad habits; As mentioned - barking , also digging- not necessarily digging to escape, but more possibly a bed or pit to lie in to sleep. Historically,when out with livestock they dug holes for their beds. They have done this for centuries. Running off- Some pyrs can go [deaf] when off the lead. It is said that they do this just to check out the territory and will return in a few hours. Training early can help with this - although no guarantees !