Pyrenean Mountain Dog: History And Characteristics
The breed of dog we are talking about today is one of those that impresses just by looking at it. The Pyrenean Mountain Dog surprises with its size and protective personality as well as its strong protective instinct.
If properly trained, they can make an excellent pet. You can find out more about him here.
Brief history of the Pyrenean Mountain Dog
Its origins go back a long way as fossil remains have been found that date back to before the Bronze Age. The shepherds of the Pyrenees region have used these dogs as shepherds for several centuries. But it wasn’t until the Middle Ages that the Pyrenean mountain dog began to make a name for itself.
French castles and grazing lands have been guarded by this breed of dog for hundreds of years. It was the French King Louis XIV who undoubtedly brought this breed to the top by making him the royal dog of the French court.
This also increased the demand for this dog breed in other countries and so it spread further. However, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is not only used as a shepherd dog.
Nowadays they are highly valued as companion dogs. They are especially popular in countries like Australia or the United States.
Pyrenean Mountain Dog: General Characteristics
It is a dog from the Molossian group. This means that its size and muscles stand out above everything else, although the Patou, as it is also called, has a slightly more stylized line than other Molossians.
Its size is usually around 70 centimeters for the males and 60 centimeters for the females. The weight varies between 50 and 60 kilograms for the males and 40 to 50 kilograms for the females.
This, along with his size, makes him one of the largest breeds out there today. Its strong and compact legs are perfect for moving in mountainous or steep terrain.
Also noticeable is its thick fur, which can be long and curly in certain parts of the body, such as on the tail or neck. Its thick top coat is whitish, although completely white Pyrenees mountain dogs are very rare. Most of the time, the fur is slightly yellowish, brownish, or greyish in some areas.
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog and its temperament
The character of a shepherd and guard dog makes the Pyrenean mountain dog a loyal and protective dog. He doesn’t hesitate to protect his family members so it is normal for him to bark when strangers show up.
Another distinctive feature of this breed is its independence, acquired over the centuries as the lone keeper of the herds.
This independence, along with his reputation for stubbornness and dominance, can become an educational problem. It is best to raise him from an early age and also to do it consistently and consistently.
If this doesn’t happen, the dog can do more than just give you a headache growing up. If all goes well, we will be in the company of an affectionate and calm dog who is very affectionate with the little ones in the house.
General care
As for health, the Pyrenean mountain dog is not an animal that needs special care. Perhaps most importantly, regular brushing is required due to the large amount of fur and the frequency with which it changes fur.
It is not a particularly active dog, but from time to time it should be given a good walk and allowed to run free.
You have to keep in mind that this is a large dog and typically does not like enclosed spaces. This makes this breed ideal if you live in a rural or fairly open area.
