The Pyrenean Mountain Dog, known as the Great Pyrenees in the United States, is a large, majestic breed of dog that was used traditionally for protecting livestock (especially sheep) in pasture.

It is a very old breed, and has been used for millennia by the Basque people, who inhabit parts of the region in and around the Pyrenees Mountains of southern France. More recently, it served as the official dog of the royal French court (whose prominence began circa the Middle Ages, and lasted until the middle of the nineteenth century). During World War II the dogs were used to haul artillery over the Pyrenean Mountain range to and from Spain and France.

Males weigh in at about 100-130 pounds (45-59 kilograms), while females are approximately 85-115 pounds (39-52 kilograms). Their fur is often white with shades of grey or tan around the face, ears and sometimes on the body; these dogs are called "blaireau". Only one in four will have a pure white coat.

The Great Pyrenees is readily identifiable by a double dewclaw on each of its hind legs. These are considered breed standard, more than two dewclaws is not a fault just undesirable and should not be removed by veterinarians.

Temperament

Loyal and protective of its territory, the Great Pyrenees makes for a great family dog. However, there are several reasons owning a dog of this breed may be inconducive, including the following:

• A fenced yard is a must with this breed. Unfenced, they will roam. A typical area for a Pyr to consider his domain is anywhere from 5 to 15 square miles.

• Owners can expect copious amounts of white fur — down hair and coat — in their homes and on their dark clothing. Seasonal "blowing of coat" - in which the Pyr sheds vast amount of undercoat - occur at least twice a year. Weekly grooming is a must to avoid mats, and nails - particularly the dewclaws - must be regularly trimmed. Actual bathing is seldom needed because the undercoat sheds out when dirty so all that is needed is a quick weekly brushing.

• Neighbours may be annoyed and complain about the deep, booming bark — if the dog is left outside continuously or left inside without a companion too long. These dogs also have a tendency to bark when they sense a predator nearby. A predator to a Pyr. can range from another dog to coyotes, bears, foxes, weasels, mountain lions, etc.

• They cannot be trusted off-leash, as their guardian dog nature will cause them to investigate anything and everything they find interesting, and to not trust their owners to make the final decisions. Great Pyrenees were bred to guard without instruction from humans and will decide for you what is in your best interest.

• A mature Great Pyrenees may be somewhat standoffish and wary of strangers. They are extremely protective of their family members - human or animal - and will never trust or like anyone who they think is a potential danger or threat to their family. Some will show discomfort by pushing against the stranger, or by nudging the owner. That said, they do warm up to friendly and kind people, especially children and women, fairly quickly.

• Interested owners should be wary of comparing the temperament of Golden Retrievers with this breed of dog. Prospective owners are advised to familiarize themselves with characteristics of Livestock guardian dogs (LGD) — which are known for their independent nature. While the Pyr will defend its owner to the death, it will see no reason to slavishly obey commands. They can be trained, but they will quickly become bored with repetition of commands. They do respond well to positive reinforcement.

• Best suited for those living on property with a large yard, as it enjoys walks and attention — especially from children and other animals.

• Obedience training and socialization at a young age are a must, as this breed grows large and strong very quickly and is best suited for someone capable of handling a large dog. Bad habits, such as jumping, pulling on lead and table surfing should be nipped in the bud - any bad puppy habits will be ten times worse when the dog weighs 100 pounds!

• Pyrs readily take to crate training, which should be started during puppyhood, but if they will be mostly outside it is unnecessary.

• The Pyr is an excellent guardian — large enough to be a deterrent to smaller predators, such as coyotes and foxes, and a match for larger wildlife, such as cougars and bears, in fact a single male pyr is supposed to be able to hold off a bear long enough to allow a shepherd to move the herd away.

Miscellaneous

• In the U.S., this breed is known as Great Pyrenees. In the UK, they are called Pyrenean Mountain Dogs.

• They are related to several other large white European Livestock guardian dogs (LGD), including the Italian Maremma Sheepdog, Kuvasz (Hungary), Anatolian Shepherd (Turkey) and Polish Tatra or Polski Owczarek Podhalański, among others.

• In the anime/manga Azumanga Daioh, Tadakichi-san (Mr. Tadakichi) is a Great Pyrenees.

• In the anime/manga Full Metal Alchemist, Shou and Nina Tucker's dog Alexander is most likely a Great Pyrenees.

• In the novel, Belle et Sébastien, Belle is a Great Pyrenees.

• The 2004 film Finding Neverland used a Great Pyrenees to represent J.M. Barrie's Landseer Newfoundland.

• The Spanish designer Javier Mariscal was inspired by this dog breed for the design of the 1992 Summer Olympics mascot "Cobi".