Known in America as the Great Pyrenees and in France as Le Grand
Chien de Montagnes des Pyrenees invariably inspires any number of
superlative comments. The majestic beauty, dignity, regal bearing
and aura of self-confidence which are characteristic of the breed
make a lasting impression on the viewer. However, only after one
has come to know the Pyrenean Mountain Dog and its unique history
does it become apparent that the breed's true and greatest value is
not beauty, but the admirable and unique character of the
dog.
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a native of the Pyrenees Mountains
between France and Spain. The breed's association with man dates
back many centuries, with the physical and mental characteristics
of the Pyrenean Mountain Dog remaining virtually unchanged down
through the years. Just as it did in the 16th century, so today the
Pyrenean Mountain Dog guards the sheep high on the mountain
slopes.These dogs were also used to smuggle contraband over the
border between France and Spain as their sure-footedness enabled
them to use passes that were impossible for humans, thereby
avoiding detection by custom officials. Early in the 20th century,
however, the breed was scarce and Bernard Senac-Langrange and M
Dretzen can both be credited for saving the breed. To this day, the
breed works in France guarding their flocks of sheep and herds of
cattle from bears, wolves and other stock thieves.
In the 17th century, Louis XIV made the strikingly beautiful
Mountain Dog the official dog of the French Court. Certainly it
takes very little
imagination to look at a Pyrenean Mountain Dog in your home and
envision it patrolling the pre-Revolutionary chateaux of France and
consorting with the lords and ladies of the Court. That the
Pyrenean Mountain Dog has always appealed to royalty is illustrated
by the fact that both Queen Marie Antoinette and Queen Victoria
favoured and owned them.
In 1662, dogs were carried to Newfoundland by Basque fishermen
as companions and guardians of the new Settlement. Here it was they
became mated with the black curly coated retriever, favorite of the
English settlers. This cross resulted in the formation of the
Landseer (black and white) Newfoundland. In 1824, General
Lafayette introduced the first pair to America by bringing over two
males to his friend, J.S. Skinner, author of "The Dog and the
Sportsman".
In 1850,
Britain's Queen Victoria owned a Pyrenean Mountain Dog, and in
1885-86, the first Pyrenean Mountain Dogs were registered with the
Kennel Club in London and
shown at the Crystal Palace.
He is a substantial, impressive-looking dog, hardy and healthy.
Once used as a guard dog, protecting flocks against wolves, he has
a very gentle side to his
nature and is affectionate and tolerant with children, making him a
popular house pet. One of the largest breeds, he does not reach
full maturity until he
is three or four years old.
His thick, double coat needs grooming thoroughly at least once a
week. He is not tremendously active; a short walk in town, or a
long ramble in the country
will suit him equally well.
