The Pyrenean Mountain Dog, also called Chien de Montagne Des Pyrénées in French, is a French dog that already served as a companion dog in the seventeenth century. This dog has a long history, because not only that, but he was also already used during the Middle Ages in the Pyrenees as a guard. This makes the Pyrenean Mountain Dog a protective dog and that is not surprising. This dog used to have a large and important task! Are you curious about this dog? Perhaps you are considering adding this sweet giant to your family? If you want to feel safe, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a very good option. We are happy to tell you more!
The history: the Pyrenean Mountain Dog as a guardian
The history of the Pyrenean Mountain Dog goes back a long time, namely to the Middle Ages. This dog was then used as a guardian of castles. Already in 1897, a detailed description of this breed appeared in the book by Count de Bylandt, then the Pyrenean Mountain Dog was already kept as a pet. The current description of the breed standard shows many similarities with the standard as it was already developed in 1923.
The character: watchful, affectionate and sweet, but also independent
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog has a watchful nature. He is used to protect, including against attacks from predators. This dog therefore has an affectionate nature, he attaches himself especially to you as his owner. He protects you after all! However, the tendency to independence exists, where you must respond well as an owner. This dog used to have a large area at his disposal to protect. It is not surprising that he shows independent traits. The sweet, protective nature makes this dog a great companion. You will feel absolutely safe if you have a Pyrenean Mountain Dog in your home!
The appearance of the Pyrenean Mountain Dog
As you can imagine, as a protector of castles, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog was no small dog. How else could he work as a guardian of castles? This dog is of large size and is strongly built, but at the same time elegant. Males typically grow to a height of 70 to 80 cm, while females remain slightly smaller, at 65 to 75 cm. The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is not much taller than it is long, despite its size. An adult male usually weighs 50 kg and an adult female 40 kg.
The coat is quite long and supple. On the shoulders and back of the dog you will encounter some frizz. The undercoat of this breed is thick. A Pyrenean Mountain Dog comes in the following colors: white or white with grey spots. But you can also find them with orange or light yellow spots. These spots are often seen on the head, ears, tail and sometimes in other places. The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is intelligent, and you can see that in the expression of the eyes. Furthermore, these are almond shaped and rather small.
The care is average
If you choose this breed you can take into account an average care. Regular brushing is important because the coat consists of double layers. We recommend a weekly combing. In this way you can also keep a close eye on whether you see any abnormalities.
Once a year the moulting period takes place, then you will need to brush a little more. Try to do a daily brushing round then. During the moulting period this dog also loses the undercoat. It is important to remove the lower hairs during this period. Because the upper coat does not felt, the care is quite simple. You do not have to do this dog in bath, unless he has made himself very dirty. In that case a bath is never wrong! The life expectancy of the Pyrenean Mountain dog is 10 – 12 years.
What diseases can the Pyrenean Mountain Dog get?
There are no known specific diseases that the Pyrenean Mountain Dog can get in particular, or in other words, no breed-specific diseases have been documented. However, it is always possible for this dog to get sick. For example, there are dogs that can get hip dysplasia, this is a common disease. If this occurs, then the hip joint is abnormally shaped, and the head of the femur no longer fits properly into the socket. The result is that the femur keeps jumping in and out of the hip joint and damage can result.
Did you know?
Did you know that the tail of the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, when alert, goes up to the back and then forms a strong circle? Only the tip then forms the loin. The wheel then becomes Arroundera, this is an expression used in the Pyrenees in the past.
What does a Pyrenean Mountain Dog cost?
For a Pyrenean Mountain Dog, you will pay between $1000 and S2000, with prices ranging up to S2400 or more. It is good to know that when you buy a dog you will have more costs. This does not remain with the one-time purchase costs. Think of the stuff for your dog, but also the food and material for the care. Also take into account any veterinary costs.
Not suitable for the city
Are you considering purchasing a Pyrenean Mountain Dog? Then consider carefully that this dog is not suitable for a city house without a garden. In that case we absolutely advise against taking this breed into your home! As a mountain dog, he is used to nothing more than protecting a large area. It is therefore recommended to keep the dog if you have a garden or live on a farm, for example. He can then guard his territory and will be most at home.
Although the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is used to very much space, he does not need excessive additional exercise. The daily walks are sufficient, preferably long walks of one or two hours. You will notice that your dog is very alert during your walks. You will notice this for example when other dogs pass by, or large groups of people make a lot of noise. Of course, it depends on how the upbringing and especially socialization went, how this dog will react. But once a protector, always a protector. So, the nature of the animal does not change.
Recognition of the Pyrenean Mountain Dog
This breed was recognized in 1923, by the Réunion des Amateurs de Chiens Pyrénées. This happened at the instigation of Mr. Bernard Sénac-Lagrange. The official breed standard was published the same year by the SSC, the Sociéte Centrale Canine.
A protective dog for your family
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog has a long history. First as a guardian and later as a companion dog he will always be protective. Are you looking for a protective, sweet but at the same time independent dog? Then the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a suitable choice for your family. During the Middle Ages this giant was already used as a protector, and he will always keep this characteristic. Do you live in the city? Then reconsider your choice because another breed is probably a better choice. The Pyrenean Mountain Dog likes to be able to guard a large territory, a large garden or meadow he will like. Do you happen to have this dog in your home or are you considering purchasing this breed as well? Let us know, we are curious!
