Pyrenean Mountain Dogs

These dogs take their name from the mountain range in southwestern Europe where they long have been used as guardians of the flocks. In the United States they are called Great Pyrenees. In the United Kingdom and on the continent of Europe, they are known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog. In their native France, they are Le Chien de Montague des Pyrenees or Le Chien des Pyrenees. These dogs are sometimes also referred to as 'pastou'(pronounced patou) meaning shepherd in old French. Whatever the name, it is the beautiful white dog with a "certain elegance" which for centuries has been the working associate of peasant shepherds high on the mountain slopes; the dog "discovered" by French nobility in the seventeenth century and elevated to the status of court dog of France. As a race the Pyrenean dog dates back far into antiquity, where its fossil remains are found in deposits of the Bronze Age, 1800-1000 B.C.

In 1675, they were adopted as the Royal Dog of France by the Dauphin, Louis XIV, and subsequently became much sought after by nobility. Having a precocious sense of smell and exceptionally keen eyesight, each dog was counted equal to two men, be it as guard of the chateau, as invaluable companion of shepherds or as useful pack and message carrying animal across the mountains. As a protector of the family, no breed could be more devoted, sensible and wise. Tidy and fastidious by nature and despite their size, are ideally suited to life as a family pet. Today, Great Pyrenees Mountain Dogs are protective companions, show obedience dogs, livestock guardians and goodwill ambassadors doing therapy work in hospitals and seniors homes. All in all, these dogs are intelligent, noble and most of all a great family friend. They are gentle and kind by nature, in particular around kinds and even babies.