Great Pyrenees: Great Pyrenees are also known as Pyrenean Mountain Dogs. The length of these dogs is slightly longer than their tails. Their heads are wedge-shaped with a slightly rounded crown and are in proportion to the rest of their bodies. Their backs are level. Their muzzles are about the same length as their back skulls. Their skulls are as wide as they are tall with flat cheeks. Their noses and lips are black. Their teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. Their dark brown, medium sized eyes are almond shaped and slanted. Their V-shaped ears are carried low, flat and close to the head, rounded at the tips, set about eye level. Their chests are fairly broad. Their well feathered tails reach their hocks and can be carried low, or up over their backs in a curl when Great Pyrenees are excited. There is sometimes a crook at the end of their tails. Great Pyrenees have single dewclaws on their front legs and double dewclaws on their hind legs. Great Pyrenees have a weather-resistant double coat. Their undercoats are dense, fine and wooly, and their outer coats are long, thick, coarse and flat. There is a mane around their shoulders and necks which are more apparent in male Great Pyrenees. There is feathering on their tails and along the back of the legs. Their coats are either solid white or white with patches of tan, gray, reddish-brown or pale yellow.

Great Pyrenees are capable and imposing guardians, devoted to their families, and somewhat wary of strangers - human or canine. They are often used to guard livestock. When not provoked, they are calm, well-mannered, and somewhat serious. Courageous, very loyal and obedient, Great Pyrenees are gentle and affectionate with those they love. Devoted to family even if self-sacrifice is required, Great Pyrenees are very gentle with their families and children. Great Pyrenees have an independent nature, so be patient when training your Great Pyrenees. Great Pyrenees are good with non-canine animals, and usually love cats. Great Pyrenees grow upwards until two years of age and fill out from two to four years of age. They don't reach maturity until they are about 4 years old. Some are not good off the leash and may wander away.

Great Pyrenees originated in Central Asia or Siberia. The breed was descended from the Hungarian Kuvasz and the Maremmano-Abruzzese. Great Pyrenees are also relatives of St. Bernards, contributing to their development. They have a long history as guard dogs of sheep. Great Pyrenees remained in the high mountain regions until the Middle ages, when the breed gradually gained popularity with the French nobility as guard dogs. By the late 17th century, every French noble wanted to own one. Armed with a spiky collar and thick coat, the Great Pyrenees protected vulnerable flocks from such predators as wolves and bears. The Great Pyrenees has proven to be a very versatile breed working as avalanche rescue dogs, as sled dogs, as pack dogs on ski trips, as flock guardiasn, dogs of war, and as companions and defenders of family and property. The AKC officially recognized the Great Pyrenees in 1933.

The Great Pyrenees Size:
Height: 27-32 inches
Female: 100-130 lbs