Page 28 - Great Pyreneese
P. 28
It is very plausible that these large white dogs arrived in the Pyrenees Mountains with their shepherds about 3000 BC. There they encountered the indigenous people of the area, one of whom were the Basques, descendants of Cro-Magnon Man.
In the isolation of the Pyrenees Mountains over these millenniums, the breed developed the characteristics that make it unique to the group of flock guardian dogs in general and the primarily white members of the group.
By the late 1800s and early 1900s, the state of the breed had deteriorated because there were very few natural predators left in the mountains and the practices of many unscrupulous breeders selling to native tourists through the region. In 1907 Monsieur Dretzen from Paris, along with Count de Bylandt of Holland and Mon- sieur Byasson of Argeles-Gazost, formed the Club du Chien des Pyrenees (CCP), also known as the Argeles Club in Argeles- Gazost. Together, they combed the moun- tains for a group of “faultlessly typical” specimens. Monsieur Dretzen took these dogs back to his kennel in Paris.
Also in 1907, the Pastoure Club at Lourdes, Hautes Pyrenees, France,
breed to its former glory. They joined together the remnants of the two former clubs and formed the Reunion des Amateurs de Chiens Pyreneans, a club that still exists today. It was this club that was responsible for the breed standard being published in 1927. This standard has served as a basis for all current standards for the breed. After World War II, it was again Monsieur Senac Lagrange who took the lead in getting the breed back on its feet from the devastating effects of the German occupation.
In 1931, Mr. and Mrs. Francis V. Crane imported several dogs and seriously launched the breed in North America with the founding of Basquaerie Kennels in Needham, Massachusetts. Their lifelong effort on behalf of the breed provided the breed with an atmosphere in which it could thrive and prosper. They imported important breeding stock out of Europe just before the continent was closed by World War II.
The American Kennel Club accorded the Great Pyrenees official recognition in February 1933. Beginning in April 1933, separate classification began for the breed at licensed shows.
very social dogs in the family, but can be wary of strangers in the work environment (this includes the home). They adapt eas- ily to other situations such as dog shows and make extraordinary ambassadors for the breed in settings such as hospitals and nursing homes. They have a special ability to identify and distinguish predators or unwelcome intruders.
The very traits that make Great Pyre- nees such a unique breed and “Pyr people” find so admirable can also make living with them a challenge. Great Pyrenees are livestock guardian dogs. They were bred to be left alone in the mountain valleys.
They are guard dogs by instinct, not by training, and they cannot be expected to welcome uninvited intrusions onto your property. They are not “attack” dogs, but can be very intimidating to the surprised visitor. It is the owner’s obligation to main- tain their Pyr so that his guarding instincts can be exercised in a responsible way.
The Great Pyrenees’ basic personality is different from most breeds, since most breeds were bred to take commands from people. Pyrs were bred to work on their own. They are intelligent, sometimes will- ful dogs. They have minds of their own and are not easily obedience trained. Many are almost cat-like in their independence.
They are also barkers, especially at night. The amount of barking varies from individual to individual, but the instinct is there and in some cases can cause major problems. Most Great Pyrenees in urban or suburban settings must be kept indoors at night because of the barking.
Due to their instinct to establish and patrolalargeterritory,Pyrsmustbeconfined in a well-fenced area. They are roamers and when out of the fence they must be kept on lead at all times. While most Pyrs are very protective of small animals, many will not tolerate another large dog of the same sex in their territory.
If, after thoroughly researching the breed, you decide that this is a dog that you would like to share your life with, please buy from a responsible breeder. When vis- iting the breeder, ask to see the parents of the puppy.
Make sure that both parents are OFA or Penn Hip certified clear of hip dysplasia.
was organized to perpetuate interest in the breed. Each club wrote a breed standard.
After the decimating effects of World War I, the breed’s numbers and quality had been severely compromised. A few dedicated breeders, headed by Monsieur Senac Lagrange, worked to restore the
Living with the Breed
Today, the Great Pyrenees is a work- ing dog as well as a companion and family dog. Most never see a show ring, but they are trusted and beloved members in homes and may function as livestock guard- ian dogs on farms and ranches. They are
