Pyrenean mountain dog

Other names: Patou, Grand Pyrénéen, Pyrenean Mountain Dog

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Hair type	Long
Origin	France
Template	Giant
Head shape	Triangular

Weight and size
Sex	Weight	Cut
Female	From 50 kg to 59 kg	From 65 cm to 75 cm
Male	From 56 kg to 64 kg	From 70 cm to 80 cm

History of the breed

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a very old breed dog. It has been present in the Pyrenees for a very long time and has distinguished itself as a herd guard dog over the centuries, repelling all kinds of predators (wolves, felines, bears …). In the Middle Ages, its courage, its dissuasive character and its power were exploited in the guard of the castles. The Pyrenean Mountain Dog was very popular in the court of Louis XIV. Count Henri de Bylandt drew up the first detailed description in 1897, then the first clubs of the breed were created in the early 1900s.

The official standard of the Pyrenean Mountain Dog was registered with the Société Centrale Canine in 1923 thanks to Bernard Sénac-Lagrange and the Réunion des Amateurs de Chiens Pyrénéens. This document still serves as a basis for the current breed standard, with only a few additional details. The Pyrenean Mountain Dog was definitively recognized by the FCI on January 25, 1955. Its official standard in force (in its current version) was published in March 2001.

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Physical features

the Pyrenean mountain dog   is a large dog, with an imposing and strong frame, while releasing a certain grace in its lines and its appearance.
His coat: fairly long, supple, dense, flat, with a well-supplied undercoat.
Its color: entirely white, with or without light gray spots (badger hair), pale yellow or orange at the level of the head, ears, at the base of the tail and on a few other places of the body.
His head: in harmony with the proportions of the body, with fairly flattened sides, a slightly domed skull in the shape of an ogive at the back. The muzzle broad, slightly shorter than the skull. The stop is gently sloping.
Its ears: small, triangular, rounded at their end, lying flat against the head, carried higher in the phase of action and awakening.
His eyes: small, almond-shaped, amber-brown in color, displaying an intelligent and gentle expression.
Its body: the upper part is well supported, the withers wide, the back solid, the kidney of medium length, the croup slightly oblique and the chest wide and deep.
Its tail: generously hairy, carried low at rest, raised on the back while rounding in phase of awakening, descending to the point of the hock.

Behavior and character

Behavior with others

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a dog who knows how to use his impressive physical constitution to command respect. Intelligent and affectionate , he is a born protector who will stand up courageously and without any hesitation in the face of any threat directed at his master and his family. Originally used for the protection of herds and the guard of the farm, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is naturally very suspicious of strangers. A character trait that contrasts with his extremely gentle demeanor with children, with whom he gets along wonderfully.

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog
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Education

For this kind of independent dog with a strong character, it is recommended to show authority during his education. Much more stubborn than nasty, and endowed with an excellent memory, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a pleasant companion to live with when he has been well educated , that is to say with firmness , but without excessive balance of power. It must also be socialized early enough to prevent aggressive behavior towards its congeners and other animals.

Living conditions

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog needs large spaces to be happy. The restricted living spaces and the urban environment suit it much less, due to its size, character and activity.

Health

Used to the harshness of winter in the mountains, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is not at all afraid of the cold, since it is well protected by its abundant coat and undercoat. Dog with a generally robust health , it is especially its large size that can cause it some health concerns, especially on the bone level. Hip and elbow dysplasia should be watched for, as are possible parrot beaks that can form on the spine in older dogs (around 10 years old) and cause paralysis.

Also note that this breed of dog has developed sensitivity to anesthesia . It is therefore important to discuss this with the veterinarian before any operation.

To protect you from these risks and insure your companion in the event of health problems, Woopets recommends dog insurance for Pyrenean Mountain Dog .

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Life expectancy

Maintenance and hygiene

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a rustic dog that only requires regular maintenance. It moults once a year , in late spring. Females can experience 2 moults per year . However, maintenance becomes more complex and costly for exhibition subjects.

It is recommended to brush the dog using an iron bristle brush every week apart from the moult. During this, brushing becomes daily to remove dead hair. A bath once in a while, when it is really dirty, is possible. Frequent baths are not recommended.

His eyes and ears should be checked regularly to make sure there is no trace of dirt or any infection. His ears should be cleaned with cotton soaked in a neutral pH ear cleaner, recommended by your veterinarian. To eliminate the build-up of tartar and the proliferation of bacteria, his teeth must be brushed. Finally, if they do not wear out naturally, their nails need to be cut regularly. If you are new to this, it is best to seek advice from a veterinarian.

Price and budget

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Food

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog needs quality food. Quality croquettes are perfect for him. Its food is to be divided into 2 meals per day . As this breed of dog can be affected by gastric twists, it is essential to ensure that they eat calmly and that they avoid any physical activity right after their meal.

Physical activity

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog needs long daily outings . He will enjoy hiking , especially in cool weather. It is a breed of dog that likes to be stimulated and therefore can get bored easily. The games and exercises should not, however, be too intensive so as not to promote the wear and tear of his bone stock and his joints.

The famous Pyrenean Mountain Dog breed dogs

Belle : this is the famous dog in Cécile Aubry’s novel, Belle et Sébastien . Belle and Sébastien , a little boy, live in a village in the French Alps where they will forge an incredible friendship. The novelist’s work has been adapted for cinema. In 1965, a television series, created by Cécile Aubry herself, was released. Other films were subsequently made.

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Sells Pyrenean mountain bitch, very cuddly. 500. Eur

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weight of the shepherds of the pyrenees

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Which dog for long hikes in the mountains?

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Running long distance in the mountains with your dog

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Pyrenees dog book

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FCI Information