Pyrenean Mountain Dog

It is believed that the Pyrenean Mountain Dog originated in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain sometime around 3000 BC. Some of the descendants of this ancient breed are thought to be the Kuvasz, the Maremma Sheepdog, and the Anatolian Sheepdog. Bred to aid shepherds, the Pyr was considered a dog of peasants. However, its reputation changed when it was declared the Royal Dog of France in 1675. The breed then became a popular choice with the nobility and was used to guard estates.

During the 1900s, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog’s numbers significantly dropped, but was saved from extinction by Bernard Senac-Lagrange and M. Dretzen. Today’s Pyreneans are still considered dependable sheepdogs in France and reliable family pets because they are loyal and kind. However, obtaining one outside of France is not easy since its numbers remain low. The breed is registered with the Kennel Club under the Pastoral group.

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a large dog with a powerful and imposing appearance. At the same time, it exudes elegance and charm. It is a well-balanced dog that has an average height of 65 to 82 centimetres and weight of 88 to 110 pounds. It has a large head with a slight stop and furrow. It has a strong and moderately long muzzle, a strong jaw with a perfect scissor bite, and a black nose. It also has dark brown almond-shaped eyes that show an intelligent and thoughtful look. It has small triangular ears with rounded tips that slightly rise when alert or excited. The Pyr’s neck is strong yet fairly short, and the shoulders are powerful and lie close to the body. Its chest is broad, reaching just under the elbows, and its tail is thick and slightly curled.

The Pyr’s coat is composed of a long, coarse, thick outercoat that lies flat, and a profuse undercoat of very fine hair. It can be straight or slightly wavy. It comes in pure white or white with patches of badger, wolf grey, and pale shades of lemon, orange, or tan. Other colours are undesirable according to KC standards.

When it comes to training, Pyreneans are intelligent but can somehow be difficult to train. They are independent by nature and could take time (3–4 years) to mature, which is why they are not ideal for new dog owners. They need someone with experience in handling large and wilful dogs to lead them to the right direction. Early training and socialisation, paired with positive reinforcements, will help them become well-rounded dogs.

The Pyr is a good guard dog and watchdog. Not only does its mere size scare off intruders, it is also quick to bark at the slightest sound. Excessive barking can be a problem with the neighbours if this behaviour is not curbed, as it loves the sound of its own voice.

• Senior and less active: up to 1,960 calories daily
• Typical adults: up to 2,200 calories daily
• Physically active/working dogs: up to 2,450 calories daily

• Deafness
• Bloat
• Brittle bones
• Blue eye
• Hip Dysplasia

Purchasing a well-bred Pyrenean mountain dog can cost as much as £800 to £1,000 or more, as only a few puppies are registered in the UK annually. Those who are interested need to be put on a waiting list to obtain one.

Owning a large dog like the Pyr can be quite expensive since the costs of its needs are doubled or tripled compared to smaller breeds. Food costs can set you back £60 to £70 a month. The initial cost of buying its basic equipment is around £300. Veterinary fees can go as high as £1,200 per month, which will include initial vaccinations, boosters, and other preventive treatments. This estimate does not include veterinary bills in times of accidents or illnesses. That is why you need to pay for pet insurance so you can have a safety net. Basic coverage starts at £50 per month.

Prepare to spend around £150 per month to care for a Pyr, which can go higher depending on the insurance premium you select. For its entire lifetime, the total cost of ownership is estimated at £21,600.