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To understand why the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is as it is and
behaves the way it does one must know how the breed was, and
still is, used as a livestock guardian.
The PMD
was used for centuries by shepherds in the Pyrenees Mountains
of SW France to guard their flocks of sheep from the predation
of wolves and bears. Each spring the shepherds and their dogs
led the flocks up into the high mountain pastures where they
stayed until winter approached and they returned to the villages.
Consequently, the Pyrenean
Mountain Dog is a large and strong dog (it needs to be able
to fight wolves and bears) with a double “arctic”
coat made up of fine under-hair with an overlay of longer,
coarser hair (to protect it from all weathers encountered
in the mountains).
The coat is, thicker around
the neck and the back of the hind legs (where a wolf may attempt
to bite). The colour of the Pyrenean Mountain Dog coat is
white, or mainly white (so that it does not spook the sheep).
Using an efficient pacing gait, the PMD moves slowly and calmly
with the flock as it moves to find fresh pasture and when
the flock stops to graze, stands guards from a nearby vantage
point. Predators are more likely to strike at night, and from
dusk till dawn the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is more alert giving
an occasional warning bark to would-be predators. Should one
approach it is chased off, but not too far so as to leave
the flock unguarded (the PMD is thus a thinking dog, having
to decide what it has to do without the constant directions
of the shepherd as would a herding dog).
There are many other characteristics
of the Pyrenean Mountain Dog that are likewise a reflection
of its original role as a livestock guardian. For most people
in Australia today they are struck by its beauty and elegance
and, importantly, for those wanting the dog as a family companion
it is trustworthy and protective of young children.
BREED STANDARD
A detailed word description of the PMD can be found in the
breeds standards. Australia currently uses the UK standard
which can be found at www.pmdc.org.uk/index.htm by clicking
on “Breed information” and then “UK standard”.
In the USA the breed is called the Great Pyrenees and useful
background can be found at The
Great Pyrenees Club of America and looking at “Breed
Information” and “Illustrated Standard”.
Of course, the PMD is a French breed and the RACP, the French
club which promotes the interests of the 4 dog breeds of the
Pyrenean Mountains can be found at www.chiens-des-pyrenees.com.
FAQs:
How much do they eat?
How much does a puppy cost?
Are any puppies available?
These and other questions
can be answered by contacting the Secretary, Helen Crago
LINKS
More information on the Pyrenean
Mountain Dog can be found at the following links:
Pyrenean
Club of France
Pyrenean
Mountain Dog Club of Great Britain
Great
Pyrenean Club of America
Youtube
film by JanGerrits
Dennaje
Pyrenneans (UK)
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