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The Great Pyrenees is a breed of working dog officially recognized by the AKC in 1933. Fossilized remains date the Great Pyrenees in Europe between 1800 and 1000 B.C., but it is believed that the breed originated in Central Asia or Siberia. The Great Pyrenees even became French royalty's court dog in the 17th Century.
Through the centuries the massive Great Pyrenees were used to guard livestock, a job many still hold today. The Great Pyrenees' keen sense of sight and smell, along with its heavy weather-resistant coat, makes it a worthy opponent against wolves and bears. The Great Pyrenees are also used as pack animals and rescue dogs.
In Southwest Virginia, coyotes present a serious threat to farmers with sheep. Those who've enlisted the aid of Great Pyrenees to guard their flocks find the coyotes are no longer a problem.
The Great Pyrenees reaches maturity at about two years of age. Full grown, the dogs are large and muscular. The average height for males is 27-32 inches; for females, 25-29 inches. Some dogs, however, are as tall as 40 inches. Males' average weight is upwards of 100 pounds, while the females' weight is upwards of 85 pounds.
The Great Pyrenees is either solid white or white with patches of tan, wolf gray or pale yellow. The dog has a broad chest and a wedge-shaped head with a slightly rounded skull. The Great Pyrenees muzzle is wide and gently pointed.
One distinctive characteristic of the Great Pyrenees is that it has double dewclaws on its hind legs. Because of the size of the breed and the rapidity of their growth, they are prone to hip displasia. In most cases, hip displasia is genetic; so if you're buying a puppy, talk with the breeder about whether or not the condition is present in the dam or sire.
Great Pyrenees require a lot of space, and they prefer a cooler climate. They have an independent nature and sometimes require a firm hand in order to make them realize who is the master. The Great Pyrenees are loyal and affectionate with their families. It is noted that their devotion to their family remains true even if self-sacrifice is required.
In my experience, the Great Pyrenees is a loving, woolly giant and one of the best pets you could own.
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