Origin

The Hungarian Kuvasz and Maremmano-Abruzzese are the ancestors of the Great Pyrenees. This breed is an aristocratic breed. In 1800 BC remains similar to this breed was found in Europe. It is said that this breed evolved many days ago in Siberia or Asia. France is said to be the birth country of the Great Pyrenees and it was used there to look after live stock. In 1933 this dog was recognised officially.

Character

The Great Pyrenees is very well behaved and cool tempered. This breed is very much devoted to their families. If challenged they can be furious. This breed love to be the boss and is mainly used for looking after livestock. They may be aggressive to strangers and they are not that good to unknown dogs. they are very brave and bold by nature and they also prove to be great companions of their family members. The breed is very good to kids but at some point of times they can be a bit stubborn so they should be handled firmly. For this reason the trainer may face problems while training the breed. They are good to cats but the male dogs are very aggressive to other dogs. The Great Pyrenees is a great barker.

Temperament

This breed is very loving and beautiful breed. They love human interaction to a great level and love to stay with their family. The Great Pyrenees is not for the micro family. They can be kept by those who have a lot of area in their house and can provide them a lot of exercise. This breed is very intelligent by nature and they are fast learners. The Great Pyrenees is also protective of their family and for that reason they have the capability of becoming great watchdogs. Sometimes they may become of independent nature and also stubborn. That’s why they are not recommended for novice owners. When these dog stay indoors they are very calm and quiet but they love to spend their energy when they get out. They are very enthusiastic and love to play. Generally this breed is very cool to children but their size is such that they may not be recommended for kids. There is one strange thing in this breed which we have not found in any breed till now. The Great Pyrenees is very much protective of the kids and pets in the house. These dogs have a bossing attitude and so they should be treated with firm hands. They should never be left in a place which is not fenced and training classes should start from an early age.

Training

Training and socialization classes should start from an early age. Sometimes these dogs are very stubborn and independent so they might be difficult to train. They should be trained firmly.

Health

This breed may also be affected by hip dysplasia like many others. They may suffer from skin allergies in warm weather. Their average life span is 10 years.