GROUP 6 - UTILITY

Brief History
A flock guardian from the French side of the Pyrenees, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, was first brought to Australia in 1843 to guard sheep. Although still used in their traditional role, most Pyreneans are much loved family companions.

Average Life Span
When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime.
The average life span is 10 to 15 years.

Temperament
An instinctive guardian of flocks and families, he has strength and agility as well as gentleness and attachment to those he protects.  The Pyrenean Mountain Dog has a propensity for independence and the initiative needed when guarding a flock unsupervised.

General Breed Description
A dog of great size, imposing and strongly built, but not without a certain elegance. He is quietly confident and possesses noble bearing. The coat is quite long with a thick undercoat, the forelegs are well fringed and the hair on the hind legs is finer, woollier, very thick and more abundant. The tail is bushy and forms a plume, its tip forming a hook for preference.  This breed is one of the few breeds that must have well-made double dewclaws present on the hind legs. The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is white or mainly white with patches of grey, pale yellow or tan on his head, ears, base of the tail and sometimes on the body.

Coat and Care Requirements
A dry double coat, which requires regular but not frequent grooming and bathing as necessary, the fine undercoat is shed in spring.

Size
Height: Males: Minimum 70cms (27.5ins), Females Minimum 65cms (25.5ins).

Weight: Males 50kgs, Females 40kgs.

Health
All breeds have individual health issues. When speaking to breeders it is recommended you enquire about breed health and what health testing the breeder does. The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is generally a healthy breed, however health conditions do occur occasionally.

Suitability
Pyreneans are managed, not trained, but some basic obedience is required initially. The mature Pyrenean will take as much or as little exercise as it is allowed.

In Conclusion
Now you know a little more about this breed. If you have decided this is the dog for you and wish to investigate further, please contact the Breed Club or Dogs Victoria. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog events where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs. With any breed of dog, it is important to research and determine suitability for your lifestyle before committing to a puppy which will be a part of your family for many years to come.

Whilst many breeds are recommended for families, it is imperative that when children are with dogs they are supervised at all times. Basic obedience training is a vital part of dog ownership.

Dogs Victoria is about the responsible ownership of all dogs and in particular the preservation of pure breeds.

Link to Dogs Australia Breed Standard: https://dogsaustralia.org.au/breed/detail/184