The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a rather unusual pet in appearance. If you want to know about what features and distinctive features are inherent in the dog, then it will be useful for you to read our article.
History of origin
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is an animal whose homeland is the Pyrenean Mountains (this can be inferred from the name of the breed). The dogs of this breed played the role of shepherds and protectors of livestock herds. According to scientific data, the animal appeared on earth quite a long time - about 8 thousand years ago.
It is not known for certain whence and how these breeds occurred, but there are assumptions that the ancestor of the Pyrenean mountain dog is the Tibetan mastiff of white color.
In Europe, animals belonging to this breed appeared during the reign of Louis XIV. He issued a decree that the Pyrenean dogs should serve as court servants (information about this can be found in the old chronicles, which have survived to our times).
In addition, historical sources report that a Pyrenean mountain dog saved Charles V from being attacked by a wild boar, thereby gaining great value (not only in aristocratic circles, but also among the general public). In the 17th and 18th centuries, Pyrenean mountain dogs spread far beyond France and became popular in other European countries (for example, in Italy and the United Kingdom).
It is important to note that at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries, animals belonging to this breed become full-fledged participants in canine exhibitions. Also in respect of this breed canine standards are adopted at the official level.
However, in the history of the Pyrenean mountain dogs, there are sad pages. Thus, during the war years (World War I and the Great Patriotic War), the livestock of animals was almost completely exterminated (not only and not so much by force, but for natural reasons). The thing is that such large dogs were quite difficult to maintain.
However, even in such difficult times there were enthusiasts who sent all their forces to the preservation of this breed. Such enthusiasts were French scientists who began searching for Pyrenean dogs in their homeland - in the Pyrenees mountains. Thanks to the efforts of the initiative group, the breed was able to recover, and in 1960 the animals received official recognition and were entered into all relevant registries.
At all, Initially, this breed performed well-defined working functions, namely, guarding and protective. However, today dogs have practically lost their natural skills, so they are perceived as ordinary pets.
Breed description
The appearance of the Pyrenean Mountain Dog deserves special attention. An animal can make an indelible impression on almost everyone.
- The dog has a rather impressive size, thick and long white hair. In general terms, in its appearance the dog may resemble a polar bear. Among scientists there is no consensus about which of the categories the animals of a given breed should be assigned to: some consider them shepherd dogs, others consider doges or mastiffs.
- The length of the coat over the entire body of the animal is uneven. Thus, in the head area the hair is much lower than on the tail or collar.
- A large variety of replete with the color of the animal. Despite the fact that the most common color is considered white, there are other varieties that have multi-colored spots: fawn or gray. Of particular value are representatives of the breed, which have a so-called mask, located on the front of the head.
- If we compare the sizes of the head and the body of an animal, then it can be noted that the head has a rather small size. Moreover, the shape of the skull has the correct shape.
- The jaw of the animal is quite powerful, the bite belongs to the category of scissors. The ears have a triangular shape.
- The dog has well-developed muscles. The paws (both front and rear) are parallel to each other and are erect.
- The body weight of the dog is in the range from 55 to 60 kilograms, and the height can be from 65 to 80 centimeters (the performance of females is lower than that of males).
Character and behavior
It is believed that the Pyrenean mountain dogs are animals that exhibit such qualities as nobility, courage and highly developed intelligence. Dogs are not prone to manifestation of aggression, they are calm and patient.
The nature of a particular individual begins to manifest itself from a rather young age. At that moment, when the puppy has reached 4 months of age, features of character and behavior patterns that will be inherent to the animal throughout life will begin to manifest.
That is why during this period one should be especially serious in training and training a puppy.
An important character trait that many owners emit is loyalty and devotion. Animals are friendly and affectionate attitude not only to their immediate owner, but also to all family members. In addition, you can not be afraid to start and other pets - Pyrenean dog gets along well with cats. However, at the same time, it is worth considering the fact that in relation to unfamiliar and alien people, the animal may show aggression, growl and bark (especially if the dog feels any danger).
Pyrenean dogs can get even those people who lead an active lifestyle, are in constant traveling and business trips. Despite the fact that the four-legged pet loves the company, it easily endures loneliness and does not feel negative emotions about it.
Conditions of detention and care
First of all, it should be taken into account that due to the rather impressive dimensions of the animal, it will not be able to live in the cramped conditions of a city apartment. However, even if you plan to keep the dog on your own plot, you should not put it in an aviary or put it on a chain. Pyrenean breed is considered independent and freedom lovingtherefore, any constraint on her vital activity can lead to mental and later to physiological abnormalities.
In the process of keeping an animal, it is important to remember that the dog needs regular long walks. Moreover, these walks should be accompanied by active games and workouts.
In addition, it is important to regularly carry out hygienic procedures: combing, bathing, cleaning. It is recommended to comb a dog at least 3 times a week. Otherwise, the wool may become tangled. Water procedures should not be carried out too often, the optimal regularity - 1 time in 3 months. It is also important to follow the condition of the ears, eyes and teeth of the animal.
Feeding
By nature, Pyrenean mountain dogs are predatory animals. That is why the basis of the diet of the animal should be meat and meat products, rich in protein. This category also includes products such as eggs, cottage cheese, fish. Fish and meat preferably boil the animal.
Your dog must be fed raw vegetables and fruits. These products have a positive effect on the formation of the intestinal microflora of the dog and, in general, have a positive effect on the body.
Contrary to popular belief, you should not give dogs porridge, as the cereals are poorly absorbed by the animal. On the contrary, they can lead to weight gain and even obesity.
If you decide to feed your pet dry ready-made mixtures, then choose premium food, as well as food compositions belonging to the category of super-premium.
Upbringing and training
The Pyrenean dog breed has developed mental abilities; therefore, individuals belonging to this variety quickly and easily memorize not only simple basic commands, but also more complex and complex stunts.
In the process of training it is important to exercise rigor and in no case should not give up the slack. Otherwise, you will lose your credibility in the eyes of the animal, and it will feel important.
If in this regard you are not confident in your abilities, then entrust the training process to professionals and enroll your pet to specialized canine courses.
For more on the features of the breed, see the following video.
