Pyrenean Mountain Dog: Breed Characteristics and Care

Pyrenean wolfhound, Pyrenean mountain dog or Pyrenean wolf hound - the same breed of dog can be called that, very much like a polar bear. This is a Pyrenean mountain dog - a loyal and reliable guard and at the same time friendly companion.

Pyrenean mountain dog is of French origin. It is believed that its forebears were very large dogs living in the distant past in Asia. This is confirmed by excavations: the remains of such large dogs that lived 6000-8000 years ago were found. In the French Pyrenees, where they first appeared, they were used as herds of sheep flocks. There is no exact data on how they found themselves in Europe, but it is assumed that they came along with the nomad tribes from Asia. Possessing great stamina and strength brave dogs were not only guards, but also endured a heavy burden.

Here, in the conditions of mountain isolation, where white dogs coexisted alongside local Basque dogs, natural hybridization took place and the characteristics necessary for man were formed.

In the French Pyrenees there is a legend about where these huge dogs came from. It tells about a girl lost in the mountains in winter. By nightfall, she was completely weak and cold, and began to pray to God for salvation. Suddenly, huge snowdrifts turned into giant dogs, who warmed her with their warm thick hair. In the morning, intelligent dogs took the child to the village. Grateful parents provided shelter for the dogs, and they became a reliable defense against detractors and wild animals.

In more recent times, white guards are beginning to use to protect border castles and fortresses. This is confirmed by the documentary records of the beginning of the XV century. Thus, the breed gradually gained popularity, and in the 17th century (specifically in 1675), the Pyrenean Mountain appeared in the French court of Louis XIV, which gave them the status of court guard officers.

These giants loved for their beauty, docile and restrained temper. Their population is growing, and in the XVII-XVIII centuries. France becomes their exporter to other European countries (England, Italy). For the first time the registered breed was presented at a dog show in 1885, but it was not until 1907 that the standard of the Pyrenean mountain dog was officially confirmed.

World Wars of the first half of the 20th century led almost to the complete loss of these beautiful animals. However, French and Spanish like-minded dog handlers, finding in the remote Pyrenean highlands of preserved dogs, gradually restored the breed. She was again officially recognized in 1960. In 1986, international dog breeding organizations and FCI finally approved breed standards. At present, the number of these remarkable dogs is not so large compared to other breeds. Now they are almost never used as shepherds. Usually they perform a security function, or they are ordinary pets.

The appearance of this large mountain beauty is striking in its representativeness, slimness, beautiful snow-white hair and huge size. Its overall appearance with large sizes is harmonious and elegant. Their coat is usually colored white, but spots of light gray, fawn, badger or red are possible, but they are never black. Stains should not be more than a third of all coat. They have a characteristic arrangement: on the head and near the ears, on the radical part of the tail, sometimes there may be spots on the body.

The coat with a soft, thick, dense and short undercoat is straight and long, but slightly stiff, well-fitting to the body. There is a short coat on the head, and a longer coat on the tail, nape and “pants”. Curly wool is a defect in the exterior.

The breed standard is considered to be several major features.

• The size of the head compared to the whole body is relatively small. Her appearance is noble and graceful. The skull has the correct shape with a well-defined occipital protuberance. The sphenoid, rather wide muzzle with flat cheeks has a smooth transition from forehead to nose. Cheekbones and arches above the eyebrows are mild. On the white color of the coat, the lips and nose are richly black. The bite of powerful jaws has a scissor-like appearance - the upper lip is slightly lowered to the bottom. The number of strong white teeth is 42.
• Particular attention is paid to the expression of the dog's eyes: it must be spiritualized - thoughtful, intelligent, slightly sad. In combination with the "smile", this look gives the whole face a characteristic, unique and unique so-called Pyrenean expression. The color of the eyes of white dogs is brown with an amber shade; they have a slightly diagonal almond shape.
• Medium-sized, drooping, short-haired ears have the shape of a rounded triangle. From the outer edge of the eyes to the base of the ears runs a noticeable trait that appears as a result of the merging of the hair of the upper part of the muzzle with the lower.
• In dogs, the muscular neck is of medium length with a well-marked nape.
• The elongated body has a broad chest, a long, with a strongly developed back muscles "slide", which is slightly lowered to the tail.
• A low set tail, covered with long and thick hair, may rise above the back while running and walking, but not too high.
• Straight paws are parallel to each other. The muscles on them are very well developed. On closed fingers are dense pads. The hind legs have 6 toes, not 5. In the old days, the above 2 other thumbs were special “cats” that facilitated movement in the highlands. The joints on the legs stand out well, but they are not visible under the coat. The articular nodes are directed exactly backwards and are located under the body.
• The weight of an adult male and female is somewhat different. Male weighs about 60 kg with height in withers about 80 cm, and bitch has a weight of about 55 kg with growth from 65 to 72 cm.

Despite its formidable appearance, the Pyrenean hound has a calm balanced temperament, it lacks aggression and fighting properties. It is characterized by natural nobility, intelligence and courage. This giant is distinguished by great loyalty to the owner and all households. Brave dogs watch over all family members, taking them under their protection. To achieve obedience, already at the age of 4 months, the puppy must be treated with severity and inflexibility, since it is at this time that they begin to show their character and excessive autonomy. The owner must become a real leader for the dog, otherwise it will not obey.

These dogs also have some free thinking and independence.therefore, they are easily able to escape if the opportunity presents itself. Possessing independent thinking, they consider everything around their territory.

The natural genetic qualities of guards and protectors are manifested in a watchful, but non-aggressive attitude towards strangers. At first, dogs look at strangers and, having made sure that they do not pose a threat, allow them to come closer and allow themselves to be stroked. When a stranger appears, they are able to growl threateningly, grin their teeth and bark loudly if they suspect evil intentions. In combination with their menacing appearance, this behavior makes them excellent watchmen and protectors, better than immediate aggression. Dogs perform their protective functions diligently, carefully and attentively.

The proud nature and self-esteem of the Pyrenean dog does not tolerate impudence from others, as well as rude and all the more cruel treatment of the household. However, even in this case, the dog can only roar warningly.

Despite its impressive size, the white dog is mobile and restless, loves to play and play pranks, especially with children. In relation to them, she shows great condescension and tolerance, is able to endure all the children's fun. White giants are kind and affectionate by nature. These qualities allow their use in rehabilitation centers for children with developmental defects.

They get along well with other available pets, even with cats. Mountain dogs can easily tolerate long-term loneliness. Although they have a sociable disposition, pets will never impose their presence.

In inheritance from their ancestors, shepherds, who lived in harsh conditions, the Pyrenean wolfhound received good health. Dogs have a strong immunity. Their lifespan can reach 10-12 years. However, the conditions of life and nutrition have a great influence on the life span of the dog.

Despite good health, a white dog may develop some diseases.

• Limb dysplasia, which usually occurs in large dogs due to the heavy load on the joints.
• Skin problems occur due to thick undercoat, especially if the dog lives in a hot climate.
• The structure of the close-fitting ears does not provide the necessary ventilation. This can cause ear problems.

And also white giants poorly tolerate small rooms, a long stay in which can cause dangerous diseases. For health, they need to live in a large area where there is an opportunity to actively move.

Since this is a rather rare breed, it is necessary to buy a puppy of a Pyrenean mountain dog only in nurseries from breeders specializing in the breeding of this particular breed. It is not recommended to buy a puppy from dealers, because you can get caught in deception and get, instead of a thoroughbred Pyrenean wolfhound, puppies of the Pyrenean or Caucasian Shepherd Dogs very similar to him, more common and cheap.

You can get lists and addresses of such kennels at local cynological clubs. If there is no opportunity to personally see the puppy due to the far location of the kennel, then it is recommended not to select him from the photo, but request the video with the puppy. On a personal inspection, you must see the parents in order to assess the working abilities, their character and behavior. It is necessary to evaluate the environment in which the dogs live. They should not be kept in cramped cages or aviaries.

The territory of the kennel should be quite spacious for the active life of dogs. The more animals move, the faster and more harmoniously their physical and psychological development takes place. No need to hurry in choosing a puppy: you must first observe all the babies in the litter. Healthy puppies are quite active, cheerful and cheerful, and they should look well-groomed. It is desirable that they were already socialized. All puppies in the litter should be about the same size, the right physique and resemble each other.

White dogs have a very well developed sexual dimorphism (a distinction based on gender), so it is required to see whether the sex is well defined in puppies.

A healthy puppy is distinguished by a strong, voluminous and proportional physique. The chest is long and wide, the belly is elastic and slightly tucked up. Especially carefully you need to examine the paws of a puppy They should be straight, rather thick, and their production is moderately wide. On the hind legs, the presence of two extra (profitable) toes is a sign of pure blood.

Puppy size also matters. The weight of a 2-month-old puppy less than 7 kg indicates either a genetically small dog or insufficient nutrition. At the age of three months, he should not weigh less than 12 kg, and usually his weight ranges from 14-19 kg. The selected puppy should be at least two months. Socialized puppies with good and normal psyche do not lower their eyes, but look straight at the person, showing interest and benevolence. A peculiar Pyrenean view is also a sign of the breed.

The Pyrenean wolfhound is completely unsuitable for urban conditions and life in an apartment. Such a dog loves space and freedom. Therefore, it is better to keep it in a private house in the country with a large garden. Chaining and placing a white dog in a close enclosure is also impossible. Contained in such conditions, the animal will often get sick and weaken. On the street it is necessary to equip a spacious aviary with a large booth for sleeping and resting a pet. You can also let the dog go home for the night, but she should spend the day outside. The white giant is very well adapted to being outside the home and is not afraid of either snow, or rain, or cold.

It is impossible to have a booth near the fence, as the dog, jumping onto the booth with ease, will jump over the fence. The best place for her is near the house, and the entrance to the booth should have a direction to the door to the house and the entrance gate for the dog to see.

By nature, dogs are predatory animals. Their teeth are designed to tear off meat and crush bones, and the esophagus to swallow large cuts of meat that are easily digested with rich gastric juice. When catering to the Pyrenean wolfhound, this fact must be taken into account. Experienced breeders and dog breeders recommend natural food for this dog. The main part of the food (about 2/3) should be protein foods: lean any meat, offal, fatty sea fish, eggs, which it is preferable to feed in raw. Fresh hem is also very useful for dogs. It is sometimes allowed to give meat boiled.

Supplement protein foods must be different vegetables and fruits, which are also given raw. Coarse fiber forms the correct intestinal microflora. Boiled vegetables are useless in this regard. Kashi can also be given. But we must remember that this is a source of carbohydrates that contribute to the accumulation of fat. They can feed the dog in the winter when extra energy is needed. The norm of cereal for one week is 1 cup.

The nutrition of the dog must be supplemented with mineral-vitamin complexes, which are given strictly according to the instructions or after consultation with the veterinarian.In addition, it is also recommended to add every day to food sunflower or other oil (2 tablespoons), which can be replaced with oily sea fish (100 g) as sources of beneficial polysaturated acids. It is useful to include brewer's yeast (2-3 tablets), bran (1 tbsp.) And fish oil (0.5 tsp.), And to spoil your pet with honey and other products from the apiary 2 times a week.

Overfeeding the dog can not be to prevent obesity, which has a negative effect on the joints and spine. To prevent this, you need to remove the feeder immediately, as soon as the dog eats - it takes from 10 to 15 minutes. The daily rate depends on the degree of activity of the dog and its conditions of detention. In winter, these standards are almost doubled to support the necessary energy balance. In addition to natural, allowed and feeding dry food. But there is a requirement for their quality: food should not be lower than the premium class, and preferably even a super premium class.

Caring for a Pyrenean dog is to conduct ordinary activities. One of the highlights is the grooming. Although the dog's coat has the properties of repelling dirt and water, it is necessary to brush it regularly, about 2-3 times a week, and during the molt - daily. White wool gets dirty slightly, so often do not wash your pet: enough 4 times a year. From frequent bathing wool becomes thin, it weakens and may fall out. If the pet participates in exhibitions, then when bathing you can use special shampoos with a whitening effect. This shampoo eliminates the yellowness of wool in the area of ​​the mouth and eyes, on the paws and lower abdomen.

It is also important to know that you can not shorn white dogs, as this leads to skin problems. But you need to regularly examine the skin, because the thick coat can hide wounds and other injuries, as well as skin allergies. Care is required for the ears of the animal. They should be inspected weekly and, if necessary, wiped with cotton swabs moistened with a special agent. In addition, the dog should brush its teeth, care for the eyes and cut the claws. This is especially true of the claws on the new fingers, since they do not grind off on them. If the claws are not cut, they can tuck and pierce the skin.

And also hold such standard events:

• need to be vaccinated regularly and in a timely manner;
• treat wool with parasite products;
• inspect the coat daily to eliminate the possibility of ticks;
• regularly carry out prevention of infection with worms with special preparations.

Of course, not everyone can buy such a dog, which costs from 35 to 90 thousand rubles. But if there is such an opportunity and suitable conditions for its maintenance, then the Pyrenean mountain dog will become both a reliable protector and a faithful companion.

The following video is waiting for you interesting facts about the Pyrenean mountain dog.