Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is always ready to protect. They have a very broad definition of what exactly you need protecting from, and you can be sure that they will alert you with a loud bark for just about anything. Most of the time, you will not even know what they are barking at, their incredible sense of sound goes way beyond what we would be able to hear. They could easily be barking at a sound that they are picking up from miles away.

This large, strong breed originated in the Pyrenees mountains. Their ancestry is believed to date back some 11 thousand years ago, however, the first known existence of them was in this region. These working dogs were a prized possession for shepherds in the area. They would be ready to guard the flock as though their life depended on it. The Pyr has the mentality that they constantly have a job to do, and you can be sure that you will never catch them napping on the job.

It is essential to train and socialize these dogs from a very early age. A poorly trained Great Pyrenees can take their protecting duties way too seriously, and it can get to the point where they will not allow anyone on to the property besides for their family. A well-trained/socialized Pyr on the other hand is a social bug that loves to be around other people and animals. They are incredibly gentle and make a popular therapy dog, especially for the elderly. It is a very comforting feeling to have one of these pups by your side.

The Great Pyrenees is an absolutely stunning animal. They are a large breed, weighing between 85-160 pounds, and their thick white coat can be noticed from a mile away. While they can be slightly difficult to train, they are well worth it. They make such amazing family companions and they get along great with children. As long as you don’t pose a threat to one of their loved ones, they will be one of the friendliest dogs you’ll ever meet.

Instagram Photo Permission: @thegreatsiggi