There are many reasons why you might consider getting a dog. If you are looking for a big, patient, and caring dog, then the Great Pyrenees Dog is just what you need. These dogs are perfect for playing with kids and helping blind people. Besides, the Pyrenees dog is a charming animal that cannot leave anyone indifferent who has seen a huge snow-white dog with smart and slightly sad eyes. For their responsibility and care, these dogs have been championed since ancient times, and you’ll know why just in a minute.
The Pyrenean giants were known over 6,000 years ago. Together with nomadic tribes, they arrived in France from Spain, where they came possibly from Asia. In the folklore of the French Pyrenees, there is a touching legend about the origin of the breed. It tells about a little girl who got lost in the mountains and wandered in deep snow until nightfall. Exhausted and cold, she began to pray to God to help her. And a miracle happened – tall cold snowdrifts turned into large white dogs, which with their fluffy hair warmed the girl until morning, and at sunrise, they brought her to the village. In gratitude, the parents of the child left the giants with them. Loyal dogs began to protect the poor from hungry predators and thieves (American Kennel Club, 2021). The Pyrenees dogs have established themselves as unsurpassed guards of sheep herds, so they were subsequently used to protect border fortresses and castles. The first documentary records of white defenders date back to the early 15th century.
Happy owners of this rare breed of dogs note intelligence, kindness, patience, and love for household members. Former draft dogs and brave guards today have partially lost their working skills but have become excellent companions. Like bears, Giant dogs patiently endure the pranks of children, allow them to ride on themselves, and play with them cheerfully and enthusiastically. Therefore, Pyrenees dogs are used for the psychological rehabilitation of children with developmental disabilities (American Kennel Club, 2021). Frightening-looking dogs peacefully coexist with other pets and get along even with cats. Dogs never show aggression, they are always balanced and calm, but the inherent genetically protective properties make the dog wary of strangers.
The magnificent fur coat of the Pyrenees requires special attention and care. To look well-groomed, the coat must be thoroughly combed 2-3 times a month and daily during the shedding period. If you do not follow the pet’s thick fur, it will form tangles (American Kennel Club, 2021). You should also not bathe your dog too often; otherwise, the fur might become thinner and less soft. Showpieces are washed with special bleaching shampoos to eliminate yellowness around the mouth, eyes, legs, and lower abdomen. Since mountain dogs love water and swim with pleasure, water procedures are not burdensome.
The dog will not obey a person of weak character and nervous. It is better to entrust training to a professional dog handler. By nature, the Pyrenees dog will not tolerate rough treatment or violence. Therefore, when training, you should act persistently but try to avoid “breaking” the dog’s character. The dog can be trained to search, work, be a rescuer, and guide blind people considering its natural skills. Dog handlers advise socializing the dog from the very beginning (American Kennel Club, 2021). So that he does not perceive others like a herd that requires care and control, the dog should spend as much time as possible with pets and family members.
Reference
American Kennel Club. (2021). Great Pyrenees dog breed information. Web.