Pyrenean Mountain Dog
Temperament:
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog, also known as Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées, is an impressive, large and majestic dog that originated in the French Pyrenees. His job was to protect sheep and livestock. You will love this dog if you are looking for a faithful protector and a friendly companion.
Characteristics
The Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées is also called Patou. He belongs to the FCI group 2, which are Pinscher, Schnauzer, Molosser and Bernese Mountain Dog. The Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées is a Molossoid. Males grow to a height of 70 to 80 cm. Females grow to 65 to 75 cm in height.
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog grows up to 60 kg. This makes him one of the large dogs. Its coat is long and dense. It is white or light yellow. It may have markings on the head, ears or tail root. The markings can be light yellow, light gray or gray.
The undercoat is very soft and fine. Around the neck the coat forms a mane. The puppies look like cute little bears.
The Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées is stocky and muscular. His back should be straight. The dog should be longer than high. He has a broad chest. His head is massive. He has small floppy ears. The tail is arched.
His bark is very loud and deep.
The Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées, like many large dogs, gets joint problems easily. Osteoarthritis is a common problem in old age. Especially the hip joints can cause problems.
In character, the Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées is courageous and very independent. He is bred as a guard dog. Therefore, he is attentive and alert. He is balanced and intelligent. At the same time he can be a bit stubborn. If he does not see to do something, he does not do it.
With children, the Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées is good-natured and patient. Towards strangers he is rather distrustful. He clings closely to his family and does not like to be separated from them. He has a strong protective instinct and likes to have something to guard. He also has a certain hunting instinct.
Therefore, he is not a beginner dog and must be well trained.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is undemanding in diet. Because he is big, he needs relatively much food. 1 to 2 kg of food a day is normal. Especially in the puppy period you should use a really high quality food, specially designed for the puppies of large dogs.
Vitamins and trace elements are also important. So that the dog does not grow too quickly, the food should not contain too much energy, but rather more protein and trace elements. You can achieve this with a high meat content in the food.
In large dogs, the joints and bones have to withstand a lot. Therefore, the food should contain enough calcium. Excess weight is harmful for the heart and a burden for the joints. Sometimes a supplement for the joints is useful. It is best to ask your vet about it.
When feeding the big dog, you should make sure that the chunks are not too small. Otherwise your dog will swallow them whole - and that's not healthy.
A big dog like the Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées also gets old faster than a small dog. Then you should give him senior food.
After eating, your Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées should rest. Otherwise he could get a gastric torsion and that is life-threatening.
Chien De Montagne Des Pyrénées Care
The long coat of the Patou needs a lot of care. It also sheds quite a bit. You should brush the coat several times a week. It is best to use a special brush for long fur.
To prevent your dog from getting cavities, you should give him something to chew on. Either bones or baked dog food or special chews will help to remove the plaque. Instead or in addition, you can brush your dog's teeth with a special dog toothbrush.
The Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées has double dewclaws on the hind legs. These need to be watched. If they become too long, you must shorten them so that they do not grow in.
Otherwise, the Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées needs exercise and consistent training above all. He likes to go for long walks with or without a leash. He also likes to run alongside during rides. However, he has a strong hunting instinct.
He does not like sports and jumping so much. This is due to his size. Some people harness the Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées in front of a small cart.
Above all, you must train the Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées very consistently. Otherwise, his protective instinct can become really dangerous. For example, when children play together and screech.
Therefore, the Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées is not a beginner dog. You must accustom him very thoroughly to people and other animals. He must learn how to behave towards them. He also needs a lot of family contact. It is not good if he is alone a lot.
Suitable accessories
The Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées is a robust dog. Therefore, he does not need many accessories. You need a food bowl and a feeding bowl, both big enough. It is good if the bowl is adjustable in height. Then the Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées does not have to bend down so much when drinking or eating.
For grooming you need a special curry comb or brush for long hair.
You will need a dog leash and a collar. The collar must be big enough, of course. The dog leash must be approved for the weight of your Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées.
You will also need a poop bag and tick tongs from time to time. Maybe some dog toys and a dog toothbrush - that's all your Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées needs.
Origin & History
'Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées' is French. It means 'mountain dog from the Pyrenees'. Therefore it is also called Pyrenean Mountain Dog. He is closely related to the Pyrenean Mastiff.
Pyrenean Mountain Dog comes from France, from the Pyrenees. There he has already guarded castles and fortresses in the 15th century. He was also used as a guard dog.
He lay down and watched his herd. If a wild animal came, he attacked immediately. That's where his protective instinct comes from. That is also where he acts so independently. He also learned his bravery as a protection dog.
Later, the Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées came into fashion among the nobility. The French King Louis XIV had copies of the Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées at his court.
Even today, the Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées is used in its homeland as a reliable and vigilant herding dog.
In Germany, he is more of a family dog. He is experiencing a small boom here since the eighties. He looks impressive and he is very friendly to children. But he is still very protective of his family.
If you want to buy a Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées, make sure that he comes from a kennel that breeds family dogs. Raise him lovingly and consistently, then you can gain a wonderful companion.
