Pyrenean Mountain Dog
Temperament:
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog, also known as the Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées, is an impressive, large and majestic dog that originally comes from the French Pyrenees. Its job was to protect sheep and cattle. Anyone looking for a loyal protector and friendly companion will love this dog.
Characteristics
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is also known as the Patou. It belongs to FCI Group 2, which includes Pinschers, Schnauzers, Molossians and Bernese Mountain Dogs. The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a Molosser.
Males reach a shoulder height of 70 to 80 cm. Females reach a shoulder height of 65 to 75 cm. The Pyrenean Mountain Dog reaches a weight of up to 60 kg. This makes it one of the larger dogs.
Its coat is long and dense. It is white or light yellow and may have markings on the head, ears or the root of the tail. The markings can be light yellow, light gray or gray. The undercoat is very soft and fine. The coat forms a mane around the neck. The puppies look like cute little bears.
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is stocky and muscular. His back should be straight. The body should be longer than high. The Pyrenean Mountain Dog has a broad chest. Its head is massive with small floppy ears. The tail is curved. Its bark is very loud and deep.
Like many large dogs, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is prone to joint problems. Osteoarthritis is a common problem in old age. The hip joints in particular can cause problems.
In character, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is courageous and very independent. It was bred as a guard dog. It is therefore alert and vigilant. It is balanced and intelligent. However, they can also be a little stubborn. If he doesn't understand what he's supposed to do, he won't do it.
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is gentle and patient with children. It is rather suspicious of strangers. They bond closely with their family and are reluctant to be separated from them. It has a strong protective instinct and loves to guard things. He also has a certain hunting instinct.
It is therefore not a beginner's dog and must be well trained.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
When choosing food, make sure that it contains high-quality ingredients, is balanced and meets your dog's requirements. Age, size or weight, activity and health status play an important role. You should follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the amount of food.
Treats should only be fed in moderation and deducted from the basic diet to avoid obesity.
Puppies can be fed 4-6 times a day. The number of meals should be gradually reduced to 2 per day until the dog is fully grown. A rest period should be observed after meals.
Fresh drinking water should be available at all times.
Health & Care
The long coat of the Pyrenean Mountain Dog requires a lot of grooming. It also sheds quite a lot. You need to brush the coat several times a week. It's best to use a special brush for long coats.
To prevent your dog from getting cavities, you should give him something to chew on. Either bones or special chews help to remove plaque. Alternatively or additionally, you can brush your dog's teeth with a special dog toothbrush.
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog has double dewclaws on its hind legs. These must be monitored. If they become too long, they must be shortened so that they do not become ingrown.
Otherwise, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog needs exercise above all else. He loves long walks with or without a lead. He also likes to run alongside on rides. However, he has a pronounced hunting instinct. He is not so keen on sport and jumping. This is due to his size. Some people harness the Pyrenean Mountain Dog to a small cart.
Consistent training is very important. Otherwise the protective instinct can become very dangerous. For example, when children play with each other and shout.
This is why the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is not a beginner's dog. You have to get him used to people and other animals very well. He must learn how to behave towards them. He also needs a lot of family contact. It is not good for him to be alone a lot.
Suitable accessories
You will need a food and water bowl for your Pyrenean Mountain Dog, preferably one that is adjustable in height. That way he doesn't have to bend down so far to eat and drink.
For grooming, you will need a special currycomb or brush for long fur, a collar or harness with a lead, a dog basket or dog mat as a place to retreat to, tick tweezers, claw clippers, toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs, a transport box for transportation in the car and a first aid kit. It's best to ask your vet what should be in the first aid kit.
Origin & History
The Pyrenean mountain dog is called "Chien de montagne des Pyrénées" in French, which means "mountain dog of the Pyrenees". This is why it is also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog. It is closely related to the Pyrenean Mastiff.
As the name suggests, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog comes from France, from the Pyrenees. It was already guarding castles and palaces there in the 15th century. It was also used as a guard dog.
He lay down and watched the herd. If a wild animal appeared, he attacked immediately. This is where his protective instinct and independent actions come from. He also learned his bravery as a guard dog.
It later became fashionable among the nobility. The French King Louis XIV kept specimens of the Pyrenean Mountain Dog at his court.
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is still used today in its homeland as a reliable and vigilant herding dog.
In Germany, it is more of a family dog. Since the eighties, it has experienced a small boom here. They look imposing and are very child-friendly. But he is still very protective of his family.
If you want to buy a Pyrenean Mountain Dog, make sure that it comes from a kennel that breeds family dogs. Train him lovingly and consistently and you will have a wonderful companion.
