Pyrenean Mountain Dog

FCI 137 - Molossoid . Mountain

Content

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is an ancient watchdog of the mountainous world of the Pyrenees. There it is officially called Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées. The people of the Pyrenees call him the cute little one Patou. The pyrenees, like a vast, deserted and rugged, previously inaccessible mountain range, form the natural border between France and Spain. Here there were and there are wolves and bears, with the consequent problem for ranchers. It also, sheep used to be one of the few livelihoods of the people here. While in Germany and other Central European countries people lament the return of the wolf and complain about the damage caused to game and sheep herds, in the Pyrenees dogs such as the Patou from time immemorial. And there are no complaints. Guard dogs are an integral part of every flock of sheep in the Pyrenees mountains.

On the French side, they are officially called Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées or Pyrenäenberghund, on the Spanish side Perro de montaña de los Pirineos or Gran Pirineo. In addition to protecting herds against thieves, wolves and bears, also protected large estates. His powerful figure, his determination and ability to attack in an emergency were not without effect. The impression must have been so lasting that his work was already documented in writings from antiquity and the Middle Ages.. It is reported that the dogs would have recognized people from afar by their clothes. In 1391 it is said that the Count of Foix did a test. If he came disguised as a tramp, the dogs attacked him from afar without hesitation. If he came dressed as a count, he wasn't bothered.

The Patou was not a uniform race in the past. In very remote valleys there were often local breeds, genetically isolated, optimized for your job task naturally, but in the end the same dogs came out with a very similar appearance and character, though they might have been genetically separated for generations. Extremely harsh living conditions obviously outweighed the disadvantages of inbreeding. Modern pedigree dog breeding took an interest in these impressive dogs very early on. Already at the first dog show in France, in 1863, a separate class was established for the Pyrenean Mountain Dog.

An attempt was made to establish the Patou also outside the Pyrenees as a watchdog and protection. In 1907 the first standard was established in France. But, due to the two world wars and the associated famine period, the population of Patou outside the mountains suffered serious setbacks. In 1955 obtained the official recognition of the FCI – International Cynological Federation.

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a big dog, imposing, powerful and at the same time athletic and agile. Doesn't seem clumsy or massive, but rather elegant piecework. It has a medium length coat, very dense and flexible, which can be slightly wavy. The bottom layer is also very dense. To the colors that the official standard says:

White or white with gray spots (badger gray or wolf gray), pale yellow or orange (rusty) in the head, ears and base of tail, sometimes also in the body.

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog it has a majestic height at the withers 70 and 80 centimeters in males and 65 to 75 in females. The weight must be between 60 and 70 kg. The measurements are quite similar to those taken by the Conde de Bylandt when he first described the breed in 1897, when he simply called the dogs "Chien des Pyréneés«. The head of the Patou remember the contours of a molosser. Shows a very alert and attentive facial expression. It is a dog that rests in itself, who first of all observes everything, seemingly listless. This is underlined by his eyes, they're supposed to be sweet and dreamy, with its dark amber color.

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a guardian and protector with territorial claims. He looks cute and calm looking, sublime and imposing almost like a blank teddy bear, but you must not be wrong. It has a strong character combined with a very own but clear idea of ​​how it should behave – and the others in their domain. This idea is naturally shaped by its use throughout the centuries, where he had to defend his flock to life or death as a guard without the presence of the shepherd and, therefore, had to make decisions independently. The official standard classifies his character qualities as follows:

Since the dog was used exclusively to protect herds against attacks by predators, its selection for breeding was based on its suitability as a guardian, their respectable appearance and also their relationship with the herd. The resulting characteristics are strength and agility., as well as the sweetness and attachment to his protégés. This watchdog has a tendency to independence and initiative, which requires some authority from his master.

One Pyrenean Mountain Dog should only be held by an experienced and mentally strong person. First of all, not a family dog. But, it can become so if it has extremely competent guidance from its master or caretaker and if the external conditions are right. Only then can he be a good family dog ​​and lovingly protect all members of the family., including other four-legged friends. It also, is a good guardian and extremely reliable protector of the house and all those who, in your opinion -which should be clarified-, belong to it. Towards strangers he is suspicious.

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog it is extremely undemanding in its maintenance – if one ignores the aforementioned restrictions due to its nature as a watchdog. It is undemanding in its nutrition as well as in its accommodation. You can spend the whole year outside without problems – As long as you have a suitable and "adequate" hiding place, it does not mean either a kennel or a chain., because he must be able to move in his territory. This large, self-confident dog is quite sensitive and places great importance on a close emotional bond with his human family.. You need a trusting relationship with your master or caregiver.

Thanks to modern pedigree dog breeding, the Patou is better prepared for a big city life than other herd protection dog breeds like the Kangal or the Central Asian Shepherd Dog. So if you have a large, well-fenced property in the country, if you have joy, fun, experience and the possibility of getting involved with these dogs, you can experience a particularly impressive and beautiful facet of the human-dog association.

The education of Pyrenean Mountain Dog belongs to the hands of a teacher or lover with deep experience and canine knowledge. Like any other race, Pyrenean mountain dogs must be well socialized and educated since they are puppies. It would be irresponsible to want to keep such a dog as a beginner.

Absolutely easy to care for and undemanding. The Pyrenean Mountain Dog generally enjoys very robust health. Some health problems may include hip dysplasia; heart problems such as tricuspid valve dysplasia; cancers like osteosarcoma (bone cancer); eye problems such as persistent pupil membranes, progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts; dissecting osteochondritis (an orthopedic problem), patellar dislocation (dislocation of the patella) and swelling.

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog he has no problem with his diet.

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog have a very high life expectancy of 12 and sometimes more years relative to its size.

Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a dog of the breed"Pyrenean Mountain Dog" you know certain factors. Not all breeds of dogs are apt to live in an apartment, you must take into account his character, their need for exercise, their interaction with other pets, their care and if you have small children, their level of tolerance towards them.

Adaptation ⓘ 4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	friendly dog ​​ⓘ 3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	hair loss ⓘ 5,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Affection level ⓘ 3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Need for exercise ⓘ 2,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Social need ⓘ 4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Home ⓘ 2,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Toilet ⓘ 3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Friendly with strangers ⓘ 2,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
barking ⓘ 4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Health ⓘ 5,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Territorial ⓘ 2,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Cat friendly ⓘ 4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Intelligence ⓘ 4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Versatility ⓘ 2,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Child friendly ⓘ 4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Surveillance ⓘ 2,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	joy ⓘ 5,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Photos:

1 – Pyrenean Mountain Dog by https://pxhere.com/es/photo/774692
2 – Pyrenees Mountain Dog, XI International Dog Show in Kraków by I, Lilly M / CC BY-SA
3 – Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog by HeartSpoon / CC BY-SA
4 – Pyrenees mountain dog by Arnaud 25 / CC BY-SA
5 – Pasture of Anterne, Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval, Pyrenean Mountain Dog among the sheeps by Jerome Bon from Paris, France / CC BY
6 – Pyrenean Mountain Dog by Emma.Martinet / CC0
7 – Pyrenees mountain dog by I, Beninho / CC BY-SA

• FCI CLASSIFICATION: 137
• Group 2: Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs
• Section 2: Molossoid - 2.2 Molossoid, mountain type. Without working trial..

Federations:

– FCI – Pinscher and Schnauzer-Molossoid type dogs – Swiss Mountain Dogs and Cattledogs. Section 2.2 Molossoid, mountain type. ⓘ

– AKC – Working dogs ⓘ

– ANKC – Group 6 (utility dogs) ⓘ

– CKC – Group 3 – Working dogs ⓘ

– ​KC – Sheepdogs ⓘ

– NZKC – Utility dog ⓘ

– UKC – Watchdog ⓘ

Spain, France

13.03.2001

Use:

Herd guard dog in mountain.

General appearance:

This is a large dog, imposing and very well proportioned, although without lacking a certain elegance.

PROPIMPORTANT ORTIONS:

• The maximum width of the skull is equal to its length.
• The muzzle is slightly shorter than the skull.
• The length of the body, from the tip of the shoulder, to the tip of the gluteus, is slightly higher than the height at the withers.
• Chest height is equal to half the height at the withers or slightly less

Used to protect flocks alone from predator attacks, his selection was based on both his vigilance and deterrence skills, as in their attachment to the flock. As a result of this, its main qualities are strength and agility, as well as the sweetness and devotion towards those who protect him. This watchdog has a propensity for independence and a sense of initiative that require some authority from its master..

Head:

Is not very big, compared to the size of the dog. The side faces are quite flat.

• Skull: The maximum width of the skull is equal to its length. It is slightly arched, because the sagittal crest is noticeable to the touch. Since the occipital protuberance is apparent, the cranium, on its back, It has an ogival shape. Superciliary arches are not marked, the middle groove is barely perceptible to the touch between the eyes.
• Depression links (Stop): It has a slight inclination.

facial region:

• Truffle: It is completely black.
• Snout: It is wide; somewhat shorter than the skull and progressively decreases towards its extremity. Seen from above, is V-shaped with a truncated tip. It is very solid under the eyes.
• Lips: They are slightly hanging and cover just the lower jaw. Are black or well marked black, as well as the palate.
• Jaws / Teeth: The denture must be complete and the teeth must be white and healthy. The joint is in the form of scissors (the upper incisors cover the lower ones without loss of contact). Articulation in the form of pliers is supported, as well as the two lower clips that fall towards the front.

Eyes: They are rather small, almendrada form, slightly oblique, of intelligent and contemplative expression. Its color is amber brown. The eyelids are never loose and are lined with black. The look is sweet and dreamy.

Ears: Present at eye level. They are quite small, triangular in shape and rounded at the extremity. They fall close to the head and appear a little higher when the dog is in action.

Neck:

It is strong, pretty short; the double chin is poorly developed.

Body:

The length of the body, from the tip of the shoulder, to the tip of the gluteus, is slightly higher than the height at the withers. The height of the sternum to the ground is almost equal to half the height at the withers, but never inferior.

• top line: It is very firm.
• Cross: It is wide.
• Back: Good length, solid.
• Pork loin: Medium length.
• Rump: Slightly oblique; the haunches are quite outgoing.
• Flank: It is little inclined.
• Breast : It is not very inclined, but wide and deep. Descends to elbow level, no further down. Its altitude is equal to or slightly less than the height at the withers. Ribs are slightly rounded.

Tail:

Descend at least to the tip of the hock. It is bushy and forms a pompadour. Low, during rest, preferably with the hooked end. When is the dog in action, it rises on the back taking a well-rounded shape and only the limb touches the back (The mountain people call it the "arroundera" wheel.).

Tips

PREVIOUS MEMBERS: They are strong and plumb.

• Shoulder: They are fairly oblique.
• Arms: Muscular, medium length.
• forearms: Straight, strong and well covered with fringe hairs.
• Carpi: The wrist is in the extension of the forearm.
• Metacarpus: Slightly oblique.
• Previous feet: They are not very long and compact, with slightly arched fingers.

LATER MEMBERS: They have hairs that form longer and busier fringes than the forelimbs. Seen from behind, are perpendicular to the ground.

• Thighs: They are well muscled, not very long and fairly oblique; «well trained».
• Knees: They are moderately angled and lie on the axis of the body.
• Legs: Strong, medium length.
• Hock: Width, thin and medium layered.
• Pies: They are little elongated, compact, with slightly arched fingers.
• Spurs: The hindquarters have double, well-formed spurs. The forelimbs sometimes have single or double dewclaws.

Movement:

The movement of the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is powerful and loose, never weighed; it is broader than fast and it does not lack a certain elasticity and elegance. This dog's angulations allow for a steady gait.

Mantle

SKIN: Thick and flexible. Often shows pigmentation spots all over the body.

Fur: It is very bushy, smooth, quite long and loose, pretty rough on the shoulders and back. Longer at the tail and around the neck, where it can be slightly wavy. Trouser hair, finer and woolier, it's very bushy. The inner face of hairs is also thick.

Color: White or white with gray appearance spots (badger hair or dark bay), pale yellow or orange, in the head, the ears and the tail. Badger hair spots are the most appreciated.

Size and weight:

Height to the cross:

• Males: 70 to 80 cm.,
• females: 65 to 75 cm..

A tolerance of 2 cm in of the set size, in copies that correspond perfectly to the type.

Fouls:

Any deviation from the aforementioned criteria is considered as a fault and the severity of this is considered to the degree of the deviation to the standard and its consequences on the health and well-being of the dog..

General aspect: General appearance that gives the impression of heaviness, aspect without distinction. Thick dog, not very energetic, lymphatic.

Head:

• Too heavy, rectangular
• Very wide skull, forehead bulge
• Very marked or non-existent naso-frontal depression
• Very drooping lips that form belfo
• Insufficient truffle pigmentation, the edge of the eyelids and lips

Eyes: Round, sunken or bulging. Too big or too small, close together or far apart. Third visible eyelid. Hard expression.

Ears: Wide, long, bent, forming folds. They come back; set high.

Neck: Delgado, a little long or otherwise very short, giving the impression that the head is sunk on the shoulders. Chin very pronounced.

Body: Sunken or convex top line, inclined, swollen or sagging belly.

Breast : Very broad or narrow front part of the chest. Flat ribs, or on the contrary, barrel shape.

Tail: With little hair or incorrect implantation. Very short or very long, without pompadour, does not take the form of a wheel when in action or does it continuously, even during rest.

Former members:

• They deviate inward or outward.
• Very open scapulo-humeral angle.

Later members:

• They deviate inward or outward.
• Straight or excessively angled hock.
• Pies: Long, plans.
• Fur: Short or curled, silky, soft. Absence of an inner layer of hairs.

FALTAS DESCALIFICANTES:

• Aggressiveness or extreme shyness.
• Any dog ​​showing clear signs of physical or behavioral abnormalities must be disqualified..
• Color: Colors other than those indicated in the standard.
• Truffle: In another color that is not absolutely black.
• Jaws: Upper or lower prognathism, or any malformation of the jaws.
• Eyes: Different colored spots on the eyelids, raptor eyes.
• Spurs: Absence of dewclaws, single or double spur atrophy in hindquarters.
• Size: Outside the limits of the standard.

• Males must have two normal-appearing testicles fully descended into the scrotum..
• Only functionally and clinically healthy dogs, with the typical conformation of the breed, should be used for parenting.

Source: F.C.I - International Cynological Federation

1. Great Pyrenees, Patou, Montañés del Pirineo, Perro de Montaña de los Pirineos, Can de Montaña de os Perinés, Chien des Pyrénées, Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées, Pyr, GP, PMD, Gentle Giant (English).
2. montagne des Pyrénées, pastou, patou (French).
3. Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées, Patou (German).
4. Chien de Montagne des Pirénées (Portuguese).
5. Gran Pirineo, Chien des Pyrénées, Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées, Gigante de los Pirineos, Gran Pirineu, Muntanya dels Pirineus, Patou (español).