In today’s world, Great Pyrenees dogs are known as giant, fluffy dogs that make wonderful pets for families with young children. However, their original purpose goes a bit further than this. So, what were the Great Pyrenees originally bred for?
The Great Pyrenees were bred in France to be used as livestock guardian dogs. They were a type of breed that was created with the purpose of protecting their owner’s livestock from predators. These dogs were primarily used by farmers to protect their animals and feed.
However, the history behind the Great Pyrenees gets even more interesting. Stick around as we reveal it all!
What Breeds Made the Great Pyrenees?
The Great Pyrenees is a gentle giant and comes from several breeds: the Mastiff, Alpine Dachsbracke, Pyrenean Mountain Dog, and the Bordeaux Dog.
Each of these breeds has some unique qualities that can help shed light on what Great Pyrenees were bred for, including what makes them such great companion dogs today.
Mastiff’s infrequent barking makes it a popular farm dog and good night guard.
The Alpine Dachsbracke was bred with two different purposes in mind. It was created with both herding and guarding abilities.
Mastiffs are good with livestock and can react aggressively to predators without killing them.
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog’s stamina is ideal for standing guard over flock at night.
The Bordeaux Dog had a very strong temperament and is accustomed to running alongside livestock such as sheep.
They are able to keep up with them for hours without getting exhausted.
These breeds were all interbred at some point in time, and this is how the Great Pyrenees came about.
What are the Great Pyrenees Bred for Today?
Nowadays, the Great Pyrenees are considered to be giant, gentle, fluffy dogs that make great pets for families with young children. They weigh anywhere from 100-150 pounds and can grow up to 28 inches tall. They are always white in color and have a very robust build.
The best part about owning the Great Pyrenees is the dual purposes they serve.
While they make great guard dogs for livestock, they also make great companions for your family.
However, most people who own the Great Pyrenees are not that interested in their dog’s ability to protect a herd.
The breed is used more as companion dogs today than for their working abilities.
What Were Great Pyrenees Bred For In the Past?
The Great Pyrenees was originally bred in France to be used as a livestock guardian dog. They are one of the most popular breeds in this category, in line with similar breeds, such as the Kuvasz and Maremma Sheepdog.
This breed served as livestock guardian dogs to protect sheep, goats, cattle, and poultry from predators.
They would guard the herds at night when many predators tended to strike because it was less active.
These dogs are large enough that they could scare away any potential predators without actually killing them. These pups have very strong jaws, strong enough to easily kill a wolf if needed!
Nowadays, the Great Pyrenees is still used as a livestock guardian dog, but not nearly to the extent that they once were.
In current times, they are bred more for their companionship abilities than their ability to guard livestock against predators.
How Have Great Pyrenees Changed Over Time?
The Great Pyrenees has changed over time in that they are no longer solely bred as livestock guardian dogs. They are now also bred as companion dogs, and they make great family pets.
They are still used as livestock guardian dogs, but this is not their sole purpose anymore.
However, besides this, they can still perform the duties they were originally bred to do if they had to.
In other words, if you give them a herd of sheep to guard, they will manage to do it.
How Well Do They Adapt to Living in Different Climates and Environments?
Generally, the Great Pyrenees adapt well to living in different climates and environments.
They are tolerant of both hot and cold weather conditions and can do well living in either rural or urban settings. However, they may not be the best choice for an owner who lives in a very warm climate as they prefer cooler weather conditions.
This is due to their thick fur and double coat, which act as insulation against heat.
This breed has well-developed paws with thick pads, which means they can walk on slippery or icy surfaces without discomfort.
This is another adaptation from when these dogs were originally bred as livestock guardian dogs to help them keep their footing on icy or snowy ground.
Therefore, while they can usually tolerate most climates, very hot ones should be avoided for the dog’s health and comfort.
What is the Great Pyrenees’ Temperament Like?
The temperament of the Great Pyrenees is often described as being very calm and gentle. They are not known to be bred for their aggression, and so they usually only react aggressively if they feel their family or property is in danger.
They are also very loyal to their owners and will protect them from any harm that may come their way.
In addition to being loyal and protective, the Great Pyrenees is also known for being very patient.
They are not easily provoked and usually only react if they feel their family or property is in danger.
This makes them great pets for people with children or smaller house pets.
Great Pyrenees as Family Dogs
Great Pyrenees are known to make great family dogs if they are raised around children. They are loyal and protective of their family, which makes them a popular choice among dog owners.
However, it’s important to note that they will act more aggressively toward anyone they perceive as a threat to their owner.
Aggressive Behavior
While the Great Pyrenees are generally gentle by nature, they may attack someone out of aggression, especially if their owner has been injured in some way.
This is something to keep in mind when dealing with these dogs, as they may act differently in certain situations.
Introducing New People
Great Pyrenees are gentle with their family members, but caution should be used when introducing new people into the home who have not yet earned the trust of the dog.
This is to ensure the safety of both the dog and the new people in the home.
If properly trained and socialized from an early age, however, you will find that they are great family dogs.
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Possible Great Pyrenees Health Concerns
There are a few health concerns that you should be aware of if you are considering owning a Great Pyrenees.
One of the most common health problems is hip dysplasia, genetic joint inflammation, and degeneration.
Other health problems that have been seen in the Great Pyrenees include elbow dysplasia, entropion (an eye disorder where the eyelashes grow inward and irritate the eye), and bloat (a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach expands due to excessive gas).
While all of these health conditions can be serious, most of them can be treated if caught early.
Therefore, taking your dog to the veterinarian as soon as you notice any of these symptoms is important.
Are the Great Pyrenees Up for Adoption at Shelters?
Now that we understand what the Great Pyrenees were bred for, we should now look at where to find one for adoption.
There are several breed rescue organizations and shelters that have Great Pyrenees puppies or dogs available for adoption.
One great organization that specializes in rescuing Great Pyrenees dogs is the National Great Pyrenees Rescue.
This network is made up of amazing volunteers who work together to help re-home these dogs across homes in the US and Canada.
