Breed Priorities – Great Pyrenees

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100 – June, 2020

By Nikki Riggsbee

The Great Pyrenees was named for the Pyrenees mountain range, which forms a natural border between France and Spain, where they have been used as flock guardians for millennia. In Europe, the breed is called Pyrenean Mountain Dog. Their ancestors were likely the primarily white mountain flock guardian dogs from thousands of years ago in Asia Minor. They are renowned for their devotion to their flocks and their shepherds and their families. Many people recognize some breeds as dual dogs, succeeding in their original function as well as the show ring. The same can be said for flock guardian dogs. Many of these breeds we see in the show ring also work to protect livestock and other animals.

We found twenty-one breeder-judges and mentors to invite to take a survey on their breed’s priorities. Six-teen agreed to do so, and thirteen surveys were received. These experts have been in the breed on average for more than forty-one years, longer than is typical with other large breeds. The ten of the group who judge their breed have been doing so for more than twenty-four breeds on average.

Great Pyrenees Virtues

The survey included a list of Great Pyrenees characteristics taken from their breed standard for the experts to prioritize. The list of virtues below is in sequence by the average ranks, with one being the most important.

1. Elegance and unsurpassed beauty

2. Great overall size and majesty

3. Expression elegant, intelligent, contemplative

4. Confident, gentle, affectionate, territorial and protective when necessary

5. Eyes medium sized, almond shaped, set slightly obliquely, rich dark brown

6. Muzzle approximately equal length to back skull

7. Ease and efficiency of movement, exhibiting power and agility

8. Height at withers somewhat less than length of body

9. Weather resistant double coat, outer coat coarse hair over dense, fine, wooly undercoat

10. Chest moderately broad, rib cage well sprung, depth to reach elbows

11. Medium substance

12. Shoulders well laid back, well muscled, lie close to body

13. Sufficient fill under eyes

14. Backline level

15. Hindquarters angulation similar to that of forequarters

16. Feet rounded, close-cupped, well padded, toes well arched

Click here to read the complete article
100 – June, 2020

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