The Great Pyrenees, also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, is an ancient French breed and a long-haired dog among the large breeds. Its history goes back a very long way, all the way to roughly 1800 BC to 1000 BC, when it already appeared in the Pyrenees mountain region of Europe. There are different opinions about its origin: some say it came from Central Asia or Siberia, while others say it descended from mastiff or bulldog-type ancestors. In any case, people who love the breed usually do not care much about its exact origin. Instead, they appreciate the ancestors that left us such a dog, one that looks almost like a polar bear.
The Great Pyrenees was mainly used by people to guard castles and protect sheep, so through long-term work it developed a regal air and an elegant, beautiful temperament. Its main coat color is white, which makes it appear even more distinctive. Whether standing still or moving, it easily attracts attention. Although it gives people a cold and distant impression, it actually has a kind heart.
The Great Pyrenees is one of the most powerful dogs. Although people admire its dignified appearance and strength and regard it as an excellent guard dog, it is truly not suitable for indoor raising unless the indoor space is very large. You may see its grace, power, and kindness, but to fully bring out these qualities requires considerable effort, because its intelligence ranking is often considered disappointing. In many ways, its outward conditions and inner nature do not seem to match a dog ranked only around sixty-fourth in canine intelligence lists.
Because the Great Pyrenees is considered somewhat low in trainability, training it can be quite difficult. Even a simple command may need to be repeated fifty or sixty times, which can test anyone’s patience. Although the Great Pyrenees has a kind heart, it does not always extend that kindness to the trainer during lessons. It often trains only when it happens to be in a good mood, and even then it learns slowly and forgets quickly. At other times it becomes distracted and mentally drifts away, as if wandering through some imaginary castle. It certainly does not make its trainer’s job easy.
Yet if you call the Great Pyrenees foolish, it still shows some cleverness. When it notices the trainer intends to take it out for training, it may pretend not to hear. No matter how loudly you call, it simply acts deaf. This means that if you do not think of a good method, it may be impossible to get such a dog to come to you. In this way, the breed also tests the trainer’s wisdom. If someone can successfully train a dog like this, then that trainer’s skill deserves real praise.
The Great Pyrenees has very good natural qualities. It is somewhat like a strong but simple-hearted hero who needs a clever and adaptable guide to bring out its best. As long as the right method is found, it can still be trained into a qualified hunting dog, herding dog, police dog, guard dog, or companion show dog.