The original ancestors of the Great Pyrenees (Pyrenean Mountain Dog) are the Tibetan Mastiff and the Molossian Hounds which were brought to Spain by the Romans. For the next 1000 years, the dogs that existed on the border between France and Spain developed in relative isolation, thus the creation of the Great Pyrenees (Pyrenean Mountain Dog). The large, intelligent animals were used to guard flocks of sheep in the hills, and could be trusted alone for days at a time. At times they were also used to guard French prisons, and during the reign of Louis XIV, the Great Pyrenees (Pyrenean Mountain Dog) was made the official court dog. It wasn't really until the 1800's that travellers to the area, impressed with these beautiful dogs, started to import them to other places throughout the world. The breed standard, adopted in France after World War I, was translated to English and by the 1930's, the Great Pyrenees (Pyrenean Mountain Dog), was popular with breeders in Britain and North America. This Great Pyrenees (Pyrenean Mountain Dog) is well-suited to family life, but because of its size should have plenty of room and exercise even though he can curl himself into very small places!

Appearance
The Great Pyrenees (Pyrenean Mountain Dog) should possess great size, substance and power, giving an impression of an immensely strong yet well-balanced dog. These qualities should be accompanied by a certain elegance resulting from a combination of the attractive coat, the correct head and a general air of quiet confidence. The Great Pyrenees (Pyrenean Mountain Dog) is of the utmost importance that nervousness or unprovoked aggression should be heavily penalised.

Character
The Great Pyrenees (Pyrenean Mountain Dog) can live outdoors in temperate to cold weather, although it enjoys being with its family indoors. A well fenced property is a requirement and an awareness of barking as a dog bred to guard must also be noted. Obedience classes are to be recommended and mature male Great Pyrenees (Pyrenean Mountain Dog) do not normally care for males of the same Breed or of other Breeds due to their territorial/guarding nature.
 

Temperament
The Great Pyrenees (Pyrenean Mountain Dog) is very loyal, as well as affectionate and gentle. This intelligent dog makes a very welcome family pet. The Great Pyrenees (Pyrenean Mountain Dog) does have a mind of his own when it suits him. They cannot be trusted off-leash, as their guardian dog nature will cause them to investigate anything and everything they find interesting, and to not trust their owners to make the final decisions. Great Pyrenees (Pyrenean Mountain Dog) were bred to guard without instruction from humans and will decide for you what is in your best interest. A mature Great Pyrenees (Pyrenean Mountain Dog) may be somewhat standoffish and wary of strangers. They are extremely protective of their family members - human or animal - and will never trust or like anyone who they think is a potential danger or threat to their family. Some Great Pyrenees (Pyrenean Mountain Dog) will show discomfort by pushing against the stranger, or by nudging the owner. That said they do warm up to friendly and kind people, especially children and women, fairly quickly. Obedience training and socialization at a young age of the Great Pyrenees (Pyrenean Mountain Dog) are a must, as this breed grows large and strong very quickly and is best suited for someone capable of handling a large dog. Bad habits, such as jumping, pulling on lead and table surfing should be nipped in the bud - any bad puppy habits will be ten times worse when the dog weighs 100 pounds!

Exercise/Training
The Great Pyrenees (Pyrenean Mountain Dog) needs regular exercise to stay in shape, though its needs are not excessive. A moderate walk will usually suffice. In the warmer weather ensure that the Great Pyrenees (Pyrenean Mountain Dog) has shade and plenty of water. Playing and obedience are very good types of mental exercise. 20 minutes obedience and playing with your Great Pyrenees (Pyrenean Mountain Dog) will be more useful for the dogs exercise then an hour walk on the leash can provide.

Color
The coat colors of the Great Pyrenees (Pyrenean Mountain Dog) are mainly white with patches of badger, wolf-grey or pale yellow or white. Both colors are of equal merit and judges should show no preference for either. Areas of black hair, where the black goes right down to the roots, are a serious fault. The colored markings can be on the head, the ears and at the base of the tail, but a few patches on the body are permitted. The nose and eye rims should be black. The presence of liver pigmentation or pink is a serious fault.

Grooming
The coat of the Great Pyrenees (Pyrenean Mountain Dog) needs brushing once or twice weekly, daily when shedding and regular grooming in between. A good nutrition and regular brushing keeps the proper coat shine and the skin healthy. Bathing doesn’t harm the coat of the Great Pyrenees (Pyrenean Mountain Dog) as long as you use a good quality shampoo that doesn't dry the skin and coat and is formulated for a canine coat. The ears of the Great Pyrenees (Pyrenean Mountain Dog) should be kept clean and regularly inspected as well.

Any breed described as "good with children", the dog must be accustomed to children. Any dog that is not well socialized with children will not behave predictably around them. As with all dogs, they should never be left alone with young children.