The History of the Pyrenean Mountain Dog
Originated in Asia Minor
The Great Pyrenees (or Pyrenean Mountain Dog as they are called in Europe) are large. regal, elegant, calm, fluffy white dogs (makes me think of a polar bear) that originated in Central Asia or Siberia and was used as a guard dog of sheep by nomadic shepherds. In France, they are called Le Chien de Montague des Pyrenees or Le Chien des Pyrenees.
Migration to Europe
These livestock guardian dogs migrated to Europe to the high Pyrenees mountain regions of Southern France, hence their name. A relative of the St. Bernard, this breed gained popularity in the Middle Ages when French nobility used them as herders and guard dogs for their flocks, guarding them against predators such as wolves and bears.
Royal Dog of the French Court
Pyrenees carry an air of majestic beauty, dignity, and self-confidence so it was no surprise that in the late 17th century, King, Louis XIV decreed the breed as “Royal Dog of France” in 1675. (The story is that the son of Louis XIV fell in love with a “Great White Dog of the Pyrenees Mountains” and brought him home to live in the Louvre. As a result, the Great Pyrenees became the favorite dog of the French royalty and were often referred to as the ” Gentlemen with the white fur.”)
Soon, it became popular for French nobility to own these dogs to guard their Chateaux, forts castles and estates. It was reported that both Queen Marie Antoinette and Queen Victoria (1850) favored and owned them.
During World War II the dogs were used to haul artillery over the Pyrenean Mountain range to and from Spain and France.
Arrival in the US
The first pair of Great Pyrenees was introduced to America in 1824, but the breed didn’t really gain popularity in the States until 1930’s. In 1933 the Great Pyrenees was given official recognition by the AKC.(The American Kennel Club.) Americans then and now admire the breed for their devotion, fidelity, intelligence, and sense of guardianship. The dog is still reputed as a dependable companion and livestock guardian in the U.S. today.
According to the Great Pyrenees Club of America, the Great Pyrenees is naturally nocturnal and aggressive with any predators that may harm its flock. However, the breed can typically be trusted with small, young, and helpless animals of any kind due to its natural guardian instinct.
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