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Pyrenean mountain dog or shepherd dog?
Pyrenees are among the world's most popular shepherd dogs. Their attractive appearance, impressive size and quiet charisma makes them favorite of visitors to the exhibitions. They are called "colorful Kuvasz", but they are France's national dogs, of which they are not proud without a reason. The males have a height of 70-80 cm and females about 65-75 cm. Their weight is ca. 50-70 kg. They are gentle, skillful, and flexible and have a balanced temperament. The high level of vigilance is born with them. They are proud and independent dogs, which can be trained only with patience and absolute consistency. In the family they are a gentle and patient friends with a high stimulus threshold. In general they are peaceful with other dogs. He lies around during the day, but has always an eye on his property. At night he is a terrible guard, always watchful and totally reliable.
In the Middle Ages it was widely spread, at that time it was used as a guard dog. Villages and castles were commended to it. In the Romantic period, the nobility often showed it with pride and tried always to get another one. In 1675 Madame de Meintenon, favorite of Louis XIV the Sun King, fell in love during their trip with the Pyrenees, in the big white dog that guarded the sheep. She bought one and brought it to Paris.
Since that the Pyrenean mountain dog lived a double life: he continued to watch the wandering flocks, but made a great career in the royal court. It became a real status symbol as a lord with a white coat. Queen Victoria also owned a Pyrenean mountain dog named Cabas.
Their fur is dirt resistant, easy to maintain. The color can be white, black on white, and beige, sometimes wolf-colored spots on the head, ears and tail base. Some spots on the body are not considered as a defect. The head is not too strong in relation to the body size. The nose is black. The eye is smallish and has an intelligent expression. The teeth are powerful and close like scissors. The absence of the double dewclaws on hind legs will result in disqualification at shows. Pyrenees are very insisting, easily trainable and excellent watchdogs. The French prefer them in villas and castles as a watchdog because of their courage, incorruptibleness and eye-catching appearance. Let us not forget that a shepherd dog, next to his self-confidence, modesty and autonomy, has a shy soul and loves to flatter. It demands attention. The Patou came under the Migration Period from Asia to Europe. His courage is legendary. He protected the flocks against wolves and bears. On his neck he had a thorny collar so that the sensitive part of the body is protected from the enemy. As a shepherd he has not been used for driving the herd but for their protection. 4-5 Pyrenean mountain dogs banished wolf packs, bears and robbers.
A Pyrenean mountain dog, which has the above-mentioned external and internal features simultaneously, represents quality, which is why such a dog costs a higher price.
