Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees
submitted by Diana

AKC description
General Appearance
The Great Pyrenees dog conveys the distinct impression of elegance
and unsurpassed beauty combined with great overall size and majesty.
He has a white or principally white coat that may contain markings of
badger, gray, or varying shades of tan. He possesses a keen
intelligence and a kindly, while regal, expression. Exhibiting a
unique elegance of bearing and movement, his soundness and
coordination show unmistakably the purpose for which he has been
bred, the strenuous work of guarding the flocks in all kinds of
weather on the steep mountain slopes of the Pyrenees.

La Chasse au Loup
circa 1746
Painting by Jean-Baptiste Oudry
1686-1755
This remarkable painting depicts a group of dogs fighting with a wolf. Two of the dogs are Montagne des Pyrénées (Great Pyrenees, Pyrenean Mountain Dogs). This painting is from the Chateau de Gien, Musée International de la Chasse in Gien, France. The picture of the painting was gratefully supplied by Henk Ariaans from Holland. Many thanks to Henk.

My synopsis
Great Pyrenees are also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog across the
pond, and Le Chien de Montagnes des Pyrenees in their native France.
The ancient origin of the breed is unclear though fossils have been
found from 3000 BC. Some resources think they came from Asia, some
think they are descendent from the original mastiff and others think
they developed from locals wolves in the area where they finally
gained recognition, the Pyrenees mountains. They have a calm
temperament and are extremely independent. Primarily known to guard
flocks of sheep, they were also employed to guard castles. A Great
Pyrenees is carved above the north gate of Carcassonne. There is
written documentation of their presence in France in 1407. Their
regal bearing helped them become the favorite of Louis XIV, Queen
Marie Antoinette and Queen Victoria..

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