The Great Pyrenees, also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a breed of working dog officially recognized by the AKC in 1933. As the name suggests, the Great Pyrenees is a breed originating from the Pyrenees Mountains of southern France. Great Pyrenees are known as a majestic dog that was used traditionally for protecting livestock. They are also used as an avalanche rescue dog, as a cart-puller and a sled dog, as a pack dog on ski trips, and as a companion and defender of family and property. Loyal and protective of its territory, the Great Pyrenees makes for a great family dog that gives the distinct impression of elegance and unsurpassed beauty combined with great overall size and majesty.

The Great Pyrenees reaches maturity at about two years of age. Full grown, the dogs are large and muscular. Males grow to between 110-120 pounds (50-54 kg) and 27-32 inches (69-81 cm), while females reach between 80-90 pounds (36-41 kg) and 25-29 inches (63-74 cm). They have beautiful and weather resistant double coat. Their weather resistant coat allows them to withstand intense cold temperatures. Coat color is either solid white or white with patches of badger, tan, wolf gray, pale yellow, reddish brown or varying shades of tan. These dogs shed heavily once a year. The dog has a broad chest and a wedge-shaped head, a slightly rounded skull with no apparent stop. The Great Pyrenees muzzle is wide and gently pointed. He is slightly longer than tall. One distinctive characteristic of the Great Pyrenees is that it has double dewclaws on its hind legs. The color of the nose and on the eye rims should be jet black. He lives to between 10-12 years of age.

Great Pyrenees Puppies need a lot of attention as they are very active and might have the tendency to wander off or escape. They have an independent nature and sometimes require a firm hand in order to make them realize who the master is. They love to chew and have a tendency to bark a lot and some tend to drool and slobber. Once the puppy accepts the crate as his den, he will feel comfortable in the crate. Great Pyrenees puppies are not right for everyone due to their adult size and temperament, but they do well in the right type of home with active leadership. However it is noted that their devotion to their family remains true even if self-sacrifice is required.

Great Pyrenees is Gentle and affectionate with those he loves and is a capable and imposing guardian. He is calm, well- mannered, and somewhat serious. While known to be protective of its family and territorial, the Great Pyrenees is devoted to its family, and somewhat wary of strangers - human or canine. The Great Pyrenees loves the companionship of humans, and is a great choice for a family pet for those that have adequate space for this giant dog to get some exercise. They are courageous and protective dog that makes for a good watchdog.

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