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The Great Pyrenees is a livestock guardian dog. A three thousand year old breed, the "Pyr" is considered by breeders to be the ancestor of the Newfoundland and the Saint Bernard. Primarily white in color, the Great Pyrenees puppy is either born all white or with black markings. If the puppies have color, it will lighten each day and eventually fade to near white. Grey or tan markings that remain give the french name "blaireau" to those Great Pyrenees puppies which means "with color". Both blaireau and white Pyrenees are equal in the show ring. The lack of double dew claws on the hind feet are grounds for disqualification. Pyrs use them like a thumb when climbing on rocks in the Pyrenees Mountains. In his native France, he is known as Le Grand Chien De Montagne, the great mountain dog of the Pyrenees. The primarily white coat helped pipal ranchers to instantly differentiate between their working dogs and preditors. At four months of age the Great Pyrenees puppy begins to produce the double coat; flat outter guard hairs grow through the soft under coat. The traits bred into the Pyrenees Mountain Dog also make it calm, loving and a trustworthy pet for children. Last updated 3/18/2008 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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