Great Pyrenees 102

The Pyrenees Mountains create a natural border between France and Spain. This rocky, high-altitude region is where the Great Pyrenees originated centuries ago. These large, powerful dogs were bred to protect and guard flocks against packs of wolves, bears, and other dangers to them among the freezing mountaintops. They were prized for their strength, intelligence, and seemingly endless patience and focus while working.

The Great Pyrenees, also sometimes referred to as a Pyr, is also known by a few other names like Le Grande Chien des Montagnes, Le Chien des Pyrenees, and the Pyrenean Mountain Dog. They could be found working in the mountains or sitting in court at the side of French royalty. The first Pyrs came to the United States in 1824. The AKC recognized the Great Pyrenees in 1933 as a member of the Working Group.