The origin of the Samoyed Dogs

The Samoyed Breed of Dogs originated in Siberia, Russia and their bloodline dates as far back as ancient times. Originally they were used to herd reindeers and to be guard dogs. Today, the Samoyed Dogs are being used to herd animals and to pull sleds.

The Samoyed Dogs were named after the nomadic Samoyed people that came from Central Asia and settled in the Northwestern part of Siberia. The Samoyed people needed reindeer as food to be able to survive. The reindeer was always on the move in order to find food. The Samoyed Dogs were used to round up the reindeer in order to protect them from hungry predators.

Not only were the Samoyed Dogs used to guard herds of reindeer keeping them moving all the time to avoid Arctic predators from attacking them, but because they were very keen hunters, they were also used to hunt bears. These dogs were very good at towing boats and sleds too so, whenever necessary, they were used for this purpose. The Samoyed dogs were allowed to sleep with the children inside the villagers’ tents at night to help keep them warm.

It was in the late 1800s that the Samoyed Dogs arrived in England. Many of these early dogs were not all-white like the dogs we see today. Queen Alexandria immediately became so fond of a pure white Samoyed Dog that was given to her as a gift that she promoted the Samoyed’s beauty throughout the country. Even up to this day, you can find descendants of the Queen’s dogs in most of today’s pedigrees.

The Samoyed Breed arrived in the United States of America in the early 1900s. These dogs out- performed many other breeds that were used to pull, so right away they became very popular as sled pulling dogs. In fact, it was the Samoyed Dogs that were used for all the traveling when the South Pole was discovered.

Caring for the Samoyed Breed of dogs

The Samoyed Dogs require plenty of exercise every day. They would be very happy to be with families that lead an active lifestyle. In order to help these dogs to release some of their energy, they need brisk walks and vigorous playtime. What these dogs enjoy most is pulling and herding.

The Samoyed dogs are genetically bred to live in the arctic region, so they do not do well in hot temperatures but do very well in cold weather. They should be allowed to be outdoors during the day, but should sleep inside with the family at night. These dog’s thick coats need to be thoroughly brushed at least two to three times a week.

Health Concerns for the Samoyed Dogs

There are not many major health problems connected to these dogs. The only major problem is CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia). Other minor problems that may come up include hypothyroidism, cataracts, and gastric torsion. It is recommended by veterinarians that all Samoyed dogs be tested for DNA, PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), hip, eye and thyroid problems. With proper care and attention, Samoyed dogs may live for up to ten to twelve years.

Rottweiler dogs were brought to the United States in the early 1930s after which they were recognized by the American Kennel Club. Because there was not much use for this breed of dogs, they had become almost extinct. But today they have become one of the most popular household dogs. America’s Kennel Club ranks these dogs among the top ten most popular registered dogs.

Rottweiler dogs are very alert, bold and confident dogs. If you are looking for a watchdog with great protection abilities, then a Rottweiler dog is the dog for you. You have to remember though, that because these dogs are so courageous and aggressively confident they can also be stubborn, especially when undergoing training. If you choose to have one of these dogs as a household pet, the extra effort and time spent on its training is well worth it.

Care and Attention for the Rottweiler Dogs

The Rottweiler dogs, like most other large dogs need a lot of physical activities daily. Mental games and obedience training should be included in their daily routine. Long walks on the leash through safe areas should also be included in their daily exercise. These dogs also enjoy playing vigorous games.

These dogs do well in cold weather and actually enjoy the winter months. They do not do well with the hot humid temperatures of the summer months. If run too hard during the summer, it is easy for them to become overheated.

Rottweiler dogs can live both indoors and outdoors. If you choose to have your dog live outdoors, it is important that you provide your dog with plenty of shade and shelter especially during the summer months. It is well known that these dogs love to spend a lot of time with their owners indoors.

Health Concerns for the Rottweiler Dogs

Major health issues with the Rottweiler dogs include elbow dysplasia, SAS (Sub-Aortic Stenosis), CHD   (Canine Hip Dysplasia), and osteosarcoma. It is recommended that you have your dog tested for hip dysplasia, cardiac problems, VWD (Von Willerbrand’s Disease), and elbow dysplasia. The average healthy Rottweiler dog can live up to about 11 years.

These dogs need a lot of activity in their lives as they don’t like to be still for very long but like to play and run around outdoors.

Some facts about the Portuguese Water Dogs

These dogs originated in Portugal, hence their names. They are very focused and hard working. Taking into account their appearance, it is obvious that these dogs have some Poodle in their bloodline. In Portugal this breed of dogs is known as “Cao de Aqua”, which means “Water Dog”. There are two types of these dogs, the long-haired type and the curly-coated type.

The ancestors of the Portuguese Water Dogs originated from the central Asian steppes. People believe that these dogs came to Portugal in one of two possible ways, either from the Visigoths in the 5^th century or from the Berbers and Moors in the 8^th century.

Using these dogs as water dogs became very popular in Portugal. They were used as couriers from one boat to other boats or from a boat to the shore. Because they were very good retrievers, fishermen used them to fetch nets or other fishing equipment. Trawler crews who fished in the Iceland waters would also have these dogs work with them.

But in time with the amazing invention of technology, modern fishing methods were developed. As the old ways of doing things no longer existed, the use of these dogs decreased. The breed was almost extinct but was saved by the work of a man named Dr. Vasco Bensuade.

Dr. Bensuade who was a rich shipping magnate was very enthusiastic about the Portuguese Water Dogs. He promoted these dogs in different parts of the world. Dr. Bensuade reorganized the breed club and had these dogs presented in numerous dog shows. The Portuguese Water Dogs came to America in the 1950s, and were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1984.

The Care of the Portuguese Water Dogs

It is believed that the Portuguese Water Dogs breed is perhaps one of the most energetic breed of dogs that exists today. With their boundless amount of energy, these dogs love to run, play, swim and retrieve.

It is very important that these dogs get daily exercise. These dogs can become frustrated and destructive if they are kept locked up inside the house.

The Portuguese Water Dogs do well in both hot and cold weather, but because they love to have human contact constantly, it is better for them to live inside with the family. Grooming these dogs requires that you brush them properly every other day. It is also recommended that they have professional clipping once a month.

Health Problems of the Portuguese Water Dogs

The only major health problem connected with these dogs is PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy).

Other minor health problems may include CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia), GMI storage disease, Addison’s,  distichiasis, juvenile cardiomyopathy and hair loss.

Veterinarians believe that you should get your dog tested for DNA, GMI, and eye and hip problems. The Portuguese Water Dogs may live between ten and fourteen years.

During the middle part of the 19^th century, farmers were using these dogs to drive their sheep and cattle to the market. Because they were classified as working dogs, their owners did not have to pay dog taxes for them. But the owners had to prove that these dogs were working dogs, so one way to prove it, was to cut off the end of their tails also known as tail docking. Even to this day, tail docking has remained a practice and for this reason they have nicked named the dog “Bobtail”.

During the latter part of the 1800’s, a show was held where the Old English Sheepdog participated. As a result, in the early part of the 1900’s, these dogs became a popular dog exhibit.  But it wasn’t until 1905 that they were officially recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club).

Even though it took a while for these dogs to become known as house pets, during the 1970’s, the Old English Sheepdog became so popular that a lot of people brought them home and added them as a member of the family. This increase in popularity was because these dogs were being used in different roles in advertising and other media outlets.

Characteristics of the Old English Sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdog is usually a gentle well mannered happy-go-lucky dog. This breed of dog loves to be around people and when they are at home they are always trying to amuse members of the family by being comical and jovial.

Since these dogs are genetically gifted for herding flock, they display the same attitude towards the children in their household showing very high levels of loyalty and protection. Old English Sheepdogs are very affectionate and are very friendly to strangers and also to other pets.

Caring for your Old English Sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdog, just like any other dog, requires daily exercise. This can be done by taking long walks or medium-paced jogs on the leash. Living on a farm or on a large piece of land with other animals would be the ideal place for these dogs who truly enjoy herding.

The Old English Sheepdog does not prosper well during hot weather, but can live outdoors when the weather is cool so make sure that it can always move in and out of the house. Because they have a thick coat, they require regular grooming and you should make sure to brush them at least every other day to avoid their coat from matting. This will help their coat from picking up dirt and debris.

Health Information

With this breed of dog, the main health problem is CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia). Other minor health problems that could affect them are gastric torsion, hypothyroidism, cerebellar ataxia, otitis externa, deafness, retinal detachment, cataracts and PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy).

• Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 26 – 30 inches (65 – 75 cm) ; bitches: 24 – 28 inches (60 – 70 cm)
• Weight: 165 – 200 pounds
• Life Expectancy:  up to 10 years
• AKC Group: Working Group – AKC recognized in 2004
• Shedding: average shedder
• Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); relatively inactive indoors; small yard will do.

Personality of the Neapolitan Mastiff Dog Breed

The Neapolitan Mastiff is duly noted for its loyalty and devotion to its family.  As a result of being bred for centuries as a family guard dog, it is extremely reserved and suspicious of strangers. Needless to say, it is one of the highest rating watchdogs that can equally protect its family due to its size and fighting ability. The Neapolitan Mastiff is affectionate towards children but may be dominant towards other dogs and house pets.

History of the Neapolitan Mastiff Dog Breed

This is one dog that is extremely heavy-bodied and has a strong, powerful grip. These types of dogs have been traced back to the Middle East and Asia where they functioned as war dogs. Their jobs were to guard homes, control livestock, and even fight men and large animals in battle, such as elephants and lions.

The modern day Neapolitan Mastiff is said to be connected to giant Macedonian war dogs that Alexander the great mixed with short-haired dogs of India. The time was approximately 330 BC. The resulting bloodline was called the Molossus, which is considered to be the progenitor to many large dog breeds of today.

The history then becomes a bit more interesting.  The Romans took over Greece and at the same time took all of their Molossus dogs. Then in 55 BC the Romans invaded and conquered Britain.  The British had large and imposing Mastiff dogs that the Romans admired. These dogs fought valiantly during war.

As you can probably guess these two dogs were bred together and created a super breed of giant war dogs that were called “Mastini” which is the Italian word for Mastiff. The breed continued to expand its members and were perfected over centuries of well functioning guard dogs. However, they were quite isolated and remained unknown to much of the rest of the world.

In 1946 they were introduced to the world at a Naples dog show.  A man named Piere Scanziani saw the dog and immediately recognized what type of breed it was.  He started a campaign to influence other dog fanciers to help bring out the breed from obscurity.  They went as far as drawing up a petition so that the Italian Kennel Club would recognize them under the name of “Mastino Napoletano”.

It was not until the 1970s when this dog breed was documented in the United States.  There were of course a few of these dogs that were already in the U.S. from Italian immigrants, but nothing was official until the 70′s.  It did not take long for the breed to become popular and gain interest from dog enthusiasts.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 2004.

The Neapolitan Mastiff Dog Breed Care and Grooming

Neapolitan Mastiff dogs will need a lot of space.  This is one dog that is literally huge in size and must have enough room to roam around without being squeezed in.  As far as exercise and physical requirements to, they do not need much.  A simple walk on the leash will do just fine. Consider also that the large size of the Neapolitan Mastiff will require higher expenses in terms of food and veterinarian visits. They also tend to drool a lot and can be quite messy with its food and water.

Health Problems of the Neapolitan Mastiff Dog Breed

The average lifespan of a healthy Neapolitan Mastiff is approximately 10 years. Larger dogs tend to have shorter life spans than smaller ones.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• demodicosis
• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
• cardiomyopathy

Minor health issues include:

• elbow dysplasia
• cherry eye

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• Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 30 inches and up (76 cm) ; bitches: 67 inches and up (69 cm)
• Weight: dogs: 160 pounds (72 kg)  ; bitches: 150 pounds (68 kg); some male Mastiffs have been know to reach 200 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
• AKC Group: Working Group – AKC recognized in 1885
• Shedding: average shedder
• Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); relatively inactive indoors; okay with a small yard

Personality of the Mastiff Dog Breed

The Mastiff is a particularly large breed of dog that is surprisingly easy going, good-natured, calm, and gentle. He is a well mannered animal that can fit well in most any household.

If you have a family with children in the house then owning a Mastiff would make an excellent choice as he is known to be utterly devoted and loyal to its owners, and great with little kids. This dog has high affection levels and gets along great with other pets.

Another positive aspect of the Mastiff is that he makes an excellent watchdog with the ability to protect the family with strength and quickness.

History of the Mastiff Dog Breed

The Mastiff originated in Britain. The breed is very old and seems to go as far back as 3000 B.C. Soldiers used them as war dogs as far back as 55 B.C.

One story says that Caesar took a pack of Mastiffs back to Rome and put the dogs on display in the gladiator arena. There they were forced to fight with human gladiators, lions, bears, and other dogs.

They later became a popular dog among the English peasants who used them as guard dogs.

Like many other dog breeds, they were almost extinct by the time World War II ended.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a member of the Working Group.

The Mastiff Dog Breed Care and Grooming

When the Mastiff becomes an adult, they need a mild amount of daily exercise. A good 10 to 15 minute brisk walk would do just fine.  Better yet are physical games in a fenced yard if you have the opportunity to own such a property.

This dog can live both indoors and outdoors. If you choose to keep your Mastiff outdoors then it should be noted that this breed is not fond of hot weather at all. He thrives on cooler temperatures so be sure to afford him the luxury of plenty of shade during the hot summer months if he is to be kept outside. However, the ideal living situation for a happy Mastiff is to be inside with his family as this dog is genetically geared towards protecting its pack.

Health Problems of the Mastiff

The average life expectancy of the Mastiff breed is about ten to twelve years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
• gastric torsion
• prone to bloat

Minor health issues include:

• elbow dysplasia
• cystinuria
• osteosarcoma
• cardiomyopathy
• vaginal hyperplasia
• PPM (Persistent Pupillary Membrane)
• PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)

Veterinarians recommend having the Mastiff dog breed tested specifically for eye problems, thyroid, elbow dysplasia, and hip dysplasia.

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Quick Stats for the Kuvasz Dog Breed

• Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 28 – 30 inches (71 – 76cm) ; bitches: 26- 28inches (66- 71 cm)
• Weight: dogs: 100 – 115 pounds (45 – 52 kg)  ; bitches: 70 – 90 pounds (32 – 41 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
• AKC Group: Working Group – AKC recognized in 1931
• Shedding: seasonal shedder in cold climates; sheds all year in warm climates
• Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); moderately active indoors; best with average sized yard (minimum)

Personality of the Kuvasz Dog Breed

The Kuvasz is one of the most beautiful members of the working group and equally as fearless in its protection abilities. It is rated as one of the best guard dogs and most protective watch dogs that a family could own.

Quite loving and gentle with its owners, this dog does well with children in the house but care must be taken that the kids do not play too rough as a Kuvasz dog may interpret this roughhousing as an attack.

The Kuvasz was specifically used as a guardian since the beginning of traced origin so the dog’s temperament can be quite aggressive towards strange people and other animals.

History of the Kuvasz Dog Breed

The exact origin of the Kuvasz is still unclear but researchers consider this dog a Hungarian breed. It is said that the breed is probably rooted from giant-sized dogs in Tibet, and made its way to Hungary by traveling through Turkey. The name “Kuvasz” is not Hungarian either, but more likely an altered version of the Turkish kawasz, which means armed guard for the nobility.

Kuvasz dogs date back to the 15th century during a period when they were held in high regards. There was even a period of time when only the nobility could own a Kuvasz. The breeding additional puppies were carefully monitored and each one documented in detail. The dogs were useful as hunters, guard dogs, and had the strength and courage to ward off animals of all sizes, even as large as bear.

The breed’s quality was further improved by King Matthias I, who maintained a large kennel and carefully bred quality Kuvasz pups. The breed eventually got into the hands of commoners who used them as livestock dogs. It was during this time that the name of the breed was ironically changed to its current name of Kuvasz, which actually means “mongrel”.

During the 1900s, the breed’s numbers suffered tremendously due to the two World Wars. It was the German stock that helped continue the base for the breed to survive. Many Kuvasz dogs were imported to the United States during the early 1930s. The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1931 as a member of the Working Group.

The Kuvasz Dog Breed Care and Grooming

Like all members of the Working Group, the Kuvasz must have an ample amount of daily exercise. These requirements can be met with a few long walks on the leash or runs outside in a large field.

This dog is at home in the cold and can live outdoors in cold climates but should sleep inside at night with the rest of the family.

Grooming requirements consist of a heavy brushing about twice per week, more when shedding season starts.

Health Problems of the Kuvasz Dog Breed

The average life expectancy of the Kuvasz Dog Breed is about ten to twelve years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• OCD (Osteochondritis Dissecans)
• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)

Minor health issues include:

• hypothyroidism

These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:

HOD (hypertrophic osteodystrophy)

• panosteitis

Veterinarians recommend having the Kuvasz Dog Breed tested specifically for thyroid, hip, and elbow problems.

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Quick Stats for the Komondor Dog Breed

• Height (at the shoulders): 25 inches (65 cm)
• Weight: dogs: 125 pounds (59 kg)  ; bitches: 112 pounds (53 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
• AKC Group: Working Group – AKC recognized in 1937
• Shedding: sheds very little
• Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); best with lots of open space; okay in most climates

Personality of the Komondor Dog Breed

The Komondor is one dog breed that is true to its heritage. This dog was bred specifically to guard livestock, particularly sheep, and has been around since Ancient times.

An independent thinker and a bit on the dominant side, Komondors need owners that are more dominant themselves, as the breed has a tendency to try to dominate the pack.

They are overly aggressive towards strange dogs and reserved around strangers.

History of the Komondor Dog Breed

The Komondor originated in Hungary. Although they were probably around long before this period, the first known factual documentation of the Komondor goes back to 1555. It is said that the Huns brought with them to Hungary a fairly large Russian Owtcharka, which is the beginning bloodline of the breed.

These dogs look very much like the Magyar sheep which were called “Racka”, because of their mass of curly wool hanging from the coat. This allowed the dogs to mingle in and out of a flock of sheep without dispersing the herd, and in fact, almost being mistaken for one!

The Magyar shepherds held great value in the Komondor dog as they could depend on them to guard sheep. They were so protective of the breed that breeding them with other dogs was forbidden so as not to lose their amazing working ability to guard against marauding animals.

Even during the early part of the 20th century the Komondor was still being used as a trustworthy guard dog. It was 1933 when the first of the breed made its way to the United States.

Today, however, the breed is not very common throughout the world, even in its area of origin in Hungary. The reason stems from the devastating effects that World War II had, practically wiping the breed out in Europe. After the war was over a few dedicated breeders saved the Komondor. You can find them scattered throughout the globe in small numbers, particularly with owners who still use them to guard sheep.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1937 as a member of the Working Group.

The Komondor Dog Breed Care and Grooming

Like all members of the Working Group, Komondors need daily exercise which can be met with a few brisk walks on the leash or playtime in the back yard. It’s best to keep this dog away from swimming in water because the coat takes an enormous time to dry and becomes quite messy.

Komondor dogs are not meant to live in hot climates, but rather in areas with cool temperatures.

Grooming this breed takes a bit of work. Its cords must be manually separated as often as three to four times per week to keep out mats. The coat also tends to trap dirt easily. Of course the coat can be clipped but doing so would lose the breed’s unique appearance.

The breed sheds little to no hair.

Health Problems of the Komondor Dog Breed

The average life expectancy of the Komondor Dog Breed is about ten to twelve years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• gastric torsion
• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)

Minor health issues include:

• hot spots
• otitis externa
• bloat

These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:

• entropion

Veterinarians recommend having the Komondor Dog Breed tested specifically for hip problems.

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Quick Stats for the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Breed

• Height (at the shoulders): 24 – 28 inches (60 – 72 cm)
• Weight: 130 – 135 pounds (59 – 61 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 11 years
• AKC Group: Working Group – AKC recognized in 1995
• Shedding: average shedder
• Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); okay with a small yard

Personality of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Breed

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is an absolute teddy bear. Full of love and affection that makes the perfect house pet, this dog is ideal for families that not only want a dog that can be trusted around children, but also one that makes an imposing watchdog. They are a sensitive breed, extremely loyal to its owners, and gentle with other pets in the home.

History of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Breed

This breed originated in Switzerland. The first function of these dogs were used as guardians and draft dogs. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is said to be the largest and oldest of the four types of Swiss Mountain Dogs in existence. The other three are the Bernese Mountain Dog, Appenzeller, and the Entlebucher.

One theory of the breed’s bloodline is that they were derived from Molossian dogs or the Mastiff, which were used when the Romans crossed over into Switzerland during the Ancient times. Other researchers claim that the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog came from the Phoenicians when they brought them into Spain sometime during 1000 B.C.

Regardless of the specific truth behind the dog’s bloodline, we have watched them spread throughout Europe in great numbers to become interbred with various native dogs. Eventually, they developed through independent lines and small communities, still remaining excellent guard dogs, draft dogs, and herders.

All of these dogs were known as “Metzgerhunde Dogs” and shared common physical appearances. Therefore, they were assumed to be the same breed type. Up until the latter part of the 1800s did these dogs become separated into four distinct types by the research of Professor A. Heim. He noticed that there were more specific differences in these dogs than what was assumed.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was finally claimed as its own breed in 1908 but it took some time for them to become popular, especially with the disaster of two World Wars. In 1968, the breed made its way to the United States.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a member of the Working Group.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Care and Grooming

As a member of the Working Group, this breed thrives on roaming the great outdoors in search of something to do, particularly in colder climates. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs need plenty of daily exercise which can be met by a few brisk walks on the leash or long hikes through nature’s trails.

If need be, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog can live outside, as they have a high tolerance for cold temperatures, but like all pets that thrive on human companionship, it is best for them to sleep inside with the family at night.

Grooming requirements consist of only a once-a-week brushing. When shedding, a daily brushing is best.

Health Problems of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

The average life expectancy of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Breed is about ten to eleven years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)

Minor health issues include:

• seizures
• panosteitis
• gastric torsion
• female urinary incontinence
• shoulder OCD
• distichiasis
• splenic torsion

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Quick Stats for the Great Pyrenees Dog Breed

• Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 27 – 32 inches (69 – 81 cm) ; bitches: 25 – 29 inches (63 – 74 cm)
• Weight: dogs: from 100 pounds (45 kg)  ; bitches: from 85 pounds (38 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 10 years
• AKC Group: Working Group – AKC recognized in 1933
• Shedding: constant shedder; heavy shedder once per year
• Living Conditions: not recommended for apartments; not very active indoors; best with large fenced yard

Personality of the Great Pyrenees Dog Breed

The Great Pyrenees is one of the largest members of the Working Group. This dog is an imposing animal. It was bred to be a guardian, and is highly devoted to its family and very suspicious of unknown strangers, both human and animal.

So long as the Great Pyrenees is not provoked it remains a calm, loving, and very well-mannered canine. Only strong minded, dominant owners should raise one of these dogs.

History of the Great Pyrenees Dog Breed

Great Pyrenees dogs originated from France. It’s function was to guard sheep. Researchers suggest that the breed descended from an original flock of guard dogs. These dogs were all white, from Asia Minor, some 10,000 years B.C.

Nomadic shepherds migrated to the Pyrenees Mountains sometime around 3,000 B.C., bringing their guarding dogs with them, thus creating the basis of today’s Great Pyrenees. These dogs maintained themselves as superb livestock guardians for centuries to come.

Just before the end of the 1600s, the breed became a favorite among the French Nobility and were heavily requested in the court of Louis XIV. In 1675, Louis XIV publicly announced that this dog was to be known as the Royal Dog of France. It was at this same time that the dogs arrived in Newfoundland.

In 1824, the first Pyrenees is documented to have arrived in the United States by General Lafayette. However, over the next 75 years the breed had lost all popularity in France and could only be found working as useful guardians in small, isolated areas. Interest in the breed remained low and they had all but became instinct in England.

Sometimes in early 1930s, enthusiasts of the Great Pyrenees started a heavy breeding program, importing hundreds of dogs to the United States.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1933 as a member of the Working Group.

The Great Pyrenees Dog Breed Care and Grooming

The Great Pyrenees must have plenty of daily exercise to keep in shape. However, these needs are not excessive and can easily be met with a few brisk walks on the leash. They absolutely love to hike so if you live in an area with nature trails or hills, you have the ideal setting for raising this dog.

This breed can live outside if need be, especially in cold temperatures. However, they are not suited to withstanding hot weather. When sleeping it is best to keep them inside at night with the rest of the family.

Grooming requirements call for a thorough brushing, once per week – daily during shedding season. Great Pyrenees dogs also have a habit of drooling.

Health Problems of the Great Pyrenees Dog Breed

The average life expectancy of the Great Pyrenees Breed is about ten years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• patellar luxation
• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)

Minor health issues include:

• panosteitis
• OCD
• osteosarcoma
• chondrodysplasia
• entropion
• dog skin problems
• cataracts

Veterinarians recommend having the Great Pyrenees tested specifically for potential eye, knee, and hip problems.

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