Belinda and her daughter Nivelle puppy of 2 monts

the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a dog of large size, rustic, somewhat reserved character, rather independent , well suited to work as guardian of flocks and property. Trustworthy information about its presence in the French Pyrenees dates back to the end of the 14th century: a text of that period recounts how a group of Pyrenean Mountain Dogs helped to save King Charles the Sixth from a raging bull that attacked him during his visit to the County of Foix.

A beautiful close-up of Belinda

Historical documents attest that Pyrenean Mountain Dogs, at the time affectionately nicknamed Patou, were used to protect the Castles of Lourdes and Foix. The breed owes its spread to the Dolphin of France . The 8 years old Dolphin liked one of these Patou so much that he managed to take it with him to Paris. From then on many noblemen brought back with them, from trips in the Pyrenean mountains, these wonderful dogs as guardians for their castles and properties.

The breed got to be then largely appreciated and thrived but after period of growth and spread several centuries long, with the First World War the breed declined almost to the point of disappearing. Many dogs were killed, others, because of food shortage, did not reach the breed's standards in size . Moreover considering the high feeding costs of this breed plus the fact that they were now less needed as flock guardians, as in this period great predators such as wolves and bears, had become rare in the Pyrenean Mountains, it became disadvantageous for shepherds to keep them.

Belinda with Tzigane

General Appearance

Quite imposing for its great size (height: dogs 78 cm , 271/2 inches, and over, bitches 65 cm , 251/2 inches, and over ) and its massive structure. Weight always in proportion to height, giving a powerful dog of great strength. Powerfully muscled, it has a robust build and strong bone structure. Calm and fearless, agile, of great resistance to fatigue. Of elegant appearance as its moves with a steady and smooth, unhurried gait, its tail held high in its typical aroundera movement. Temperament A natural guard dog protecting shepherd and sheep. Capable of perceiving suffering both in men and animals it shows a great sense of protection particularly towards children and towards the weak. Remarkably intelligent and with a strong sense of humor, quietly confident, it tends to establish with its master relations of equality and not of submission.

Monnet with Nivelle

It needs great space and unless your garden is well closed with fences it will always follow its basic instinct to enlarge its territory and gain control over a larger area. Puppies as they grow have to be kept under careful control, and get appropriate feeding, particularly from three to twelve months when it is essential that their intake of food is increased almost daily, as they have a quick growth in a very short period.

Hountagnere's .....smile!