Pyrenean Mountain DogCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the breed has been present in the Pyrenees since time immemorial, was known in the Middle Ages as a castle guard and is mentioned by Gaston Phoebus in the 14th century. Already valued as a companion in the 17th century, it reached the height of its fame at the court of Louis XIV.

The first detailed description of the breed appears in 1897, in the book by Count de Bylandt. Ten years later the first clubs were founded, and in 1923, on the initiative of Bernard Sénac-Lagrange, the official standard was registered, very close to today's. Wikipedia says that in France it is usually called the “Patou”.

How the breed developed

• 14th century – It is mentioned by Gaston Phoebus.
• 17th century – It reaches the court of Louis XIV.
• 1897 – The first detailed description, by Count de Bylandt.
• 1923 – The official standard is registered.
• 25 January 1955 – The FCI recognises the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The AKC describes it as a large and immensely powerful mountain dog, up to 81 cm tall and often over 45 kg, usually with an almost Zen-like calm, but able to spring into action quickly, with grace and speed, to confront a threat.

General appearance

The coat is abundant, flat, fairly long and supple, harsher on the shoulders and back and longer on the tail and around the neck, where it may be slightly wavy. On the backs of the thighs the hair is finer and woollier, and the undercoat is thick.

The colour is white or white with grey markings (badger or wolf), pale yellow or orange (arrouye) on the head, ears, base of the tail and sometimes on the body. Grey badger markings are the most prized.

The standard says that, used on its own to protect flocks from predators, it was selected for its guarding and deterrent ability and for its attachment to the flock. It has a tendency towards independence and a spirit of initiative, which call for a certain authority on the owner's part.

The AKC says it was bred to think for itself, without guidance, so ordinary obedience training usually leaves it indifferent: it does not see the point of “sit” and “heel”.

Tips for effective training

• Be calm and firm. It needs an owner with authority.
• Be patient. The AKC says classic training bores it.
• Socialise it as a puppy. It is a serious guard dog.
• Make sure the fence is solid. It patrols its territory.

The AKC says it is not a very active breed. When working, it patrols its territory, but saves its energy for fending off threats. Moderate walks with its owner are enough for it.

Tips for a balanced life

• It needs a house with a large yard.
• In summer, keep it out of the heat.
• It suits experienced owners.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says that, although it has a lot of coat, it does not need much grooming, as the coat sheds dirt and does not tangle easily. However, it sheds its undercoat heavily — “like a snowstorm”, as one owner puts it.

Common health problems

The AKC says it is generally healthy, and breeders test their dogs for:

Other care

• Trim the double dewclaws on the hind legs.
• Check the ears regularly.
• Brush it often during shedding.

The AKC says some eat surprisingly little for their size and recommends a good-quality, low-protein dry food formulated for large breeds.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day to reduce the risk of bloat.
• Do not let it run right after a meal.
• Puppies need growth food suited to very large breeds.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. Very large breeds become adults only at around 2 years.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. The puppies grow very fast, so they need growth food suited to large breeds. Socialisation starts in the first weeks.

• At the Sun King's court. It reached the height of its fame at the court of Louis XIV.
• A castle guard. In the Middle Ages it guarded castles.
• Badger markings. Grey badger markings are the most prized.
• A snowstorm. The undercoat comes out in large amounts when it sheds.
• Indifferent to “sit”. The AKC says it does not see the point of classic commands.

How does it differ from the Pyrenean Mastiff?

They are different breeds: the Patou is French, the Pyrenean Mastiff is Spanish.

How big does it get?

Males measure 70–80 cm and females 65–75 cm.

Is it easy to train?

Not very; it thinks independently.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 10–12 years.