Great Pyrenees are gentle giants
When Brenda Roy takes her dogs for a walk, motorists slow down to gawk.
Most folks have never seen a Great Pyrenees, a large working breed developed by shepherds to guard flocks in the Pyrenees mountains more than 2,000 year ago.
Roy learned about the breed from her husband Sebastian, a native of Canada, where these bear-like dogs have been popular for many decades.
The Fall River woman adopted 6-year-old Bec and 3-year-old Neige as puppies from a Florida-based purebred rescue group.
"They've adapted very well to the new place," Roy says, adding that she returned to the SouthCoast in March and the dogs seem to enjoy New England's cooler weather.
The heavily coated canines couldn't thrive in their former home without air-conditioning, Roy says, and usually could be found sleeping on a cool tile floor.
Roy adds that the dogs will have a great time when they romp in the snow next winter.
"They make wonderful, big fluffy carpets," she chuckles, adding that some specimens can tip the scales at 125 pounds.
"People think that they take up too much space, but they really don't," she adds, emphasizing that while the two dogs don't crowd her out of the house, they do run up a high food bill. Most Great Pyrenees have hearty appetites. Bec eats about five cups of food a day, while Neige eats three cups of premium kibble.
Historians report that the Great Pyrenees is descended from ancient dogs brought from Asia to Europe by nomadic hunters. Remains of the Pyrenees breed are found in fossils dating back to the Bronze Age (1,800-1,000 BC).
In many parts of Europe, this powerful working breed is known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog. In France and in Andorra — a small principality located in the Pyrenees mountains (between France and Spain), where the dogs are still used by shepherds — the breed is called "Le Grande Chien des Montagnes" ("the big dog of the mountains").
The Great Pyrenees has a regal appearance, and the breed's soundness and coordination exemplify the purpose for which these dogs were developed — to guard flocks in all kinds of weather on steep mountain slopes.
Perhaps the breed's most distinguishing characteristic is its weather-resistant double coat. Specimens are either all white or white with gray, badger or reddish-brown markings. The American Kennel Club breed standard emphasizes that these markings should not cover more than one third of the dog's coat.
The Great Pyrenees is naturally territorial and protective of its family and flock when necessary, but these dogs are usually very quiet.
Roy says that while Bec can be very vocal, Neige seldom barks.
The pair have an independent streak and some specimens are difficult to train.
"You have to invest time to train them," Roy says. "If not, you'll have a 125-pound dog taking over the house. If you're not the pack leader, they'll take right over. If they do, you're in trouble."
The Roys each took the dogs to obedience class, and Brenda brings Bec and Neige to the doggie play group at Run Dog Run Farm in Westport for socialization and exercise. She takes the dogs for a 4- mile hike most nights through the Highlands in Fall River, and says that owners must be willing to give these dogs plenty of exercise to keep them strong and healthy.
"They are not as active as some breeds, but they are not couch potatoes," Roy observes.
She adds that while the Great Pyrenees is somewhat reserved, the dogs are gentle with children and make great pets — when properly trained. Potential owners should also be aware that the dog's droopy ears need to be regularly cleaned and kept free of mites to avoid painful infections. Since Great Pyrenees shed, Roy brushes the dogs twice a week to prevent mats.
Another recommendation for potential owners interested in keeping more than one Great Pyrenees is to get a male and a female — dogs of the same gender tend to quarrel and often need to be separated.
"They've gotten along very well right from the time they were introduced," Roy says, adding that Bec and Neige live harmoniously. "There's no friction or fighting. I think I got lucky."
Swansea resident Brian J. Lowney has been writing about pets for more than a decade. He is a past president of the Wampanoag Kennel Club, an active dog show judge and shares his home with two shelter-adopted cats. All of Brian's columns are available online in our new pet section. Visit http://pets.SouthCoastToday.com.