Instructions
Look at the size of the Great Pyrenees. Males are 27 to 32 inches at the withers and weigh about 100 pounds. Females are 25 to 29 inches at the withers and weigh about 85 pounds. This is a balanced breed, and when measured at the withers, the height is a bit less than the length of the body when measured from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttocks. The coat makes the Great Pyrenees look like a substantial dog, but it is really of medium substance—the bone structure should not be overly heavy nor overly light.
Make sure the head and expression are correct. The head is wedge-shaped and should not be heavy in proportion to the size of the dog. The medium-sized eyes are almond shaped and should be rich dark brown in color. The ears are small to medium, v-shaped and have rounded tips. They are carried low and close to the head. The length of the muzzle is just about the size of the measurement to the back of the skull. The nose and lips are black.
Look at the strongly-muscled body of the Great Pyrenees. The body is of medium length and has minimal dewlap. The chest is somewhat broad and leads to a well-sprung rib cage. The tailbones should reach the hock, and the well-plumed tail is usually carried low, but may be carried over the back when aroused. The laid back shoulders are well-muscled giving this breed a good reach. The rounded, close-cupped feet lead to well-padded, arched toes. The muscular upper thighs extend from the pelvis at right angles. It is the same length as the lower thigh. The rear legs sport double dewclaws. The feet are as the front feet—rounded, close-cupped and well padded, arched toes.
Feel the weather-resistant double coat. The long outer coat is coarse, thick, long and flat. The hair is flat and lies over a dense, wooly undercoat. The coat forms a mane around the neck—this feature is more pronounced in males. The coat should not be curly. It should be white or white with gray, badger, reddish brown or tan markings. The markings appear on the ear, head and tail. They may also appear as a few body spots. The markings should not cover more than one-third of the body. The undercoat is usually white, but may be shaded.
How to Identify a Great Pyrenees
The smooth-moving Great Pyrenees exhibits power and agility in its well-balanced stride. This is a gentle and affectionate breed, but can be territorial and protective of its family when necessary. Its general demeanor shows composure and its patience and tolerance adds to the breed’s kind, intelligent and regal expression. This is a very coordinated breed that is used to guarding flocks in any type of weather in the Pyrenees mountains.