Let's get to know the Great Pyrenees, the beautiful white French dog. We'll explore its temperament, the breed standard, and trace the history of this magnificent dog breed, also known as the Patou dog!
Origins and history of the Patou dog
Patou is the other name by which the Great Pyrenees is known; an ancient breed that spread across the French side of the Pyrenees, with the specific purpose of protecting the flocks that grazed there. The Pyrenean dog belongs to the group of large white dogs, direct descendants of the molossoids that had spread from the eastern slopes throughout all of Europe.
It appears that as early as the 14th century, Gaston Phoebus had carefully described its physical traits in the book "Le livre de la Chasse", but it was in the 17th century that the breed reached a peak of popularity; thanks to the Dauphin, the French crown prince, who fell deeply in love with this large white dog and filled his court and the grand surrounding palaces with them to guard his possessions.
The first breed standard for the Great Pyrenees was established in 1923, the same year in which two important breed clubs were also founded. Today, the Patou dog has spread widely not only in France, its home country, but across much of Europe, Italy included, and in the United States of America.
Breed standard
The Patou is a large-sized dog, reaching a weight of around 60 kg in an adult male and standing 80 cm tall at the withers. Imposing and strong, yet by no means lacking in elegance and fluidity of movement, it has a broad, muscular chest with a rectangular trunk. The limbs are straight and well-muscled, perfectly defining the powerful thighs. The tail is long and covered in abundant fur that forms a kind of plume. At rest it is carried low and reaches the hock; when alert, it is carried curled firmly over the back. The robust, short neck supports a broad head that is never out of proportion, featuring a slightly elongated muzzle with no excess, and a moderate stop.
The nose is broad and well defined, absolutely black in colour. The slightly oblique eyes are dark and small; they have the distinctive quality of a dreamy, almost faraway expression, yet always very attentive. The ears are also moderate in size and are set at the same level as the eyes, shaped like a U, and carried drooping, lying almost flat against the skull. The coat consists of a thick, woolly undercoat and an outer layer of long or semi-long fur; slightly wavy and more abundant around the neck and on the rear of the thighs. The only permitted colour is white, which may be pure white or marked with patches ranging from grey to pale yellow on the head, behind the ears, and at the base of the tail.
Caring for the Great Pyrenees: nutrition
The health of the Patou dog presents no particular problems of note. Given the long coat, frequent brushing is recommended; it is also important to check that no mites or other parasites are present in the fur.
As for the diet of the Great Pyrenees, generous portions with a high protein content are recommended.
Temperament of the Great Pyrenees
The Pyrenean dog becomes very attached to its owner, of whom it can sometimes even be jealous, but it bonds well with the whole family in general. Being a guardian by nature, it is very wary of strangers; thanks to its particularly well-developed intelligence, it instantly senses which ones are unwelcome to its owner as well. By temperament, it is not very inclined to follow orders, preferring a relationship based on mutual respect and trust. It is typically a territorial dog with a strong need for open spaces, so take care to fence in your garden; it loves going on its own expeditions even without its owner in tow.
Its senses sharpen at night, when its guarding instinct comes to the fore; it sometimes barks without apparent reason, simply to announce its presence to intruders or other dogs. The Patou is an alpha individual who does not get along with other dogs unless they are willing to recognise it as leader; given its size as well as its rather particular temperament, careful attention must be paid to its training, and in particular to teaching it respect for rules and hierarchies. It is also essential to maintain a firm, consistent approach, because a dog of this size that takes the upper hand is a potentially dangerous dog.
Breeders and price
Great Pyrenees puppies are sweet, fluffy, and incredibly endearing. Intuitive and lively, they will not cause major problems during training, provided you remain consistent and steadfast at all times. In our country there are around ten breeding establishments specialising in this breed, and the price of a Great Pyrenees puppy ranges from approximately €800 to €1,200; naturally with health certificates and pedigree included!
