THE GREAT PYRENEES

ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT (A publication of the Great Pyrenees Club of America, rev. 1991.)

Dog of the Mountains
These dogs take their name from the mountain range in southwestern Europe where they long have been used as guardians of the flocks. In the United States they are called Great Pyrenees. In the United Kingdom and on the continent of Europe, they are known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog. In their native France, they are Le Chien de Montagne des Pyrenees or Le Chien des Pyrenees.

Whatever the name, it is the beautiful white dog with a "certain elegance" which for centuries has been the working associate of peasant shepherds high on the mountain slopes; the dog "discovered" by French nobility in the seventeenth century and elevated to the status of court dog of France. While it is generally accepted that no living breed of dog can be traced back to its wild form, and that what is known about dogs of any sort prior to a century or two ago is so little, it may seem that almost all theories of ancestry are of small importance. However, it is interesting to speculate today, as others have done before us, as to origin.

A member of the Mastiff family, (used here to describe a group of large dogs rather than a single breed), and once known as the Pyrenean Mastiff, the dog is believed to have migrated into Europe from Asia Minor in two distinct waves. By sea it accompanied the Phoenician traders from Cadiz to Spain, thence up into the Spanish Pyrenees. By land the dog moved westward with the Aryan hordes, leaving its kin in all the prominant mountain valleys of Europe. These later developed individual characteristics in the seclusion of their own environment and came to be known as the Maremma, Kuvasz, Komondor, Polish Tatra, Anatolian and Mastin de los Pirineos.

Far into Antiquity
As a race, the Pyrenean dog thus dates back far into antiquity, to the centuries before Christ, where its fossil remains are found in deposits of the Bronze Age, 1800-1000 B.C. Once in Europe, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog developed under climatic conditions similar to those of his native habitat, and remained isolated in the high mountain areas until Medieval times. Then we find him sculptured in bas-relief over the North Gate of Carcassone, bearing the Royal Arms of France, approximately 500 years before his adoption as the Court Dog of the Seventeenth Century.

In 1407, French writings tell of the usefulness of these "Great Dogs of the Mountains" as guardians of the Chateau of Lourdes, where they were considered regular assistant guards to the men on their daily rounds and where provision was made for them in the sentry boxes. In 1675, they were adopted as the Royal Dog of France by the Dauphin, Louis XIV, and subsequently became much sought after by nobility. Having a precocious sense of smell and exceptionally keen eyesight, each dog was counted equal to two men, be it as a guard of the chateau, as an invaluable companion of shepherds, or as useful pack and message carrying animal across the mountains. Much of their life was spent on the steep slopes with their peasant masters guarding the flocks entrusted in their care.

Across the Ocean
In 1662, dogs were carried to Newfoundland by Basque fishermen as companions and guardians of the new Settlement. Here it was they became mated with the black curlycoated retriever, favorite of the English settlers. This cross resulted in the formation of the Landseer (black and white) Newfoundland.

In 1824, General Lafayette introduced the first pair to America by bringing over two males to his friend, J.S. Skinner, author of "The Dog and the Sportsman".

In 1850, Britain's Queen Victoria owned a Pyrenean Mountain Dog, and in 1885-86, the first Pyrenean Mountain Dogs were registered with the Kennel Club in London and shown at the Crystal Palace.

In 1870, Pyrenean blood was used with that of other large breeds to help bring back the St. Bernard after that noble dog's numbers had been so greatly depleted by avalanches and distemper at the hospice in Switzerland.

In 1907 the Pastoure Club at Lourdes, Hautes Pyrenees, France, was organized to perpetuate interest in the breed. The first standard for the breed was published at that time.

It was not until 1909 that the first Pyrenean Mountain Dogs were introduced into England for breeding purposes by Lady Sybil Grant, daughter of Lord Roseberry. It was twenty-six years later (1935) that Pyreneans were again bred in a kennel in England. At that time, Mme. Jeanne Harper Trois Fontaines started her De Fontenay Kennel at Hyde Heath, Amersham, later becoming well known the world over and accounting for many exports to distant lands.

In Belgium and Northern France, Pyrenean Mountain Dogs were used until comparatively recent times for pulling small carts and delivering milk. In World War I the dogs were used in liaison work in several parts of the world.

During the 1920's, the breed's numbers (and quality) had been depleted in its native France, and a few dedicated breeders, headed by Monsieur Senac Lagrange, worked to restore the breed to its former glory and joined together to form the Reunion des Amateurs de Chiens Pyreneans which still exists today. It was this club that was responsible for the breed standard being published in 1927. This standard has served as a basis for all current standards for the breed.

In America, a few dogs were brought here in the century following General Lafayette's gift, but these dogs were pet and work dogs, and relatively few Americans knew of their presence--or of the breed.

First Kennel in the U.S.A.
In 1931, Mr. and Mrs. Francis V. Crane imported several specimens to seriously launch the breed with the founding of the Basquaerie Kennels at Needham, Massachusetts. This kennel became the largest Pyrenean kennel ever to be established, and its breeding line and stud dogs supplied the network of smaller breeders throughout the United States and other countries. Their efforts provided the breed with an atmosphere in which it could thrive and prosper. Without Mr. and Mrs. Crane and their interest in the breed, it is doubtful whether the great bloodlines could have survived.

The American Kennel Club accorded the Great Pyrenees official recognition in February, 1933, and beginning April, 1933, separate classification began for the breed at licenced shows.

Today, in Great Britain and North America the Great Pyrenees is chiefly valued as a companion and family dog. Many other Pyrs are raised for the show ring so that the ideal of the breed may not be lost and then again many others function as working livestock guardian dogs on farms and ranches where they may maintain their natural working instincts.

PYRS AS LIVESTOCK GUARDIAN DOGS (Adapted from a publication of the Great Pyrenees Club of America, rev. 1992.)

The Pyr was developed by the Basque people to protect their flocks from predation by bears and wolves. The dogs have been used for this purpose for over a thousand years. Since a lot of the bears and wolves have disappeared from the mountains, the dogs today are still guarding homes and property. Historically, the dogs have also been used in France to guard large estates. The ability of these dogs to work was achieved by selective breeding in which only the most successful workers were allowed to reproduce themselves, and therefore, a great deal of this inbred instinct remains strong. It is upon this thousand-year selection that we draw when we breed modern dogs for working purposes.

The Great Pyrenees is a territorial guard by nature, which means that he works to keep his territory free from predatory danger. Because of this, there may be times when the shepherd does not see the dog for long periods of time. He knows that the job is being done because the losses decrease. If the dog is working effectively, the stockman may never see a predator, and the flock will never be disturbed.

A good working dog has been selected for hostility toward all possible predators. This is why Great Pyrenees, although bred to work on bears and wolves, are equally effective on wild and feral dogs which are an increasing problem to stockman. By nature, the Great Pyrenees is nocturnal. It has no tolerance for other dogs except the herding dogs that it works with, and very small dogs. It can be trusted with small, young and helpless animals of any kind, but it has to be watched as a young pup with some supervision as it usually takes a pup 18 months to become a livestock guardian dog. It is one of the most interesting qualities of a Great Pyrenees-the absolute intolerance of all predators, coupled with extraordinary patience and kindness to stock.

There are basically two ways in which Pyrenees are utilized as protectors of stock. The first is what is called an all-purpose "Ranch or Farm Dog." This is a dog that lives on a farm, usually in the proximity of the farmyard and ranch house. He is part pet, part guard dog. He takes care of the ranch, the family, and the stock that is usually pastured close to the house. The other Pyrenees is what we call a "Livestock Guardian Dog." The Livestock Guardian dog is not a pet, and he is not allowed access to the farmyard or to the house. His sole duty is to protect the stock, in some cases on large isolated pastures or ranges. Both types are a working part of the stock operation and function as such. Pyrenees have been known to increase their territory and may also protect stock belonging to adjoining neighbors pastures. The breed performs admirably in either of these situations.

Because of the differences in the ranch/farm and working livestock guardian environment, if the stockman is looking for a working livestock guardian, the fact that a farm raised pup is born to parents who are "Ranch" or "Farm-Dogs" does not necessarily confirm its ability to perform successfully in open range, semi-isolated conditions. Most pups go to new homes between 7 and 12 weeks and have spent most of that time with their dam and littermates. A slight advantage is given to pups being raised with livestock as the breeders can observe their interaction. Many superb and effective working Pyrenees have never seen a sheep before their arrival at the ranch. What is most important is whether or not the parents and/or relatives have produced animals that have worked successfully in your situation.

ESSENTIALS OF THE BREED:

This is a very imposing dog with heavy bones and a deep body. The males should be 27-32 inches/68.5-81cm tall and weigh 100-125 pounds/45-56kg. Bitches should be 25-29 inches/63.5-74cm tall and weigh 90-115 pounds/40-52kg.

The head of the Great Pyrenees is likened to that of a brown bear, but with falling down ears.The large wedge-shaped head measures from ten to eleven inches from the dome to the point of the nose. The crown is rounded. The furrow is only slightly developed: there is no apparent stop. The cheeks are flat. The close fitting lips are edged in black. Dewlaps are evident, but small.

The medium size ears are V-shaped, with rounded tips. They are set parallel with the eyes and are carried low and close to the head except when the dog is at attention, when they are raised.

The short neck is stout and strongly muscular. The back and loin are well coupled, straight and broad. The haunches are fairly prominent. The croup slopes slightly. The chest is deep. The ribs are flat sided. The average girth measurements are as follows: dogs, 36 to 42 inches; bitches, 32 to 36 inches.

The close cupped feet should be large and tight with double dew claws on the lower part of the hind legs.

The well-plumed tail is long enough to hang below the hock. When the dog is in repose, the tail is carried low. When the dog is alert, the tail is curled high over the back, referred to as 'making the wheel.

The coat is thick, double and completely white, though grey, tan or badger's markings are permissible. The long, flat, weather-resistant outer coat is straight or slightly undulating; of coarser hair than the undercoat. The heavy undercoat is fine and white.

TEMPERAMENT:

This beautiful, hardy dog needs a lot of human companionship and attention. The Great Pyranees Mountain Dog is not for the apartment dweller or haphazard dog owner.

The Great Pyrenees is rather quiet, ponderous and introspective. He is strong willed, independent and somewhat reserved yet attentive, fearless and loyal to his charges both human and animal.

He is first and foremost a guardian, trusted to work independently with a flock or at home, distinguishing between those situations calling for action and those offering no threat. If necessary, he will unhesitatingly risk his own life to protect his charges.

Any sign of excessive shyness, nervousness, or aggression to humans is unacceptable and must be considered a serious fault.

Inclined to be a one-family dog, it is wary of strangers and makes friend slowly. Although it is a good watchdog it should have an eye kept on it when strangers cross its turf.

Occasional expressions of adult male dog/male dog aggression is not unusual and should not be considered indicative of an aggressive temperament.

HEALTH MATTERS:

In general, the Pyr is very healthy although it can suffer from hip dysplasia. Only dogs that have been X-rayed and found normal at 2 yrs. of age should be used for breeding. The problems to look out for are hot spot skin conditions (easily treatable), possible eyelid defects and epilepsy.

If buying a puppy, choose a reputable breeder with whom you can work with. Do not buy from a pet store or casual back yard breeder. Lists of breeders are available from local Great Pyrenees clubs and from the National club. While membership in a breed club does not automatically confer respectability, most responsible breeders belong to their regional and/or national Great Pyrenees Club. Members of the Great Pyrenees Club of America, as well as many regional Pyr clubs, are bound by a Code of Ethics that outlines the proper care and treatment of dogs and relationships among members. Ask to see a copy of this Code. It outlines what you have a right to expect as a buyer.

Ask to see the parents of the puppy you are interested in. Ask to see a copy of the OFA or GDC certificate that shows the parents are both free of hip dysplasia. Make sure the surroundings are clean and that the puppy is healthy. Look for the happy, outgoing puppy. You don't want a shy, emaciated or sickly-appearing pup. Make sure the coat carries a glossy shine, a sign of good health. There should be no discharge from eyes or nose, and a pup should stand up on strong legs and good feet.

Inquire about a breeder-buyer contract which explains what is expected of you, the buyer, and of the breeder. Your pup should come from registered parents, who have proof of freedom from hip dysplasia, should have a pedigree from the breeder, a health record showing when and what had been given in the way of inoculations and medication, and care and feeding instructions. If from working parents, ask for the working behaviour history of the bloodline.

If you're buying a puppy, it should be at least 8 weeks old; 9 to 12 weeks is a good time for a pup to leave its litter. But don't overlook an older pup, provided it is outgoing, happy to see people and in good health. Many responsible breeders are concerned that their pups go to excellent homes and are willing to keep a pup longer until that home comes along. Carefully bred and cared for Great Pyrenees puppies are not inexpensive. While prices may vary, people who sell pups for much less than the average for your area probably have not put as much time or care into the breeding or rearing of their pups.

SPECIAL CARE:

The thick double coat must be kept clean, well brushed and free of fleas and ticks. Because the coat was originally intended for outdoor living, it tends to shed, particularly in Spring and early Summer.The breed thrives on exercise. It requires a great deal, especially accompanying its owner on hikes and pulling carts or small sleds.

EVERYTHING YOU'RE ALWAYS ASKED ABOUT A PYR..... and never want to answer!
by - Catherine de la Cruz

HOW BIG, REALLY, IS A GREAT PYRENEES?
Your dining room table is 27" from the floor, kitchen counters 36". The average female Pyr can walk under your dining room table only if she ducks her head; the average male need to either scrunch himself smaller or lift your table a few inches higher. In either case, the front of the counter is not the place to store meat thawing for dinner. The top of the
refrigerator is out of the reach of most Pyrs.

HOW MUCH DO THEY WEIGH?
On the scale at the feed store, 80 to 120 pounds. While trying to give one a pill or cut its nails: as much as a Moray eel. On the first day of obedience class....as much as a young elephant. The day you teach the "down" exercise in obedience class: as much as a Sumo wrestler. When walking through a litter of pups, kittens, chicks or lambs....about as much as two feathers..

HOW MUCH DO THEY EAT?
As much as they want - never mind what the back of the dog-food bag says. The average Great Pyrenees can survive quite nicely and maintain weight and normal activity on as much dog food as will fit into a two-pound coffee can. Most, however, have convinced their owners that plain dog food is completely unpalatable and will starve unless supplemented with ground round, chicken breast, sirloin tips or cheese omelets. If he discovers you have a weakness for cookies you may find your leg battered black and blue by Pyr-paw-pats, repeated until you share the cookies....Oreos are much preferred to Milk Bones.

DO THEY SHED MUCH?
At the annual ritual known as "coat blowing" you can comb enough fur out of your dog to have spun into enough yarn to make yourself a cap, a scarf and a pair of mittens. Why you would want to is beyond me, since everything else you own is already lavishly decorated with Pyr Hair. Since shedding, in some degree, takes place 365 days a year, you will have ample decoration on your rug, couch, bed, etc. Since Pyr hair has a particular affinity for dark clothing, the Pyr-owning business person wears a lot of light grey and tan. Firefighters, police officers and military personnel owned by Pyrs learn to leave their uniforms in sealed lockers at work and change there.

WHAT ABOUT BARKING?
What about it? If begun early, you can train yourself to come every time your Pyr barks and give it some attention. Give him enough attention for barking, and your neighbors will also begin to give you some attention. Mutual reinforcement always works. What do Pyrs bark at? Only things they can see and hear - that includes low flying satellites and butterflies. Most Pyrenees eavesdrop on a family argument four houses away, yet become selectively deaf upon hearing words like "stop that", "come here" and "be quiet". Pyr owners exchange information on stopping barking the way our grandmothers exchanges recipes for pickles - no two were ever alike.

I'VE HEARD THEY LIKE TO DIG
How do you think the Pyrenees mountains were really constructed? One Pyr, out of consideration for her owner's failing eyesight, enlarged the cup of his putting green to bunker-sized. Landscape companies report their greatest repeat business comes from Pyr owners. Some Pyr owners, however, simply resign themselves to living with a yard that looks like a gunnery range.

HOW DO PYRS AND CHILDREN GET ALONG?
If you train your children early enough not to tease the dog - not to pull his tail, wake him by jumping on top of him, pinch his ears or steal his food - your Pyr will be safe from the kids. Children are not as easy to train as a Pyr because it is not legal to put a choke-chain and leash on a child.

GREAT PYRENEES: IS THIS THE BREED FOR YOU?

You've seen these big, beautiful white dogs. You're impressed, naturally. You think you want one. This is understandable. But . . . is this the breed for you? They are not the ideal pet for everyone!

The mature, sedate Great Pyrenees which you have seen did not just materialize suddenly. It grew from a cuddly, lovable ball of fluff which at 8-12 weeks of age is most captivating. From puppyhood to adulthood is a great distance and a considerable time. As a breed they are remarkably healthy and long lived. They have few major genetic problems and usually live to be 10-12 years old.

Pyrs combine a great intelligence with a deep devotion to family and home, and a natural-born instinct to guard and protect. While trustworthy, affectionate, gentle and tractable, they can become, when and if the need arises, protective guardians of their family and their territory. Thus, they command respect as watch dogs as well as admiration as pets.

Adult Pyrs are placid by nature and calm in the house, enjoying quiet periods in which to rest and sleep. But they are a large breed and as such are not always suited to life in a small apartment or urban setting with little yard space and lots of activity around. They want their life to be consistent and predictable.

The addition of a dog to your family is a major decision and deserves a great deal of time and thought. A Great Pyrenees is placid by nature, so despite their size, they are excellent house dogs. Yes, an adult Pyr is a beautiful, calm dog, but there are other considerations-have you thought of these?

Considerations
Are you physically able to handle a very large dog? Basically gentle, they are strong, and during the phases of puppyhood can be a real challenge.

Does dog hair around the house bother you? If so, forget the Pyrenees. While with routine grooming they are not much different than any other breed, they do shed and there are white hairs in Pyr homes and on Pyr people.

A Pyr needs love and attention on a daily basis. Are you and your family able to provide this? A lonesome Pyr is a bored dog, and a bored dog can become destructive. Great Pyrenees are at heart guard dogs and members of the great family of livestock guardian dogs. As such, they share with them certain strong characteristics. Pyrs were bred to be left alone with the sheep up in the mountain valleys. They are a guard dog by instinct, not by training. Their basic personality is different from most breeds, since most breeds were bred to take commands from people, while Pyrs were bred to work on their own.

A Great Pyrenees is an intelligent, sometimes willful animal. They have minds of their own and are not easily obedience trained. Things that you consider important may not be the same things your Pyrenees considers important. Many are almost cat-like, in their independence.

Do you have room for a Pyr? They are large and must be confined in a well fenced area, or they will exercise their powerful instinct to establish and patrol a large territory. When out of the fence they must be kept on lead at all times. If you require a dog who will be a great "off-leash" companion for your outdoor activities, if you want a dog who will follow your every command, or if you want a competition obedience dog, the Pyrenees is probably not for you.

Like all livestock guardian breeds, Great Pyrenees are barkers, especially at night. The amount of barking varies from individual to individual, but the instinct is there and in some cases can cause major problems. Most Great Pyrenees in urban or suburban settings must be kept indoors at night.

The Great Pyrenees is a guard dog and as such cannot be expected to welcome uninvited intrusions onto your property. They will accept anyone whom you invite into your home. They are not "attack" dogs, but can be very intimidating to the surprised visitor. It is an owner's obligation to maintain a Great Pyrenees so that his guarding instincts can be exercised in a responsible way. These are things to think about. If you find you've answered them honestly and still want a Pyr, here are some suggestions as to how you should choose your puppy.

Choices
Did you consider buying a mature dog? Many breeders have older dogs which they will place in pet homes. And many local clubs have "rescue" dogs in need of good homes. These older dogs usually are housebroken and have had preliminary training. Most adult Pyrs adjust readily to a new home, but a trial period should be considered. Such a purchase may be just what you want, allowing you to skip the puppy-adolescent growth stage.

Male or female? This is a personal choice. The male is larger, and carries more coat, but they both show the same affection for, and protection of, their family. The bitch, unless spayed will come into season every six months, the first season is usually around a year of age. The decision as to which sex is yours. If the animal is to be a companion, and not for breeding, have it spayed or neutered at 6-8 months of age. Some reputable breeders are offering pups who have already been neutered at 8 weeks. This indicates a caring breeder who is concerned about this pup and all who might otherwise descend from it. All dogs not intended for showing and breeding should be neutered. This does not make a Pyr fat or lazy and does not interfere with its natural protectiveness. It does insure freedom from several kinds of cancer. In a national survey, neutered Pyrs were found to have a slightly longer life span that unaltered dogs. Neutered Pyrs are easier to manage as pets, will make a happier and healthier pet, and will probably live longer.

Choosing a Dog
Once the decision has been made to obtain a Great Pyrenees for predator control, the next question is what kind of dog to obtain and where to obtain a dog.

The first choice must be made between a grown dog and a pup. This will be based upon individual needs and available animals. In general, a pup is to be most recommended, but grown dogs may be very satisfactory on an individual basis. If you decide on a grown dog, be cautious of sellers who offer you a "Trained" dog. If a dog is already an effective worker, the chances are slim that a person would part with such a dog. Also, if such a dog should become available, there is still the problem of adapting the dog to his new environment and territory. A grown dog should come with a contract stating a trial period of time so if the dog does not work out for the new owner, it can be returned. The training of a livestock-guarding dog cannot be equated to the training of a herding dog. The next choice will be male or female. In this breed, either sex will do a very creditable job; so, if you have a strong preference, by all means exercise it. If you get a female, you should have her spayed at about 6-12 months. It she is not spayed, you will lose her usefulness for those 3 weeks twice a year when she is in season, and such a time may come at the peak of lambing. She will be more reliable and more effective if she is spayed. Contrary to popular myth, a Great Pyrenees female will mate with a male dog of any breed if he is insistent enough. Male dogs should also be neutered. The male dog will exercise his sexual drive in response to any female canine. This definitely includes coyotes. If you have a female herding dog, or if your neighbors have an unspayed female dog, your male working dog will quite naturally seek out the company of such females. A dog who is distracted from his stock is useless.

Dealing with Breeders
Perhaps in choosing a good working dog, the single most important factor is the party from whom the dog is purchased. The instinct of the dog to work is genetically determined, so it becomes critical that the person breeding the pups be thoroughly acquainted with the animals behind the breeding and with their working potential and production. The breeder must also recognize proper working temperament and pick it out. As a general rule, the pup who is excessively friendly or excessively shy will not make a good livestock guardian. Not all pups in any liner have good working natures.

Beware of the person who seems to have all the answers (or none), or who tells you that any Pyrenees will do the job and that no particular care is involved in achieving a good working performance. That simply is not true and shows an ignorance of the breed and the function of livestock guardians.

It is a good idea to ask the breeder for references. Any responsible breeder will be happy to give you names and addresses of buyers who have used his dogs in situations similar to yours. A caring and responsible breeder will also be anxious to do all that he can to insure your success with your dog.

Ask questions. If the answers seem vague or very general, perhaps the party from whom you contemplate getting your pup does not have much experience with working dogs. Although a Pyrenees works largely on instinct, there are certain specific things that must be done to achieve optimum performance. The breeder should have these answers or be willing to find them for you.

Whenever you buy a pup, you should have the right to have it examined by your own vet to assure yourself that it is in good health. If it is not, you should have the right to return it to the breeder and have your purchase price refunded. All working dogs should come from stock which has had its hips x-rayed and certified free of hip dysplasia. This condition is a great crippler and renders a working dog a great deal less effective. If by chance your dog develops hip dysplasia or any other physical condition which is hereditary and limits its effectiveness as a working dog, you should be able to obtain a replacement dog from the breeder. A responsible breeder will guarantee any pup produced by him for at least one year (sometimes longer) against hereditary or congenital defects which would limit the dog's performance. Additionally, some breeders of livestock guardians will guarantee you a dog that will work, and if the pup is not satisfactory, they will replace it.

Guarantees do vary from one breeder to another, but a health and soundness guarantee is the absolute minimum which should be expected, and all such guarantees should be uttered in writing. The willingness of a breeder to offer a written guarantee is your assurance that the breeder has put time, care, and concern into his breeding and pups, and cares enough about his pups and your needs to stand behind that planning. Written guarantees further avoid disputes at a later date about what was actually promised or agreed to.

Do not be put off it the breeder is also seriously breeding show dogs and family companions as well as livestock guardian dogs, as long as he or she seems to have a good knowledge of the use of Great Pyrenees as working dogs and meets the criteria described above. This usually shows his interest in the Great Pyrenees as a total animal. No animals receive more care or concern in breeding and rearing than do show dogs. It you purchase a working dog from a litter bred by a party also interested in show dogs, you usually can be assured that your pup has had the very best start in those first critical months of life. A buyer can assure him or herself of the working potential of pups from dual purpose breeders by expecting them to adhere to the standards that have already been discussed.

In addition to The Great Pyrenees Club of America, there are regional clubs located throughout the country that are devoted to the promotion and protection of this ancient and useful breed. Many of these clubs have adopted for themselves Codes of Ethics that govern the activities of members within the breed. Clubs devoted to the breed foster educational opportunities of members so that they may be well versed in both breeding practices and working values within the breed. A list of these clubs is available from the secretary of the G.P.C.A. and is published annually in the national publication, "The Bulletin." Buyers would be well advised to ask the party from whom they hope to purchase a dog if he belongs to either a national or a local organization, or both.

Although this may seem like a great deal of information concerning the purchase of a livestock guarding dog, a dog who does not do his job or is ill or crippled is a great loss in terms of both time and money. Anyone looking for a working Great Pyrenees would be well advised to make lots of inquiries and take the time necessary to acquire a properly bred, carefully reared, adequately guaranteed dog.