The Great Pyrenees dog gets its name after the Pyrenees Mountain range that naturally borders France and Spain where this breed was commonly used as a livestock guardian. Historically, these white dogs accompanied nomadic tribesman and their flocks of sheep from Asia Minor in their migrations towards the west, roughly 5,000 years ago. They finally settled in the Pyrenean Mountains where both dog and men encountered the ideal environment for raising livestock.
It is during these many years spent in the isolation of this mountain range that the breed developed the characteristics and traits that make this breed unique.These loyal mountain shepherd dogs bonded strongly to the shepherd, its family and the flock.
During the Middle Ages, they were removed from the mountains and used to guard forts, castles and estates in France. In the 17th century they became a favorite of the aristocrats, and Louis XIV, an admirer of the breed, nicknamed them as ''the Royal Dog of France''. General Lafayette then introduced two Great Pyrenees specimens to the United States in 1824, but the breed did not become popular until 1930. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1933. Meanwhile, in France, the popularity of this breed among the aristocrats had faded, and the breed was mostly concentrated, once again, in the Pyrenees mountains.
While there is belief that several of these dogs were taken to Newfoundland by Basque fishermen and were crossed with black curly coated retrievers, ultimately giving life to the the Landseer Newfoundland (a breed notoriously known to love water), the Great Pyrenees, overall, remains a breed attracted to the land and mountains.
Evaluating the Swimming Skills of this Breed
Being a mountain dog, the Great Pyrenees breed may not have a liking for water, as some breeds of dogs such as retrievers and labradors, but they may take the plunge and wade a little. Generally, many are not very fond of water, but some will enjoy cooling off in a pond or swimming pool when they are hot. However, this really varies from one dog to another and there are some dog owners that can attest that their Great Pyrenees really has a passion for water.
Generally, if introduced to water from a young age, a Great Pyrenees can learn to enjoy the water, especially if he has a playful, positive experience. Many will not hesitate to follow the owner into a lake or swimming pool. As other dogs, once they take the plunge and decide to cool off in a pond or pool, they will be good swimmers.
If a Great Pyrenees enjoys water, it can then be offered a variety of aquatic themed activities. With little "chase" or "retrieve" instinct, they may not be really eager to fetch a ball from the pool, but some may like to play with some water toys while in the water. Being an independent breed with a history of working and making decisions on its own, a Great Pyrenees will not be the star of the obedience class, according to American Kennel Club, therefore they are not popular for excelling in water sports or hunting and learning to retrieve game from ponds and lakes. In the summer, however, a nice pool will make a great addition so this breed can cool off since their dense double coat does not make them very suitable for hot climates.
References:
Great Pyrenees Club of America, Dog of the Mountains,
Adrienne Farricelli - Adrienne Farricelli brings expertise in canine topics as a former American Animal Hospital Association employee and certified dog ...
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