There’s a Reason Why the Great Pyrenees is ‘Great’

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Earlier this week you may have read the amazing story of how a Great Pyrenees sheepdog killed a pack of coyotes that attacked a flock a sheep at a Georgia farm.

Casper is a 20-month-old Great Pyrenees. His owner told the Associated Press his sheepdog killed eight coyotes and was injured in the attack. What a heroic pooch! (Read the full story here.)

There’s a reason the Great Pyrenees is called “great.”

For one, consider the breed’s size. Males range in height from 27 to 32 inches at the shoulder and can weigh 100 pounds or more. Females are a bit smaller. Their beautiful fur is generally white, and because of their imposing size, it can look like their owners are walking a small polar bear.

Secondly, is the breed’s resume. A powerful working dog, the Great Pyrenees is the traditional livestock guardian of the Pyrenees Mountains, which stretch between the borders of France and Spain. They were bred there to fend off wolves, bears and thieves. In many parts of the world, the Great Pyrenees is still employed as a protector of livestock.

So Casper, the slayer of coyotes, was doing what he was bred to do!

In France, the breed is sometimes referred to Le Grand Chien des Montagnes, which translates as “the big dog of the mountains” or Le Chien des Pyrenees or “dog of the Pyrenees.” In the 17^th Century, the breed was named as the Royal Dog of France in the court of King Louis XIV due to their protective abilities. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Great Pyrenees in 1933.

We at Pugpalooza salute Casper and other Great Pyrenees for their courage in keeping our flocks safe!

Until next time,

Hugs and Pug Kisses,

Candy

Sources:

Farmer: Georgia Dog Injured Saving Sheep From Coyote Attack (usnews.com)