Great Pyrenees Origin Story: From Pastures to Palaces

The Great Pyrenees is a majestic breed with a rich history that spans centuries. They originated in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain.

Their early beginnings were as livestock guardians, protecting sheep and other animals from predators. This role required them to be fiercely loyal and protective of their charges.

The breed's distinctive white coat and gentle nature made them a popular choice among royal families, who would often take them into their palaces as beloved companions.

Check this out: Great Pyrenees Breed Standard

The Great Pyrenees originated in the mountains of Asia Minor, which is now modern-day Turkey, where their ancestors played vital roles in human survival by protecting flocks of sheep and cattle.

These early livestock guardians were known for their ability to stay with and guard flocks without human supervision, and they later migrated westward to the Basque Country, located on the northwestern edge of the Pyrenean Mountains between France and Spain.

The rugged terrain of the Pyrenees, with its steep cliffs and high waterfalls, required the dogs to be vigilant year-round, protecting flocks from wolves and bears in both the winter valleys and the summer high elevations.

In France, the Great Pyrenees were valued for their role as livestock guardians, and their name, Patou, is derived from the French word pâtre, which means shepherd.

In the mountains of Asia Minor, thousands of years ago, the ancestors of the Pyrenees breed played a vital role in human survival. They helped shepherds keep their valuable flocks safe from predators.

These early livestock guardians were large, usually white, dogs that trekked westward with their owners and flocks. They eventually made their way to the Basque Country, where they were valued for their ability to stay with and guard flocks of sheep without human supervision.

The rugged terrain of the Pyrenees, with its steep cliffs and high waterfalls, made it a challenging environment for both humans and animals. But the dogs thrived, protecting flocks of cattle, sheep, and homestead from wolves and bears.

Consider reading: Are Great Pyrenees Herding Dogs

As the seasons changed, the dogs adapted, moving to higher elevations in the summer and to warmer valleys in the winter. Their white coats allowed them to blend in, hiding them from predators until it was too late.

Here are some key facts about the early Pyrenees breed:

Their calm nature allowed them to move through flocks of sheep without scaring them, making them ideal guardians. And their dense coat protected them from the cold mountain air, allowing them to thrive in this harsh environment.

By the time of their last trip, in 1939, World War II had already cut off supplies needed to feed dogs.

France's top breeders were desperate to save their bloodlines, and one breeder brought seven famished Great Pyrenees to America, where they were saved.

Mrs. Crane was the savior of the breed, as she took in the dogs and their bloodline, saving them from extinction.

During World War II, the Cranes donated many Great Pyrenees to the Dogs for Defense Program, but none of them worked out and all were eventually returned.

The largest problem was that the dogs protected as far as they could roam, with no fences or containers to contain them.

Related reading: Great Pyrenees Dogs 101

The Great Pyrenees is a beautiful and elegant dog with a rich history that dates back thousands of years. They originated in Asia Minor over 10,000 years ago and were brought to the Pyrenees Mountains by their shepherds and domestic sheep around 3000 BC.

These dogs have been used as guardians of flocks for centuries, and their unique characteristics developed in the isolation of the Pyrenees Mountains over millennia. They are known for their loyalty and devotion to their families and flocks.

In their native France, they are called Le Chien de Montagne des Pyrenees or Le Chien des Pyrenees, and in the United States, they are simply known as Great Pyrenees.

The Great Pyrenees is a mountain shepherd's dog with a special relationship with the shepherd, its family, and the flock.

In 1407, French writings tell of the usefulness of these “Great Dogs of the Mountains” as guardians of the Chateau of Lourdes. They were highly valued for their ability to guard the chateau.

Having a precocious sense of smell and exceptionally keen eyesight, each dog was counted equal to two men. This is a testament to their intelligence and ability to work effectively.

The Great Pyrenees became much sought after by nobility after being adopted as the Royal Dog of France by the Dauphin in the court of King Louis XIV in 1675.

The Great Pyrenees owes its existence in America to Mary Crane and her husband, Francis, rather than the Marquis de Lafayette. They were instrumental in introducing the breed to the United States.

Mary Crane fell in love with the breed in 1930 after a friend returned from Europe with a pair of Pyr puppies. This marked the beginning of the breed's presence in America.

The breed had been formalized in France just a few years prior, thanks to the foundation of the breed club, the Réunion des Amateurs de Chiens Pyrénées. This club played a crucial role in shaping the breed standard.

In 1931, Mary Crane imported two Pyrs from Europe, one of which would become a pivotal figure in the breed's American history.

The Great Pyrenees has a rich history that spans centuries and continents. The breed was first introduced to America in 1824 by the Marquis de Lafayette, who gave two male dogs to John Stuart Skinner.

However, it was Mary Crane who played a significant role in establishing the breed in the United States. She fell in love with the breed in 1930 and imported two Pyrs from Europe in 1931, including a male named Urdos who became the first Great Pyrenees to be shown at an AKC show in 1932.

The American Kennel Club recognized the Great Pyrenees as an official breed in 1933, and the first kennel dedicated to the breed, Basquaerie Kennels, was founded by Mr. and Mrs. Francis V. Crane in Needham, Massachusetts that same year.

The breed was first established in France in the early 20th century, thanks to the foundation of the Réunion des Amateurs de Chiens Pyrénées breed club in 1927, which published the first breed standard for the Pyrenees in 1927.

Today, the Great Pyrenees is a versatile breed that excels as both a working dog and a family companion. They are highly social and can thrive in a variety of environments, from farms and ranches to homes and dog shows.

Intriguing read: Male vs Female Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees originated in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain, specifically in the Basque region.

Their ancestors were likely the ancient dogs of the European Alps, who were bred to guard and herd sheep.

The Great Pyrenees were developed to protect the flocks of shepherds from predators like bears, wolves, and lions.

They were also used to guard the homes and families of the shepherds, serving as both a watchdog and a companion animal.

Their original purpose was to be a working dog, not a show dog or a pet, which influenced their strong instinct to protect and defend.

Expand your knowledge: Great Pyrenees Guarding