We adopted a 1.5 year old 140 pound Great Pyrenees male dog about six weeks ago. They’re not hunting dogs, they’re livestock guardians. This was basically this dogs last chance. When my son came home from college he didn’t accept him in his flock. Three weeks later they’re good now. The dog still hates “strangers”, i.e. anyone other than us but with crate training (was never a believer in it until now) he’s doing better and people are safe. He’s doing amazingly better in the six weeks we’ve had him. Six weeks is an important milestone for dogs. This dog is BIG and still growing. He’s amazingly fast and strong. Luckily he’s in a home where he’s in good hands that have a long history properly training dogs. That’s my rant. :)
(of the Great Pyrenees dog)
Varro, a Roman author who lived in the first century BC, wrote in his treatise of rural economy “De re rustica” in 37 BC.:
“The dog is essential for those who raise animals for wool. It is the guardian of livestock in general but is the natural defender of the sheep and goats. The wolf lurks constantly and we oppose it with the dogs”..
Outstanding breed.
If raised as a working dog, or should never be trusted with children. If raised as domesticated, WONDERFUL dog.
Keeps watch at night, all night on guard to protect its human flock.
Have one laying beside me. Loyal and covers my back.
Not an off leash dog. Smart, but independent.
I have a Golden Retriever (my 3rd) that has been very difficult to train. Quite unlike his 2 predecessors. I never approach him without a soft toy in my hand for him to bite. Otherwise he chews on me. I would not trust him around small children. He’s getting better (not yet 2) but it’s been a slow process.
Great Pyrenees were bred to protect the sheep from wolves. They can be very dangerous to anyone not in “their” flock.
You may want to inform your insurance company, just to be sure you’re good to go.