Great Pyrenees Dog - A brief history of the breed.

Developed by Basque shepherds in the Pyrenees Mountain Range between Spain and France, the Great Pyrenees Dog was selectively bred to protect livestock from predators.

It is generally agreed that the ancestors of the Great Pyrenees Dog came from Asia Minor with their nomadic owners, travelled to Europe, and were introduced in North America in greater numbers in the early 1900's. There are records indicating that some animals were brought to North America as early as the 1600's.

Fossil remains have been dated from the Bronze Age, roughly 3500 BC to 1600 BC or later depending on the location of human settlement. An interesting footnote to this history of the breed is that the dog that is our present day companion, and trusted family member, was domesticated between 12000 BC to 11000 BC. Compare that with goats that were domesticated at about 10000 BC, sheep about 8000 BC and cattle around 5000 BC. It appears that the dog was companion, guard dog, and hunting companion for early man. Only later did our canine companion became a livestock guardian to help shepherds with their domesticated goats and sheep.

In the 1600's the Great Pyrenees Dog was brought into the French Court as estate guardians.

Today's Great Pyrenees Dog is family companion, livestock guardian, and show ring star.

For additional information please contact us, the Canadian Kennel Club or the American Kennel Club. Our Links Page has Internet addresses to assist you.