The Great Pyrenees is a large, thickly coated, and immensely powerful working dog bred to deter sheep-stealing wolves and other predators on snowy mountaintops. Pyrs today are mellow companions and vigilant guardians of home and family. Frequently described as ‘majestic,’Pyrs are big, immensely strong mountain dogs standing as high as 32 inches at the shoulder and often tipping the scales at more than 100 pounds. These steadfast guardians usually exhibit a Zen-like calm, but they can quickly spring into action and move with grace and speed to meet a threat. The lush weatherproof coat is all white, or white with markings of beautiful shades of gray, tan, reddish-brown, or badger.
The standard representative of the breed is obliged to combine two important qualities – strength and elegance. On the one hand, an animal must have a strong constitution in order to awe any animal with a formidable appearance. And on the other – to be energetic and frisky, so that, if necessary, to catch up with the attacker and deal with him. According to the type of physique, experts classify Pyrenees as wolf-Molossians, without disputing the fact that wolf features in the exterior of the breed are predominant. The height of the average male Pyrenean mountain dog is 80 cm . Bitches are slightly lower and smaller – about 65-75 cm at the withers. The muscle mass of the “mountaineers” is also growing decent, so the weight bar of 55 kg for the breed is not considered something amazing and beyond.
Head
Pyrs have a harmoniously developed head with a rounded cranial part, flattened on both sides, and a flat forehead. The brow ridges do not stand out, the median furrow is not visually noticeable and is determined by touch. The animal’s muzzle is massive, well-filled and has the shape of a truncated wedge, which is slightly shorter than the head.
Teeth, lips, jaws
A mandatory requirement for the breed is a complete and standard dental formula. The animal’s teeth are without yellowness, healthy. The optimal type of bite is “scissors”, although a straight bite and slightly protruding incisors of the lower row are considered acceptable options. The dog’s lips are dense, not raw, black color. The upper lip is slightly protruding and partially covers the lower jaw.
Nose
The nose has a classic shape with black skin.
Eyes
Great Pyrenees have small almond-shaped eyes that are slightly oblique. The iris has an amber-brown tone, the eyelids tightly cover the eyeball. The look of the breed is intelligent, soulfully thoughtful.
Ears
Miniature, triangular in shape, planted at eye level – this is about how the ears of a purebred descendant of Asian Molossians should look. The ear cloth is more often in a hanging position, but slightly “rises” when the dog is alert.
The neck
of the Great Pyrenees has short massive necks with minor suspensions.
Body
The body has somewhat stretched dimensions and in length exceeds the height of the dog at the withers. The back of the Pyrenees is long and massive, the sides are moderately taut, the withers are relief. The croup area is slightly sloping, the thighs are voluminous with excellently developed muscles, the chest is harmoniously developed, but not stretched in length or width.
Limbs
The front legs of the representatives of the breed are smooth and strong, the hind legs are long, with abundant fringed hair. The shoulder blades of the animal are placed slightly obliquely, the forearms are straight, the pasterns with a barely noticeable slope. The femoral part of the legs is massive, the hocks are wide with small angles, the shins are strong. Great Pyrenees have compact paws with slightly curved toes. They move in a sweeping and measured manner, but without excessive gravity.
Tail
The true Pyr’s tail has the shape of a feather, and its tip is at the level of the hocks. In a calm state, the dog lowers the tail down, while it is desirable that there is a slight bend at the end of the tail. In an excited dog, the tail rises above the croup, curling into a wheel and touching the loin line.
Wool
The coat of the Pyr is abundant, straight, with a soft structure and elastic thick undercoat. Relatively coarse hair grows on the shoulders and along the back; on the tail and neck, the hair is softer and longer. The fibers consist of delicate airy wool.