This breed originated in the Pyrenees Mountains on the borders of France and Spain. The Pyr, as it is often called is a very large and gentle dog who is very devoted to its family, stock and territory. They can be somewhat cautious around strangers, both human and canine, and are very independent and sometimes/most times stubborn.
The Great Pyrenees is a very calm, well-mannered, loving guardian. The Pyr is a wonderful guard dog that will protect anything it is raised with instinctively and without rigorous training. While on duty, the Pyr's first line of defense is perimeter scent-marking, and constant perimeter walking. The next technique employed by the Pyr is a very low, rumbling bark, proclaiming its presence.
The bark of a Pyr is unique in that it is not annoying or distracting, in fact, some owners find it to be a very comforting sound. If and when perimeter walking/marking and barking have failed and an intruder invades the dogs territory they will tend to chase first, then act aggressive only if they feel their stock or family is in danger.They have been referred to as the gentle giant of the guardian breeds.
