The Pyrenean Mountain Dog (known in America as the Great Pyrenees and in France as Le Grand Chien de Montagnes des Pyrenees) invariably inspires any number of superlative comments. The majestic beauty, dignity, regal bearing and aura of self-confidence which are characteristic of the breed make a lasting impression on the viewer. However, only after one has come to know the Pyrenean Mountain Dog and its unique history does it become apparent that the breed's true and greatest value is not beauty, but the admirable and unique character of the dog. The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a native of the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. The breed's association with man dates back many centuries, with the physical and mental characteristics of the Pyrenean Mountain Dog remaining virtually unchanged down through the years. Just as it did in the 16th century, so today the Pyrenean Mountain Dog guards the sheep high on the mountain slopes.

In the 17th century, Louis XIV made the strikingly beautiful Mountain Dog the official dog of the French Court. Certainly it takes very little imagination to look at a Pyrenean Mountain Dog in your home and envision it patrolling the pre-Revolutionary chateaux of France and consorting with the lords and ladies of the Court. That the Pyrenean Mountain Dog has always appealed to royalty is illustrated by the fact that both Queen Marie Antionette and Queen Victoria favoured and owned them. It is typical of these dogs to be equally at ease in either an atmosphere of supreme luxury, or on a peasant's doorstep high in the mountains, where life involves arduous work, extreme weather and inadequate diet. Here it is referred to as 'mat dog' by the peasant farmers.

AVERAGE LIFESPAN

Pyrenean Mountain Dogs can live up to 12 years of age.

BREED PERSONALITY, CHARACTERISTICS & TEMPERAMENT

A wonderful disposition, stately bearing, an air of quiet confidence, love and admiration for its masters and judgement of character can be relied upon.

COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog adores other pets.

CARE REQUIREMENTS

A thorough grooming at least once a week will keep the coat in a manageable condition; however, a bath is required from time to time. The double dewclaws do require clipping every few weeks.

IN CONCLUSION

If you have decided that the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is the dog for you and you are aware that its double declaws need trimming every few weeks, then contact one of the groups listed below:

DECISION TIME

Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:

• What do we need to consider if we are thinking of buying a puppy?
• How do I determine which breeder to use?
• What should you ask the breeder?
• How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
• What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy

RECOMMENDED BREEDERS

Breeder Name	Kennel	State
Amanda Everson	Shatadoe	QLD	Contact
John and Bernadette Chaplin and Zohar	Tadawindi	SA	Contact

* We have vetted and approved these independent breeders as meeting, at the time, our criteria for the reliable breeding, feeding, care and sale of suitable quality puppies of this breed. This does not mean that other breeders do not meet these criteria or are not otherwise suitable suppliers. Nor can our vetting and approval guarantee the quality of a breeder or puppy or that you will be happy with them. We disclaim any liability for the quality, acts or omissions of these breeders or their puppies and our approval of breeders is not a substitute for you making all appropriate enquiries and checks (including veterinary checks) before choosing a specific breeder or puppy.

CANINE CLUBS

Australian Capital Territory ACT Canine Association Inc PO Box 815 Dickson, ACT 2602 Tel: 02 6241 4404 Fax: 02 6241 1129 Email: CONTACT Website: www.actca.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		New South Wales Royal New South Wales Canine Council Ltd PO Box 632 St Marys, NSW 1790 Tel: 02 9834 3022 or 1300 728 022 (NSW only) Fax: 02 9834 3872 Email: CONTACT Website: www.rnswcc.org.au (Details current as of 1/08/04)
Northern Territory The North Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 37521 Winnellie, NT 0821 Tel: 08 8984 3570 Fax: 08 8984 3409 Email: CONTACT Website: www.users.bigpond.com/naca1/ (Details correct as of 6/08/04)		Queensland Canine Control Council (Queensland) PO Box 495 Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006 Tel: 07 3252 2661 Fax: 07 3252 3864 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cccq.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
South Australia South Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 844 Prospect East, SA 5082 Tel: 08 8349 4797 Fax: 08 8262 5751 Email: CONTACT Website: www.saca.caninenet.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Tasmania Tasmanian Canine Association Inc The Rothman Building PO Box 116 Glenorchy, Tas 7010 Tel: 03 6272 9443 Fax: 03 6273 0844 Email: CONTACT Website: www.tca.freeservers.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
Victoria Victorian Canine Association Locked Bag K9 Cranbourne, Vic 3977 Tel: 03 9788 2500 Fax: 03 9788 2599 Email: CONTACT Website: www.vca.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Western Australia Canine Association of Western Australia Inc PO Box 1404 Canning Vale, WA 6970 Tel: 08 9455 1188 Fax: 08 9455 1190 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cawa.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)