Great Pyrenees?

[coco-bean]

i was just looking at information about this breed of dog and it seems like it is not a popular breed! I mean it seems to me like in order to obtain this breed people may need to travel! I am from Iowa and doesnt seem like the breed is populated well! does anyone else seem to think so too? also does anyone have any other information about this breed? like what does a registered puppy like that run for? thanks for all the help!

[Glacier]

They aren't popular because they are difficult dogs. My Uncle has them. He's a cattle farmer. Before he got his Pyrs he lost calves every year to coyotes. Since he got them not one calf has been taken. The coyote numbers are seriously reduced. The Pyrs kill them. Those dogs hang around the farm yard all day and disappear at dusk--that's when they head out to patrol the cattle fields. No one sees them again until dawn. That's what they were bred to do. My Uncle didn't do any training to get them to protect his cattle; it's pure instinct.

Unfortunately, they also "protect" the farm from other critters, including cats, stray dogs, chickens, ect. They have a very strong prey drive. Small things are prey and alot of things are smaller than a Great Pyr!

They need a job and without one they can quickly become very destructive. Like most giant breeds, they drool and need a ton of grooming. My uncle shaves his in the summer. He lives in a high tick area and in full coat he can't find the ticks on his dogs. They are beautiful animals and the ones I have been around are very good with people, even children.

[MajesticCollies]

I have always been interested in that breed and would like one some day but as Glacier has said they are a flock or herd protector and they need a job. I'm sure there is a breeder somewhere breeding them for temperment to be introduced as family members. Take a look in the back of Dog Fancy Magazine. There are breeders listed of all breeds.
I know the collie was used only for herding and driving cattle, but now are mostly bred for temperment and are great loving family dogs. I seem to like them. lol

[Karen]

They are beautiful, loving dogs, but not a good apartment dog. They are not for anyone who would be gone all day leaving the dog with nothing to do. As with any herding breed, a bored Pyr is a destructive Pyr, but given their size, they can destroy a lot more than a smaller dog. They have a long coat, which requires a lot of grooming if you care what they look like, and are droolers. All these factors mean they are not a dog for just anyone, so that is why, adorable as they are, they are not a "popular" dog. Check http://petfinder.com, as some do end up in rescue. There's one guy in Ottumwa, IA for example ...

[lisahumphreys882]

They don't seem like a popular dog. I've only ever seen one once before. I have to say it was extremely cute. I love giant dogs like that.

[Iilo]

If you're looking for breeders, I would be careful with the back of Dog Fancy. It has a lot of glorified BYBs.