The Great Pyrenees is an ancient breed with origins that might date back as far as 1800 B.C. This breed, whose ancestors include the Maremma Sheepdog and Anatolian Shepherd, is known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog in Europe.

The Great Pyrenees can be a wonderful companion if you live in a suburban or rural area and lead a fairly placid life. These dogs like having quiet time in the house and enjoy a predictable, orderly routine. The guarding nature of this breed makes socialization especially important.

Carefully bred and cared for Great Pyrenees puppies are not inexpensive. While prices may vary, people who sell pups for much less than the average for your area probably have not put as much time or care into the breeding or rearing of their pups.

Spot the muzzle. The muzzle of a Great Pyrenees is about the same length as the backskull which it blends in with. The lips fit tightly so that the upper covers the lower, and both the lips and nose are pigmented black. The lower part of the jaw appears strong, and the teeth meet in a scissors or level bite.