My name is Rancher!

RANCHER IS DROP DEAD GORGEOUS AND IS A HEAD TURNER! Rancher has been with us since January 2016 and came in very malnourished and only 75 pounds for a 1 1/2 year+ old boy. He is now closing in at 120 lbs. which is his normal weight. 2 Rancher walks extremely well on leash and is unbelievably gentle and affectionate. He loves to go out in public, greets everyone, LOVES CHILDREN, but I have a hard time loading and unloading him because he's bigger than my little SUV 4Runner. He travels well otherwise. His bark is startling and you'll know the difference between a warning bark and "a mountain lion is trying to jump our fence" bark. Yikes! He will eat out of your hand and has no problems if you take food from his mouth. A big, gentle soul, this boy is. Here's the run down about this specific breed. Also, PDR will not allow him to be left out to guard a pack, flock, herd, etc. He must be a member of the family. Rancher eats about 9 cups of dry kibble a day and takes Joint Health Care for his hips and knees. If he is bored, he will dig holes. He must be walked and brushed daily. And I always kiss him on his lips daily, but I'm a little cray cray about dogs.

The Great Pyrenees is also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog. The length of the dog is slightly longer than it is tall. The head is wedge-shaped with a slightly rounded crown and is in proportion to the rest of the body. The backline is level. The muzzle is about the same length as the back skull. The skull is as wide as it is tall with flat cheeks. There is no apparent stop. The nose and lips are black. The teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. The dark brown, medium-sized eyes are almond shaped and slanted. The dark brown, V-shaped ears are carried low, flat and close to the head, rounded at the tips, and set about eye level. The chest is fairly broad. The well-feathered tail reaches the hocks and can be carried low or up over the back in a wheel when the dog is excited. There is sometimes a crook at the end of the tail. The Great Pyrenees has single dewclaws on the front legs and double dewclaws on the hind legs. The dog has a weather-resistant double coat. The undercoat is dense, fine and wooly, and the outer coat is long, thick, coarse and flat. There is a mane around the shoulders and neck which is more apparent in male dogs.

Origin: The Great Pyrenees originated in Central Asia or Siberia. The breed was descended from the Hungarian Kuvasz and the Maremmano-Abruzzese. The Pyrenees is also a relative of the St. Bernard, contributing to its development. It has a long history as a guard dog of sheep. The dogs made their way to Europe; the Great Pyrenees remained in the high mountain regions until the Middle ages, when the breed gradually gained popularity with the French nobility as a guard dog. By the late 17th century, every French noble wanted to own one. Armed with a spiky collar and thick coat, the Great Pyrenees protected vulnerable flocks from such predators as wolves and bear. The Great Pyrenees has proven to be a very versatile breed working as an avalanche rescue dog, as a cart-puller, sled dog, as a pack dog on ski trips, a flock guardian, dog of war, and as a companion and defender of family and property. The AKC officially recognized the Great Pyrenees in 1933.

Temperament: The Great Pyrenees is a capable and imposing guardian, devoted to its family, and somewhat wary of strangers—human and canine. It is often used to guard livestock. When not provoked, it is calm, well-mannered and somewhat serious. Courageous, very loyal and obedient. Gentle and affectionate with those he loves. Devoted to family even if self-sacrifice is required. It is very gentle with its family and children. It does best with children when it is raised with them from puppyhood, and if it is not being used as a working flock guard be sure to socialize it well with people, places and noises. The Great Pyrenees is a serious worker, but very independent. Be patient when training the Great Pyrenees, as it may be slightly difficult. If left alone inside the home without the proper amount of exercise and or leadership it can become destructive. The Great Pyrenees is good with non-canine animals, and usually loves cats. These dogs do not reach maturity until they are about 2 years old. Some are not good off the leash and may wander away. They need an owner who understands and practices natural dogmanship. The Great Pyrenees tends to bark a lot or when they do bark, it is a very loud warning to get your attention! Rancher warned us of a mountain lion at our fence!

Medical Issues: Prone to bloat (they must be fed and watered from an elevated tray), hip dysplasia (we keep Rancher on Joint Health Care), bone cancer, luxated patellas (helped with Joint Health Care). Can develop skin problems in very hot weather and eye problems when exposed to the sun.

Lifestyle: These dogs are not recommended for apartment life and would do best with a mid-to-large sized yard. They need space, but adapt well to family life. They are not really active indoors, but need regular exercise and daily walks outdoors. A fence is a must as they may wander away in search of the borders to what they believe is their territory.

Grooming: Regular brushing of the long double coat will keep it in good condition, but extra care is needed when the dog is shedding its dense undercoat. The outer coat does not mat unless there is a burr, foxtail or some other outside object that gets stuck to the coat. This can be an issue for outside working dogs. Some owners choose to shave the coats in the summer to avoid this from happening, but beware of sunburn. Bathe or dry shampoo only when necessary. Great Pys shed all year round but do so heavily once a year.

PDR RECOMMENDS SLEEPOVERS PRIOR TO ADOPTION. For more info, please go to http://www.puppydogranch.org