Re: Period Dogs

[mn13189@WCUVAX1.WCU.EDU]

Poster: mn13189@WCUVAX1.WCU.EDU

On Thu, 27 Feb 1997, Stephanie M. Thorson wrote:

> The Great Pyrenees, called in Britain the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, is a
> large sheepguarding breed of the molossoid (mastiff) type, and seem to be
> of some antiquity - where are those folks with books handy?. 
> Alianora

My _Encyclopedia of the Dog_, mentioned earlier, gives a seperate entry
for Pyrenean Sheepdog, Pyrenean Mountain Dog, and Pyrenean Mastiff

The most recent of the breeds is the Pyrenean Sheepdog, originaing in
France in the 1700s.  It eveolved in the Pyrenean District between Lourdes
and Gavarnie, to suit the needs of mountain shepherds.  The other two
Pyreneans mentioned fall within our period, though:

PYRENEAN MOUNTAIN DOG
Key Facts
Country of Origin:  France
Date of Origin:  Antiquity
First Use:  Sheep guarding
Use Today:  Companion, sheep guarding
Life Exectancy:  11-12 years
Other Names:  Great Pyrenees, Chien de Montagne Pyrenees
Weight Range:  90-132lb
Height Range:  26-32 in

Breed History:  One of the great, white guarding mastiffs that spread
across Europe, this magnificent breed is probably related to the Italian
Maremma, Hungarian Kuvasz, Slovakian Kuvac, and Turkish Karabash.  It
thrived principaly in Andorra before it was "discovered" in the 20th
century.
(the text later mentions that until recently, when they started being kept
as pets, they were known for assertive, warrior-like personalities).

PYRENEAN MASTIFF
Key Facts
Country of Origin:  Spain
Date of Origin:  Antiquity
First Use:  Sheep guarding
Use Today:  Companion, guarding
Life Expectancy:  11-12 years
Other Names:  Mastin del Pirineo, Mastin d'Aragon
Weight Range:  121-165lb
Height Range:  28-31in

Breed History:  The trading Phoenicians acquired mastiffs is Assyria and
Sumeria.  They sold these in Spain, and they were bred as working dogs.
The Pyrenean Mastiff is much like a cross between the Spanish Mastiff and
the Pyrenean Mountain Dog.  All trace their beginnings to the great
Asiatic mastiffs.

Hope this helps.
Aye,
Eogan

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