Re: Period Dogs AKA The Great Pyr

[David Rizzico <drizzico@appstate.campus.mci.net>]

Poster: David Rizzico <drizzico@appstate.campus.mci.net>


>
>Poster: stephancm@juno.com (Peter H. Clarke)

wrote:

>... I would like to know about my kind of dog.  I have a Great Pyrenees,
same temperament >and protectiveness as the mastiff, alas, same slobber
rate as well.

Well not always, its more of a minor drool factor (IMHO or at least I am a
little luckier in that respect...)

  
>They are an inbreed of the chow line
 
This is incorrect,  according to "The New Complete Great Pyreneees" by Paul
Strang one theory of the origin of the Pyr is that it may be descended of
the Tibettan Mastiff -- not of the Chow.    He also points out that the
origins of this legend are lost in time.  In addition he asks the question
about how the color of the Mastif changed from Black to White.  

In defense he does mention that evolution may have played a role in the
lightening of the coat.  More than likely some cross breeding with other
dogs has occured such as the Ku Asa 


> They are large, fluffy and very lovable.

so true, so true.

>Any historical information would be greatly appreciated.  


The following books might have what you are looking for:

"The New Complete Great Pyreneees" by Paul Strang   ISBN 0-87605-188-3
"Great Pyrenees" author name eaten off the cover by my Pyr puppy ISBN
0-86622-679-6


Good luck  

Sir Godfried

Another Pyr owner.

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