The Great Pyrenees is one of several Livestock Guardian Breeds specifically bred to watch over livestock. These giant, fluffy dogs are vastly appealing but potential owners should know that this is not a breed for just anyone! Their guarding instinct is hardwired into their brains, which – although makes them extremely loyal and protective – can also make them into a liability if not given strict management, training and socialization. Their guarding instinct combined with their very independent personality means that living with a Pyr can be very different from living with another breed of dog.

Because of their high territoriality, Pyrs will not naturally accept visitors into the house or onto the property. Instead, the owner must be present and introduce the dog to each new person first. This can be a problem in households where strangers often come and go. While most Great Pyrenees will not immediately “go for the kill” with an intruding stranger, they will put up a very loud and ferocious alarm and will escalate their defense efforts to match that of the intruder. The better socialized and trained the dog is, the more predictable he will be. A well-bred, well-trained Pyr has been said to be an excellent judge of character while a poorly-bred, unsocialized, untrained dog can be a liability. The breed has all the makings of a sensible guardian but these traits must be fostered.

Also because of their territorial nature, the Great Pyrenees isn’t always super friendly towards other dogs. Most males will not tolerate living with another male (especially if neither is neutered), and some females have problems living with other females. Opposite-sex pairings can yield much better results, and the age, size and temperaments of the dogs (as well as the skills of the owner) has a lot to do with compatibility.

The Great Pyrenees can be an excellent family dog and can be very patient and gentle with children, although supervision is highly advised (like with most breeds). Not surprisingly, they can become very protective of young kids and may even try to intervene when the parent disciplines the child. For obvious reasons, the adults of the household must stay on top of this behavior and not allow it to happen. Obedience and structure will help the dog from becoming pack leader of the entire household.

Although intelligent, the Great Pyrenees can be exceptionally willful. Some people compare training a Pyr to trying to train a cat – it can be done, but it will take a different approach. Just like a cat, these animals think for themselves rather than naturally obeying a command blindly. This is not the typical “off-leash ready” breed, nor is it the breed for those who want to get high scores in obedience competitions. It CAN be done, but it will take much more time and dedication. Keep in mind that Pyrs often learn quickly but become bored easily – too much repetition is a common cause of bad obedience.

The Pyr is generally very healthy and long-lived for a dog of its size (often reaching 10-12 years of age). Psychologically, they need to live in an environment without constant chaos. They do much better with structure and routine, and may start to become “unhinged” if the household cannot meet these demands. They can also become destructive and hard to handle if they are left outside with no attention ever given to them. Being able to meet the mental needs of these dogs is an important consideration, if one is considering owning a Pyr.

Pyrs are not only giant in size, but also extremely strong. An owner should be physically strong enough themselves to handle the dog. Yes, obedience training is definitely necessary (which will curtail pulling and make the dog easier to control), but even a trained Pyr is not a great match for someone who is very frail. Seeing as these dogs need a good long walk every day, the owner should be physically able to provide this. An owner must also not mind a barking dog, as this breed naturally uses his voice frequently, especially at night.

Great Pyrenees are very affectionate with those that they know, and are trustworthy gentle giants with their own families. Not particularly active, they enjoy lounging about the house and yard but prefer to be able to keep one eye on their owner whenever possible. Although they are mostly sedentary, this is not a breed for an apartment. These giant dogs must have room to roam. Without an escape-proof fence they are prone to wandering away, so make sure the fence is tall and dig-proof (digging is in their blood). While they are able to live outdoors, this isn’t always necessary as most make very good house dogs – their calm nature means they aren’t apt to knock over furniture or break things, and their self-cleaning (dirt retracting) coat makes them somewhat tidy.

As might be expected from his profuse coat, the Great Pyrenees does shed! Regular brushing twice a week will help with this issue but will not completely eliminate the fluffy clouds of white hair that will undoubtably collect in the house (or on your clothes). Be advised that they should never be clipped down, as their coat protects them from both hot and cold weather! Keeping on top of nail trimming is another necessary chore that must be kept up with, and Pyrs have extra toes on their hind feet which means extra nails. Some members of the breed drool when excited or hot so keeping a drool rag ready on hot days may be a good idea.

One might wonder why anyone might want a breed that requires so much extra time and work, but fanciers of the Great Pyrenees have much praise for the loyalty and devotion of these beautiful dogs. It has been said that a Pyr can “look inside your soul” and read your emotions like no other breed. There is a very sensitive and intuitive nature inside these courageous dogs, and for those that are up for the challenge, the relationship with the dog can be very rewarding.

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a breed that is still used today for his original purpose – guarding livestock, both is his homeland of Turkey as well as around the world. This huge dog is a deterrent to predators… and he will back up his heavy bark with powerful teeth if need be. Because most predators will leave livestock alone if they see a giant dog sitting guard, the predators themselves are being protected as well (otherwise, they would be shot by humans). Anatolians are a big part of the Cheetah Conservation Project in Africa – an undertaking that serves to protect the big cats from being hunted by farmers.

Although these loyal guardians can become very bonded to people, it takes a special type of person to own this breed. They must be treated fairly, yet firmly. Rules must be put into place from the very start and enforced throughout the dog’s life. This often-dominant and habitually possessive breed will quickly take charge if rules are lacking, and some dogs can even become dangerous in the wrong hands. This is a serious dog that puts the protection of his master in the highest regard – and he will take it upon himself to decide who is friend and who is foe. For obvious reasons, proper socialization and lifelong training are an absolute necessity! Anatolians require formal introductions to house guests before allowing them in the house.

Given these things, these molossers can be very laid-back and calm – some even making great therapy dogs! The more experienced the owner and the more time put into the dog, the better the outcome. An experienced owner always keeps in mind that Anatolians are confident but ever-alert to danger. In addition to providing a stable household and plenty of balanced affection, a good owner will never put their dog into a situation that might cause the dog to react. Furthermore, a good owner will not train aggression into an Anatolian, knowing that his protective instincts are natural and need no special training for them to emerge. “Guard dog training” will create a dog that is unsafe to everyone – owner’s family included!

The Anatolian requires a high fence for his yard and he should never be walked off-leash in public. Because of his very high guarding instincts and suspicion of strangers, a roaming Anatolian can be a recipe for disaster and it is the owner’s responsibility to make sure the dog is always kept safe and secure. Running loose in the neighborhood, his powerful build and impressive size can make him a frightening sight for many people! Bigger males are close to 150 pounds of solid muscle, and even a small female is still 27 inches tall at the withers and 80 pounds, which is a very large dog! Fences should be six feet tall and very secure since some of these dogs are Houdinis.

The Anatolian can come in any color pattern, and he can also come in either a short or a long coat. Just because most of these Turkish molossers are short-haired, and fawn-colored with a black mask, doesn’t mean that there isn’t a rainbow of colors in the breed! The coat tends to stay fairly clean and doesn’t have too strong of a doggy odor, although it will require regular brushing – especially during heavy shedding seasons which occur twice a year. Speaking of appearance… it is important to note that these dogs are very slow to mature and may remain “gawky” for several years. They aren’t considered fully grown until around 3-4 years. This means that about a third of their life is spent growing up (typical lifespan is about 12-13).

Most Anatolians are affectionate and trustworthy around the family’s children because they consider each child to be part of the pack, and therefore, something to protect. This is the same basic way that it works for livestock. A young livestock guardian puppy is raised with the sheep so that he come to define each animal as a pack member. While the Anatolian will treat the family’s children as one of his own, he will not tolerate strange children, nor will he tolerate children who misbehave. This is not a dog to bring to a child’s birthday party! Furthermore, supervision is always required whenever the dog is around any kid. With other dogs, the Anatolian tends to want to dominate. Most of the time, two males cannot live together. Adding in other animals when the dog is an adult can take extra time and lots of supervision – Anatolians are much more likely to accept new family members while they are still puppies.

Anatolians were bred to make decisions for themselves and are therefore very intelligent. They are easy to housebreak and learn most things fairly quickly. This said, some have a stubborn streak that practically rivals their own giant size! Because they are so independent, they don’t always understand the point of obedience training. This is unfortunate, since Anatolians MUST be taught obedience, but a good trainer can help make it fun for the dog. Obedience training is one of the ways that an owner can establish himself as “top dog”, and if done right, will be a positive experience for both dog and human.

The Anatolian is a quiet dog most of the time but will sound an alarm if he sees (or hears) someone coming closer to the property. This can include people that he sees through the window, a wandering cat, or an unexpected sound. For this reason, there is a wide variation of noise with this breed, depending on living situations. People who live in crowded or busy neighborhoods will probably have a much noisier dog that those that live out in the countryside. The older the Anatolian gets, the more he will learn what sights and sounds are “normal”, and which are actual threats.

Unlike many breeds, an Anatolian can be kept outside as long as he is provided with shelter from the elements. Many actually prefer being outside, where they can survey their territory without the visual confines of walls. One caveat though – this breed should never be left out on a chain while outside! Not only is this practice dangerous to the dog, but it will make him extra defensive and can psychologically damage him. Not to mention the fact that a chained dog isn’t a deterrent to a criminal anyway! Some Anatolians get nervous if they aren’t near “their people”, however, and these dogs may be better as mostly-indoor dogs.

Photo By Tibilou

The Komondor is known for his distinctive long, corded coat and his unsurpassed livestock guardian abilities. This is not a herding dog, but instead a dog that specialized in watching over flocks in his native Hungary. To do this job meant that he had to be fearless and brave – often facing off against wolves and other predators. Protecting is in his blood, and even today’s Komondor needs something (or someone) to protect. Not every owner needs to have a flock of sheep, but a child or even a cat can fill this need. This trait is so ingrained that prospective owners are urged to visit an adult Komondor at the owner’s house before they buy. This way they can see for themselves just how protective the breed is, and decide whether it is the right breed for them!

This is a relatively calm and quiet breed as long as there are no intruders onto the property (although some bark more than others – there is a range from very quiet to quite loud). Either way, he should have a steady, even temperament. If someone comes near though… he will erupt into a series of warnings. If his warnings are not taken seriously he will act! Komondorok (the plural of Komondor) have been known to break through windows if they think that their charge needs protecting. Strangers must be introduced to the dog by the owners before entering the house. This way the dog knows that the person is “ok”, and will allow them into “his pack”. Most will continue to remember that person throughout their life, and may even consider that person worthy of protecting as well! This breed is excellent at being able to tell if someone has bad intentions, however – if the dog doesn’t seem to accept someone, there might be a reason why…

There are countless stories detailing Komondorok that warned of danger (such as fires), fought off attackers, and protected their masters. All of these tales speak of the great devotion that the breed has toward their owners. This loyalty is not matched by many other breeds, which is also what makes them ironically difficult and even dangerous if not raised correctly. These dogs live and breathe protection. They follow their charges from room to room, even leaning against the person if they feel the need to be closer. They will make decisions about how best to protect that person – often intelligently but not always socially acceptable.

This is a serious guard dog meant only for serious owners who understand how protective they are! The fact that the Komondor is also large and powerful means that they can do a lot of damage. Obedience training from a young age, as well as continuous rules and structure, are paramount. Komondorok were bred to be independent and to think for themselves. They are cunningly intelligent, but may take advantage of owners who don’t stay consistent with the rules. Although they can take very well to training, it’s best if that training is started early on, before they get to their “testing phase”. They should never be allowed to get away with pushy behavior, as it can potentially escalate into aggressive actions (the breed is not shy about biting). This breed also needs extensive socialization when they are puppies. A Kom that has skipped the socialization stage is more prone to behave aggressively.

Despite being a giant dog, the Komondor is surprisingly athletic and light on his feet. This is not an oaf-ish creature, despite how he may look. He is loving and friendly to everyone in the family, including children (with whom he is exceptionally gentle). Puppies are silly and carefree, but gradually grow into serious and “responsible” adults as they age – although this breed does take a while to mature. Most take about three years to reach adulthood. The middle “teenage” stage is the most difficult to live with, dogs will be more destructive and will test their dominance limits. Lovers of these dogs insist that the wait is worth it, however. A well-bred, well socialized Kom at maturity has a loyalty and sense of responsibility that is unmatched in the dog world.

The Komondor who is bought to be used as a livestock guarding dog should be introduced to “his charges” while he is still young, although always under supervision. It can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years before the dog will start to guard the flock – before he figures it out, he will probably try to chase or play with the animals instead! Some people buy a Komondor and keep it outside 24/7. Unlike most breeds, the Kom can be fulfilled living in this way, although might also become even more suspicious of strangers. Older, retired working dogs have been able to be successfully integrated into the household with little trouble, however. On the other hand, dogs that live primarily indoors and guard family rather than flock, do not like to be outside if they cannot see their charges. They can get very anxious if they can’t do their job.

Despite their size, many Komondorok do not need a lot of food to keep them happy and at an ideal weight. In fact, the serving guidelines on dog food bags are often too high for what this breed needs. Keep in mind, also, that adult Koms are very inactive and do not require a lot of exercise. The combination of these two factors can mean that weight gain is a concern. Owners need to monitor the dog’s weight to make sure he stays healthy. On the plus side, this means that the breed can live in an apartment with only a little bit of added exercise, or in a property with a yard with barely any exercise.

The distinctive coat of the Komondor is functional to the working dog. Always white in color, the dog was bred to “blend in” with the sheep, while also making him easier to be seen by the farmer at night. The long cords served at regulating temperature and protected the dog from wolf or coyote attacks. However impressive, the coat does take quite a bit of work to form its shape and stay clean. The cords need to be helped along while the dog is young, separating them from other cords and fixing them into the final shape. As far as staying clean – it is said that it is easier to keep the dog clean in the first place then to wash the dog after he has already gotten dirty! A wet Komondor can be smelly and even get mildew, so ensuring the dog stays dry is important. Owners should have large dog dryers on hand for when the dog gets soaked. It is safe to say that working Koms who live outside all of the time look (and smell) very different from most Koms kept as pets and show dogs!

The Komondor doesn’t always play nice with other dogs, especially if he feels like they are entering his territory. His sense of property is very strong and he usually knows where the boundaries are – where he belongs and other dogs do not! And while he gets along very well with children in his own family, a child that climbs over the fence and onto his property is considered an intruder and he will act accordingly…

Photo By Nikki68