Early Pyrenees were brought to the Canadian Maritime Provinces by Basque fishermen and stayed long enough to mix their genes with local retrievers, creating a genetic base for the Newfoundland and Landseer. General Lafayette sent two of these dogs to a writer friend in America, touting the Pyrs' expertise in flock guarding.

The early 20th century found these dogs nearly extinct. Bernard Senac-Lagrange, a French aristocrat and well-known dog authority, can be credited with saving the breed. He consolidated various factions, went into the mountains to obtain good specimens and created the first written standard.

Imported into America soon after Lagrange's time, the Pyr achieved AKC recognition in 1933. During World War II, the breed carried messages and packs for the French troops. In America, deemed too large for military service, they were trained for pack work designed for an Alaskan campaign, if such a service was needed. When this idea was discarded, the Pyrs were "honorably discharged."

This lovely show dog has been sweetened considerably in temperament from the strong guarding dogs of the mountains, and has become one of the gentle giants. Specimens hailing directly from the Pyrenees may still have more of the typical independence and wariness.

There is no need to feel that the breed has been ruined by exhibition, however. Because of his greater availability and higher profile, he is one of the breeds most commonly (and successfully) called upon for predator control. Farmers or ranchers introduce the puppy to the flock very early. By the time the pups are six months old, they are usually fully bonded to the sheep and are beginning to protect them. This breed does well with all livestock and with other dogs.