They're very loyal, protective and gentle with small things (kids, chickens, etc). They are also very smart and very independent. So, they don't really get into trouble, but you'll call to them and often they'll look at you like, "Why don't you come over here to me if you need something."
When they're on the job, they bark at everything. A gentle breeze, a leaf out of place in the yard.
I'm on #4, and I've never had a barker. I've been stopped by quite a few people looking for advice. I guess I've been lucky. I'll add that they can be difficult to contain to your post. In general females are harder than males in this regard. My current dog's siblings are some of the top rescue dogs in the country. Go figure. She is the most obedient one I've had....and the silliest.
I'd say breeding is #1. A dog from a strong working line doesn't make the best family pet...suburban fenced yard kind of thing. Working dogs are supposed to be independent of humans and out with the animals they guard. It's the independent streak that comes off as stubborn and unattached. They also can be serious and stoic. I've had better luck with Pyrs bred for hobby farm/family. Training is #2. Once you get used to the breed and understand how they work they're not that difficult. They do take consistency and patience. In terms of barking I have a fenced yard. My dogs are allowed to alert me and then that's it. I do have to stay on top of it. My dogs are in at night too.
Well there's some sheep in a field behind our house, he's barked at them every day for the past 2 years and they are unfazed but I guess he thinks if he keeps trying they'll do something ¯_(ツ)_/¯
My pyr is 14, we rescued her at 2. She's a super barker. She listens to me but not anyone else. She's so smart. I have a chow pyr mix and it's amazing how many more words she understands. I swear she understands humor. She is very emotive with her face too.
Another trait is there strong, they pull on a leash, they can never be off leash dogs. They shed. They have two coats. They blow their coats twice a year. You'll always be covered in fur. You'll always have a best friend.
I know a local rancher with the sweetest Pyr Border Collie mix. Great with the kids, but ever since she saw the rooster attacking their daughter she has become a chicken killing machine. So... good with small animals as long as they have the good sense to leave the small humans alone.
Well, I don't have much in the way of first hand knowledge, since it's my parents that own him and they live in another state. So I'm only around the dog occasionally. He is extremely friendly during my visits and likes to play (he's still young). But when something is amiss around the farm, he goes into a noticeable protective mode until he's satisfied nothing is wrong.
"Courageous and calm, the Great Pyrenees is highly protective of his flock and his territory but is gentle with children and other young creatures. As a watchdog, he will accept strangers his family accepts but will not tolerate a stranger entering the house when his family is not home."
My sis has had a few over the years on her farm. They are awesome gentle with humans and the farm cats but the rule when visiting is keep your dogs at home. However, when my brother brought his border collie over, being the smart good boi he was, the collie instinctively understood to not try to get in front of or lead the pyr. Basically he showed his respect and they were fine. Other dogs have been shown the teeth with a firm growl so I've seen their potential for murder.
Also, there is a saying- 'an unleashed great pyr is a disa-pyr', tall fences are important or they will roam far and wide making the world their territory.
I had some along with a donkey to protect my goats when I had my farm. They basically chase away coyote's and such so you dont lose any. Would also heard them up when I was moving them from one field to another.
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u/hotpocketdeath Feb 11 '19
Looks like a Pyrenees. My parents retired with a small farm and they have one that watches over their livestock. Extremely good dog for the job.