The
Patou
or
Pyrenean mountain dog
is a gentle giant, traditionally used to guard and defend herds.
Calm and balanced, it is the perfect companion for families with children.
To discover
Fence and neighborhood: what does the law say?
Origin
The Pyrenean mountain dog is a gentle giant.
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The
Pyrenean mountain dog
, also called
Patou
, is one of the most impressive dog breeds.
This very old breed originates from the central Pyrenees.
The
International Cynological Federation
(FCI) has recognized France as the cradle of the breed.
With his powerful and dissuasive physique, he was quickly used as a herding dog in the mountains, repelling all kinds of predators (wolves, felines, bears ...).
This mastiff, having as anatomical characteristics a massive head and body, belongs to
group 2
: Pinscher and Schnauzer type dogs, mountain dogs and Swiss Cattle Dogs.
Already very popular as a companion dog in the 17th century, the Pyrenean mountain dog experienced a second surge in popularity, notably thanks to the Belle et Sébastien series from the sixties.
Character
The Patou is an excellent companion dog.
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Calm, balanced and cheerful, the Patou is an
excellent companion dog
.
His impressive physical constitution requires progressive education from an early age.
This dog, used by shepherds, is very intelligent and therefore learns very quickly.
A born protector, the Patou knows how to use his giant physique to warn those who venture into his territory.
Very courageous, he will not hesitate to put himself in danger to protect his family.
This dog is very affectionate with his owners, but can be reserved, even suspicious with strangers.
Calm and composed, he gets along very well with children.
He will take the greatest care not to jostle them while playing with them.
Although this dog has a calm temperament, it is nonetheless athletic.
It is therefore imperative to have a large garden so that this giant can exercise and be happy.
Physical
Le Patou has an imposing stature.
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The Pyrenean mountain dog has an
imposing stature
.
A female weighs 50 kg to 59 kg and measures 65 cm to 75 cm at the withers.
A male can weigh up to 64 kg and measure 80 cm at the withers.
This majestic, all-white giant has a fairly long, supple and very thick coat.
This dog does not fear the cold at all, since it is well protected by its abundant hair.
However, it can suffer quickly from the heat: do not hesitate to cool it with water during the summer.
Its thick fur requires regular maintenance.
Even if this breed of dog sheds once a year, it is recommended to brush it every week, in order to remove the dead hair and thus allow its skin to breathe.
Read alsoShould you wash your dog?
The Patou melts many masters with his almond-shaped eyes, amber brown in color, edged in black.
Its small triangular ears and bushy tail give it a friendly and gentle look.
Price
The
price of a Patou
varies according to the breedings and the pedigree of the line.
Male and female will not cost you the same price.
It takes an average of
1000 €
for a dog registered in the LOF (French Book of Origins).
The highest lines with specificities can be sold for over
€ 1,200
.
Health
The Pyrenean mountain dog enjoys
generally robust health.
With its large size, this giant can however suffer from
some bone health concerns:
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Wobbler's syndrome: malformations of the spine
Spondylarthrosis deformans also called ankylosing spondylopathy or spinal osteophytosis: infection that affects the spine.
Osteophytes (or “parrot beaks”) appear on the vertebrae and can cause paralysis.