Great Pyrenees
American Heritage Dictionary:
Top
Great Pyrenees
n.
Any of a breed of large, heavy-boned dogs having a thick white coat and originally developed to guard sheep.
Great Pyrenees, breed of large working dog whose fossil remains date its existence in Europe from the Bronze Age (1800-1000 B.C.). It stands from 25 to 32 in. (63.5-81.3 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs from 90 to 125 lb (40.8-56.7 kg). Its weather-resistant double coat is composed of dense, fine underhairs and a thick, coarse, straight or slightly wavy outercoat. Believed to be related to an ancient mastiff of central Asia or Siberia and to have been brought into Europe by the invading Aryan hordes, the Great Pyrenees was for centuries the guardian of shepherds and flocks in the mountains of Europe. Later, it became popular at the French court and as a guard dog on large estates. Today it is commonly raised for show competition and as a pet. See dog.
Saunders Veterinary Dictionary:
Top
Great Pyrenees
A very large (90–140 lb), powerfully built dog with a medium to long, thick coat in white, sometimes with patches of badger, gray or pale yellow. The ears are small and the tail long. Characteristically, there are double dewclaws on the hindfeet. The breed is predisposed to osteochondrosis. Outside North America, called Pyrenean Mountain dog.
Random House Word Menu:
Top
categories related to 'Great Pyrenees'
Post a question - any question - to the WikiAnswers community:
Copyrights:
American Heritage Dictionary
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Read more
Columbia Encyclopedia
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. Licensed from Columbia University Press. All rights reserved. www.cc.columbia.edu/cu/cup/.
Read more
Saunders Veterinary Dictionary
Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary 3rd Edition. Copyright © 2007 by D.C. Blood, V.P. Studdert and C.C. Gay, Elsevier. All rights reserved.
Read more
