Pyrenean Mountain Dog

Pyrenean Mountain Dog
Other names
  • Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées
  • Great Pyrenees
  • Pyrenean Herding Dog
Common nicknamesPatou
OriginFrance
Traits
Height Males 70–80 cm (28–31 in)
Females 65–75 cm (26–30 in)
Weight 55–75 kg (120–165 lb)
Coat long, thick double coat
Colour white with or without patches of badger, wolfgrey or reddish tan on the head and up to 1/3 of the body.
Kennel club standards
Société Centrale Canine standard
Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard
Dog (domestic dog)

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog or Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées is a French breed of livestock guardian dog; in France it is commonly called the Patou. It originates from the eastern or French side of the Pyrenees Mountains that separate France and Spain and is recognised as a separate breed from the Mastín del Pirineo or Pyrenean Mastiff from the Spanish side of the mountains, to which it is closely related.

The Patou is widely used throughout France as a livestock guardian, particularly in the French Alps and the Pyrenees, protecting flocks from predation by wolves and bears. It is known as the Great Pyrenees in the United States, where it is also used to protect flocks from various predators.