Weskyuwin CKC Perm. Reg'd since 1977 |
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~this page is under construction and a re-write~
Your breeder can suggest the best Pyr that is suitable for you but it is your decision as to the "type" of Great Pyrenees and the sex. Breeders usually divide each litter into 3 or 4 "qualities" dependent on the conformation and temperament of each puppy.
SHOW and/or BREEDING PROSPECTS
These are dogs with no discernible faults which would prohibit the dog from successfully competing at the conformation show level at maturity. Purchasers of show "potential" Great Pyrenees are expected to show their dog to its Championship. Most exhibitors are content to compete for just a Championship title, others like the thrill of campaigning a dog for "top dog" recognition.
Beware of the breeder who sells their puppies as show "winners" unless they are willing to back up their claims should the dog not be competitive. No breeder can honestly assure you that a very young puppy will mature into a successful winner at shows. Due to the rapid growth of your Pyr and the environment in which the dog is raised, a lot of changes can occur that may prohibit your puppy from winning in the ring. The potential may be there from the start but much can happen during these critical growing stages. Breeders can only guarantee a pup's "potential" for show success and should provide you with some consideration should your Pyr not be eligible for the show ring at maturity. Will you love that dog even if it doesn't turn out to be that special winner?
More and more breeders are becoming reluctant to sell show stock to new owners. Showing requires a committment. Be fair to the breeder who trusts you to enter into the show ring. No breeder wants to see their best dogs disappear into someone's backyard when they were assured that the dog would be out and competing. Ask your breeder to show the dog for you or hire an experienced Handler if you are unwilling to take the dog in yourself.
If you want to insure that your dog will be competitive, or suitable for a planned breeding program, buy a proven adult but expect to pay much more. Breeders are not often willing to part with such a dog unless you can prove to them that you are sincere in showing the dog and will be responsible to the breed. Often these dogs will be placed on co-ownership contracts with the breeder, rather than sold outright.
Very few owners go from showing into a breeding program due to the great expense and upkeep for the dam, the stud, and the puppies produced. Contrary to popular belief, responsible breeding practises do not make breeders rich. It is a VERY expensive hobby. This is where Club membership and show contacts pay off. Once other breeders get to know you and your committment to the betterment of the breed they can give you referrals, discounts on stud fees, or dog exchanges to improve your stock.
LIVESTOCK GUARDIANS
These dogs must be of good-to-excellent conformation in order to do their jobs effectively. They must possess the confident attitude and the independent ability to make sound judgments in the protection of their charges. Beware of indiscriminate breeders that sell livestock dogs. Many feel that any Pyr that is big and aggressive can produce litter after litter of guardian pups which can be wholesaled for profit. These "breeders" often neglect to consider the WHOLE dog for the overall soundness and correct temperament that is needed for the guardian work these Pyrs perform. These important qualities over time will be lost - sacrificed for the sake of making a quick buck. It is the future owners that lose and the breed that suffers.
Experienced working dog owners and breeders will highly recommend that guardian dogs be spayed or neutered to insure that the dogs remain actively on duty with the stock. An unspayed bitch will be off her guarding duties for up to 8 weeks a year during her season and will attract male dogs, and predators, to her and your flock. An unneutered dog often will be off to neighbouring farms courting in-season bitches perhaps just when you need him the most. Altering DOES NOT affect the workability of the dog.
Not all puppies, from any litter, can be suitable for one usage only, just as in families not every child has the ability to grow up to be a rocket scientist! A good breeder will recognize each puppy's traits and place these pups accordingly.
COMPANIONS
These dogs generally are those pets which have one or more breed faults that would prevent the dog from competing successfully in the show ring. Many of these faults are minor, such as weak pigmentation, missing dewclaws, unmatched bite, and will not affect the overall quality of the dog as a devoted family companion.
Dogs with severe faults should not be sold and are rare in litters where a quality dog is bred to an equally quality bitch. Dogs with serious faults are more frequent in "backyard breedings" done by uneducated owners and in dogs purchased, via the puppy mill trade, in pet stores. Responsible breeders from registered kennels care for the future of the breed and will do their best to provide you with a quality animal that you can be proud of.
Consider if you want a male or a female - both are affectionate, and yet can be effective guardians of home and family. Consider also if you want to purchase a puppy or an adult. Adults are occassionally available for placement at a reduced cost, are already housebroken and generally have received some preliminary training. Sometimes breeders are looking for family homes for their retired show dogs, or dogs might be available through a Club rescue service because they have been displaced. Your breeder, or local Pyr Club's "Rescue Referral Service", can assist you in finding an available Great Pyrenees.
It is advisable that you spay/neuter your pet and many breeders will make this a mandatory condition for purchase. If you are lookng for activities with your Pyr you may want to consider training your dog for obedience. All registered Great Pyrenees can compete in Obedience Trails to obtain titles, even if spayed or neutered. (Pyrs must be left intact in order to compete in Conformation Shows for their Championships). Some kennel clubs offer official titles in Agility, Drafting and Tracking competitions. Other titles, such as the Canine Good Citizen award, the Versatility awards, the Temperament Test title, and various therapy dog levels can all be achieved with your companion Pyr. Contact the breed clubs for information - links included on our homepage.
for further Great Pyrenees information and links....
Weskyuwin Perm. Reg'd Home Page
Are you ready for a Pyr? (article)
