Pyrenees may be massive but the're not mastiffs

by Ed A from NJ
(New Jersey)

For 5 years or so I have been chasing more information on the meaning of lupomossoloid. Finely I found someone who really seemed to know.

I went to a show in New York city called meet the breeds. I met a gentle man who is a canine anthropologist. What I got from him made sense. He said it is believed the great Pyrenees was not part of the mastiff migration which brought the rest of the big white guard breeds from Asia, since they are all mossoloids and part of the mastiff family.

They now believe the Pyrenees has been secluded up in those mountains much longer and are defendant from the long extinct Asian white wolf. That would explain why their DNA is so exclusive earning them the separate distinction of lupomossoloid.

The only two dogs that clearly bring forward the same DNA strain are the Newfoundland and more so the Lancer which both are said to have Pyrenees in there original breeding are still classified as mossoloid but do have Pyrenees lupo DNA strains.

He also sighted breeders in the 1870s who went up to into the Pyrenees to select the most dominant examples of the breed with saving the bred from being watered down by mastiff cross breeding. How ever it happened I'm glad there still around today.

This is by far the closest explanation of lupomossaloid I have ever herd. Does anyone else understand this designation better?

I have been mesmerized by this breed since I had my first Pyrenees. I do know they are not like any other dog I have ever owned. With a newfie now in our fold I am even more interested in finding out about our wonderful breed.

Comments for Pyrenees may be massive but the're not mastiffs

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Feb 24, 2016
Lupomossoloid
by: Michael

I'm not real sure about all the genetic origins but what I wonder is how your Pyre and the Newfie get along? My boy Buddy loves all critters large and small except Newfies. They put him right into battle mode. Takes all my energy to hang on to the leash when he see's one. I have noticed when people are dressed in black outfits he is very careful having contact with them. I wonder if anyone else has had the same experience?

Feb 27, 2016
Different Stokes
by: Ed A from NJ

I have a 6 year old male Pyrenees (my 3rd) I also have a 8 month old Newfoundland girl. Maximoose is so gentle with her and even put up with her puppyness. I do make sure she doesn't overwelm him with it. The funny part is when I feel she is being a little to much for him I try to separate her. Maximoose will go find her and if he can't get to her he Cry's like a big baby. Maybe I got lucky but I know of no reason why unless they are the same sex. But if he has a thing for black then yes Newfies would be the wrong dog.

Nov 02, 2019
Barking
by: Anonymous

My Pyrenees will bark like crazy at black things- backpacks, jackets, sleeping bags- it’s pretty funny but also very odd! I wonder if it’s an instinctual response now hearing about your Pyr being specifically wary of people dressed in black.

Nov 16, 2019
Great Pyrenees owner
by: Marlene Stahl

Thanks for you information regarding the history of the breed and possible connection with the Asian White wolf. It is facilitating to wonder of the origins of this beautiful breed. Marlene Stahl

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