Why are the Great Pyrenees white with some tan.

by sue
(Joliet IL USA)

I understand the great Pyrenees breed is a combo of the Newfoundland and the Burmese Mountain dog which are both dark in color dogs so why is the Great Pyrenees so light

Comments for Why are the Great Pyrenees white with some tan.

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Feb 16, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Genetics
by: Donna

No, actually, the Newfie and Bernese come from the Pyr.

I'm not sure where the white came from but all dogs are man-made. Man plays with the genetics and comes up with all sorts of dogs much to the detriment of many breeds. Man worked hard to develop a white dog who would blend in with the sheep.

Here is a great show on The Science of Dogs

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/explorer/episodes/science-of-dogs/
Feb 16, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Not so
by: Anonymous

I am sorry but you information is way off. The great Pyrenees has been around much longer then ether of those breeds. Most people believe the Bask fisherman brought some Pyrenees down from the mountains to develop the Newfoundland by crossing them with Russian bear dogs. The breeding them again back to the newfie to breed Landseer. But in no way did ethier of those breeds contribute to the great Pyrenees.
Feb 17, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Pyrenees colour
by: Marianne

You understand incorrectly. the Pyrenees has no connection with either breed you mention, or at least not since eveolutionary time.
they are white because they developped as sheep herd guardians which are , for the most part, white. the shepherds favoured dogs that would meld with the sheep so that they were better able to guard their charges.
Jun 09, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		History of breed
by: Anonymous

The Great Pyrenees is one of the oldest breeds in history, dating as far back as 5000 BC.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Great Pyrenees Questions.

Show / Hide
CLICK TO FOSTER A PYR
PLEASE CLICK THE IMAGE

Breaking News

RSS

  1. Courtesy - Jax

    Aug 26, 25 05:51 AM

    *ADOPTED*. Jax Working Dog DOB appox: July 2020 Neutered Location: Beaverton Ontario Secure fencing of at least 5 feet is required. Good with kids

    Read More

  2. Courtesy - Pink

    Aug 26, 25 05:50 AM

    *ADOPTED* Working Dog Spayed DOB approx: December 2022 Location: Beaverton Ontario Good with kids when you are there?: Yes, great with kids with us

    Read More

  3. Grieving Dog

    Aug 19, 25 01:49 PM

    Background: I am seeking some feedback if anyone has had experience with bonded pairs. Thank you! We have been fortunate to love 2 x almost 10 year

    Read More

  4. Lola

    Aug 15, 25 06:11 PM

    A single family dwelling and a securely fenced yard of at least 5 feet are musts. DOB approx: Februay 12, 2021 Location: Acton, Ontario This is sweet

    Read More

  5. Lexi

    Jul 29, 25 05:47 AM

    Sadly, Lexi passed away today on April 17th, 2024. We send our heartfelt condolences. This is from her family: I wanted to share with you that Lexi on

    Read More

  6. My Current Pyr Meeka

    Jul 29, 25 05:43 AM

    My Pyrenees Meeka turned 14 this May!! I pray she has a few years left in her.

    Read More

  7. Courtesy - Bear

    Jul 26, 25 03:10 PM

    *ADOPTED* Bear DOB:  October 2018 Location:  Midland, Ontario Pyr/Maremma? mix Single family home with a large securely-fenced property or a hobby

    Read More

  8. Hardy

    Jul 21, 25 05:07 PM

    Hardy Location: Acton, ON DOB: Approx. January 2025 (we think he is older though) Single-family home required. Minimum 5-foot securely fenced yard.

    Read More