Great Pyrenees are one of the oldest of the natural breeds dating back to about 3000 B.C. They were developed in the Pyrenees for rugged mountain work, guarding flocks against wolves and bears and drawing sleds. They were also said to have been used as a guard dog of sheep and chateaux..

 How the breed got to the Pyrenees is some subject of speculation and conjecture and more than this brief overview will delve.  Certainly the French have historically been the protector and guardian of the breed. On at least two occasions in the 20th century they virtually rescued the breed from extinction and waged a valiant campaign to safeguard the original qualities of the breed. They did this through two world wars and many difficult times.