Named after the famous Pyrenees Mountains in southwestern Europe, the majestic Great Pyrenees is best known as a faithful guardian of livestock. Although affectionate with his family, the breed can be territorial, aggressive toward other dogs and reserved with strangers. The Great Pyrenees requires moderate exercise and a considerable amount of grooming for his thick double coat that sheds year-round.
DID YOU KNOW? Helen Keller is credited with bringing the first Akita to the U.S., having received a puppy from the Ministry of Education during a visit to Japan in 1937.
ALSO KNOWN AS: Akita Inu, Japanese Akita, American Akita
The need-to-know
- Dog suitable for owners with some experience
- Some training required
- Enjoys gentle walks
- Enjoys walking half an hour a day
- Large dog
- Some drool
- Requires grooming daily
- Non hypoallergenic breed
- Chatty and vocal dog
- Guard dog. Barks and alerts
- May require training to live with other pets
- Great family dog