Re: [PyrNet-L] new member

[clhenke@juno.com]

Greetings!  I was always warned about the personality flaws of the Pyrs. 
Even most of the books talk about how great they are with family, but
they really are wary of strangers, and could be down right mean.  But in
all honesty I have not found that to be true at all.  I have come to feel
that they are like any other dog, if you get them out and socialize them,
they like people.  All four of mine have different personalities, and
ways of handling themselves, but they all are friendly ( some times too
much so ) towards people.  I have no doubt that they would protect and
defend, I just don't find them to be at all sullen, moody, and suspicious
as some books would suggest? 

Now maybe other's will be able to give you more info. on dealing with the
other dogs.  But I never find a problem in bringing a young dog into a
home with established older dogs.  They will establish a pecking order as
time goes on and they mature.  Spaying and neutering really does help in
this respect.  Are the labs already done, since you sound like you want
to show the Pyr.?  You would have a problem if you were doing all intact
males at some point.  But that could be a problem among a lot of breeds,
not just Pyrs.  Consider what sexes you are mixing!

Other than using common dog sense, I honestly cannot say that I find the
Pyrs. to be any more difficult to deal with.  Their barking, and desire
to wander would be the thing I think most people need to think about when
thinking about obtaining one.  Are they more aggressive over there I
wonder?

Pyrs. may not be happy obedience dogs, but most of them are sure flexible
enough for their sizes to be able to do just about anything you can come
up with.  I was totally amazed at their athletic ability when I was
really new to them.  I stood around with my mouth hanging open...a lot! 
They won't work like a Lab.  but they are capable, and mostly quicker
than you think!  They are smart too!

I don't think we see as many of the really heavily marked European type
Pyrs. here, do we?  I've seen pictures of them.  Maybe other areas of the
U.S. see more of that?  I know in some other countries they are heavily
favored.  What about it gang, for those who show, how do the marked ones
fare?  My guess is whites, to pale markings??

My book says Hip and elbow displasia, patellar luxation, spinal problems.
 Cataracts, entropian ( eyelids turning inward), bleeding disorders, and
anesthesia sensitivity. Dwarfism, and blue eye as related to deafness.

Another thing to remember is shedding avalanches?!  And at the moment
with four blowing puppy coats I am knee deep aware of just how much hair
we are talking about here!!!

Hope this helps some, hope the more experienced will add their two cents
and keep educating us all!
Let us know how you make out!  Cindy.

Cindy Henke
clhenke@juno.com
Ennis, Texas

"All knowledge, the totality of all questions and answers, is contained
in the dog."  ~ Franz Kafka

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