Re: [pyrnet] New and want info on showing

[JGentzel@aol.com]

In a message dated 2/26/01 6:31:18 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
mapleway@iolinc.net writes:


> Speed isn't much of a concern as long as they can cover ground easily.
>     


That is not quite accurate.  The Pyr should be able to sprint for very high 
speeds for several hundred yards, at least.  The reason is obvious, to chase 
off or intercept the predators before they do damage.  That is the reason 
they should have "Moderate" bone and not the huge St. or Newf. bone the 
judges and some breeders like so much.  In addition the really correct bone 
should be oval shaped.  Physics tells us the oval shape is stronger and will 
let the dog generate more leg speed.  A very close relative, possibly, to the 
Pyr is the Akbash dog of Turkey.  Look them up, they look remarkably like a 
Pyr or what a Pyr should look like.  It is felt that a sighthound similar to 
a Saluki played a very small role in their phenotypical development and it is 
even theorized by some very competent folks that the Akbash could be int he 
line leading to the Pyr making it to the Pyrenees Mountains.

<<They can sometimes have an odd gait but in Pyrs it can play a particular 
role in that they must be able to patrol all day and night if necessary.  
>>

Monsieur Senac-Lagrange told us it was a type pace, but different in "beat" 
from the typical pace seen in some breeds and horses.  

Joe