Gait

Correct Gait - Level backline,
good reach, strong drive and elegance.

Correct Gait - Single tracking as speed increases.

GAIT

THE GREAT PYRENEES MOVES SMOOTHLY AND ELEGANTLY, TRUE AND STRAIGHT AHEAD, EXHIBITING BOTH POWER AND AGILITY. THE STRIDE IS WELL BALANCED WITH GOOD REACH AND STRONG DRIVE. THE LEGS TEND TO MOVE TOWARD THE CENTER LINE AS SPEED INCREASES. EASE AND EFFICIENCY OF MOVEMENT ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN SPEED.

Sound and efficient movement is critical to a Pyrenees, as it is to all working breeds, particularly those which must be capable of working in the mountains.
The Great Pyrenees is an elegant dog who moves smoothly and efficiently. He must not pound or move ponderously.

The balance of moderate angulation of forequarters and hindquarters examined when the dog was static can now be seen working together to produce coordinated reach and drive. A sound shoulder set should allow the Great Pyrenees' extended forefoot to reach forward almost as far as the tip of his nose before coming to earth well in front of his body. The forelegs are lifted only enough to clear the ground without useless high hackney action. In balance with the front, the hindquarters provide solid thrust with good extension of the stifle and hock joints. The level backline provides efficient transmission of rear thrust through the back to the front of the body without needless sway or bounce.

As the Great Pyrenees increases speed, the legs move toward the centerline; neither the front legs nor the rear legs should move wide. When viewed from the rear, the dewclaws can give the misleading impression that the dog is moving too close.

Care should be taken not to mistake speed and flash for correct Pyrenean movement which is smooth, powerful and efficient.