The Pyrenean Mountain Dog
What The Press Had To Say
This hadsomely bound volume was published to commemorate the Club's Diamond Jubilee and it is obvious right from the start that no effort has been spared to produce a magnificent book worthy of a magnificent breed. There are four hundred pages and at least as many photographs, mostly of a high quality. It is dedicated to the late Mrs Constance Prince who was the lady who inspired this anniversary concept.
This book is a history of the emergence of a classic working dog from origins in the Pyrenees themselves and the true dedication of those who were determined that what the world sees now is as near as possible to the giant which plied its shepherding/guarding trade over centuries. The somewhat sporadic series of attempts by various individuals to bring specimens of the breed to the UK from the mid 19th Century until the early twenties are catalogued faithfully. A mass of references to those typical dogs' names - which recur in such a way that we can only acknowledge with thanks the arrival of computerised official record-keeping - are included.
Some remarkable photographs taken before the end of the 19th Century appear to show that breed type was recognisable even then although as in so many cases grooming was not obviously a priority in yesteryear.
The real catalyst which set the breed properly on the road to success was the establishment of the De Fontenay kennels of the legendary Madame Jeane Harper Trois-Fontaines. There can be no shadow of doubt that this extraordinary lady not only set the standard, but made sure that the rest of the world could found its stock on her correct lines. Those who never met the lady need only read the account on page one of her individual financing of the Club in 1936 (and re-financing of it within a couple of months when misappropriation of the original funds was discovered!) to realise what a stalwart she must have been.
A passing reference to the fact that the Club's founding meeting took place at the late Baron Rothchild's home at Tring does suggest the the Gods were gazing in kindly fashion on the breed at that time. Sixty years later, the Club numbers its members in hundreds and today supplies them with a monthly Newsletter as well as a quarterly International Magazine.
The first part of the centre section of the book comprises a photographic record of the plethora of Champions in the UK as well as chapters on the post-war recovery and consolidation with a series of charming casual snaps of pet-typw scenes illustrating the gentle nature of the modern Pyrenean Mountain Dog. This is followed by a remarkable account of the breed's progress in virtually every part of Europe, before doing the same for all the major countries of what we recognise as the canine world. Once again the influence of the British lines is very evident.
There are well written chapters on the basics of puppy purchase and rearing and breeding, these are to be praised as they warn that this is a massive dog (and a hairy one). In addition to the common message about buying direct from the breeder, it is also suggested that it isn't a bad idea to have a look at the sire as well as the dam if at all possible.
What caught my eye in particular was the section given over to the Breed Standard with numberous examples of the right sort and all the wrong sorts, be it headshape, eye, ear, front, neck and angulation, even if the line-drawings suggest the old fable that a 90-degree angle at the shoulder-joint is desirable. This apart, this piece is as good as I've seen in any breed book and makes this a must for all who need to know what they're after when standing all alone in the centre of the ring.
T M J R Stockman MRCVS.
Surely one of the the duties of a national breed club is to ensure that the breed's history is propperly documented. Many do this by producing excellent handbooks every year or so; a few go a stage further and embark on something more ambitious.
O ften the spur that is needed is an anniversary year, and for the Pyrenean Mountain Dog CLub (celebrating its diamond jubliee this year) this has resulted in something very special.
In this case it is is a 400 page, beautifully bound book, The Pyrenean Mountain Dog, compiled by the club's chairman Joyce Stannard and vice-chairman Colin Bowker, who acknowledge, in their dedication, the encouragement given to them by the late Constance Prince whose research forms the basis of this wonderful record.
The breed's development in this country is covered in enormous and fascinating detail, starting with its establishment by that legendary figure, 'Madame', Mme Harper Trois-Fountaines. This extraordinary woman spared neither money nor energy in promoting the breed in Britain, in spite if severe difficulties, not least the war; and her dogs, supplemented by other imports, provided a firm foundation.
It was fortunate that there were some equally dedicated breeders in the U.S.A., and periodic imports from there, plus a few from elsewhere, have given regular boosts to the breed in Britain. There are countless historic photos of the dogs and personalities involved and full tribute is paid to all who served the breed and club. As if this were not enough, each of the 226 champions made up from Ch. Estat De Fontenay in 1947 to Ch. Venkersh Nishga in 1995 is featured with a two-generation pedigree and, in most cases, a photo.
Next cames a section of almost 100 pages on the breed around the world, starting, of course with its native land. This too is amply illustrated.
The final quarter deals with care, training and the Standard, the latter section containing photos of both correct points and faults. The book ends with a bried discussion of the breeds allied in origin and appearance to the Pyrenean,
I can only marvel at the amount of work that has gone into this remarkable book; Mrs Prince would surely feel her 'disciples' have done her, and the club, proud.
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