Re: [PyrNet-L] Re:French vs US & UK Pyrs

["Dianne Migas" <jdmigas@email.msn.com>]

>Susan Dunn - wrote
>
>However, the temperament between the two are the key points.  Aggressive
>versus "the gentle giant".

I have heard this from several Kuvasz people as well.   I did however, meet
a woman at a Canine Learning Experience who had a Kuvasz from Hungary(sp?) -
She said she did not have the typical temperment - she was extremly
socialable!   I asked her if she was out of coat and she said "no - she has
correct coat".   Here in America they are breeding for more coat to please
the judges.    So I guess it happens in all breeds!
>
>But with the pyrs in Europe, you will see the old style which some
>breeders are trying to go back to.(in Michigan) But the transition is a
>little poor.  You get small boned, movement ok but not great, small
>heads, too much coat, and they are a little on the shy side.  And then
>they are compared to the Kuvasz which in this case they look alike.
>
>I think instead of mixing so many different types together.  Why not
>import some European dogs to bring back the old type.  If that is what
>everyone in Michigan is striving for.
>
I do not intend to affend anyone but I have heard that our Pyrs here are
more sound.    I know our breeders have made great strides in attaining this
and perhaps they are hesitant on loosing it for the sake of size & coat.
Shyness was also mentioned in one of the posts and I have to ask how well
have these dogs been socialized.   I often here "well the people did not get
the dog out like we told them too!".      I think proper socialization is
needed for all breeds but I do think that at times  some breeders tend to
just throw it off on the puppy buyers.
I have also heard some real lame excuses as to why the dog would stop 5ft
from coming in to the judge.    I have also seen dogs trembling in the ring
with tail tucked shaking!    And they still get put up!

>I have seen some photos as well of Pyrs from Europe that are on the
>stocky side.  But the heads do seem a little off balance to the rest of
>the body.
>
>I believe Balance is the key point.  Overall balance, movement, and type
>makes an excellent example of the breed.
>
I guess if you look at the dogs when they  are in good weight or out weight
you may see some off balance.   At one point my male was way too chubby and
his head looked small  - Now he is not at his correct weight - a little on
the thin size and has blown his coat - so now his head looks somewhat
bigger.   However, when he is in correct weight whether he has coat or not
he is truly in balance.


Looking forward to learning much more!

Thanks
Dianne Migas - NJ
jdmigas@email.msn.com