Re: [PyrNet-L] size

["Barb Bowes, Bo, Molly, Chelsea & Flopsy" <bamb@monmouth.com>]

Cindy, I would say that when the dogs would not still be able to still
do their jobs depends on the dogs frame. Bo at 110 lbs. was definitely
less agile than he is not at 90 lbs. He was only 6 years when he was
110 and now he's 8.5 years and can leap and run like there's no
tomorrow. I would have to say that a 31" Pyr that was structurally
correct for his proportions would be able to do the job he was bred
for the same way a smaller Pyr could as long as they were both
structurally sound. A Newf., for instance, is wider and has heavier
bone as it makes him more buoyant. Larger bone does not mean stronger
bone. Generally smaller bone is more dense I.E.. the sighthounds.
Sighthounds that do the job for which they were bred have to take an
awful pounding on those thin legs. Notice the English Mastiffs. They
do not have tremendous large bone for their size and weight. I've seen
Pyrs with larger bone than 240 lb. Mastiffs. Therefore from my
experience I would have to say that the Pyrs of somewhat slighter
build are probably more agile. I've seen a few Pyrs, although
impressive, who would have had a hard time getting up and moving
before the whole flock of sheep was gobbled up by wolves! <vbg>

Barb Bowes, NJ down at the shore!
Bo, Molly, Chelsea & Flopsy the Pyr Shep
The more people I meet, the more I like my dog!
bamb@monmouth.com