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Haven't been real sure how to
address this but here goes.
I, myself, know that a Pyr is
not greatly concerned with speed unless something serious (in their mind) has
gotten their attention. For instance, Moses is a wonderful obedience dog
but is a little slow sometimes on recall and heel. Instructors are always
telling me, "he's a big dog, he can go faster....try 'this', try 'that'."
However, he is very quick when necessary at home.
I also know that a Pyr would
need speed in chasing/fighting a predator but what I was referring to in this
comment, and I realize I should've made myself more clear, is: In the ring
they are not looking to see how fast a dog can run, not even Greyhounds that I
know of. What they are looking for is ease and efficiency. Perhaps
they should look at speed as well but I'm not sure how we would properly judge
this at a typical conformation show.
It also states in the
standard: 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.
I'm sorry for not clarifying
myself.
It's interesting about the oval
shape (of, I presume, "long bones") but as I am relatively new to the breed in
comparison to some, I've not seen this mentioned before and didn't know about
it. The only oval I knew of was the shape of the rib cage. Please
let me know where I can find more information on the subject.
I've thought for some time that
Akbash and Pyrs resembled each other but of course most of the LGDs, some more
so than others, resemble each other as they developed over time from the same
basic design and needs. My interest was particularly sparked with Akbash
after rescuing a "Pyr" from the highway and then realizing she resembled the
Akbash. Did some studying on the breed but was still not quite sure if she
was just a Pyr without the expression or a possible mix....we just went ahead
and called her a Pyr pointing out her structure could be due to her "breeding"
or mix thereof.
I have seen a few Akbash with
nice expressions, etc. but would not consider them to be what I would want in a
Pyr. What I have seen and read of them, there are specific differences
from Pyrs. I know of many Pyrs/lines at the moment that tend to be quite
heavy and broad as well as those which are extremely long legged and thin.
These are both extremes which are looked down on (at least for the head) in
the standard and I myself prefer a "classic" somewhere in the middle such as
Estat.
As for them being in the Pyr's
background, I don't know. I do know, however, that even though I admire
and think that all the LGD breeds are beautiful....the Pyr is the most lovely to
me for it's natural beauty of personality, physical type and outstanding
abilities.
> Monsieur Senac-Lagrange told us it was a type
pace, but different in "beat" <
> from the typical pace seen in some breeds and horses. < Thank you, I couldn't remember exactly what was said about the gait. Chrissy
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