Re: [pyrnet] Estagel and Estat d'Argeles Of Basquaerie, etc.

["Chrissy McConnell" <chrissy_mcconnell@hotmail.com>]

I'm so happy to hear this.  Thanks everyone.  :)

Chrissy


>>>>
>>>>Hi Chrissy,
>Delurking here!  We were in France last year and met quite a few 
>pyrs...some
>at a breeder's (Benoit Cockenpot) and some just on the street or in yards,
>etc.  None were the least bit aggressive and almost all of them were
>exceptionally friendly toward us regardless of whether their owner was
>around or not.
>Tara Morrison, Minnesota
>NorthStar Great Pyrenees Club, Rescue Chair/President
>monterrapyrs@yahoo.com<<<<
<<<<

>>>>
>>>>Mrs. Crane described many dogs in detail in her books.  I have never 
>>>>thought that she thought any of them were overly aggressive, shy, etc., 
>>>>in the main.  One will always find an individual occasionally, but the 
>>>>group as a whole little or no problems in this area.  Estagel and Estat 
>>>>were probably written about as much as any dogs of the time.  Nothing 
>>>>but praise for both of them from a large group of people who wrote about 
>>>>them.

<< How did they do with other animals and people?  Were they ever obedience
>trained or something like that?>>

Appropriately for the breed.  Obedience was never mentioned in these early 
20th Century French Pyrs that contained the genestock that gives of all our 
dogs.

<< I've also heard that many modern French-bred dogs are a bit more....I
don't
>want to say aggressive....but you know, to other dogs and people.  Is this
>true?  If so, why?>>

Absolute rubbish.  I have seen said this over the years in sporadic 
comments, but it is dead wrong.  Temperament in France is much better than 
in North America and our temperament in the main is fine (a few exceptions 
noted, but the group in the main).  I know of only one breeder in France who 
has timid dogs in France, but that's it.  In the 18 years we have been going 
over I have seen maybe 1500 Pyrs.  They are wonderful dogs with something 
special we do not have in our dogs here.  Something indefinable, but one 
knows its there nonetheless.

<<I had considered, some day, importing from France but not if they're
>aggressive.>>

Temperament is not the thing to be concerned about.  Hips and knees are the 
major problem one might encounter with a French import.  Do your homework.  
Communicate with French breeders,  Study everything you can.  Visit as often 
as you can.  Same way you would do here.  These things will increase the 
likely hood of success.

Good luck.

Joe<<<<
<<<<

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