1. They were bred in the French Pyrenees Mountains and their purpose was to protect the sheep and livestock from predators such as wolves and bears. These dogs while loving and gently can become formidable opponents if their home or the people they love are in danger.

2. Because they are guardian dogs, they tend to be on duty and are know more often than not to bark. There are remedies to this situation if it becomes bothersome and we would be happy to share those options with you, if you are interested.

3. They do shed, however, their hair is long enough that it vacuums up easily without becoming entwined into fabrics. However, spayed and neutered dogs shed a lot less because of hormonal changes from the surgery.

4. They typically do not slobber. They can be messy drinkers, but will not leave snail trails down your walls with a shake of their head.

5. They are generally very good family dogs and love children.

6. They are wanderers and will roam. They must be confined in a secure fenced (6-ft.) area. They must never be tied or staked out.

7. They sometimes can be dog aggressive, because of their background as guardians, however, opposite sexes of dogs can be mixed and matched depending upon each dog’s individual traits and personalities.

8. Most of the rescue dogs come with some kind of baggage. They may have been mistreated and need to be loved and nurtured. All information about specific dogs will be shared when a potential new home is being considered.

9. They eat between 4-6 cups of food per day.

10. They are not high energy dogs (typically) and are ill suited for joggers.

1. Temperament is evaluated. If the dog’s temperament is not suitable, it will not be available for adoption.

2. The dog is spayed or neutered.

3. Brought current on all vaccinations, and worming.

4. Been checked for heartworm and put on heartworm preventive medication.

5. They are microchipped with identification using a tiny electronic device that is implanted under the skin along the withers on their backs. If lost and the dog is picked up, it will scan a code that will be traced back to the information encoded on the microchip. This also helps to prevent theft.

6. They are restored back to health if need be and are considered adoptable after receiving final inspection by a Veterinarian.

1. Prospective adoptees must fill out the "Home Evaluation".

2. Once the “Home Evaluation” form has been returned, it is screened. It will help the rescue committee know what type of a dog you are looking for to insure a proper fit.

3. You will be asked to provide 3 references.

4. If your home evaluation and reference checks are satisfactory a rescue representative and will schedule a time to come out to your home to do a home study. This ensures that the environment is suitable for the dog. If repairs to fences need to be made then you will be instructed about the repairs that need to be made before acquiring the rescue dog.

5. Once your application has been approved you will be invited to visit the dog(s) available for adoption. If there are no dogs in rescue at that time, your name will be placed on a list and when a dog or dogs come into rescue you will be notified. You will have the opportunity to visit with the dog(s) and if you do not find a dog of your choosing then your name will remain on the list and you will be called each time a dog comes into rescue, until you pick a suitable match.

6. Rescue gets dogs in on a continual basis.

7. We do ask a $375 donation which goes back into rescue to perpetuate the program. The donation is collected at the time the dog is placed with you. And you will be required to sign a rescue contract outlining conditions of the adoption.

8. We strongly encourage new adoptees to join the club. The club is a good resource and a lot of fun.

9. The Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Club is a very social club with over 100 members who love this breed. We take group trips with the dogs to Tiburon in San Francisco. We go down to the Ocean and play on the beach with the dogs and have a BBQ. We go on camping trips to Truckee. We have Halloween parties with the dogs in costume, playing games and winning prizes and many other activities throughout the year.