The Pyrenean Mountain Dog, also more commonly known as the Great Pyrenees (especially in North America), is a large breed of dog that is mainly used as a livestock guardian. The Great Pyrenees is an incredibly old breed that has been used for hundreds of years for the purposes of protecting shepherd's livestock from predators. The earliest description of the breed dates back to as early as 1407 but was recorded for the first time by Fray Miguel Agustin, who was the 'prior' of the temple in Catalan, in his book which was published on the 1617. Agustin also states that the Great Pyrenees has a white coat to allow it be clearly visible during both night and day, which allows the shepherd to clearly see when the flock is in danger. The Great Pyrenees has a weather resistant double coat which consists of long, thick and coarse overcoat that lies flat the Great Pyrenees's body. The overcoat also covers the breed's wooly, fine and densely packed undercoat. The Great Pyrenees coat is much more profuse around its neck and shoulders which create the appearance of a mane. The Great Pyrenees also has a great deal of feathering along the back of its legs and thighs. The hair on the dog's face and ears is much shorter and finer than the hairs on the rest of its body. The temperament of dogs is normally affected by the following factors: individual personality, heredity, training and socialization. It is therefore important to make sure that you meet the puppy's mother before purchasing a Great Pyrenees. It is also important to make sure to thoroughly socialize your Great Pyrenees with strangers, children and other animals during its puppyhood. Generally speaking, the Great Pyrenees is a confident, gentle and affection breed. They are known to be incredibly territorial and protective due to their history as a flock guardian. The Great Pyrenees is also known to be a nocturnal breed, again, due to its history as a flock guardian. The breed's nocturnal nature is important to consider when choosing to own a Great Pyrenees. While the Great Pyrenees is known to be aggressive towards animals it deems to be a threat, the breed is typically very calm, docile and gentle around harmless animals and small children due to its natural guardian instinct. It is important to note that as a working breed, the Great Pyrenees has a high amount of energy which needs to be expended. If the Great Pyrenees has a buildup of energy it is likely to develop destructive behaviors due to boredom