Group 2 · Pinschers & molossoids
Pyrenean Mountain Dog
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a large, white livestock guardian from the Pyrenees with a thick coat and a calm, majestic character. It is gentle with its family, but independent and protective towards strangers.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Pyrenese berghond by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 5 examinations:
- 3 DNA tests
- 1 X-ray examination
- 1 eye examination
The breeding programme also recommends 9 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (5)
-
Canine multifocal retinopathy 1 (CMR1)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- BEST1: c.73C>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Hip dysplasia (HD)
X-ray Once at least 1 year (laxity views: at least 6 months)
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: VD view and laxity view (Vezzoni or PennHIP)
-
Spastic ataxia (SACS)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SACS: c.12731_12734del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
Recommended examinations (9)
-
Collie eye anomaly (CEA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- NHEJ1: c.588+462_588+8260del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Elbow dysplasia (ED)
X-ray Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- X-ray (CT may be recommended, but is not mandatory)
-
Factor VII deficiency (F7def)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- F7: c.407G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- ITGA2B: c.1360_1373dup
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Ichthyosis 1 (ICHT)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PNPLA1: c.1445_1447delins TACTACTA
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Multidrug sensitivity (MDR1)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- ABCB1: c.228_231del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Patellar luxation (PT)
Kneecap examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Palpation of the kneecap
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PRCD: XM_022422503.1:c.5G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Shoulder dysplasia (SD)
X-ray Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- X-ray
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Pyrenese berghond, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 18/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Canine multifocal retinopathy 1 (CMR1), Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Hip dysplasia (HD), Spastic ataxia (SACS) and Eye disorders. The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Collie eye anomaly (CEA), Elbow dysplasia (ED), Factor VII deficiency (F7def), Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT), Ichthyosis 1 (ICHT), Multidrug sensitivity (MDR1), Patellar luxation (PT), Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA) and Shoulder dysplasia (SD). A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Pyrenean Mountain Dog needs long daily walks and above all space: a large, well-fenced garden is no luxury. Its coat needs regular care and extra attention when moulting.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- What are the results of both parent dogs for Hip dysplasia (HD) and Elbow dysplasia (ED)?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
As a flock guardian it likes to make its own decisions and guards its territory and its people. It is reserved with strangers, can bark loudly and belongs with an experienced owner who puts a lot into socialisation. Bear in mind the space and costs of a very large dog.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
