Those individuals who have spent a portion of their lives with a Great Pyrenees dog, have indeed been among the fortunate. 
This large, independent, and intelligent working animal adapts easily to a variety of environments and is a loyal guardian to its family. 
The elegant white pyr gets its name from the Pyrenees Mountain range in southwestern Europe.  There, they cared for flocks of sheep for hundreds of years.  They were imported to America in 1931, and were officially recognized as a breed in 1933.  Today, most registered pyrs never see a show ring.  Instead they are on ranches and in urban homes where they are deeply loved and treasured by family members.